Information - Brown Distilled Spirits

Whiskies – there are four basic whiskies: bourbon, rye (which includes Canadian), Irish, and Scotch. Each has very specific criteria that must be met by law, or they can’t call themselves that. The important thing about this legal insistence is that at the end of day each of the brands within each of these categories tastes similarly. Does that mean I can’t tell the difference in a comparison? No. Can I tell the difference between Starbucks coffee and Peet’s coffee side by side? Sure. But I don’t have to have one of them to have coffee. American coffee shops all have different brands and roasts, but they all have the same types of drinks. A taste comparison is one thing…. but not a very meaningful thing. A mixed drink of any kind is a whole ‘nother beast. It is a combination of liquids striving for its own distinct flavor profile. But for the general record:

* Bourbon by law must use at least 51% corn as its base grain. It must be aged in new charred oak barrels. And be aged for a minimum of two years.

* Rye by law is exactly the same: 51% rye as its base grain, aged for two years in new charred oak barrels.

* Irish must be made in Ireland or northern Ireland. It is based in malted barley plus other grains, and it must be aged in wooden casks not exceeding 700 liters in. The key here is they do not have to be new or charred barrels. In fact, they never are.

* Scotch basically meets the same criteria as Irish. Their aging must be in oak casks, but for 3 years at least. The distinctive thing about Scotch is that the malted barley mash is dried over peat, which gives it a smokey flavor. However, there are Scotches being made now using electric drying facilities.

There's nothing wrong with sobriety

in moderation.

John Ciardi

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