Whisky Fundamentals
What is a Mash Bill?
Published 22/08/2022
The mash bill of a whisky is the grain combination used when making multigrain spirits such as bourbons. Unlike single malt these do not consist of a single grain, but are instead produced using a mixture of different grains such as corn, rye, wheat and barley If you’re a Scotch Single Malt fan, you won’t come across the term mash bill or grain recipe. The raw material on which this spirit is malted barley.
What is a Mash Bill?
What do the streaks in a nosing glass mean?
Published 12/07/2022
Streaks in the glass: a sign of quality? We are familiar with the picture of wine and whisky tastings: those who consider themselves to be tastings experts wave their glasses and then examine the streaks forming on the inner glass walls with a critical eye (sometimes called “church windows”, “legs” or “tears”). We are constantly told that these allow us to draw conclusions about the composition or even the quality of the liquid.
What do the streaks in a nosing glass mean?
What is an ogee?
Published 12/07/2022
An ogee is the name sometimes given to the a bulge (or boil ball) on the upper part of a pot still. While this usage is not the most accurate it does serve exactly the same purpose as a reflux ball. An ogee as defined by Forsyths of Rothes refers to the ‘S’ shape or double bend of a still. The presence of an ogee on a pot still increases the amount of reflux in much the same way a taller still, or an upward slanting line arm does.
What is an ogee?
Whisky corks & closures
Published 26/06/2022
In order to be able to reliably store liquids in bottles, they require a tight seal. Over the decades, whiskey bottles have used spring caps, screw caps and corks. The latter being most commonly used today, while these are typically made of cut, or pressed cork, they can also be made of glass or plastic. Each have their respective advantages and disadvantages. This article however is primarily focused on the cork.
Whisky corks & closures
Accelerating whisky maturation
Published 18/06/2022
The whisky shimmers a deep golden hue in the glass, its scent promises complex and delicate aromas but upon taking the first sip you’re left with only disappointment. The single malt tastes narrow, has no depth and somehow seems young. While it is always possible for a whisky to simply have a nose which surpasses the palate it is also possible that your whisky is the result of tricks and techniques to accelerate the perceived maturation and prettify their young distillates.
Accelerating whisky maturation