Savour Tasting Blog

While it is common for whisky casks to be charred before they are used to age the spirit, it is not always a requirement. In fact, some distillers choose to age their whisky in un-charred casks in order to emphasise different flavours and characteristics.  In this article, we'll explore the reasons why some whisky casks are charred and why others are not, and how this choice can affect the flavour profile of the final product. First, charring the inside of the barrel helps to remove any impurities or unwanted flavours that may be present in the wood. This is because the charring process involves heating the barrel to a high temperature, which helps to burn off any unwanted flavours. photo: Idzuhiko Ueda Second, charring the barrel helps to caramelise the natural sugars present in the wood. This can add sweetness and depth to the flavour of the whisky as it ages. Finally, charring the barrel helps to create a layer of activated carbon on the inside of the barrel. This layer of carbo

Canadian whisky is a type of whisky that is produced in Canada. It is made from a blend of grains, including corn, rye, wheat, and barley, and is known for its smooth and mellow flavour. Canadian whisky has a long history in Canada, with roots dating back to the early 19th century. It was originally produced by farmers in small local stills. Nowadays the, according to the Canadian Food and Drink Association, the whisky industry in Canada generates over $4 billion in annual sales and employs over 8,000 people. The History of Canadian Whisky Canadian whisky has a rich history in Canada, with roots dating back to the early 19th century. It was first produced by farmers in the eastern provinces of Canada who used it as a form of currency and trade. Over time, Canadian whisky became more industrialised, with large distilleries springing up across the country. In the 20th century, Canadian whisky became known for its smooth and mellow flavour, and it became popular both within Canada and abr

Tennessee whisky is a type of American whisky that is produced in Tennessee. It is made using a process similar to that of bourbon, but with an additional step known as the "Lincoln County Process." The Lincoln County Process involves filtering the whisky through a layer of sugar maple charcoal before it is aged. This step is believed to give Tennessee whisky its smooth and mellow flavour. Tennessee whisky is known for its rich, smooth flavour and is a popular choice among whisky lovers. The History of Tennessee Whisky Tennessee whisky has a long and storied history in the United States. It was first produced in the early 19th century by settlers in Tennessee who used it as a form of currency and trade. Over time, Tennessee whisky became more industrialised, with large distilleries springing up across the state. In the 20th century, Tennessee whisky saw a decline in popularity as other types of whisky, such as bourbon, became more popular. However, it has seen a resurgence in

Rye whisky is a type of whisky that is made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain. It is a popular choice among whisky lovers and is known for its spicy and bold flavour profile. Rye whisky has a long and storied history, with roots dating back to the early days of American whiskey production. It was once the dominant type of whiskey in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. Today, it is enjoyed by people all over the world and is an important part of American culture and heritage. The History of Rye Whisky Rye whisky has a rich history in the United States, with roots dating back to the early 18th century. It was originally produced by farmers in the Northeast and Midwest who used it as a form of currency and trade. During the 19th century, rye whisky became increasingly popular and was produced in large quantities by distilleries across the country. It was particularly popular in Pennsylvania, which was once home to a thriving whisky industry. In the 20th centu

Bourbon is a type of American whisky that is made from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels. It is named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, which was once a major center of bourbon production. Bourbon has a rich and distinct flavour, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is smooth and well-balanced, with a slightly sweet finish.  The History of Bourbon Bourbon has a long and storied history in the United States. It is believed to have been first produced by Irish immigrants in the late 18th century, who brought with them the knowledge and techniques for making whisky. Bourbon was originally made in small batches on the farms of Kentucky and other states in the South. It was often given as a form of payment or used as a trading commodity. Over time, bourbon production became more industrialised, with large distilleries springing up in Kentucky and other states. Today, bourbon is enjoyed by people all over the world and is an important part of American culture a

Blended whisky is a type of whisky that is made by blending together two or more different types of whisky, typically a combination of malt whisky and grain whisky. Blended whisky makes up the majority of the whisky produced and consumed in the world today. The process of making blended whisky begins with the production of malt whisky and grain whisky, which are made using different methods and ingredients. Malt whisky is made from malted barley, which is germinated and then dried in a kiln. Grain whisky, on the other hand, can be made from any type of grain, such as corn, wheat, or rye. After the malt and grain whiskies are produced, they are blended together in a process known as vatting. The art of blending whisky is a skilled craft that requires a keen sense of taste and a deep understanding of the different flavours and characteristics of various whiskies. Blenders work to create a harmonious balance of flavours and aromas in the final product, resulting in a smooth and complex wh

Single malt whisky is a type of whisky that is made from 100% malted barley, and is produced at a single distillery. It is known for its depth of flavour and complexity, and can vary widely in character depending on the distillery and the barrel aging. One of the key characteristics of single malt whisky is that it is aged in oak barrels for at least three years. This aging process helps to give the whisky its distinctive flavours and aromas, as the oak imparts flavours of vanilla, caramel, and oak to the spirit. Single malt whisky can be aged for much longer than three years, and longer aging times can result in even more complex and nuanced flavours. *image from  dude4food.blogspot.ca Single malt whisky is produced at a single distillery, which means that all of the whisky in a bottle of single malt comes from the same place. This can be contrasted with blended whisky, which is made by combining single malt whiskies from multiple distilleries with grain whiskies. Some popular single