What is Irish whiskey and what's the difference with scotch?
Differences between Irish and Scottish whiskey
Irish whiskey and Scotch whiskey they are the oldest styles of cereal distillate. Which was created first is the subject of historical debate.
The most obvious difference is that Irish whiskey is always written with an "e" in the word "whiskey"; scotch always uses the spelling "whiskey".
In terms of production, the two styles have customary practices that generally characterize the style.
However, there are whiskeys that borrow each other's practices, which can be confusing. In general, both are fermented with barley - scotch is often malted and Irish whiskey largely unmalted - and the blended whiskey of both can include grain whiskey.
Irish whiskey is typically distilled three times while scotch is often only distilled twice. Both styles include blended whiskey and single malts, although scotch is more famous for the latter.
And the peaty smokiness of the scotch and softness of Irish whiskey that typically distinguish the two.
The problem is that there are peated and double-distilled Irish whiskeys, as well as triple-distilled non-peated Scottish whiskeys.
How is Irish whiskey made?
Irish whiskey is one of the most popular forms of whiskey in the world. The rules for making Irish whiskey date back to 1880. There are two main components of the Irish Whiskey Act of 1950:
Irish whiskey must be distilled in Ireland from a wort and grain.
Il pot still whiskey irlandese it can only be distilled in stills located in Ireland from a grain mash normally grown in Ireland.
Irish whiskey is typically distilled from unmalted barley, although some may include malted barley.
Closed ovens are used to dry the malt so that it is exposed only to hot air and not to smoke, as is the case with scotch bags.
Fermentation can include additional enzymes to prepare starches for conversion to alcohol. After that, it is distilled three times in copper stills: some, particularly grain whiskeys, use continuous column stills.
Under Irish law, all whiskeys must be aged for a minimum of three years in barrels. They can be new or used previously and often once housed sherry, bourbon or rum.
Most are blended whiskeys which include grain whiskey after tumbling. THE whisky single malt are found in the premium range.
Irish whiskeys are typically bottled at 40% alcohol or slightly higher.
Many of today's Irish whiskeys are challenging these manufacturing standards, introducing peat, various grains, and experimenting with different types of wooden barrels.
What does Irish whiskey taste like?
Irish whiskey has a distinct flavor profile which can generally be described as light and fruity with noticeable cereal notes.
Aging also gives it that distinctive oak and caramel whiskey.
Types of Irish whiskey
Blended Irish whiskey: blends account for 90 percent of all Irish whiskey production.
Whiskey irlandese single malt: Made with 100% malted barley, this whiskey is produced by a single distillery in an alembic.
Single Pot Still Whiskey: formerly called “pure pot still”, this whiskey is a blend of malted and unmalted barley distilled in an alembic still. It is a unique style of whiskey in Ireland.
Irish Grain Whiskey: A particularly light style made from corn or wheat, grain whiskey is made in column stills rather than Ireland's often favorite stills.
Single Grain Irish Whiskey: this style has the same characteristics as grain whiskey, except that the distillate is made in a single distillery.
How do you drink Irish whiskey?
Due to its smoothness and superior drinkability, Irish whiskey can be served however you like.
Many people like it straight or with ice. However, it is also versatile for almost all styles of cocktails, from fancy martinis to simple soda highballs, of course it is brilliant with coffee, very famous is the preparation of theirish cream...
With a good bottle of Irish whiskey in your bar, the possibilities are endless.
