Whisky Fundamentals
The role of copper in spirit production
Published 22/09/2021
Elemental copper has unique properties making it ideally suited for the production of whisky. The metal is both soft and malleable but extremely tough. It is also an excellent conductor of heat. For these reason the earliest illicit whisky makers made use of it very early on. Copper has a lot more to offer however as it has a significant influence on the character of the new make spirit. Copper The chemical element copper (lat.
The role of copper in spirit production
How is slainte pronunced?
Published 15/09/2021
In both Irish and gaelic sláinte is pronounced Slahn-che and means health. Sláinte is infact a short form of Slàinte mhath (Scottish) or Slàinte mhaith (Irish) and pronounced as Slahn-che ‘va. Sláinte or Sláinte Mhath is commonly used as a drinking toast in Scotland and Ireland. As pronunciations vary from region to region it’s not uncommon to hear people say slange or slange Var when they clink their glasses. Spelling variations also abound.
How is slainte pronunced?
Are all Whiskies Kosher?
Published 09/09/2021
Simply put no, not all whiskies are kosher, however pinning down exactly which whiskies are allowed under the Jewish dietary laws (Kashrut derived from the Hebrew root Kaf-Shin-Reish, meaning fit, proper or correct) can be difficult as it depends heavily on how this is defined. Some whiskies are produced under rabbinic supervision, others are merely recommended and others are not. The issue arises not during the brewing or distillation of the spirit but rather during the maturation or blending process where the whisky is introduced to barrels which previously contained drinks made using grapes and the interpretation of kashrut.
Are all Whiskies Kosher?
Sour Mash
Published 25/08/2021
Jim Beam, Jack Daniel’s, Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve are just five of a myriad of Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey distilleries where sour mash is the production method of choice. For the consumer this is a widely recognised but little understood phrase adorning bottles. In truth it’s surprising that the phrase ever made it onto the bottle as the process refers to nothing other than the manipulation of pH to prevent bacterial growth.
Sour Mash
Drum Maltings
Published 17/08/2021
Drum maltings were once the shining star of maltster replacing floor maltings & Saladin boxes. Now these to are a footnote in the history of whisky. Learn more about the malt made in a rotating drum with Whiskipedia. What is drum malting A drum malting system is used for the steeping and malting of barley and other grains. The steeping system allows the grain to be washed, extracting any dust and other foreign impurities, while at the same time humidifying the grain to begin the malting process.
Drum Maltings