What Is Whisky?
Want to know everything about whisky? Start here.
Basics
How To
Instant Expert
Instant Expert: Scotch Whisky
Scotch sets the standard for many whisky drinkers. Learn all about it here.
Instant Expert: Bourbon, Rye, and American Whiskey
Brush up on bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey, and other styles with this guide to the fundamentals.
Instant Expert: Irish Whiskey
What makes whiskey from the Emerald Isle unique? We’ll tell you.
Instant Expert: Japanese Whisky
Find out why Japanese whisky is so prized, and which brands you should try.
Instant Expert: Canadian Whisky
Canadian whisky is often misunderstood—this should clear it up.
GLOSSARY
Ever wondered about the difference between sour mash and backset, or what PPM stands for? Our glossary will help clarify some of the whisky world’s lingo.
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- Campbeltown
- Canadian whisky
- Caramel coloring
- Cask
- Cask strength
- Charcoal mellowing
- Charring
- Chill filtered
- Chocolate malt
- Coffey still
- Column still
- Condenser
- Congener
- Continuous still
- Cooper
- Cooperage
- Corn
- Corn whiskey
- Cut
- Malt
- Malt whisky
- Malted
- Marrying
- Mash
- Mash tub/tun
- Mashbill
- Master blender
- Master distiller
- Maturation
- Middle cut
- Moonshine
- Mothballed
- Mouthfeel
- Saladin box
- Scotch
- Shell and tube condenser
- Sherry
- Silent
- Silent season
- Single cask
- Single grain whisky
- Single malt whisky
- Single pot still
- Sláinte
- Small barrel
- Small batch
- Solera
- Sour mash
- Sourced
- Speyside
- Spirit safe
- Spirit still
- Still
- Straight
- Sweet mash