Whisky Fundamentals
The Danish Whisky Boom
Published 22/11/2020
The whisky and distillery boom did not stop in Denmark until very recently. In contrast to their Nordic neighbours, Danish producers are no longer subject to an alcohol monopoly with state outlets for beer, wine and spirits. Likewise the extremely high taxes on alcohol are no longer retarding domestic production in Denmark. Every supermarket can offer spirits here and the distilleries can also sell their goods directly. These are relatively recent developments however, although the state alcohol monopoly was given up in 1973 when Denmark joined the European Economic Community (EEC, the precursor to the European Union) the countries domestic alchohol tax remained high until the mid ’90s.
The Danish Whisky Boom
Washbacks
Published 02/09/2020
What are Washbacks? Washbacks or Fermentersare vessels made of wood, stainless steel , stoneware or concrete used for fermentation in connection with the production of alcohol. Within the whisky industry fermentation tanks are traditionally made of wood though a number of distilleries have followed the example of wine makers and breweries and begun shifting to stainless steel. Concrete Washbacks Famously, or perhaps infamously the Scottish Ben Nevis distillery was fitted with concrete washbacks under the tenure of former Canadian bootlegger Joseph William Hobbs.
Washbacks
Commercial Enzymes in Whiskies
Published 20/08/2020
Before whisky distillation can take place beer like liquid, commonly called wash, must be created. The creation of wash, brewing by another name, occurs when the sugars from the grain are extracted via hot water. The resultant sugary liquid known as mash is then combined with yeast, and fermentation takles place. The main difference is whether the sugar for fermentation is created from natural, or commercial enzymes. What are Enzymes? Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, which is to say that they convert molecules into other molecules.
Commercial Enzymes in Whiskies
Types of Whisky Stills
Published 18/08/2020
There are many different types of stills in use around the world. From the vast to the strangely small, long-necked, multi-story, column stills, hybrid stills, and Lomond stills, indirect or direct fired. One of the most important distinctions, however, is the one between batch pot stills and continuous column or coffey stills. Those looking a little deeper into the processes of distillation, quickly realise that the process has changed little over the centuries.
Types of Whisky Stills
Whisky Glassware
Published 17/08/2020
What Are The Best Whisky Glasses? The SMWS glass - the best all rounder The Glencairn - the most widely known glass, poorer for grain whiskies The Copita - fantastic for grain and sherried whiskies The Cognac Glass - widely available and great for most drams, weaker on peat The Blender’s Glass - perfect for blended whisky, good for grain The Túath Glass - solid for bourbons, ryes and Irish pot still The NEAT Glass - the perfect upgrade from a tumbler, excellent for high ABV The Norlan - an expensive tumbler The Tumbler - for those who want their whisky chilled The Highball - for those looking for refreshment Historical Background If you look into the history of whisky drinking, you will quickly come across the “Quaich” or “Quaigh” or “Quoich”.
Whisky Glassware