Consumers might be fooled into thinking that when shopping for whisky this is really only the quest for one product, however they couldn't be more wrong as this spirit can be found in so many different varieties that for the true scotch connoisseurs stumbling across a decent whisky shop is the ultimate thrill. Whether they order from online retailers or from a retail shop they are able to literally browse for hours to discover a tipple that will tickle their fancy.
Those who like a tot or two of the amber nectar will no doubt explain there are huge differences from one bottle to another, depending on where it comes from, what grain it was made from (ie. Barley, rye, malted barley or corn), whether it is single malt or blended and the ways in which it has been distilled and aged. It is believed the word Whiskey derives from the Gaelic word for water and indeed the Gaelic countries - i.e. Scotland and Ireland are famous for their versions of this drink.
The key visible difference between scotch and Irish whiskies are the fact that Irish whiskey is spelt with an 'e', but they also also differ in the distillation process with Scotch varieties tending to be distilled twice and being matured for at least three years in oak casks and Irish whiskies normally being distilled three times.
In addition to whiskies originating in the UK, a good whisky shop will also stock varieties from America - for instance bourbon or rye whisky - Canada, India, Germany and Japan. These varieties will be available in standard 70cl bottles as well as miniatures for people who like to sample a variety of tastes before choosing which one to order in a larger bottle.
Whisky has been a popular drink particularly since the Medieval period in Scotland and Ireland - where a lack of grapes meant that rather than making wine people had to make barley beer instead and hence barley could be distilled and made into whisky. Nowadays it is a popular drink, being enjoyed straight, over ice or served with a mixer such as ginger ale or lemonade.
Those who like a tot or two of the amber nectar will no doubt explain there are huge differences from one bottle to another, depending on where it comes from, what grain it was made from (ie. Barley, rye, malted barley or corn), whether it is single malt or blended and the ways in which it has been distilled and aged. It is believed the word Whiskey derives from the Gaelic word for water and indeed the Gaelic countries - i.e. Scotland and Ireland are famous for their versions of this drink.
The key visible difference between scotch and Irish whiskies are the fact that Irish whiskey is spelt with an 'e', but they also also differ in the distillation process with Scotch varieties tending to be distilled twice and being matured for at least three years in oak casks and Irish whiskies normally being distilled three times.
In addition to whiskies originating in the UK, a good whisky shop will also stock varieties from America - for instance bourbon or rye whisky - Canada, India, Germany and Japan. These varieties will be available in standard 70cl bottles as well as miniatures for people who like to sample a variety of tastes before choosing which one to order in a larger bottle.
Whisky has been a popular drink particularly since the Medieval period in Scotland and Ireland - where a lack of grapes meant that rather than making wine people had to make barley beer instead and hence barley could be distilled and made into whisky. Nowadays it is a popular drink, being enjoyed straight, over ice or served with a mixer such as ginger ale or lemonade.
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If you like the odd tot of whisky why not get along to the Hard to Find Whisky site where you can browse the latest offerings from this whisky shop.
