Category Archives: Whiskey

Scotch, a Religious Experience

Scotland’s Picts and their prehistoric ancestors brewed heather-flavored ale from barley malt as far back as 2000 BC.  It was unstable and low in alcohol but served its purpose.  When Irish monks arrived in the ninth century bringing both religion … Continue reading

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Opportunity Knocks in Canada

Canadian whiskies are blended multi-grain liquors made primarily from corn with supplements of wheat, barley, or rye.  According to the country’s law, Canadian whisky must be mashed, distilled, and aged in Canada.  There are no specific grain percentage standards as in the … Continue reading

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An Irish Whiskey Tasting Guide

Irish whiskey is made from malted barley, distilled two or three times depending on the brand, and aged three or more years in used wooden barrels.  It can only be made in Ireland and is the only whiskey the country … Continue reading

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American Whiskey: It’s the Grain

American whiskey is made from a fermented mash of cereal grain.  It must consist of at least 51% of a particular grain to be called by the name of the grain (corn whiskey is an exception).  It must be distilled to not … Continue reading

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Water of Life

“Whiskey” literally means water of life.  The term refers to a broad category of products distilled from grains and aged in oak casks or barrels.  Whiskeys are produced primarily in the US, Canada, Scotland, and Ireland.  A few are made in Australia, … Continue reading

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