Glossary Terms

Bung

The stopper used to close a barrel or cask.

Bourbon

American whiskey made from a mash of at least 51% corn, with the remainder being any other grain. Rye and wheat are most common, and most contain a small amount of malted barley to aid

Bottled in bond

American spirits, most often bourbon or rye, produced within the regulations of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. These spirits must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery, mature in a U.S.

Blended malt

In Scotland, a blend of malt whiskies from at least two distilleries; previously referred to as a vatted malt.

Blend

A combination of two or more spirits. In the United States, a blended whiskey must contain at least 20% straight whiskey or a blend of straight whiskeys, while the remainder can consist of non-straight whiskey,

Bere barley

One of the oldest varieties of barley in Britain, occasionally used for making malt whisky. These days, it’s grown mainly in the north of Scotland, including on Orkney and Shetland.

Barley

A cereal grain used in the production of whisk(e)y. Malted barley is required to make malt whisky, although unmalted barley can be used to make other types of whisky.

Angels’ Share

The amount of liquid that evaporates from the barrel during the maturation process. This varies according to factors like heat and humidity, and the percentage lost is higher in warmer regions.

Age statement

The number of years that distilled spirits have been stored in oak containers prior to bottling, as stated on the bottle. An age statement is required for American whiskeys aged less than 4 years. This

ABV

Alcohol by volume; the measure of how much ethanol is contained in a given volume of a liquid, expressed as a percentage. See also Proof.

Aftershots

The final spirit produced from a spirit still at the end of the distillation process. These fusel oils are low in alcohol and can be discarded or redistilled. Also known as feints or tails.

Cask

A general term for all types of oak vessels used in the storage and maturation of whisky. See also Barrel.