What is whisky?

Whisky is one of the most iconic spirits in the world. It represents tradition, craftsmanship, and time. Every bottle carries its own story - from the selection of grains to years of aging in oak barrels.

Bourbon is its American counterpart - sweeter, more pronounced, and strictly defined by law.

Whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains. The base ingredients can include barley, corn, rye, or wheat. After distillation, the spirit is aged in wooden barrels, where it develops its colour, aroma, and character.

It is the aging process that makes whisky so special - over time, its flavour becomes smoother, more refined, and increasingly complex.

How whisky is made

The production of whisky takes place in several key steps:

1. Milling and mashing
The grains are crushed and mixed with hot water to release their natural sugars.

2. Fermentation
Yeast is added, which converts the sugars into alcohol. This creates a low-alcohol liquid called “wash”.

3. Distillation
The liquid is distilled two or more times (depending on the type of whisky) to increase purity and alcohol content.

4. Aging
The most important stage - whisky is aged in oak barrels for several years (usually 3 to 12+, sometimes even decades).

5. Bottling
After aging, the whisky is diluted to the desired strength and bottled.

Main types of whisky

Scotch whisky (Scottish whisky)

• produced in Scotland

• often has smoky, peaty notes

• must be aged for at least 3 years

Irish whiskey

• smoother and less smoky

• often triple distilled

American whiskey

• includes bourbon, rye whiskey, and other styles

• sweeter profile, often with strong vanilla and caramel notes

Japanese whisky

• inspired by Scottish tradition

• very precise, balanced, and smooth

What is bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey with strictly defined production rules:

• must contain at least 51% corn

• must be aged in new, charred oak barrels

• must be produced in the United States (most commonly in Kentucky)

• no artificial additives or colourings are allowed

Thanks to the high corn content, bourbon naturally has a sweeter profile than most other whiskies.

Flavour profile

• Bourbon: sweet, with notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and oak

• Scotch whisky: smoky, peaty, with hints of fruit and spice

• Irish whiskey: smooth, light, and honeyed

• Rye whiskey: drier, spicy, and slightly sharp

Who is whisky and bourbon for?

Whisky and bourbon are not only for experienced drinkers - on the contrary, almost anyone can find something to enjoy in them.

Beginners
It’s best to start with smoother and less intense flavours, such as younger whisky or bourbon. They also work well with ice or a splash of water, which softens the alcohol and highlights the flavours.

More experienced drinkers
This is where single malt whiskies and higher-quality bourbons come in. They are often enjoyed neat to fully appreciate their aromas and complexity.

Cocktail lovers
Bourbon is the base of classics like the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour. Whisky is also commonly used in both modern and traditional mixed drinks.

Interesting facts about whisky and bourbon

• Bourbon must be aged in new barrels - they are never used twice

• Whisky gets most of its flavour from the barrel, not the distillation itself

• In Scotland, there are whiskies aged for over 50 years

• “Single malt” means the whisky comes from a single distillery

• Bourbon was once seen as a “country whiskey of America,” but today it is a premium product

Whisky and bourbon are drinks with a rich history, tradition, and character. While whisky offers a wide range of styles from around the world, bourbon is a sweeter and distinctly American version with its own rules and charm.

Whether you’re looking for a smooth evening drink or a complex tasting experience, there is something in the world of whisky for everyone.