Whisky Fundamentals
Climate Change and Whisky: A Sobering Reality
Published 14/08/2023
Climate change is not just a global crisis; it’s a crisis that affects even the most cherished aspects of our lives, including the production of whisky. From the barley fields to the distilleries, the implications of climate change on whisky are profound and far-reaching. The Impact on Barley and Grain According to a study published in the journal Nature, climate change is affecting barley yields. While increased temperatures across the UK mean barley crops may remain steady or even rise, some regions, including south-west Scotland, have seen a reduction due to soil saturation.
Climate Change and Whisky: A Sobering Reality
What are Teaspooned Whiskies?
Published 18/06/2023
The blend market The most commonly drunk whiskies in the world are blended whiskies, that being a combination of grain, and malt whiskies. Many of these are destined to end up in cheaper supermarket blends, others are destined for more exclusive blended products such as Johnnie Walker Blue, or will end up in offerings by smaller blenders such as Compass Box. Regardless every producer from the most premium blend down to the most entry level bottle will be seeking to maintain a signature style for each batch.
What are Teaspooned Whiskies?
Amburana casks: The Cinnamon Roll of Whisky
Published 16/05/2023
While traditional oaks have long held sway in the realm of whisky maturation, an unexpected interloper is causing ripples in the spirits universe - the exotic amburana wood. Hailing from South America and typically employed in the maturation of cachaça, amburana wood is now finding favour among whisky distillers, to the sheer delight of whisky connoisseurs with a taste for the new and unusual. Although the use of mizunara casks and the adoption of amburana are likely to remain minimal in the broader context of whisky maturation, they represent a thrilling novelty in an industry currently captivated by cask maturation and finishing techniques.
Amburana casks: The Cinnamon Roll of Whisky
Amburana Wood: a rising star or another whisky fad
Published 22/01/2023
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of Amburana wood for whisky maturation. Amburana is a type of wood that is native to South America, particularly Brazil, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and in the production of local beverages such as cachaça. However, it is only relatively recently that Amburana has gained attention as a potential alternative to traditional oak casks for whisky aging.
Amburana Wood: a rising star or another whisky fad
Should you swirl whisky in the glass or not?
Published 18/12/2022
What are the benefits of swirling whisky in your glass? The proponents of swirling whisky point out that whisky react with oxygen just like wine in the glass. By briefly swirling the nosing glass, the whisky comes into contact with more air more quickly, evaporation is increased for a short time and hidden aromas come to light. Brian Kinsman, the master blender at William Grant & Sons explains that “This is important because the whisky has been trapped in a cask or bottle all its life and now needs some time to unfold itself and show its true qualities”.
Should you swirl whisky in the glass or not?