How to drink whiskey

The process of tasting alcoholic beverages brings pleasure to the taste. Each type needs an appropriate setting, dishes, snacks, and whiskey was no exception. Scotland and Ireland have been arguing about the honor of being called his homeland for many years, and new ways of using golden strong whiskey have been invented with enthusiasm almost all over the world.

What is whiskey?

This is the name of a single malt or blended strong alcoholic beverage with a strength of 32-50%, which has passed the stages of fermentation, distillation, aging in oak barrels. However, there is a strict restriction on the naming. Only Scotch whiskey from barley is called scotch, and bourbon is a drink made in North America.

Drink history

Historians are inclined to believe that the name of the drink comes from the Celtic "uisge beatha" or "living water". In the harsh conditions of the rocky mountains, in the absence of orchards and vineyards, the locals took barley as a basis, and received a drink that was excellent in its taste characteristics. There are 2 versions of its origin, in which Scotland and Ireland speak, claiming the exclusivity of their invention. Both are partly confirmed by facts, but quite controversial.

Scotland
In the annals, the first mention of distillation and the receipt of a drink is mentioned in 1494. There is a reasonable suspicion that production began much earlier. The method was adopted from the missionaries who adopted it after visiting the Arab countries. The original version of whiskey resembled moonshine. He was also tasted immediately after distillation. Some far-sighted farmers tried aging in barrels, but experimental samples were often drunk until a tangible effect was achieved. Nevertheless, the idea has taken root, and high-quality varieties are certainly placed in oak barrels to achieve a rich taste and the famous golden amber color.

At first, only monks were engaged in production, then ordinary villagers joined in, appreciating not only the medicinal possibilities of “living water”, but also its excellent fun properties. The state, seeing which source of enrichment was passing by the treasury, tried to take control of production in the 16th century by issuing permission to produce only the nobility and representatives of the nobility. In the next century, excise taxes were invented, which were issued to the 8 largest distilleries. But the people continued to produce and drink whiskey without any permission from above. I had to introduce amnesty in the 19th century and legalize large and small distilleries.

A special recipe, crystallized over the centuries, gives Scotland the right to place scotch labels on its labels.

Ireland
Residents showed great ingenuity, not only making and tasting the drink, but also selling it to the British, fighting the Scots over the territory. Thus, they secured access to the international market. In legends, St. Patrick gave the whiskey recipe to residents, at the same time introducing the pagans to the true faith and expelling poisonous snakes from the Emerald Isle.

The first trade patent was issued in 1608, it included an indispensable “royal share” for trade. But enterprising Irish never showed true production volumes, and they steadily increased, as demand for strong and high-quality alcohol increased.

In addition to these two countries, good whiskey is produced in America and Japan. Their brands are also appreciated by gourmets and are popular.

Kinds

Classification is based on raw materials and manufacturing method, the country of origin.

Varieties

1. Malt is considered traditional, quality and expensive. It is made in two ways. Single malt is made from barley from one distillery, it is allowed to mix alcohols of different aging times. Bochkova allows the purchase and use of third-party material from other distilleries. Through a mixture of alcohols and the raw material itself, more varied shades of taste are obtained.
2. Grain in its pure form is almost never used. It goes as the basis of other varieties, because it does not have a bright taste and aroma. It is made from corn, specially processed barley.
3. Blended accounts for about 90% of the product exported. It is obtained after mixing malt and grain species.
4. Bourbon is highlighted. Production is based on corn; aging is carried out only in burnt oak barrels.

Country
Gustatory features of drinks are well known to connoisseurs. They will never confuse whiskey from Scotland and Japan, despite their similarity:

1. Scottish has a deep taste and a gradually unfolding aromatic train with a smack of smoke.
2. Irish has a persistent aroma and rich color.
3. American is bitter and very stable in structure.
4. Canadian is aged for at least 3 years, which gives the taste depth and layering.
5. Japanese lacks the flavor of peat, and this is how it is distinguished from Scottish.

Famous brands

The gradation between whiskey and bourbon is very subtle. For example, the advantage in one direction or another can be affected by the degree of firing of the barrel or the aging time. Nevertheless, experts simply call their favorite brands and are ready to find a huge number of arguments to confirm their choice. In the world market are well known:

1. Jack Daniels is made in America.
2. Chivas Regal, Scotland, in a line of 6 varieties.
3. Johnnie Walker consists of a classic line, a collection series, an elite segment and a limited collection.
4. Ballantine’s was produced by the Scots, over time the French bought the line, in an assortment of 12 types, the recipes have not changed since the company was founded.
5. The Macallan offers 7 types, listed in the Guinness Book of Records for the sale of a bottle of whiskey worth 250 thousand pounds.
6. Hankey Bannister is famous for the quality of single-malt whiskey, the company was created in 1757, the recipe is carefully guarded, recognized by the soft balanced blend of alcohol from the distilleries of the company, third-party raw materials are not used.
7. White Horse is named for the tavern owned by the owner of the distillery, the blend is created from 40 varieties of malt and grain spirits.
8. The Famous Grouse is known for its amazing creamy taste after 10 years of aging.
9. Grant’s has won numerous awards in the whiskey segment for at least 12 years.
10. Black and White combines a delicate honey flavor and a relatively low price, and the distillery itself is recognized as the highest location in Scotland.
11. Jameson manufactures Ireland's largest recipe factory, which is already 200 years old.
12. Black Velvet is made in Canada and really has a velvety taste.
13. Crown Royal began to be produced in the middle of the 20th century and immediately gained great success, in addition to the rich taste, the magnificent design of the bottle also played a role.

Among the Japanese varieties, 10 leading ones are distinguished, but they go for export to Asian countries and rarely get to the Russian counter.

Composition and calorie content

The basis is one of the crops:

• rye;
• barley;
• corn.

Buckwheat is much less commonly used; in Japan, rice, corn and millet are mixed. The production technology is almost the same. The most saturated taste with high quality is obtained from barley. It is these types that go into the category of collection and elite.

Calorie content varies within 250 kcal. The exact figure depends on the feedstock.

Whiskey Rules

To get complete pleasure and enjoy the ensemble of taste and aroma of whiskey, you will have to observe certain temperature conditions, choose the appropriate dishes and create the appropriate surroundings.

Whiskey is considered an aristocratic drink, it is not served at the table for a meal. It can be an aperitif or digestif, but always separately from the meal. Being considered a male drink, whiskey requires restraint. No matter how feminists make noise about equality, they are not indignant at this division of the sexes, but flowers and lace napkins will be superfluous. Much more organic in the interior, where it is planned a leisurely enjoyment of whiskey, looks leather, wood, low-key lighting.

The drink is strong, its time comes after lunch or in the evening. This also has its effect, calming, tuning in a philosophical manner and leisurely friendly communication.

Temperature

Allowable play is very small, from 18 to 20 degrees. This is explained by the features of the composition. A warmer liquid will get a sharp smell of fusel oils. Deeper cooling will leave the taste and aroma unsolved.

Cookware Selection

There are no strict rules, the advice of experts is diametrically opposed. Some people think that only low heavy cups with a thick bottom are appropriate. Others say that the aroma is well concentrated in a wine glass. Most likely, you need to follow the dictates of the soul and choose in the sideboard what is comfortable to hold in your hand. When choosing, it is worth considering that the optimal dosage of 1 serving is no more than 30-50 g.

Serving Features
A bottle of a noble drink is never put on the dining table. To do this, separately cover a small, you can coffee, table near a comfortable sofa or soft armchairs. Whiskey is designed to communicate, not to satisfy hunger.

Etiquette

The rules of conduct in the company of noble ladies and gentlemen have not been canceled, and if you want to comply with them, you should consider that:

1. In a male company, any participant in a conversation can fill glasses.
2. At noisy parties, the drink is not served, it requires silence and relaxation.
3. If there are ladies in the company, then only the owner of the house monitors the fullness of the poured glass.
4. Light varieties are used as aperitifs, dark ones are offered after a meal.

Important: cocktail straw and whiskey are incompatible, even in the form of a cocktail.

How to drink whiskey

The strength of the drink is from 32 to 50 degrees. One glass is perfectly consistent with a cigar, but longer communication will be impossible without a decent snack, even if a festive dinner has recently ended.

What to drink with

Connoisseurs do not allow drinks to be mixed, claiming that a drop of pure whiskey is better than a glass of diluted one. They are right in their own way, limiting themselves to one afternoon or evening meal, sitting in a comfortable chair with a rug on your lap and looking at the burning fireplace. But you can combine drinks. If done correctly, the taste will not be lost, but will acquire new shades. Most often allowed:

• cola;
• juice;
• coffee.

It is worth taking a note: a small glass of mineral water without gas will update the taste possibilities when tasting several varieties.

Than have a bite

Preferences vary by country, but the basics remain the same.

1. Bright views. They are the lightest, the taste is easy to interrupt with a rich range. Therefore, a variety of seafood is recommended, including smoked or steamed red fish, shrimp, mussels, scallops, grilled sea cocktails with delicate sauces.
2. Scotch. On the table must be veal tongue, game, olives. A good complement are recognized hard varieties of cheese, melon, smoked fish. Spicy sauces, a large number of spices, citrus fruits are not allowed.
3. Bourbon. A juicy steak, all kinds of cold cuts can shade the taste. The second acceptable option would be fruit, cakes and dark chocolate. The aristocracy of the company will be emphasized by an expensive cigar and quiet communication.
4. Japanese whiskey. Cheese and Japanese food are allowed on the table. Sushi, tofu and fish dishes will look good.

How to drink different types of whiskey

In response to this question, a request will certainly be made to clarify which particular variety is meant. And this is natural, since each brand has its own taste shades, for which gourmets love them.

Jack daniels

Connoisseurs are inclined to believe that it is not worth spoiling the taste of the drink with additives and snacks. To maintain temperature and reveal taste, ice cubes or special chilled stones are used. In cocktails, preference is given to classic recipes, such as Manhattan, in the composition ordinary varieties are used.

White horse

Chilled water must be placed on the table. A special combination of the smack of smoke and peat in a drink sometimes needs to be neutralized after several sips. There are no particular subtleties in the use of this brand, elite varieties are drunk in their pure form, others allow dilution with apple juice or soda.

A little trick: the first sip you need to hold a little in your mouth and feel the process of revealing the taste.

Red label

It is also customary to drink it undiluted, enjoying a unique combination of peat smoke and a base aged on special water from local sources. There are many minerals in it that give the variety an easily recognizable taste. Varieties with a minimum aging time are used in cocktails, combining them with cola, coffee or juice.

Jameson

In Irish pubs, it is customary to serve a jug with crystal clear, well-chilled water along with whiskey. Cheese plate and smoked fish are served as snacks. This ends the culinary delights, as the thoughtful enjoyment of the drink begins. Juices with a neutral taste are suitable for cocktails.

Is it possible to drink whiskey after other drinks

It is possible, but why? The fortress allows you to "wind up a degree" without leaving a brutal hangover in the morning. But it is worth remembering that whiskey is an aristocratic egoist and does not tolerate rivals.

1. Beer and whiskey are made from barley, the raw materials are similar, the combination is not bad, if you do not fall into fanaticism and do not measure the pleasure in liters.
2. The combination with wine is not the best option. Both drinks have an individual flavoring bouquet, so there is no need to mix them. The only fact excusing such a mix would be a switch to another company. But then it's worth starting with wine.
3. After vodka only extreme people drink whiskey. Despite almost the same level of strength, the raw materials are different, which will necessarily affect the morning well-being. And most importantly - no champagne, either before or after.

Whiskey cocktails: recipes

This type of alcohol does not tolerate rivals, its character is harsh and straightforward. Cocktail recipes do not contain complex ingredients and are easy to prepare.

Manhattan

It is believed that the recipe was created at the end of the XIX century, quickly became a classic and is now an obligatory menu item on most bars. For cooking, take in equal proportions orange and apricot juices, whiskey, a little ice. The mixture is whipped in a shaker, poured into a martin and decorated with a cherry.

Whiskey cola

Simple to disgrace and also popular. The two ingredients are taken in equal proportions, mixed and immediately served on the table until the soda has lost its famous bubbles.

Irish coffee

More difficult to prepare, but gives an unforgettable taste experience from a combination of cream, coffee, sugar syrup, water and quality aged whiskey. First, coffee is brewed, then the remaining ingredients are added to the finished mass and garnished with whipped cream.

Sour whiskey

By popularity, he is confidently in the top five. It is made from whiskey, lemon juice and sugar syrup. They balance the taste, and whiskey enhances the resulting bouquet of fresh citrus notes and a deep aroma of elite alcohol.After mixing in a shaker, the mixture is poured into a tall glass, a few drops of red wine, 2 ice cubes are added. The glass is decorated with a lemon or orange spiral.

The benefits and harms of whiskey

In most cases, strong alcohol was first a medicine and was prescribed dropwise. He perfectly removed indigestion, healed intestinal infections, acted relaxingly on the body and soul. The monks were the first to experience the medicinal properties. In the monastery hospitals, whiskey was used for disinfection, as a light sleeping pill, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. A small therapeutic dose stimulates the work of the heart muscle, blood circulation, and the speed of perception of information.

In the diagnosis of cancerous tumors, small portions of whiskey block further cell degeneration, giving the necessary time for a course of treatment. 30 ml per day will remove sputum from the lungs, eliminate constipation, and serve as a shield that protects against the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The harm is not caused by the product itself, but by its excessive amount. It is also not recommended to drink alcohol for children, pregnant women, people with unstable psyche.

How to make whiskey at home

Fans of the drink are not only in Scotland and Ireland. Sometimes you want to make your favorite product with your own hands, and this is quite real. For cooking you will need:

• 8 kg of barley malt;
• 32 l of water;
• 300 g of live pressed yeast.

Important: yeast is bred only with warm, settled water. In cold, fermentation does not begin; in hot culture is boiled.

The taste is affected not only by the quality of the malt, but also by the water. It is best to take a spring or filtered one. Boiled is useless.

Malt is crushed into pieces of medium size, it is easier for beginners to buy raw materials of the right size. The water tank is heated to 70 degrees, and with continuous stirring, malt is poured clockwise. The mixture should be homogeneous, without lumps. It is tightly closed with a lid, adjusted to 65 degrees and kept at a constant temperature for 1.5 hours. The completion of the process is determined by the stratification of the mixture, where the liquid brightens, and the suspension settles to the bottom.

The container is quickly cooled to 25 degrees, the diluted yeast is poured, a water seal is installed and transferred to a dark, cool room. Fermentation time lasts 15 days, the mixture is stirred daily with a hand or stick. Then, a double distillation is carried out, in which the yield of the finished product is 4–5 l with a strength within 45 degrees.

The most important part is aging in an oak barrel or container with wooden pegs. She has been going for at least 6 months. Only in this case, the drink will acquire the necessary palette of taste and unforgettable aroma.

Interesting facts about whiskey

1. The drink has the smallest range of recommended temperature for serving and is only 3 degrees between +18 and +20.
2. Corked, it can be stored for a century without loss of quality.
3. Churchill was a great connoisseur of whiskey and even during the economic downturn did not allow to reduce the volume of barley cultivation.
4. The dispute between Ireland and Scotland about which of them opened the whiskey recipe has not been completed so far.
5. Whiskey is translated as "living water", as it was called by the monks involved in its production.

It is believed that about 5,000 types of drink have been developed and are being produced, if we consider the most minor changes in the recipe. Connoisseurs argue that whiskey does not tolerate mixing with other types of alcohol, and there is definitely a grain of truth in this. And most importantly, this drink does not endure fuss and drinking on the run. It requires an appropriate environment and only then reveals the full depth of taste and the magic of aroma.

Photo whiskey