Whiskey: how to choose the best in 2022?

Hello, you like quality drinks, right? Otherwise you wouldn’t be here, would you? and one more of our reviews. Today we are going to talk about one of the most consumed spirits in the world: whiskey!

Present almost everywhere, whiskey – or whiskey, in the “aportuguesada” version – is a secular drink, synonymous with status and success, and full of its own characteristics.

But there are several types and brands, so how to choose the best whiskey? With our analysis, of course. We will give you all the information you need to choose “that” bottle, and impress your friends with your knowledge!

First, the most important

• Whiskey is a grain distilled beverage, aged in barrels. Its alcohol content is between 38 to 54%.
• There is no aging pattern for whiskey, but production techniques and rules. Generally the drink must age at least 3 years. It is not uncommon for manufacturers to make “blends” (mixtures) with aged between 3 and 8 years.
• Whiskeys do not age in the bottle. To be “better”, they need contact with the wood in the barrel. Having an 8 year old whiskey closed over 10 years does not mean that it can be compared to an 18 year old.

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Best Whiskey Brands: Our Favorites

If you already know, understand a little bit about prices. If you don’t know, know that whiskeys can cost from tens to thousands of reais. For this reason, we list here brands from three of the best – and most accessible – categories: 8, 12, 15 and 18 years old.

• Whiskey Johnnie Walker Black Label 1L 12 years
• Glenfiddich Whiskey 750ml 18 Years
• Jameson Irish Whiskey 750ml 8 years
• The Famous Grouse Whiskey 750ml 8 years
• Whiskey Teacher´s 1L 8 years

Buying Guide

There are many ways to enjoy a good whiskey. This drink is a symbol of elegance, regardless of class or generation. But it is necessary to enjoy the drink in addition to taking it.

In this Buying Guide, we will tell you a little more about whiskey and how to choose the brand that you like best.

What is whiskey and how is it made?

Let’s start with the name of the drink. It comes from Gaelic, and means “holy water”, as it was believed that it would cure illness. There are two main ways to write the name: Whiskey or Whiskey. In Portuguese, the term is whiskey.

This, of course, does not change the taste of the drink. Other things are going. To start, a whiskey takes three weeks to make (the distillation process), and at least another 8 years to be stored. This is what experts say, although it is not a norm.

To make whiskey you need three basic ingredients: cereal, water and yeast. Alcohol comes from the fermentation of cereals, while water helps to dilute this solution. Different cereals will provide different flavors in the drink.

Likewise, the manufacturing process will also provide for these variations. When you go to the market, pay attention to the labels on the drinks. The easiest indication you will find is the age of the whiskey.

Sometimes, the information will be clearly visible on the front label, even highlighted. In others, you will have the information on the distal label, or even on a stripe above the first label. It is very important information for the drink itself, especially those over 8 years old.

In general, aging in wooden barrels, usually oak, causes the drink to lose volume (alcohol and water) and enrich its aroma and flavor. The older the product is stored, the better its qualities. And its price is much higher. There are bottles that cost thousands of dollars.

But it is not only in this that brands differ. Whiskeys have the particularity of having numerous types and styles. We will introduce you to the best known below.

Vinicius de MoraesPoet

“Whiskey is man’s best friend. It’s the bottled dog.”

What are the advantages of enjoying a good whiskey?

So, you decided to enjoy whiskeys. It is a great choice. But know that your alcohol ratio is high, and simply drinking a glass will not end well. Cough, shame, red face, all of this can happen.

Whiskey is a strong drink (characteristic of most spirits), which must be enjoyed and not simply swallowed. Worried? It’s okay if you’re a beginner in the alcoholic world, it’s okay to start with it.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of becoming a connoisseur of good whiskey:

What are the types of Whiskey?

Yes, let’s start the more didactic part of the article. You cannot consider yourself a connoisseur without knowing a little about the drink. Even more of this! A whiskey will have different characteristics, according to:

• • Type and proportion of cereals / malts used
  • Geographic location

 

Exactly. In addition to the ingredients themselves, geography also creates whiskey concepts. Sometimes, the location interferes with the manufacturing process, and sometimes with the materials themselves. Different characteristics of water, firewood, barrels, everything is able to change the flavor.

Luckily for all of us, however, there is a standardization usually followed by the market, where you will find the following types of Whiskey:

Blended Whiskey

It is the most consumed type in the world, generally softer than the others. It originates from the mixture of “single malts” (barley grains with very specific characteristics) with other cereals (such as corn and / or rice).

To give you an idea, more than 40 types of malt are generally used to produce a blend. And the formulas are kept under lock and key, as they guarantee the success of the distillery in the great mixture they make.

They are very dynamic for consumption, recommended even for cocktails, in addition to pure or ice cream. They were created due to the difficulty in often having a specific supply of the same malt for making a whiskey.

Single Malt

It is made from just one malt, from a single distillation. They are manufactured in a proportion up to 10 times smaller than “blends”, which makes them usually more expensive, in comparison.

A strong drink with a pleasant flavor at the end, much appreciated by those who already follow the path of this drink.

A few years ago, the name Pure Malt also existed on the market . Abolished in 2003, the term identified a whiskey produced with up to four different malts, with a strong flavor and great personality.

One of the most important representatives of the old category is the Jhonny Walker Green Label, with malts aged for at least 15 years.

Grain

Whiskey of this type is produced from distilled grains, mainly wheat, corn and rye. Its manufacturing process is simple, making it very widespread in the world.

In this way, countries with large grain production started to manufacture this type of drink. They have a characteristic aroma and are generally sweeter than Blended or Single

The drinks derived from this manufacture have great differences between them, due to the proportions of cereals used. To give you an idea of ​​its acceptance, one of the most commercialized brands in the world is produced in this style.

Exactly. There are a variety of whiskeys produced within this characteristic, some of them are famous by the world and the best sellers. In order not to be just misinformation, let’s spend a little more on some types of Grain:

• Rye. The original American whiskey. It contains at least 51% of rye in the composition, and needs to mature at least 02 years in virgin barrels.
• Bourbon. A Grain classic, produced with at least 51% maize in the blend of malts. Maturation takes at least 2 years in virgin barrels.
• Tennessee. Another classic within the Grains, needs to have at least 51% corn in the composition of the malts, and be filtered through a thick layer of sugar maple charcoal. It tastes very similar to Bourbon.

What are the differences between the whiskeys of each country?

Exactly, now is the time to talk a little about the second distinction between these drinks, geography (which also includes the production process). The most common terms on the market are:

Scotch whiskey

To be considered a Scotch, it needs to be done, guess where? Scotland! That’s right! But not only that.

Its manufacture is made with barley or malted grains, aged in oak barrels for at least 03 years. They are made in a double distillation method and have a wide range of aroma and flavor depending on the Scottish region where they are produced.

 

Irish Whiskey

They are more fruity and slightly spicy whiskeys, generally softer from their preparation. They are aged for at least 03 years in oak barrels.

Japanese whiskey

You didn’t read it wrong, it’s really Japanese. Not long ago the Japanese entered the whiskey business, and in 2014 they scored a label as the best in the world.

Its products are single and blended, with impeccable production characteristics and great care in the choice of ingredients. They are aged in Japanese oak barrels.

American whiskey

The United States practically formed the birthplace of Grain Whiskey, so that most of the best in this style are there. Softer and sweeter drinks, with plenty of flavor and body.

How to taste a good whiskey?

A generally expensive drink, status symbol, with high alcohol content. It is very difficult to see people simply overturning a glass. This is because drinks with refinement (aging) usually have different aromas and notes.

But then, how should you drink your whiskey? The most correct answer is: He is yours, drink as you please. No taste buds are exactly alike, and you need to find the right way to enjoy the drink.

Pure, with ice, a little water, mixed. These are all valid options for this style of drink. It is worth testing to find your ideal.

Of course, if the goal is to really taste the drink (enjoy the aroma, the initial and final notes, the flavor, texture) then the ideal is to drink it pure or with a little water.

That’s right, with water. Whiskey has spent years in a barrel losing volume (water and alcohol) and you will put it back (at most 25% proportion, right?). The dilution of the drink in the water helps to release all the richness of aromas, and, in addition, it softens the alcohol.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy a good whiskey:

How much?

Anyway, we come to the most intricate part of this article. Whiskeys have a huge variation in prices, and take into account:

• • Rarity of ingredients
  • Difficulty in the manufacturing process
  • Storage time

 

This means that a bottle of whiskey can cost even the price of a popular car!
But don’t give up here! We only provide information, and there are much more affordable options for weekends! You will find good whiskeys from R $ 50.00 or a little less.

Be careful with products that have a much lower value than this. You already know how long it takes for the drink to be brewed, and to gain the characteristic flavor. You already know styles, and features.

So, do you really believe that a product with this workload and dedication will cost less? Certainly there is a possibility, but its aroma and flavors can hardly be compared to traditional processes.

Where to buy?

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, whiskeys are available at most convenience stores, supermarkets and department stores. Virtually every store that sells foodstuffs will be able to count on them, even though bakeries and pastry shops do not fit very well.

One of the best options, without a doubt, is the acquisition over the internet. Online stores will show you a wide range of products and brands, often unavailable in the physical markets near your home.

So, refine your taste and define your taste. Choose good products based on our article and receive them in the comfort of home. Don’t forget to write your opinion!

Purchasing criteria: How to compare whiskey brands

Well, since you’re almost considering yourself an expert, it’s time to close the subject with a flourish. Anyway, it doesn’t matter which whiskey you prefer, but to choose it you will need to look for at least three things: smell, taste and color.

Some whiskeys need specific glasses to be better appreciated. Release their aromas and flavors, with more property, in this case. Adding a little water (as we already said), will reduce the burning of alcohol and intensify the flavors.

So, when buying your whiskey pay attention to the following aspects:

• Whiskey style
• Falsification
• Bottle size

Let’s talk about each one so that you can make the best choice.

Whiskey style

We’ve already talked about styles, and you need to keep that in mind when buying your bottled best friend. When tasting drinks, there is a natural identification for those who like or dislike them.

Try to take this same concept to the acquisition of whiskey. If you are a beginner, start with the “blended” due to the smoothing, or even the Irish, by the distillation process more often (making the drink softer).

Sweetish tastes will probably go the way of grain-style whiskeys, which aren’t exactly sweet (don’t fall for that), but you’ll understand when you taste it. Bourbons are excellent options if you have already tasted (and liked) rum, for example.

Falsification

It’s a shame, but counterfeits in the spirits market are not uncommon. Whiskeys are one of the drinks most affected by this, and often the process is so well done that just with another bottle to find out.

There is no easy way out of counterfeiting, but you can be safe. New whiskeys have a seal around the lid. It can be plastic, paper or a junction of the cap with the bottle that needs to be turned.

Another issue is that in the market, industrialized drinks usually come with a dosing spout. It is a plastic piece in the mouth of the bottle, which reduces the amount of drink when turning it. It also prevents the “easy” transfer of liquid.

And, of course, avoid informal shopping. Legal stores usually provide warranty on the product, and even change it when an irregularity is found in it.

Bottle size

Whether for personal consumption or as a gift, another factor to note is the size of the bottle, which can vary from a few ML to special bottles, with several liters in one container. The most common are 750ml and 1 liter bottles and, obviously, the bigger the bottle, the more you will spend.

However, if the idea is to have the whiskey at home and drink it gradually, it may be worthwhile to buy larger containers, as usually the value per ML ends up getting lower

 

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