Wine is one thing, but the wild world of whisky? That’s a whole other story.
Whisky menus alone can leave even the boldest connoisseur second-guessing whether to sip, swirl, or give up entirely and stick to bourbon. Wait, what? Bourbon is whisky? And what’s a single malt again?
Pop a squat, sit back and relax, and let us school you on how to order your next whisky like a seasoned pro.
Whisky or Whiskey?
Spelling really does matter here. ‘Whisky’ refers to the spirit produced in Scotland, Canada, and Japan. ‘Whiskey’ refers to the spirit produced in Ireland and the United States. Who knew?
Whisky
Spirit distilled from malted grain, usually barley, rye, corn, or wheat. Typically aged in wooden casks.
Note: The type of grain used affects the flavour profile. Barley is traditional for Scotch, while bourbon uses corn.
Malt
Malt refers to a grain that has been soaked, germinated, and dried. If we’re getting specific, “malt whisky” is made from 100% malted barley.
Note: You can assume that ‘malt’ on a label refers to barley. If another grain has been used, it will be specified.
Single malt
This whisky is made at a single distillery using only malted barley and water. It is not blended with any other whisky.
Note: ‘Single malt’ refers to one distillery, not one grain.
Blended malt
A blend of single malts from different distilleries (specified with ‘pure malt’ or ‘malt’ on the label). This is also called “pure malt” or “vatted malt”. It is smoother and often more balanced in flavour, making it easier to drink.
Note: This is still made entirely from malted barley, just from multiple distilleries.
Bourbon
Bourbon is an American whiskey made from at least 51% corn. It’s often sweeter and full-bodied, and aged in new charred oak barrels.
Note: “Easier drinking” is subjective, but it’s often sweeter than Scotch.
Scotch
Short for ‘Scotch whisky’, produced in Scotland. Typically made from malted barley or blended with other whiskies, and must legally be aged in oak for at least three years.
Note: Must meet strict legal definitions to be called Scotch.
Get Drinking
Neat
- How: Nothing but whisky.
- Always taste a new whisky neat so you can appreciate its flavours
On the rocks
- How: Served over 2 to 3 ice cubes, sometimes with a splash of water to open up the aroma
- Use ice and water sparingly, as they can dull the flavour slightly
Fancy
- How: Usual fancy whisky drinks include a whisky highball – made with a shot of whisky, topped with ginger ale and soda water
- Or try a neat whisky with a shot of espresso. The coffee helps bring out the smoky flavours in the whisky, and a great way to kick-start an evening
Stirred
- How: Try the grandaddy of whisky cocktails, the classic old-fashioned
- It’s made with whisky, simple syrup, bitters, and is garnished with a twisted orange peel or maraschino cherry
Shaken
- How: Try out the zesty crowd-pleasing cocktail whisky sour
- It’s made with whisky, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and shaken with ice, and optionally finished with egg white for a silky foam
