Have you been wanting to learn more about whiskey but don't even know where to begin? Well, we have you covered in this simple and easy-to-read article about everything related to basics of whiskey.

Our team created the oak whiskey tumbler and we have learned a lot about whiskey through the journey. We're here to share all of that knowledge with you.

So, what even is whiskey?

Whiskey is a type of alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains. The whole process starts with a mix of grains, known as mash, and the grains that are commonly used are:

• Corn

• Barley

• Rye

• Wheat

How is it made?

Whiskey is made in five simple steps.

Step 1 - Sourcing Grains: Crafting whiskey begins with the sourcing the right grains. This is like building the foundation of a house. Getting this step right ensures everything else goes smoothly because it sets the stage for the flavor profile, aroma, and character of the whiskey. Each grain brings its own unique flavor and contribution to the final product. For example, corn will contribute a more sweet and full-bodied flavor as rye grains will contribute more spicy and fruity notes. Oftentimes, the best distilleries will work closely with local farmers to ensure their grains are pure and consistent.

Step 2 - Mash & Fermentation: After the grains are sourced, they are mixed and heated up with water in a large tank. Yeast is added and the fermentation process begins. During this process, the yeast actively converts the sugars in the grains to alcohol.

Step 3 - Distillation: When something is distilled, it boils the liquid into a vapor and then cools the vapor back into a liquid. In doing this, it adds more alcohol into the liquid and also purifies it. Sometimes, distilleries will do this multiple times to increase the purity and alcohol content of the whiskey.

Step 4 - Aging: The final step before bottling is putting the whiskey into an oak barrel to age. Why? This aging process actually gives the whiskey most of its flavor and also gives the spirit its amber color. By allowing the whiskey to sit inside of the oak barrel for years, it soaks up flavors from the wood, such as caramel, vanilla, depending on the type of wood and the type of barrel. We have an excellent post about the history of whiskey barrels here but think of the barrel as a flavoring pot for the whiskey.

This unique barrel-aging process is the exact reason that we created our charred oak whiskey tumblers. The char and oak add a smoother and richer flavor to every sip.

Step 5 - Bottling: This final step is the culmination of the whiskey-making process. After the whiskey is inspected for taste and quality by the distillery, their state-of-the-art machinery fills each bottle with the spirit to a very precise level. Immediately after filling, bottles are corked and sealed to prevent evaporation and oxidation.

The distillery must also carefully design the bottle and label to truly tell the story of the spirit and stand out on overcrowded shelves.

What are the different types of whiskey?

The different types of whiskey come from differences in ingredients (grains), production methods, aging processes, and geographical locations.

Below is a basic overview of the seven most popular types of whiskey and whisky in the world.

Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that must made primarily from corn (At least 51%), aged in new, charred oak barrels, and distilled at no more than 160 proof. It has no minimum aging requirement to be general bourbon but to be labeled as "straight" bourbon, it must be aged for at least two years.

Bourbon is known for its rich and sweet flavor profile. While it can be made anywhere in the United States, Kentucky is its historic heartland and remains synonymous with the particular spirit. We celebrate the craftsmanship and flavor of America's beloved whiskey with our handmade white oak tumblers, made to bring out the full flavor of bourbon in every sip.

A great bourbon to sip on is W.L. Weller Special Reserve or Old Elk Straight Wheated Bourbon.

Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is an American whiskey made at least 51% rye grain. This whiskey is also aged in new, charred oak barrels and, like bourbon, it must be aged for at least two years to be considered "straight" rye whiskey.

This type of whiskey is known for its spicy, fruity, and lighter flavor profile compared to the sweet flavor of bourbon.

Our favorite bottles of rye whiskey are Michter's US 1 Kentucky Straight Rye and Angel's Envy Rye.

Tennessee Whiskey

Tennessee whiskey is also an American whiskey that shares similarities with bourbon but with a key difference: the Lincoln County Process. Like bourbon, Tennessee whiskey must be made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, aged in new, charred oak barrels, and produced in the United States. However, what sets this spirit apart is the required filtration through charcoal before aging, known as the Lincoln County Process. This one single step imparts a smoother, mellower flavor to the whiskey, distinguishing it from bourbon.

Well-known Tennessee whiskey brands include Jack Daniels and George Dickel.

Scotch Whisky

Scotch whisky, often just called Scotch, is a type of whisky made in Scotland from malted barely, water, and yeast. It must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years and one day, distilled to less than 94.8% alcohol-by-volume (ABV), and bottled at a minimum of 40% alcohol-by-volume.

The flavors of Scotch depending on the region its made in. For example, if the spirit is made in the Islay region of Scotland, it most likely has a smoky, peaty flavor. However, if it's made in the Speyside region of Scotland, the flavor will have a lighter and fruitier profile.

There are a lot of different types of Scotch, including Single Malt Scotch which is made from 100% barley in one single distillery, and Blended Scotch that is made from a mix of malt and grain whiskies from different distilleries.

Popular Scotch brands include Macallan, Dalmore, and Johnnie Walker.

Canadian Whisky

Canadian whisky is a whisky produced in Canada that's known for its light and clean flavor profile. It is typically made from a blend of grains, with corn being predominant, but often includes rye, barley, and wheat. Canadian law requires the whisky to be aged in small wood barrels for at least three years, though many distilleries age their products longer to achieve a richer flavor.

There are many Canadian whisky distilleries but the most widely known is Crown Royal.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is a smooth, often triple-distilled whiskey made in Ireland from a mash of malted and unmalted grains, which include barley, corn, and sometimes rye. It must be aged in wooden barrels, typically oak, for at least three years. What separates Irish whiskey from Scotch whisky is it's triple distillation process and the absence of peat in the malting process.

Irish whiskey is known for its smooth, light, and delicate flavor profile.

If you're looking to pick up a bottle of Irish whiskey, we recommend checking out Tullamore Dew XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish or Redbreast 12.

Japanese Whisky

Japanese whisky is a type of whisky made in Japan, mirroring the traditional Scotch whisky production methods. This whisky is made from malted barely and other grains, and is often aged in Japanese oak (Mizunara) barrels.

Japanese whiskey is celebrated for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and blending skills, that produce smooth and complex spirits.

 

Why should you start getting into whiskey?

When you buy a bottle of whiskey, you buy a lot more than just liquor in a bottle. You're actually buying tradition, craft, history, and flavor. Whiskey has a way of bringing people together, sparking conversations, and forming connections. It's often said that whiskey tastes better when shared with others and we find this to be true. The culture surrounding whiskey encourages these conversations, driven by a love and passion for the spirit.

We at Artisan Oak are here for people like you seeking to deepen their appreciation for this storied spirit. Our Whiskey 101 blog was created for this exact reason and is a great place to begin the journey.

If you're looking for a unique way to experience the full flavor of whiskey, check out our handmade oak whiskey tumblers. Made from the same wood used for whiskey barrels, our oak whiskey cups brings the benefits of whiskey barrels to every sip.