The Essential Spirits

Origins

Whiskey, like many names of liquors, means "Water" in its native language (Gaelic). It was originally used as a perfume/preservative in ancient Mesopotamian societies. The first to enjoy it as a beverage were the Scottish and Irish in the 1500's. Albeit as a medicine, whiskey had become a drink! It has played a role in many modern societies, from Scotland, to America, to Japan, which has a booming whiskey industry of it's own. It has recently enjoyed a resurgence as the spirit of choice among young Americans.

Flavor Profiles

Flavor profiles are largely determined by two major factors. First, the base cereal grain. It usually focuses on milled corn, rye, barley, one of which will be the majority malt involved. The second factor is the barrel in which it will be aged. Any whiskey worth its bottle will be aged atleast 2 years in an oak barrel. Sometimes it is Cherry oak casks that previously aged Cherry, which can give a healthy note of complexity to the spirit.

Learning More

There are tons of distilleries here in the U.S. Kentucky would be the place to start for any future bourbon savant. The bourbon trail is world renowned and creates some of the most complex and rich spirits in the world. Most distilleries offer free tours, and have adjoining restaurants which allow for a magical afternoon that is close to home. Many offer micro barrels that allow the consumer to age the white in color bourbon on their own, which lets them see the effects of their barrel right before their eyes.