Whiskey Concepts

The world of whiskey can seem complex with its many terms and concepts. Our guide to whiskey terms helps you navigate through terms such as single malt, blended, cask types and much more, so you can gain a deeper understanding and enjoy the whiskey even more.

  1. Age Statement - An indication on the whiskey bottle's label showing how many years the spirit has aged in casks.

  2. Angel's Share - The amount of whiskey that evaporates from the casks during the aging process.

  3. Barley - A type of grain, often used in the production of whisky.

  4. Blended Whiskey - Whiskey made by mixing different types of whisky.

  5. Cask Strength - Whiskey that is tapped directly from the cask without being diluted.

  6. Distillation - The process of heating a liquid to separate the more volatile components from the less volatile ones.

  7. Drama - A Scottish term for a shot of whisky.

  8. Finish - Describes the lingering taste or sensation after the whiskey has been drunk.

  9. Malt - Barley that has been germinated and dried and is used to make malt whisky.

  10. Nose - The scent or aroma of the whisky.

  11. Nothing - Whiskey that is served neat without the addition of water or ice.

  12. Peat - A type of soil that contains water and is rich in organic matter. Often used to dry barley, which adds a smoky character to the whisky.

  13. Single Malt - Whiskey made from only one type of malted barley and distilled in a single distillery.

  14. Speyside - A whiskey region in Scotland known for its large concentration of distilleries.

  15. Tannins - Polyphenols found in wooden casks that can affect the taste of the aged whisky.

  16. Terroir - A French word that describes how a certain area's climate, soil and topography affect the taste of the alcohol produced there.

  17. Upbeat - Whiskey that does not have a smoky taste because it is made without the use of peat.

  18. Warehouse - Building where whiskey barrels are stored during the maturation process.

  19. Wash - The fermented liquid that is ready for distillation.

  20. Yeast - A microorganism used in the fermentation process to convert sugar into alcohol.

These concepts can be a start for beginners who want to learn more about the whiskey universe and understand the rich world of terms and traditions. As with any passion, exploring and understanding the subject will only deepen one's appreciation for it. Bowl!