Grain whisky

Get ready! We’re taking a look into the mysterious and often underappreciated world of grain whisky. Did you know this type of spirit makes up a whopping 90% of all whisky produced globally? That’s a big deal! Let’s find out why.

What is Grain Whisky and How is it Made?

Grain whisky is a whisky type mainly made in Ireland and Scotland. It’s made from a recipe of malted barley and other grains, and distilled using a method called continuous column stills. This method gives the whisky a higher alcohol content, but a subtler flavor than pot still whisky.

Continuous column stills are like the superheroes of the distilling world. They’re efficient, steady, and great at keeping out any impurities. The grains used to make this whisky, like malted barley, unmalted barley, and other cereals, each add their own unique flavor. When they come together, they make a whisky that’s full of complexity and perfect for blending.

Grain Whisky’s Role in Blending

So, we’ve talked about how grain whisky is made, now let’s look at what it does. In Ireland and Scotland, grain whisky is like the secret sauce in blending. It’s usually mixed with malt or pot still whisky to make blended whiskies. In fact, blended whiskies make up over 90% of whisky sales in these countries.

Grain whisky is like the peacekeeper of the whisky world. Its neutral flavor helps to balance out the stronger tastes of single malts and single pot still whiskeys, creating a smooth and harmonious blend. Plus, sometimes well-aged grain whiskies get to shine on their own as single grain whisky or blended grain whisky.

Blending grain whisky is an art form. It’s all about picking the right ones and getting the proportions right to get a flavor that’s just perfect.

Whiskey Production Outside Ireland and Scotland

In places like the United States, they do things a bit differently. Here, they love using continuous column stills and mixing up the grains in their mash. Unlike in Ireland and Scotland, American whiskey often includes non-barley grains like corn, rye, or wheat. This gives American whiskey a flavor all its own.

Also, there’s an interesting rule in the U.S. If a whiskey is produced at over 80% ABV, it’s called light whiskey. This type of whiskey can’t use a specific grain in its name or be called malt, bourbon, or straight. This is a big difference from how they do things in Ireland and Scotland.

So, there you have it! The exciting, complex, and sometimes mysterious world of grain whisky. It’s a spirit that’s often overlooked, but as you can see, it plays a big role in the whisky world. Next time you enjoy a blended whisky, remember the important part grain whisky plays in that smooth, delicious flavor you love.