Like most five-year-olds, I too scoffed when Carrie Underwood sang about a guy “buying her a fruity little drink because she can’t shoot whiskey” in her 2005 song, “Before He Cheats.” But then, when I turned 21, I realized that maybe, deep down, I am that girl.
Whiskey can be…a lot, especially for new drinkers. I shied away from shots of Jameson at the bar. I skipped out on Whiskey Sours when offered, even though they sounded fun and the idea of a cocktail made with a raw egg white intrigued me. And don’t even get me started on Scotch on the rocks. No, thank you. Absolutely not. Regrettably, I became the girl with the fruity little drink — just because I’d convinced myself that whiskey was, by nature, gross and scary. And then, I learned more.
It started with ordering Jack & Coke at the bar once I got tired of tequila. I knew it was my cousin’s favorite drink and I trust her opinion wholeheartedly. I tried it and, well, loved it. But still. I told myself I would never, ever drink whiskey straight. Next, I learned that Fireball was — wait for it — whiskey! Who knew that my favorite fall beverage was actually one I thought I despised? Though I still tended to opt for a margarita, I wasn’t totally turned off by whiskey anymore.
The kicker was when I had an absolutely delicious Old Fashioned — again, a drink that I thought was scary given that there’s no bubbles or juice or mixer of any kind. It was just me and whiskey (and bitters with a sugar cube) against the world. Terrifying! But, I loved it. And I realized that, if I could love a whiskey cocktail, could I learn to love whiskey…neat?
I decided to channel my biology degree and experiment: first with research, then, trials. Could I distinguish between flavors? (Yep!) Was there actually a difference between Irish whiskey and bourbon? (The answer is a resounding yes.) Can you taste the difference between a whiskey aged for 10 years and one for 12? (Also, yes.) Can I learn to love whiskey neat? (Spoiler alert: yes!!)
If you too are scared of whiskey, this guide to every kind of whiskey is a great place to start. Here, we’ve broken whiskey down to its basic definition, and then into common categories by region before outlining how the nuances of different fermenting, distilling, and aging processes can impact the spirit’s flavor. I can’t guarantee you’ll like every whiskey on the list, but hopefully, you find yourself a little more likely to order a Jack & Coke or Jameson & Ginger the next time you hit the bar.
#SpoonTip: No matter what you’re drinking, make sure to always drink responsibly. Spoon does not promote binge or underage drinking
So what actually is whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash and comes in many varieties across the globe. The grains used can vary, but common ones include barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Whiskey is typically aged in wooden barrels, often oak, which adds flavor, color, and complexity.
There are several characteristics that distinguish whiskey from other distilled spirits, such as vodka, gin, and tequila. The first is the fermentation; whiskey grains are mashed and fermented to create a wort – a sugary liquid that’s created by extracting grains and then feeding it to yeast to ferment. The wort is then distilled in copper pot stills or continuous stills, another key characteristic of whiskey. Following fermentation and distillation, whiskey is aged in wooden barrels, typically oak, for a minimum of three years.
Is there a difference between “whiskey” and “whisky?”
Sort of! While both refer to spirits made from fermented grains, the spelling often indicates the country of origin. Whiskey (with an “e”) is primarily used for spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States, such as Irish whiskey and bourbon. Whisky (without an “e”) is commonly used for spirits distilled in Scotland, Canada, and Japan. This is a general rule, and there may be exceptions; for example, some distilleries in the United States, may use “whisky” on their labels. Ultimately, the spelling is just a matter of convention and preference.
Why do some whiskeys have numbers?
The number after a whiskey’s name typically indicates the age of the youngest whiskey in the blend. This means that the youngest spirit in a “12” bottle has been aged for at least 12 years, or 25 years in a “25.”
In some cases, the number might represent an average age of the whiskey in the blend, but this is less common. Generally, the age statement provides a good indication of the maturity and complexity of the whiskey.
What are the different types of whiskey?
There are many different types of whiskey, each with its own unique flavor profile, depending on the grains used, distillation method, and aging process. Popular whiskeys include Scotch, Irish whiskey, Bourbon, and Rye whiskey. Let’s break it down further:
What is Scotch Whisky?
Scotch is a type of whisky distilled in Scotland. It’s known for its smoky, peaty flavor, which is often attributed to the use of malted barley that has been dried over peat fires. The primary ingredient in Scotch is malted barley, which is dried over peat fires and creates a distinctive smoky flavor in the whiskey. It’s typically distilled in copper pot stills, which helps to retain the unique flavor profile, and then aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, which adds complexity and depth to the flavor.
There are several different types of Scotch, including single malt, blended, and grain. Single malt is made from malted barley at a single distillery, whereas blended is a combination of single malts and grain whiskies. Here are some of our favorite Scotch whiskies:
The Glendronach Original Aged 12 Years, $65.99
The Glendronach “12” is a richly sherried Highland single malt Scotch whisky presents smooth vanilla, soft fruits and a memorably long, nutty finish. The historic distillery uses sherry casks from Spain for maturation, adding a sweetness, complexity, and a touch of spice to the 43% ABV Scotch which has a beautiful, natural caramel coloring. As a new whiskey drinker, I love how smooth Glendronach is — you can taste the caramel, and it has virtually none of the “bite” you’d expect from straight Scotch.
Benriach Malting Season Third Edition, $165
Benriach Malting Season Third Edition is a single malt Scotch whisky. This means it’s made from malted barley at a single distillery (Benriach) and matured in oak casks. The “Malting Season” series from Benriach is known for its focus on showcasing different stages of malting, with each edition highlighting a specific aspect of the process. The Third Edition features a unique flavor profile of smooth and creamy malt, gentle barley spice, and lingering fruity notes.
Glenglassaugh Sandend, $70
Glenglassaugh Sandend is a single malt Highland Scotch whisky from Glenglassaugh Distillery located on the north coast of Scotland. It’s a well-balanced and flavorful whisky that showcases the unique combination of coastal influences and sherry cask maturation with a refreshing character for lighter, more approachable single malt — perfect for a first foray into Scotch.
What is Irish Whiskey?
Irish whiskey is, well, Irish. It’s whiskey that’s distilled on the island of Ireland and is often known for its smooth, sweeter flavor. Irish whiskey can be made from malted and unmalted barley, but a significant portion of Irish whiskey is made from unmalted barley, which contributes to its distinctive flavor profile. There are several different varieties (including single malt, grain, and blended) made a few different ways. Irish whiskey is aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels, which adds complexity and depth to the flavor, and often triple-distilled in copper pot stills, which helps to create its signature smooth and more refined taste.
Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Pot still whiskey and grain whiskey are the two primary types of Irish whiskey, and they differ significantly in their production methods and resulting flavors. Pot still whiskey is distilled in traditional copper pot stills, often in batches, primarily using malted barley, sometimes with a small amount of unmalted barley or other grains. It’s known for its complex, full-bodied flavor with notes of fruit, spice, and sometimes smoke. Here are a few of our favorite Pot Still Irish Whiskeys:
Jameson Irish Whiskey, $29.99
Jameson Irish Whiskey is created by blending rich, pot still whiskey with smooth grain whiskey that is crafted in a continuous still, which gives you the best of both worlds: easy drinkability or “smoothness” that still has a rich and complex flavor. The brand planted its roots in 1780 at the Bow St. Distillery in Dublin, Ireland which remains an iconic landmark for the brand to this day. I love mixing my Jameson in an Irish Mule or keeping it simple with a Jameson & Ginger at the bar.
Glendalough Pot Still Whiskey, $54.99
Glendalough Distillery is bringing back the use of Irish oak for whiskey cask-making for “the most quintessentially Irish style of whiskey.” Glendalough is distilled in pot still and is matured in ex-bourbon casks, then in Irish oak felled in the mountains around the distillery. While the bourbon cask softens and sweetens the whiskey, the higher levels of flavor in Irish oak complement and balance the classic pot still spices for a deliciously smooth drink.
Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey, $65.09
If you ever get a chance to try Redbreast, just do it – there’s a reason it’s considered one of the finest Irish whiskeys available. Redbreast, which is distilled in Northern Ireland, is renowned for its rich, smooth, and pot-still character that makes for easy sipping. There are two popular expressions: Redbreast 12, which is a classic expression with a balance of sweetness, spice, and fruit; and Redbreast 21 Year Old, which is a more complex and mature whisky with notes of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of smoke.
Grain Irish Whiskey
Grain whiskey, on the other hand, is distilled in continuous stills, which are more efficient and can produce larger quantities. It’s primarily made from corn — but can also include other grains like barley and wheat — and is generally lighter and smoother than pot still whiskey, with a more neutral taste. Here are some of our favorite Grain whiskeys and blends:
Roe & Co Irish Whiskey, $34.99
Roe & Co is a relatively new addition to the Irish whiskey scene, but it has quickly gained a reputation for its quality and unique flavor profile. Distilled in Dublin, Roe & Co is a blend of pot-still and grain whiskeys, combining the rich, fruity notes of pot-still whiskey with the smoothness and grain character of grain whiskey. This was the first whiskey I ever tried neat, and it’s the one that made me want to try more — if that’s any consolation.
What is American Whiskey?
American whiskey includes Rye, Bourbon, and Tennessee Whiskey, among the more generic “North American” or “American” whiskeys. It’s characterized by its unique flavor profile, often with notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice, and the grain mix used in American whiskey typically includes corn, rye, barley, and sometimes wheat; but The specific flavor profile of American whiskey can vary depending on the region where it’s produced. For example, bourbon is primarily associated with Kentucky, while rye whiskey is often produced in Pennsylvania. In terms of maturation, American whiskey must be aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years.
Rye Whiskey
Rye is distilled in the United States from a mash containing at least 51% rye grain. Rye whiskey is then aged in charred oak barrels; this combination of distilling and aging makes it known for its spicy, peppery flavor. Here are some of our favorite Rye whiskeys:
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Rye 10-Year-Old, $48.99
Maintaining the flagship Rye’s iconic mash bill — 95% rye and 5% malted barley — Bulleit’s newest addition to its whiskey catalog is aged for a minimum of 10 years in new charred American white oak barrels, enhancing the balance of smoothness and spice that defines Bulleit Rye. This whiskey features rich caramel and toffee notes on the nose and delicious flavors of fruitiness, oak, vanilla, and a spiced rye finish that lingers.
High West Double Rye Whiskey, $37.99
High West is a great choice for those who enjoy bold and flavorful whiskeys thanks to its unique blend of rye and oak. Double Rye is a blend of two rye whiskeys (hence the double), resulting in a powerful and spicy flavor that’s great for drinkers who prefer a bolder beverage.
Bourbon
Bourbon is distilled in the United States from a mash that is at least 51% corn and is known for its sweet, oaky flavor, often with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The grain mix used in bourbon typically includes corn, rye, barley, and sometimes wheat, with corn being the majority grain. In order for it to be classified as bourbon, the whiskey must be aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years, which imparts the distinctive flavor and color and is typically bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). While bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, Kentucky is considered the heart of bourbon production. Here are a few of our favorite bourbons:
Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon Whiskey, $49.99
Horse Soldier’s traditional and award-winning Premium Straight Bourbon Whiskey is undeniably smooth. It’s made from small batches of 4 year old bourbon and non-chill filtered to provide a full-bodied and decadent finish with rich, caramel notes, a touch of sweetness, and a subtle spice.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, $34.99,
The balanced taste of Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is composed of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit and floral notes. While it’s not my favorite whiskey on this list, it’s a great foray into whiskey for a great price.
Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, $45.52
Founded by paralyzed football player Eric LeGrand and created with quality heartland grown corn, limestone purified water, the freshest rye and barley available, this 88 proof bourbon is a two-and-a-half-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon out of Green River Distillery. It’s aged in charred oak barrels and boasts a warm nose and smooth, crispy finish with flavors of vanilla. Plus, the brand donates $5.20 for every case sold to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for spinal cord injury research.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey, $34.49
My grandpa just turned 95, and I’m not saying his daily Maker’s and Coke is the secret to longevity, but I’m not not saying that, either. Maker’s Mark consists of 70% corn, 16% winter wheat, and 14% malted barley and is aged in hand-selected, toasted American white oak barrels for a minimum of six years. It’s sweet and nutty flavor makes it a very approachable whiskey on the rocks, neat, or in a mixed drink.
Wait, aren’t bourbon and Tennessee whiskey the same thing?
Close, but not quite! Tennessee whiskey is a specific type of bourbon that undergoes an additional process called “charcoal mellowing.” This involves filtering the new-make spirit through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before it goes into the barrel for aging, which adds a unique smoky character to the flavor. Given my aforementioned love of Jack & Coke, it goes without saying that we have a favorite Tennessee whiskey here.
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, $27.09
Jack Daniel’s is a type of bourbon that undergoes an additional filtering through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before it goes into the barrel for aging, which adds a unique sweet and smoky character to the flavor. Jack Daniel’s is typically aged for at least four years in new charred oak barrels and is known for its smooth and mellow taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and a subtle smokiness.
What is Canadian whisky?
Canadian whisky often uses a higher proportion of rye than bourbon, which can contribute to a spicier flavor. Many Canadian whiskies are blends of different whiskies and are typically aged in oak barrels for at least three years, which can contribute to their smoothness, consistency, and easy-drinking character, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and sometimes a touch of spice. Here are some of our favorites Canadian whiskies:
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, $28.09
Crown Royal is a Canadian whiskey known for its smooth and sweet flavor profile. It’s made from a blend of grain whiskies, including corn, rye, and barley, and is typically aged for at least three years in oak barrels. The distinctive feature of Crown Royal is its use of “honey barrels,” which are filled with Canadian honey and bourbon before being used to finish the whiskey, imparting a subtle sweetness and smoothness.
Forty Creek Barrel Select, $28.99
Forty Creek is a Canadian whiskey that’s known for its smooth profile thanks to a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley, that is aged in oak barrels. Forty Creek offers a variety of expressions, each with its own unique characteristics; Barrel Select’s distilling process results in aromas of honey, vanilla and apricot that are enhanced with toasty oak and spicy flavors.
Caribou Crossing Single Barrel, $56.99
The world’s first single barrel Canadian whisky, Caribou Crossing is a blend of Canadian whiskies that’s aged in oak barrels, which imparts a sweetness and complexity to the flavor. Its smooth and approachable flavor profile means it is often described as a “sipping whiskey” due to its balanced and enjoyable taste, and it’s thin enough to be palatable for new whiskey drinkers.
Are flavored whiskeys actually whiskey?
TL;DR: Yes. Flavored whiskeys or whiskey liqueurs are whiskeys that have been infused with additional flavors, ranging from sweet and fruity to spicy and savory. They are often created by adding fruits, spices, herbs, or other ingredients to the whiskey during the aging process or by blending it with flavored liqueurs.
Flavored whiskeys are a great foray into whiskey, as they can be used in stronger cocktails but are smooth and sweet enough to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Some people also use them as a flavoring agent in desserts or baked goods. Here are some of Spoon’s favorite flavored whiskeys:
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, $26.99
Skrewball is a unique flavored whiskey that combines the smooth taste of bourbon with the distinct flavor of peanut butter. It’s a relatively new product that has gained popularity due to its unusual and appealing taste profile. While it’s technically a whiskey, the addition of peanut butter flavoring sets it apart from traditional whiskeys. It’s often enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
Jackson Morgan Southern Cream, Prices Vary
Jackson Morgan is a line of whiskey-based cream liqueurs that combine the smooth taste of bourbon with creamy and sweet flavors. While it’s technically a whiskey, the addition of cream sweet flavoring sets it apart from traditional whiskeys. Try adding the Peppermint Mocha or Salted Caramel flavors to Espresso Martinis, or drink them straight – they’re just that good.
#SpoonTip: Combine Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey and Jackson Morgan’s Banana Pudding Cream Whiskey Liqueur for a PB-Banana cocktail that’s perfect for dessert sipping. Add chocolate bitters if you’re really feeling fancy.
Knob Creek Maple Whiskey, $36.99
The bourbon used as the base for Knob Creek Maple is typically Knob Creek Single Barrel, which is known for its full-bodied flavor and high alcohol content. The addition of maple syrup creates a sweet and smoky flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak for a smooth whiskey to drink on the rocks or in cocktails.
Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, $15.99
The base whiskey used for Fireball is typically Canadian whiskey, which is known for its smooth and slightly sweet taste. Fireball is then infused with cinnamon and other spices, such as clove and ginger, to create a warm, spicy, and, well, fiery flavor. You didn’t hear this from me, but the sweetness of the Canadian whiskey and bold cinnamon flavors make this an easy shooter that’s like a grown up Hot Tamale candy. Plus, it’s even better in spiked hot apple cider.
Ole Smoky Fruit Moonshines, Prices Vary
Personally, I’m a big fan of a little snack with my drink (think an orange garnish in an Aperol Spritz), but that’s not always the case with whiskeys. Luckily, Ole Smoky is a brand known for its unique flavored moonshines, which are typically distilled from corn and then flavored with whole fruit, or natural fruit extracts or juices. Plus, Ole Smoky fruit moonshines are typically bottled at a higher alcohol content than traditional whiskeys, making them a strong and flavorful option. We love Ole Smoky’s Apple Pie and Blackberry flavors, Moonshine Peaches and Cherries, and, as a pickle girlie, I’m obsessed with the Moonshine Pickles.
#SpoonTip: Ole Smoky also has a Pumpkin Spice Cream Moonshine that’s perfect for Pumpkin Spice Season.
Beach Whiskey Island Coconut, $22.50
Malibu lovers, this one’s for you. If you’re trying to branch out from rum, Beach Whiskey’s Island Coconut is made with bourbon, which provides a smooth and oaky foundation for the coconut flavor. The coconut flavor is added using natural coconut extracts or juices, creating a sweet and tropical taste and a smooth finish that’s easy to sip or balance in a cocktail.
Proper No. Twelve Irish Apple, $24.99
If you like fruity flavors, try this 70 proof Irish whiskey with a sweet yet tart apple punch. It blends Conor McGregor’s award-winning Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey with notes of crisp and juicy Irish apple, and a honey sweetness, that offers a sweet cider aroma and smooth to the core finish.