Whisky Fundamentals
The role of water in whisky
Published 14/09/2023
Water plays several important roles in the production of whisky. Firstly, water is used to clean and prepare the grains used to make the whisky. Second, it is mixed with the mashed grains to extract the sugars that will be fermented to create alcohol. Finally, water is used to reduce the alcohol content of the whisky to its desired strength. Additionally, water can help to bring out the flavours and aromas of the whisky when it is diluted before drinking.
The role of water in whisky
The types of wood used in the whisky inudustry
Published 12/09/2023
The art of whisky production leverages a rich variety of wood types and cask histories to craft spirits with unique and complex flavor profiles. While oak remains a staple in the industry, distillers around the world are increasingly experimenting with alternative woods such as chestnut, maple, acacia, mizunara and cherry to infuse their whiskies with distinctive notes and aromas. In general these are used for finishing spirit already matured in oak casks, but full maturation examples of the same do exist more commonly coming from independant bottlers.
The types of wood used in the whisky inudustry
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