Whisky Categories
Discover the diverse world of whisky through our comprehensive category guide. From the complex Single Malts of Scotland to the bold Bourbons of Kentucky, find your perfect style.
American Single Malt
American whisky made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery, aged in oak casks. Officially recognised category since 2022.
Blended Irish
Blend of pot still and grain whiskies from Ireland, typically triple distilled for smoothness.
Blended Malt
Blend of single malt whiskies from two or more Scottish distilleries. Contains no grain whisky, only malt whisky.
Blended Scotch
Blend of single malt and grain whiskies from multiple Scottish distilleries. The most popular style of Scotch whisky worldwide.
Bourbon
American whisky made from at least 51% corn, distilled to max 80% ABV, aged in new charred oak barrels. Kentucky produces 95% of bourbon.
Canadian Whisky
Whisky distilled in Canada, typically blended from grain whiskies, often containing rye. Must be aged minimum 3 years in Canada.
Corn Whisky
American whisky made from at least 80% corn. Unlike bourbon, may be aged in uncharred or used barrels.
Irish Whisky
Whisky distilled in Ireland, traditionally triple pot-still distilled to 62-65% ABV, aged in old oak barrels. Known for smooth character.
Japanese Whisky
Whisky produced in Japan, often inspired by Scottish traditions. Can use malted barley, grain, or blends. Aged in various cask types.
Rye
Whisky made from at least 51% rye grain, producing spicier, more robust flavours compared to bourbon or wheat whisky.
Scotch Grain
Scottish grain whisky from a single distillery using grains other than malted barley, typically distilled in column stills.
Single Grain
Scottish grain whisky from a single distillery, using grains like wheat or corn, typically column still distilled to around 94% ABV.
Single Malt
Scottish whisky from a single distillery using 100% malted barley, pot still distilled to around 70% ABV, aged minimum 3 years in oak casks.
Single Pot Still
Traditional Irish whisky made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley in pot stills at a single distillery. Formerly known as Pure Pot Still.
Tennessee Whisky
American whisky made in Tennessee using the Lincoln County Process (charcoal filtering) before aging in new charred oak barrels.
Wheat Whisky
Whisky made primarily from wheat grain, producing a softer, sweeter flavour profile.
Understanding Whisky Categories
Single Malt
Single Malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery. Scottish Single Malts are world-renowned, with distinct regional characteristics from Speyside, Islay, Highland, and other regions.
Bourbon
American Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Kentucky Bourbon is especially famous for its sweet, full-bodied character with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Blended Whisky
Blended whiskies combine malt and grain whiskies from multiple distilleries. Master blenders create consistent, balanced expressions that can range from light and smooth to rich and complex.
Rye Whisky
Rye whisky features a spicier, more robust flavour profile. American Rye must contain at least 51% rye grain, while Canadian Rye traditions vary but often include significant rye content.