Whiskey is made from grains such as barley, rye, and corn, which are fermented and distilled before being put into old wooden barrels for fermentation. Many countries and regions around the world have distilleries that produce whiskey. The most famous and representative whiskies are four major categories: Scotch whisky, Irish whisky, American whisky, and Canadian whisky. Next, we will introduce the characteristics of each of these four categories.

Scotch whisky

Scotch whisky: Originating from Scotland, it is made from barley malt that has been dried and smoked with peat to produce a unique aroma as a fermenting material. The brewing process involves six steps: soaking barley in water to sprout, drying, crushing malt, adding water to saccharify in a tank, adding yeast to ferment in a barrel, distilling twice, aging, and mixing. It must be stored for at least 8 years, with 15-20 years being the highest quality finished wine. After more than 20 years, the quality will decline in style, with a brown yellow with red color, clear and transparent, a burnt aroma, and a strong smoke flavor.

American Whiskey 

American whiskey: Made from corn and other grains, originating in the southern United States, it is brewed from corn mixed with wheat. After fermentation and distillation, it is brewed in charred oak barrels on the inside for 4-8 years. When bottling, add a certain amount of distilled water and dilute it. American whiskey does not have the strong smoky flavor of Scottish whisky, but has a unique oak aroma.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey: characteristic, soft, as if burning in the mouth. Originating in Ireland, it is brewed from malt from wheat, barley, rye, etc. After three rounds of distillation. Then it is aged in barrels, usually taking 8-15 years. When bottling, it is necessary to mix and dilute with water. Due to the fact that the raw materials do not need to be smoked and roasted with peat, there is no burnt aroma, and the taste is relatively soft and long-lasting. It is suitable for making mixed liquor and drinking together with other beverages.

Canadian Whiskey

Canadian whiskey: mainly brewed from a mixture of rye, corn, and barley, using secondary distillation and stored in wooden barrels for 4, 6, 7, and 10 years. Mix and blend before selling. Canadian whisky has a refreshing aroma, a light and refreshing taste, and is loved by many North American people.

The four main categories of products in Scotland include Glenfiddich, Ballantine, Bell's, Chivas Regal, Cutty Sark, and John. Johnnie Walker has two types of cards: black and red. Ireland has Three Swallows, John Jamson, Old Bushmills, and others. There are Four Roses, Jim Beam, Seagram's 7, Jack Daniel's, and others in the United States. Canada has Canadian Club, abbreviated as "CC", Aneique, Alberta, and others.