Wondering About Whiskey
Wondering About Whiskey
Fall heralds the arrival of whiskey season, the time when we swap out icy-cold cocktails made with lighter-colored spirits like gin and tequila for the warm, aromatic experience that is whiskey. The tasting notes and flavor profiles of bourbons and ryes match the vibe of the season's most comforting foods and experiences in a way that a daiquiri or margarita never could. Whiskey aficionados and newbies alike are encouraged to check out our selection this season. Stop in and chat us up! We love your questions. Below, we offer answers to a few questions we hear a lot.
What's the difference between Scotch, bourbon and rye whiskey?
These three types of whiskey are all made from fermented grain mash and water, but they differ primarily in how they're made and aged. Scotch is produced in Scotland and is made with malted barley, to which other grains may be added. It is aged for a least three years. Bourbon is strictly an American spirit, made from at least 51% corn and aged in a charred new oak barrel. It has a sweet, distinctive woodiness. Rye whiskey is made from at least 51% rye and doesn't have to be matured in new casks. It has fewer woody notes than bourbon and may be a bit more peppery or spicy. Rye is more popular in the northern United States than in the South and is also widely produced in Canada.
Should I add water or ice to my whiskey?
When alcohol mixes with water, a small exothermic reaction occurs, raising the temperature just enough to release some of the beverage's more volatile aromas. This gives extra complexity to the nose. Water also reduces a whiskey's alcohol content, which cools the tongue and may help us taste its many flavor nuances. Everyone's palate is different. Just as people like different types of chocolate, cheese and wine, people also prefer different levels of dilution in their whiskey. Finding your perfect ratio can be a fun experiment!
What proof is best for cocktails?
If you're crafting cocktails, we suggest choosing an overproof whiskey that's 90 proof or more. This ensures that once mixed with other ingredients, the intentional character of the whiskey shines through rather than being watered down. Side note: We like whiskey cocktails with fruity flavors like orange, lemon and grapefruit (think tonic); spicy ginger; and caramel (think cola and cream soda).
Why is single-barrel whiskey such a big deal?
While all whiskey is blended for consistency, proof and flavor profile, numerous nuances exist between barrels. Whiskey profiles are affected by how and where the barrels are aged. Time, temperature, the size of the aging room (rickhouse), the rickhouse's primary building material and the size of the cask all create marked differences in the performance of the final product. The original strength of the whiskey also plays a part. As a barrel matures, the whiskey inside slowly evaporates, increasing the spirit's strength. Any barrels stored closer to the ground are affected by varying humidity levels, which cause the whiskey to evaporate more slowly, resulting in distinctly different tastes between barrels. When we buy a barrel for you, we've had the chance to sample several different casks to confidently pick the one that's truly the best. We look for complex, balanced aromas and flavors like dried fruits, vanilla, caramel, corn and smoky charred wood.
Find a selection of quality whiskeys in our Wine & Spirits Shops at our Excelsior, Grand Avenue, Oak Park Heights, Shoreview, Uptown and Woodbury Markets. Selection and availability of products vary by market.
