Whisky is a broad category of distilled spirits made from grains such as barley, corn, wheat or rye and aged in wooden casks. However, the grains, production methods and ageing conditions used can create very different styles. Since whisky is one of the most popular beverages in the world, especially India, beverage professionals and enthusiasts benefit from understanding this category.
Before we dive into the types of whisky, you will notice two spellings of the beverage in this article. That’s not a typo. Worldwide, there are two spellings: “whisky” is commonly used in Scotland, Canada, India and Japan, while “whiskey” is used in Ireland and the United States.
Now let’s learn more about the key types of whisky.
Scotch Whisky
Scotch whisky is whisky distilled and aged in Scotland. Malted barley plays an important role in its production. Some producers also use peat while drying malted barley, which can give the whisky smoky, earthy, medicinal or maritime aromas.
Two important Scotch styles are:
Single Malt Scotch: Made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery using pot stills. It must be aged for at least three years in oak barrels.
Blended Scotch: A combination of single malt whisky and single grain whisky. Single grain whisky can include other grains such as corn or wheat and is made in column stills, giving it a lighter flavour intensity.
Bourbon
Bourbon is an American whiskey made with at least 51% corn in its mash bill. The remaining grains can include rye, wheat or malted barley.
It must be aged in new charred oak barrels. Common flavours include vanilla, caramel and spice. While bourbon can be produced anywhere in the United States, much of its production is concentrated in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Tennessee Whiskey
Tennessee whiskey shares many similarities with bourbon, but it must come from Tennessee.
Before ageing, it is filtered through maple wood charcoal using a method known as the Lincoln County Process. This style is described as smoother than bourbon with a slightly smoky character.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey is produced in Ireland and is often known for a light, fruity and floral style.
Triple pot still distillation is commonly used, although it is not compulsory. Unmalted barley may also be included, contributing nutty and oily flavours. Irish whiskey must be aged for at least three years.
Canadian Whisky
Canadian whisky can be made using rye, corn, wheat and barley.
Rye is particularly important to the style and is a signature flavour in many premium Canadian whiskies.
Japanese Whisky
Japanese whisky uses techniques inspired by Scotch whisky production.
Some whiskies are matured in Mizunara oak, which can contribute notes of sandalwood, coconut and spice. Japanese whiskies are known for delicate flavours and careful craftsmanship.
Indian Whisky
Indian whisky has also been influenced by the Scotch whisky industry.
India’s warm climate means tropical ageing can develop bold flavours over a shorter maturation period than in cooler climates. Both single malt and blended whiskies are produced in India.
Want to Learn More About Spirits?
Knowing the different types of whisky is only the beginning. Understanding why they taste different means learning about raw materials, fermentation, distillation, maturation and other production choices.
The WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits is a beginner-level course designed for people starting their spirits education. No prior knowledge is required.
The course covers the basic principles of spirit production, major types and styles of spirits, factors affecting flavour, correct service, and how to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT). The programme also includes expert-led tasting of key spirit categories and leads to a globally recognised WSET certification upon successfully passing the examination.
For learners looking for WSET spirits courses, online WSET courses or recognised spirits certifications in India, it is a structured first step towards building professional beverage knowledge.
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