Whiskey comes in many varieties: Scotch, bourbon, Irish whiskey, Japanese whiskey, and more. The differences lie in their origin, ingredients, production, and taste.

Whether for a cozy evening or a stylish gift, whiskey captivates people worldwide with its diversity and depth. But what distinguishes a Scottish single malt from an American bourbon? If you take a closer look into the glass, you’ll discover a whole world of different whiskey varieties.

What Types of Whiskey Are There?

We’ll introduce you to three of the most well-known types of whiskey and explain what makes each one unique. Perfect for beginners and those curious about fine whiskeys.

Single Malt Whiskey

A single malt whiskey comes from a single distillery and is made exclusively from malted barley (malted barley, also known as barley malt, is barley that has undergone a malting process). “Single” means that the whiskey comes from just one distillery, while “malt” refers to the malt. These single malt whiskeys are considered particularly high-quality and full-flavored.

Blended Whisky

A blended whisky is a mixture of various malt whiskies and grain whiskies (grain whisky is a type of whisky made from various grains). The goal is to create a well-rounded flavor profile.

Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon whiskeys originate from the United States and consist of at least 51 percent corn. They are aged exclusively in new, charred oak barrels. Other American varieties, such as Tennessee whiskeys, are similar to bourbon.

What are the 5 types of Scotch whisky?

Official Scotch whisky classifications are subject to strict regulations: they must be produced entirely in Scotland and aged for at least three years in oak barrels. Additionally, Scotch whisky must have a minimum alcohol content of 40% ABV.

1. Single Malt Scotch: Single Malt Scotch is produced exclusively from malted barley and water at a single distillery. Single Malt Scotch must mature for at least three years in oak barrels in Scotland. Production in copper pot stills and high quality standards give it a distinctive character. Single malts are considered the flagship of Scotch whisky and offer very different flavor profiles depending on the region.
2. Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: Blended Malt Scotch is a combination of two or more single malt whiskies from different distilleries. No grain whisky is used in this process. The goal is to combine complex aromas and create a well-rounded yet high-quality tasting experience. In the past, this variety was referred to as “vatted malt.”
3. Single-Grain Scotch Whisky: Like single-malt Scotch, single-grain Scotch comes from a single distillery, but it is not made exclusively from malted barley. In addition to barley, other grains such as corn or wheat are also used. Single-grain Scotch whisky is often milder, lighter, and is frequently used in blends.
4. Grain whiskey: Grain whiskey is usually produced in large quantities using continuous column stills. Grain whisky can be made from various types of grain and typically has a lighter, more neutral flavor than other types of whisky. For this reason, it often forms the basis for Scotch blended whiskies, but can also be bottled on its own.
5. Blended Scotch Whisky: Blended Scotch whisky combines single malt and grain whisky from different distilleries. This type is the most common worldwide. The art lies in creating a harmonious, recognizable profile from different components, making it ideal for beginners and as a base for mixed drinks.

What is the difference between whiskey and Scotch whisky?

Not all whiskey is the same, especially when it comes to origin and production. The following table gives you a quick overview of the key differences between whiskey and Scotch whisky.

What flavors are there in whiskey?

Whiskey cannot be reduced to a single flavor; on the contrary, the range of flavors is extremely diverse and depends on numerous factors, such as the grain used, the cask, the length of aging, and the origin.

Generally speaking, a distinction is first made between peated and unpeated whiskey.

• Unpeated whiskies are usually milder and fruitier, with notes of vanilla, honey, apple, caramel, or grain.
• Peated whiskies, on the other hand, have a smoky aroma that comes from drying the malt over a peat fire.

Three Popular Cocktails with Whiskey

Whiskey Sour:

Ingredients:

• 5 cl bourbon whiskey
• 3 cl fresh lemon juice
• 2 cl simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slice or cocktail cherry for garnish
• 1 egg white for a creamy consistency (optional)

Preparation:

1. Place all ingredients except ice into a shaker. (If using an egg, you can add the ice right away.)
2. Shake vigorously; optionally, shake without ice.
3. Strain into a tumbler filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice or cocktail cherry.

Old-Fashioned:

Ingredients:

• 5 cl bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 2–3 dashes of bitters
• A few drops of water
• Ice cubes
• Orange zest or a cocktail lemon for garnish

Preparation:

1. Place a sugar cube in a tumbler glass and drizzle with bitters and water.
2. Muddle with a muddler until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add ice and pour the whiskey over it.
4. Stir until everything is well chilled.
5. Garnish with orange zest or a cocktail cherry.

Whisky Highball:

Ingredients:

• 5 cl Scotch whisky or bourbon whiskey
• 10–15 cl chilled soda water (carbonated mineral water)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon zest or a slice of lime for garnish

Preparation:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey.
3. Top off with soda.
4. Stir gently and garnish with lemon zest or a lime slice.