What’s up with Whisky?

This Saturday is World Whisky Day, which is basically a day of appreciation for all things whisky, and is “celebrated” throughout the globe. (If you want to learn more about the holiday, click here).

But how much do you really know about whisky (and whiskey, for that matter)? Well – we put together the perfect cheat sheet for you, including where it’s made, what it’s made with, and a P&M signature recipe for each!

 

Whisky vs Whiskey

First things first, with an “E” or with no “E”?

There is no true definition that states these two are different. However, the country of origin tends to dictate the spelling. If it was made in America, or Ireland, it’s likely to be spelled “whiskey”, and if it’s from Canada, Scotland, or Japan, it’s likely to be spelled “whisky”.

Want to talk about them in plural?

Whiskey = whiskeys, and whisky = whiskies.

Pro-tip: If you happen to forget, just ask yourself if the country of origin has a “e” in it’s name. America – has an “e”, spell it whiskey. Japan – no “e”, must be whisky.

 

Types

There are many types of whiskey, and are determined by things like country (or state) of origin, the type of grain being used, and the process in which it’s made. Types include Bourbon, Scotch, Single Malt, Blended, Irish, Rye, Japanese, Tennessee, and Canadian – just to name a few!

For now, we’re going to focus on the big 4: Bourbon, Rye, Irish, and Scotch.

Bourbon Whiskey

  • Can be produced anywhere in the United States, although most are produced in Kentucky
  • Must contain at least 51% corn
  • Must be aged in charred, new oak barrels
  • No coloring or flavor additives
  • Amber color comes from the wood that it’s aged in
  • Noticeably sweeter than American Rye

 

The P&M Whiskey Collins

Ingredients:

2 oz Bourbon

2 oz P&M Lemon Sour

2 oz club soda

Lemon wedge for garnish

To Make:

In a shaker, combine bourbon, P&M Lemon Sour, and ice. Shake and strain into a glass with fresh ice. Top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon wedge.

 

See additional Bourbon cocktail recipes here.

Rye Whiskey

  • Can refer to either American Rye, or Canadian Whisky. Here we’re referring to American
  • Must contain at least 51% rye
  • Must be aged in charred, new oak barrels
  • Taste described as spicy, and fruity, when compared with Bourbon
  • Original spirit used in classic cocktails such as the Old-Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, and Manhattan.

 

Rye & Pomegranate Punch

Ingredients:

2 oz rye whiskey

1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 oz P&M Pomegranate

2 oz club soda

Lemon wedge for garnish

To Make:

In a shaker, combine rye whiskey, lemon juice, P&M Pomegranate, and ice. Shake and strain into a glass with fresh ice. Top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon wedge.

 

See additional Rye Whiskey cocktails recipes here.

Irish Whiskey

  • The oldest in the world
  • Must be distilled and matured in Ireland
  • Must be aged for at least 3 years in wooden barrels
  • Must include malted barley, but can range from 100%, to less than 30%
  • No additives other than water and caramel coloring
  • Taste described as smooth, and sweet
  • Can be added to coffee, for an Irish Coffee

 

Irish Jack Rose

Ingredients:

2 oz Irish Whiskey

1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

0.5 oz P&M True Grenadine

To Make:

In a shaker, combine all ingredients with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Add a few ice cubes, or an additional splash of lime juice, and drop lime wedge into the cocktail. (optional)

Scotch Whisky

  • Must be distilled, and matured in Scotland
  • Made of either 100% malted barley, or blended with another kind of grain
  • Must be aged for at least 3 years and one day, in oak casks not exceeding 700 liters
  • No additives other than water and caramel coloring
  • Often has a smoky flavor, from the process of drying the malted barley being used from burning peat

 

P&M Mamie Taylor

Ingredients:

2 oz blended Scotch

Juice of 1/2 a lime

4-6 oz P&M Ginger Beer

1 dash Angostura bitters (optional)

To Make:

Fill a glass with ice. Combine all ingredients, and lightly stir. Garnish with candied ginger (optional).

What’s your favorite whiskey, (or whisky) cocktail? Let us know on social media, by using #CraftYourCocktail. Cheers!