The origin of whisky remains a subject of endless controversy between Scots and Irish in terms of anteriority of production. Whisky, also called whiskey, is a generic English term designating a set of spirits produced by vaporization of malted or unmalted cereals. This one also comes from the mixture of Scottish and Irish words respectively of the uisge and the uisce. It is a drink with an alcoholic, fruity, woody, peaty and aged flavor easily detectable by the sense of smell. Nowadays, whisky remains one of the most sought-after digestives in the world. It has become a very popular product, known even in the most remote places of the world.
The manufacturers take care of the right choice of the raw materials to be used and the duration of elaboration, because not all qualities are favorable for the production. To do this, the first step in the transformation of the grain into alcohol is the malting procedure and/or steeping. In general, it is done outside the factory and it consists in putting to sleep the embryo of the barley, keeping a temperature of 40%, while humidifying and oxygenating it. The germination consists of the synthesis of enzymes by the grain to cut the starch molecules to obtain sugars. Then, the second step is the brewing. This one consists in transforming the starch into sugars to obtain the wort. It is necessary to dry it in the oven thanks to the use of coal so that the malt is freed from its dirtiness to be put in the distillery. In addition, fermentation consists of cooking the wort through the mixture of yeast and alcoholic fermentation. In addition, distillation involves the separation of water from the alcohol. Finally, the last step, which is the aging, the whiskey can be obtained either in oak barrels or by mixing.
According to the origin of the whisky, there are 3 types. First of all, the Blends are obtained thanks to the combination of a malt whisky, based on malted barley, and a grain whisky based on other cereals such as wheat, corn, oats and others. These are very economical in terms of production and price. Then, the pure malt is produced by mixing malt whisky from several distilleries. Finally, single malt, known as the best and most concentrated whisky, is produced by a single distillery.
According to the history of the birth and origin of whisky, the first known distillations were discovered in Mesopotamia in the second millennium BC. However, Egypt and China also left traces from illustrations anchored in tombs. Then, the Arabs came to bring their technicality in the West. While the Spaniards exploited them for aesthetic and medicinal purposes. Then, some European countries (such as Scotland and Ireland) with vineyards and cereal grains began their first distillation of brandy from the 12th century. Rumors say that the practice and techniques of condensation were developed within the monasteries. From the Norman invasion of Ireland in the year 1169 that the terms uisge, fuisce, uiskie, whiskie and whisky were pronounced and used. In the year 1608, it obtained the first license of exploitation. On the other hand, Scotland, in the year 1494, took advantage of the experiences of distillation via monks during the evangelization of the Picts of Caledonia. Distillation became legal in Scotland in 1823 through the efforts of the 5th Duke of Gordon and production expanded and flourished. Finally, in the United States, in the year 1802, the president Thomas Jefferson removed the taxes on whisky. And from the 1980’s until today, the trade and consumption of whisky became very popular.
Nowadays, whisky is an alcoholic beverage preferred all over the world. It was the Scots and Irish who first discovered it. Later, this drink was exported to other countries like Canada and then to the rest of the world. But what are the raw materials for making whisky?
The manufacture of whisky requires three raw materials: cereal, yeast and water. The most used cereal to create this drink is barley. It is an herbaceous plant with straw. However, it is essential to make a wise choice of barley when making whiskey, as not all barley types make good whiskey.
To make an excellent whisky, it is essential to have all the basic ingredients, but the preparation time and the adapted materials are also very important to respect as well as the steps to follow. Which steps?
In general, there are several essential materials for the manufacture of whisky: the tanks of soaking: during 3 days, the harvested barley enters in a time of dormancy, i.e. that it is disciplined with many periods of humidification to activate the sleep of the embryo and that ends as soon as the ratio of wetting of the grain passes from 15 % to 45 % of moisture. The germination room: in 6 to 8 hours, the wet barley is spread on malting fields in thick layers, which allow the grains to transform their starch into sugar. Once the barley is germinated, the green shoots appear and it is the green malt. It is necessary to pass to the next stage: the kiln: it is a huge oven, in which the green malt is put to dry then in a mill which is a mill allowing to analyze and to sieve the dry malt in some hours.
After these steps, the sifted barley is added with water in the brewing tank for about 10 hours. Then the yeast is added to this distillate. Finally, to age the whisky, it is put in a barrel for about three years. Just like other drinks, whisky also has health benefits.
Drinking a good glass of whisky is good for your health because it extends your life. The antioxidants in whisky help to prolong life, it can overcome stress. Whisky calms the nerves and reduces anxiety. It helps to relax during a long day, it can reduce the risk of heart attack. Drinking whisky prevents cholesterol from lingering in the arteries and promotes good blood circulation.
Compared to most other alcoholic beverages then, making whiskey is not so easy, but it has many health benefits if you drink in moderation.
There are different types of whisky. According to its production, different whiskies can be obtained. The ingredients or the manufacturing process can differentiate them. Whiskies are produced in several ways. Some are obtained from some mixtures. These tastes can be differentiated. The type of whisky can be classified also according to the territorial origin of its production.
The different whiskies can also be differentiated according to the origin of production. In each country, the production of whisky is different. The production and the name of whisky can change according to the place where it was produced. The whiskey is produced in Irish. Irish whiskies have a big difference on the way of production. They are made by triple distillation. Most whiskies are made by double distillation. The whisky of Scotland is called scotch. Scotch whisky is aged after distillation. It is aged for at least three years. Americans also use whiskey on their spelling. American whiskey is of two types. There is bourbon and rye whiskey. More than half of bourbon has to be corn during its production. For Rye whiskey, it is produced by more than half of rye.
With several mixtures used, it is possible to have different whiskies. There is a whiskey called pure malt. It is the result of several whiskies. The whiskies come from different distilleries. They are mixed together. The whiskies used are produced by malted grains. Single malt is another type of whisky. It is produced by a single distillery. Like the pure malt, it is made only from malted grain, usually barley. It has a fine and powerful taste. The grain whisky can be called by another name. Single grain or blended grain are its other names. It is made by grains that are not malted. It is distilled only once. Blended whisky is a mixture of different whiskies. It can be a mixture of grain whisky and pure malt.
Whiskies are different according to the composition they contain. The different whiskies are known by their compositions and the ingredients used. Corn whiskey is made by more than 80% of corn in the whiskey. The straight Rye has in its composition more than half of rye. It is different from straight Tennessee. Its 70% is to compose of corn and rye. The composition of Irish whiskey is 50% malted barley and the 50% is fire-dried malted barley. American straight bourbon is made from corn and rye or wheat.
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, the word whisky is always mentioned. Nevertheless, although the brand of whisky is very famous in the world, a lot of people do not know where this drink really comes from.
Whisky is a drink classified as an alcoholic beverage. It is usually produced from the processing of barley. Malt whisky is made from malted barley and grain whisky is made from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley. However, there are also other whiskies made from other types of grain. Today, the origin of this drink is still very unclear despite its fame in the world. The production of whisky has become very popular in many countries. Each one has its own ingredients and its own manufacturing method. For example, the United States, Canada, Japan, France and Great Britain produce whiskies with different methods and ingredients, which is why these drinks do not have the same taste and smell.
To choose the right whisky, some important parameters must be taken into consideration. To recognize a good whisky, you must first know the alcohol content, the production process and the age of the whisky. The aspect of the production process is a guarantee of quality, especially whisky obtained from a single distillation. It should be noted that the flavors of this drink are less perceived when it ages. The whisky becomes more and more unpleasant and bitter if it is kept for a long time. The degree of alcohol is to be known since the lower the alcohol content, the worse the flavor. That’s why the specialists have defined that the minimum degree for a whisky will be around 40°. But it is necessary to know that a whisky is best enjoyed when its alcohol content is 46°.
For many years, Scotland has been the most famous whisky producing country in the world. The latter holds an important place as a whisky producer in the world. Indeed, Scotland has malt and many pure water sources which are the main materials used in the manufacture of whisky. In addition, there is Ireland which is famous for its whiskies with a fruity and at the same time very light flavor. The whiskies of Ireland are characterized by their manufacturing methods and compositions. The country uses both barley reduced in malt and unreduced barley with multiple distillations. Then there is also Japan which is quite famous for its unusual whisky taste. The climate, the highly applied workers and the pure water sources of this country offer a unique quality to their whiskies. The United States and Canada are also known for their corn-based whiskies.
For some time now, gin has become a trendy alcohol again. It’s no wonder it’s so popular, because it’s not too sweet, not too fizzy, not full of chemical additives… It’s a fresh, light spirit with a bitter and spicy note and as they say “gin and tonic”, to enjoy this simple cocktail made of gin and tonic water with a slice of lemon. How to choose a gin among many others?
Like many spirits, gin has its origins in the manufacture of medicines. From the beginning of the century, it was used for medical purposes. The origin of gin is in its very name, the juniper plant and its distillate which was considered a “medicine”. Gin and tonic is the most classic of gin cocktails and with its fresh, slightly bitter and spicy note, it appeals to both men and women. In England, gin was the Queen Mother’s favorite spirit. Certainly a relic of the time when gin was reserved for the nobility because of the high taxes it was subject to. The 80’s were a period of disenchantment with gin, but today it is back on the scene and considered a chic and trendy alcohol. To choose a quality gin, it must have an alcohol content of 37.5° minimum and the taste of juniper berries must be present.
This spirit is declined in many ways, because each distillery has developed its own manufacturing recipe that is inspired by family secrets, travel experiences that have been revisited to bring it up to date. Choosing a gin with floral and fruity aromas means using more than a dozen different plants (juniper, eucalyptus, hibiscus, lemon zest, licorice and others) for a quadruple distillation. Some distilleries add a hint of herbs, rosemary, thyme… a floral note, iris, gentian, angelica… and a spicy note, pepper, cinnamon, coriander… A myriad of recipes and house secrets that have made gin a trendy drink to discover or rediscover!
Gin has been in the news a lot lately. There are many kinds of gin, white, pink, blue and a multitude of must-have cocktails: gin fizz, dry martini, blue curacao and lime… If you want to choose a gin, it is ultimately largely a matter of taste. Many gin lovers swear by the classic juniper-flavored gins, others prefer more exotic varieties. There are differences in the manufacturing processes that make certain characteristics stand out more than others. You can enjoy them on their own, as a refreshing gin and tonic or in delicious fruity cocktails. Here’s to your health!
The history of rum is closely associated with that of sugar cane. In other words, it all starts with sugar cane. The domestication of sugar cane spread rapidly to different countries, whose humidity and climate are all compatible with its requirements. Therefore, it is impossible to talk about the history of this brandy without mentioning the history of sugar cane.
Rum was discovered during the numerous English, French and Spanish colonial conquests. Originally, this type of beverage marked the drink of sailors and slaves. The pirates wanted to choose a rum in order to intoxicate the mousses of the English navy. Rum is still linked to this past of tumult and adventure.
Rum generally indicates sugar cane brandy offering various tasting possibilities. With this in mind, white rums are highly valued in the making of cocktails. However, if you want to choose a rum, you can appropriate it with fruity flavors.
Since the first crusade, pilgrims discovered sugar in Asia. This material, brought back then in Europe, is so much appreciated by all. Sugar gradually became a real source of rivalry and a major economic issue between several European countries. The first forms of refining were in fact developed in the 14th century by Venice, which at that time monopolized the trade of brown gold.
The Italians, envious of this great success, wished in turn to free themselves from their control over sugar. Similarly, the Spanish and Portuguese set up a multitude of refineries and plantations in their colonies.
Under the aegis of the Portuguese navigators, who had set out to discover America, sugar cane production expanded greatly. As a result, the Caribbean islands became sugar islands par excellence.
By the middle of the 17th century, the Spanish began to lose interest in sugar in favor of wood and gold, and let the English and French take over in the West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Jamaica, Barbados).
Whatever its name, ron in Spanish, rum in English or rum in French, this sugarcane-based drink remains the factor that brings together the countries of South America as well as the islands of the Caribbean, each of which has its own traditions and cultures.
In the middle of the year 2000, about a hundred countries are focused on sugar cane cultivation, among which China, India and Brazil are the most important. Therefore, the choice of a rum leads to the selection of various aromatic profiles depending on its ageing and type of distillation.
Symbol and carrier of the identity of the Mexican country, tequila is a precise and abundant regulation. Indeed, this drink is one of the most known and consumed alcoholic drinks in the world. However, there are still many people who know less about this drink. In the market there are several brands of tequila and in different shapes of bottles, the trick is to know how to choose well.
As in the past, tequila continues to shape the world with its unique flavor and smell. People drink it whether it’s for a birthday party, a holiday party or if they just want to have fun. Despite its notoriety, many people don’t really know what tequila is, what it’s made of or where it comes from. First of all, tequila is an alcoholic drink. But it is also known as Mexican brandy, since it originated in Mexico. It is obtained through the fermentation and distillation of agave juice. As this drink contains blue agave which provides bacteria, tequila helps to better digest food. But that’s not all, for people who want to lose some weight, this alcoholic drink can be a good idea. Indeed, tequila has a capacity to decrease the blood sugar level in the body.
To choose a tequila you are going to buy, you must first take into account some essential points. First of all, you need to look at the bottle, know the price and the distillery. A bottle can provide a charm to the table where it is placed. That is why it is important to select the right colors, shapes and sizes of the bottles. Generally, tequila is sold in a 70 cl bottle. When reading the information on the bottle, you should pay special attention to the mention blue agave to check the percentage of this raw material. Then, it is necessary to take into account the gustatory characteristics of the drink. Tequila contains many treasures, both in the nose and in the mouth. To choose it, there are not really particular parameters, everything depends on your tastes and preferences.
Everyone has their own way of tasting tequila. However, if you like to do things the right way, your tequila should be consumed with the right ingredients. To taste and find the right tequila flavor, you need salt and lime. Put a pinch of salt on your tongue and take a sip of your tequila followed by a little lime juice. This will enhance the taste of your drink and bring out its fruity yet woody flavor.
Sake is a Japanese word for alcoholic drinks. This country is full of many types of drinks in this genre, available in many flavors to suit all tastes. This article will help you to choose a sake.
Generally, shochu is made from rice, barley, wheat, sweet potato, sugar cane, etc. Depending on the basic ingredient chosen, there are several types of shochu sold in Japan, but also in several countries of the world. For example, there is imo shochu whose main ingredient is sweet potato, kome shochu made from rice, and mugi shochu made from wheat. Honkaku shochu made from black sugar is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the country. The preparation consists in distilling only once the components to obtain a drink with more flavor and thus more aromatic. This alcoholic drink is very popular in Japan and is one of the best traditional Japanese drinks.
First tasting of Japanese spirits? If this is your case, you will certainly not know how to choose between the multitude of bottles proposed on the market. Especially, if you have not had any recommendations from connoisseurs. In this case, you can rely on the label inscriptions to choose a sake. Although most of the labels are in Japanese, it is still possible to refer to the translations offered by the product descriptions on the online Japanese liquor websites. Aromatic profile, category, origin, taste indicator, composition, these tools will allow you to make your choice among the best sakes offered according to your tastes. You can even consult the recipes and compose your own cocktails if you are looking for a particular flavor, or if you want to be creative.
There are many types of tastings that will allow you to discover several flavors of trendy Japanese spirits. For example, you can taste different preparations in order to compare the taste of Japanese spirits. For this kind of tasting, you can choose a well-known sake like Honjozo or Ginjo. If, on the other hand, you want to taste sake as an aperitif, you can choose cocktails such as Umesake No Kyo with small seafood dishes as accompaniment. You can also accompany some sakes with fruits according to your preferences. In case you are looking for specific pairings, don’t hesitate to read the labels and product descriptions which will certainly suggest you some accompaniments for a better tasting. This way, you will be able to choose your sake and enjoy the best possible culinary preparations to enjoy your Japanese alcohol with ease.
According to the experts, whisky is the most gourmet of spirits. A whisky has had the noble privilege of spending some time in a barrel. As for chocolate, with its inimitable flavor, it flatters the palate of many people around the world, perhaps even yours. For you, the association of chocolate with whisky may be incompatible.
Enjoying a good glass of whiskey can last a while, but when combined with chocolate, it can immediately warm up the palate of the most gourmand. Thus, whisky and chocolate can be an excellent union. They have the same aromatic profile and their tasting nuances have common features. You can experiment. Make sure that the whisky and chocolate are at room temperature, this will keep their aromas. You can add mineral water to dilute the spirit slightly. This will prevent it from evaporating. You can taste the chocolate by crunching it and letting it melt in your mouth for a few seconds. Then take a sip of whiskey. At that point, it’s up to you to see if the whsiky and chocolate pairing has produced the most unlikely flavor.
Born of surprising results and sensational craftsmanship, both whisky and chocolate are in the realm of luxury. With 300 aromatic compounds, chocolate can compete with the variety of tastes of a whisky that a long time spent in a barrel makes it even more sublime. The chocolates that have more than 70 % of cocoa give incredible agreements with the whisky. Both contain a universe of complexity. To combine them is to open up an unlimited number of possibilities. Imagine the aromatic richness of cocoa from Venezuela, Bolivia, … The agreement whsiky and chocolate allows you to discover a wide range of possibilities.
In general, it is the specificity of the spirit that guides the choice of chocolate. Indeed, well matching the two forms a well matched duo, and can even provoke passions. A young whisky having a taste of honey or vanilla will agree very well with the deliciousness of a chocolate ganache, with tonka bean. A more peaty whisky with a taste of candied yellow fruits will go well with a chocolate ganache with notes of bitter orange. Making a good choice is therefore very important. But counter-indication: not too much tannin with chocolate, its persistent aromas dominate most drinks. Not too much sugar: a too sweet chocolate can totally overshadow the drink. The agreement between whisky and chocolate must be well balanced.
Would you like to organize an aromatic dinner with whisky? Do you want to do as the Scots do and enjoy the incomparable flavor of such a meal? Would you like to know what combinations are possible? Here, we reveal all the tips to make your food and whisky pairing a success.
In almost every country, it is customary to prepare good food and whisky pairings. Like wine dishes, a whiskey dish is extremely tasty and has a lot of fans.
In Ireland, whisky-smoked salmon is a celebrity and very popular. In Scotland, the national dish “haggis” cooked with whisky is also very popular. But Asians and Indians are no less. Indeed, many dishes of the Thai cuisine are concocted and enjoyed with the famous beverage. Otherwise, here are some specialties with whisky that you can try at home:
Desserts are not left alone either, whether it is in ice cream cups or in pastry pieces, here food and whisky pairings also have their place
Cheese can also be enjoyed with whiskey. Haven’t you tried it yet with the strong tasting single malts? Then it’s now or never! You will see that there is nothing as tasty!
In short, like its compatriot wine, whisky is indeed one of the beverages that can be combined with your food and your dishes. All you need to do is to know how to match food and whisky, based on the study of flavors, and paying attention to the dosage.