Whiskey: health benefits and harms

American writer William Faulkner said: “There is no bad whiskey. Some whiskeys are just better than others. ” Whiskey is rightfully considered a noble drink, its popularity in the world cannot be measured, and it is even more difficult to understand its benefits or harms to humans.

History of production and homeland of whiskey

It is very problematic to name the homeland of whiskey, because two states, which are very sensitive to this drink, claim this title at once. This, of course, is about Scotland and Ireland. Both the Scots and the Irish beat themselves in the chest and argue very hotly about which of them came up with the legendary whiskey. If you put two representatives of these states in one bar and ask this question, it is possible that it will come to a fight.

Scotland and Ireland cannot boast of a large number of vineyards or fruit plantations, which is why whiskey was originally made from barley. Each country has its own version of the history of the emergence and production of living water (this is how the word whiskey is translated from the Celtic language).

The Scots assure that they were trained in the method of distillation by missionaries, who in turn adopted this method from the crusaders. The latter learned about this during the Crusades in the Middle East. It was there that the knights were taught the method by local Arabs. Here is a simple story that goes back centuries. The only thing the Scots changed was that instead of grape wine they used barley beer. The first mention of living water dates back to 1494. And the way to get whiskey was surprisingly simple. The mash was placed in a copper kettle in the shape of a cube, under which a fire was made. Pairs of mash got into a kind of coil, and then into special dishes. This liquid was called whiskey.

Initially, local monks used whiskey in Scotland as a medicine, but, having tried and understood what cheerful emotions this medicine gives, local residents began to use it constantly. Soon the drink spread throughout the country and resembled ordinary moonshine. A little later, whiskey was called scotch tape. Then, in 1579, the Scottish authorities passed a law that permitted the production of adhesive tape only to representatives of the nobility and local nobility. Of course, this did not suit ordinary farmers, and they began the production of clandestine whiskey.

The Irish generally believe that the creator of whiskey was St. Patrick - the patron saint of Ireland. According to legend, the first thing that St. Patrick did, stepping on an emerald island (the so-called Ireland), was engaged in the manufacture of whiskey, converted the pagans to true religion and saved the island from poisonous snakes. Maybe the Scots were the first to invent whiskey, but it is certain that the Irish were ahead of them in terms of international trade. They immediately began producing whiskey for sale in England, and that in turn distributed live water throughout the world.

It was the Scots and the Irish who brought the drink to the New World, where to this day they produce one of the best whiskey in the world.

Varieties and types of whiskey

There are a huge number of varieties and types of whiskey, and it is sometimes difficult even for experienced sommeliers to understand their classification. Varieties of whiskey are divided depending on what raw materials were used and how they were made.

1. Malt whiskey is considered the best and most expensive in the world. They are made from pure barley without mixing with other crops. Malt whiskey is divided into two types: single malt and barrel. The first is whiskey made on one distillery, which during the production process can be mixed with other varieties of different aging periods.A barrel one can be produced at once by several distilleries and has different strength and saturation.
2. Grain Whiskey. This species has practically no smell and taste, but is made mainly from corn using only one distillation. This type is used for mixing with other varieties.
3. Blended. This whiskey is obtained by mixing grain and malt varieties. This is the most popular and common type, which has the lion's share of all whiskey production in the world - 90%.
4. Bourbon. Made exclusively in America based on corn. In special oak barrels, burned inside, this type of whiskey can be aged for years. And the most famous brand is Jim Beam, which every one of you has heard of.

Also, whiskey is divided into groups by country. After all, living water very quickly scattered across the planet and became one of the most popular alcoholic drinks.

1. Scottish is made only in the territory of this country, subject to all laws.
2. Irish is known worldwide for its persistent and rich aroma.
3. American whiskey. The representative of the New World is made on the basis of corn. Tends to cause appetite.
4. Canadian whiskey is unique, because only rye varieties are used in the production process, and Canadian law requires each distillery to withstand a drink for at least three years.
5. Japanese whiskey. The country of the rising sun was also addicted to the drink and began its production. And it turns out that Asians are no worse than European pioneers, so this species has conquered most of the Asian market.

Whiskey and cognac: what is the difference

It will be difficult for an average man to distinguish between these two types of drink. But in fact there are quite a lot of differences. Here are the main ones.

Raw materials and production methods
We have talked in detail about how whiskey is made earlier, but cognac on this basis is the opposite of living water. The main thing is that it is made by distillation of fruit juice. And with the same aging times, it costs more than whiskey (this does not apply to global brands), because the production process is longer and more complicated.

Production region
Whiskey is made all over the world and on almost every continent. The geography of production is great, as already mentioned above. And with cognac, everything is much more complicated. A drink called cognac can be made only in France (we are talking about a real, elite drink), and the state is very vigilant about the quality of its products.

Fortress
As already mentioned, the French very much care about the quality of their cognac. Surprisingly, the sale of cognac with a fortress of less than 40% is prohibited at the legislative level in France. But basically, real cognac reaches 41–42% and is considered the best in the world. Whiskey is not so picky: the strength of this drink can be from 40 to 50%, and some types of living water reach 70%.

Taste
This is a very subjective indicator, because all people have different preferences and choose a drink to their taste. Most connoisseurs of spirits believe that cognac has a richer taste and aroma, but people's preferences and sensations may vary.

Composition and calorie content

There are no fat-soluble vitamins in whiskey. The composition includes cereal components, water and sugar. Approximately 235 kcal per 100 g of living water. The chemical composition also includes potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, phosphorus.

What is useful whiskey

At the very beginning of the article, you could read that whiskey was originally used as a medicine by monks from Scotland. Of course, this drink can hardly be called a therapeutic drug, but it brings enough benefits to the body.

1. It is worth noting immediately that this drink is absolutely safe for patients with diabetes. Due to the minimal content of saccharides and carbohydrates, every diabetic can afford to relax in company with good whiskey.
2. Scientists have proven that whiskey stimulates a huge number of brain neurons, as a result of which a person remembers and assimilates information better. And it is not for nothing that many great people abused living water and endowed whiskey with beautiful epithets.
3. Whiskey can remove cholesterol, as it has a good effect on the heart muscle and opens the blood vessels. For this reason, many doctors even recommend drinking whiskey to patients with varicose veins, thrombosis and anyone who suffers from slow blood circulation in the body.
4. This is a real elixir of youth, because it contains a huge amount of antioxidants. They, in turn, prevent premature aging of the body, in addition, this is a good prevention of stroke and heart attack.
5. For patients with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's syndrome, whiskey is generally one of the main preventive drugs that can prolong life by 5, or even as much as 10 years.
6. You won’t believe it, but whiskey can even cope with cancer. It prevents the appearance of a tumor, and with the development of an ailment does not allow access of blood to cancer cells.
7. It has an excellent effect on the digestive system, and if you use a glass of whiskey half an hour before a meal, it will cause increased secretion of gastric juice. Thanks to this, food is absorbed faster.
8. Many do not know, but whiskey can gargle with characteristic pain, as well as sputum. A truly magical drink.

Harm and contraindications

It's no secret that alcohol abuse leads to dire consequences. This is very harmful to health, as alcohol dependence begins to develop. Scientists have proved that the use of elite alcohol (which is whiskey) is even more conducive to the development of alcoholism.

The harm in the abuse of whiskey is justified by the violation of the kidneys, liver, and also the cardiovascular system. It becomes difficult for a person to perform routine operations due to disruption of the activity of all systems.

Harm whiskey with cola

It is at this point should dwell in more detail. This cocktail is considered one of the most popular in the world, but people do not even realize how harmful and life-threatening it is.

Coca-Cola itself is very harmful to the body, and in conjunction with whiskey causes an irresistible feeling of hunger. Due to the high calorie content of cola, this leads to excess weight. And if in one fun evening you decide to abuse the amount of drunk whiskey with cola, then in the morning you will find the monstrous effect of a hangover. The interaction of these drinks does not bode well for people with a weak heart system. When adding cola to whiskey, forget about the full benefits of living water. A cocktail really becomes a health hazard.

Well and most importantly, you need to remember: if you decide to mix these drinks, just ruin the whiskey, which will lose all its aroma and rich taste. The result is an ordinary swill.

The use of whiskey in cosmetology

As mentioned earlier, whiskey is a real elixir of youth. It is not surprising that living water began to be actively used in cosmetology. So, whiskey wrapping is starting to gain popularity. This procedure is also used as a therapeutic basis for existing methods for the care of face and skin.

Whiskey treats acne and eliminates tired skin. The wrapping procedures stimulate blood circulation, microcirculation, metabolism and contribute to the restoration of the skin. They have such pleasant properties as weight loss and increased skin tone. Such wraps cool the upper layers of the epidermis, to which the body responds by accelerating metabolism. Blood flow improves, excess fat is burned. Such procedures will definitely not harm anyone, but will only improve the appearance of the skin.

How to drink whiskey

Properly drink whiskey, too, must be able to. Few people know, but this process has its own traditions and rules, like a tea ceremony in China. But do not think hard about it, because there are only tips on how to drink, and it is purely your opinion - to comply with them or not. In any case, using this drink, the person pursues the goal of relaxation, and you yourself can choose your own way. Here, only general rules will be described, and you must understand that in different countries, whiskey is drunk in its own way.

1. Scots drink whiskey absolutely at any time of the year, in any weather and for every occasion. The national drink is very respected here and with all severity refers to single malt whiskey. There is a special ritual with this type of living water: whiskey is poured into a faceted glass with a thick bottom in a large volume. They drink it only with mineral water at room temperature: so, in their opinion, whiskey fully reveals its taste. But with blended everything is much simpler: they can mix it with water, and with cola, and ice, and indeed with anything.
2. In Ireland, historically, whiskey is not as strong as that of the Scots. Therefore, it is often drunk without the addition of other ingredients. And if they add it, then only water and ice, so as not to spoil the taste and aroma of the legendary drink. One of the most beloved whiskey Irish called Irish coffe. Whiskey is added to coffee, which in turn only emphasizes the aroma and taste of living water, is also very useful and can protect against colds and sore throats.
3. American bourbon is almost always diluted with cola and ice is added. The fact is that, as already mentioned, Americans make whiskey from corn, because of which there is not a very pleasant aftertaste, which in turn can compensate for cola.
4. Some types of whiskey have their own traditions. So, the legendary Jack Daniels is customary to drink in its pure form, and if you want to dilute it, then in no case can you use cola. It is replaced with lemon or apple juice. Be sure to try: you will definitely be satisfied.
5. Blended Scottish White Horse is considered the most common in the world and has an unsurpassed aroma. The main thing here is not to lose it, therefore, in addition to ice and water, it is not recommended to use anything.
6. Jameson must drink in its pure form and in no case do not have a snack, as the Irish do.
7. Red Label is a unique whiskey made from 35 different varieties. Because of this, it has a rather hard taste, which not everyone can put up with. Here, the addition of cola or other fruit juices is not forbidden.

Pay particular attention to what you drink whiskey from. Usually, a cylindrical glass with a very thick bottom is used for this. This dish is called dramm, it is easiest to mix the drink. But more expensive and elite varieties of whiskey should be drunk from glasses, similar to wine, with a long leg. Thanks to this form, the taste and aroma are expressed more vividly, which will greatly delight real connoisseurs of the drink.

What do whiskey bite

Traditionally, whiskey snack is taken with fruits and cheeses. But the assortment of snacks for this drink is simply huge, and it is recommended to choose different products for each sort of living water. Scotland and Ireland are very rich in marine gifts. For this reason, it is customary in these countries to eat seafood. It is recommended to use salmon, salmon or trout. Real seafood lovers will be pleased to know that you can use a cocktail of scallops and shrimp fried on the grill.

Americans, putting a bottle of bourbon on the table, usually eat marshmallow marshmallows, sweet cakes, chocolate or grapes.

The Japanese are not far removed from the Scots and Irish. They began to use a traditional dish as a snack. Sushi is perfect for a bottle of whiskey made in Japan.

And around the world, as is customary to be served with elite alcohol, canapes with smoked fish, cheese and fruits are used. And that too would be the right choice. This appetizer looks nice, light and non-greasy.

How to choose and store whiskey

We already talked about what types of whiskey, so here you should focus on your own taste. But, getting into a supermarket, where dozens or even hundreds of different bottles with a tempting drink are on store shelves, a person can get confused. It should be remembered that the price tag is not always consistent with quality. Usually, the brand name is put in the price, which can famously raise it. So you can safely focus on the average cost of whiskey, if you pursue the goal of tasting. Well, of course, pay attention to why one brand in one store costs an order of magnitude lower than in another. Perhaps you are facing a fake that could become life threatening.

Remember: there is a huge amount of whiskey produced by different distilleries in different parts of the world, which have a very different taste. Therefore, if you purchased whiskey that you did not like, you should try a different kind of living water.

Also quite often people are interested in the question of how to properly store whiskey. Unlike wine, whiskey does not age while in a corked bottle. Yes, and does not require much effort for its storage. It is enough to isolate a bottle of whiskey from the sun and store it at a temperature of 5–20 degrees with normal humidity. In such conditions, living water will not lose its taste and aroma for many years. But in case the bottle has already been opened, everything becomes much more complicated. The fact is that whiskey will actively interact with oxygen, as a result of which the oxidation process will begin. There is no universal way to properly store whiskey. Collectors have come up with a bunch of tricks, but none of the ways will help prevent oxidation. The easiest way not to lose the taste and aroma of a drink is to drink it throughout the year.

Interesting facts about whiskey

1. About 5 thousand types of single malt whiskey are produced in the world, 90% of which are from Scotland.
2. Every second, about 30 bottles of Scotch whiskey are bought in the world. This is more than American and Japanese combined.
3. The USSR also tried to produce its own whiskey under the name "Whiskey 73". But such a drink was completely impossible to drink.
4. When prohibition was introduced in America, the locals came up with a very tricky move, selling whiskey in pharmacies as a medicine.
5. 60-year-old Maccalan whiskey is the most expensive in the world. Its cost is 62 thousand dollars per bottle. It is noteworthy that in the world there are only 40 such bottles.
6. You will be surprised to find out who became the largest producer of whiskey in the world. This is India.

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