Your Guide to Whiskey Types and Whiskey Glasses

It’s time to break out your deep engraved glasses and get ready to learn more about whiskey. Or is it whisky? If you are eager to learn more about the different types of whiskey and the different types of whiskey glasses to drink out of, read on.

Whiskey vs. Whisky

The difference between whiskey and whisky is simple: location. Irish and American whiskey is spelled with an e, while Scottish, Japanese, and Canadian whisky is not. That’s the simple way to remember.

Different Types of Whiskey and Whisky

Now that we’ve covered the basics between whiskey and whisky, here are the different types of whiskey you should know about.

Rye

Rye, unsurprisingly, is made with at least 51% rye mash in America. Other ingredients may include corn and barley. It’s often aged in charred barrels for at least two years. Rye offers spicy, fruity flavors and is a favorite for mixed drinks.

Bourbon

Bourbon is made in America with at least 51% corn mash. The remaining ingredients include malted barley, rye, or wheat. It is slightly sweeter than rye and has a woodsy flavor with soft spices and a vanilla or caramel aftertaste. Bourbon is famously used in mint juleps.

Scotch

Made only in Scotland, scotch is made up of malted barley or grain and aged in oak casks for at least three years. The Scottish are very serious about scotch whisky, with laws in place outlining what can be called scotch. Each bottle must also be labeled with the age of the youngest whisky in blends. Scotch is best sipped neat, especially from personalized whiskey glasses for that extra touch. Scotch often has peaty, earthy, smoky flavors.

Irish

Distilled for at least three years, Irish whiskey is made using only a mash of malt and caramel coloring. It’s smoother than scotch, with more fruit and less peat on the palette. The flavor can also be grassy, grainy, or bourbon-like. Sip it neat or on the rocks.

Japanese

Japanese whiskey is similar to scotch, made from double malted or peated barley, and aged in a wooden cask. Unlike scotch, Japanese whisky can often be found in mixed drinks. Japanese whisky is smooth and delicate and may be perfumed with honey for added sweetness.

Tennessee

Technically a bourbon, Tennessee whiskey is filtered through charcoal before fermentation, helping to age it and remove impurities. (Just don’t tell anyone from Tennessee that it’s a bourbon.)

Different Types of Whiskey Glasses

Once you’ve determined what you want to drink (and if you’ll be sipping a whiskey or whisky), the next step is covering how you’ll enjoy it as well as what you’ll enjoy it in. Indulge yourself with personalized whiskey glasses for the occasion. At the very least, opt for an appropriate glass rather than anything plastic. Cheers!

Rocks Glass

A rocks glass is what you want when you want whiskey on the rocks, or over ice. This is the typical glass for a neat drink, as well, and can work well with mixed drinks. If you want to add a touch of luxury, get custom whiskey glasses with your name or monogram, and enjoy sipping your favorite rye or bourbon.

Glencairn Glass

If, however, you want to enjoy scotch, the Glencairn glass is for you. With a full bowl that tapers at the top, it helps you appreciate the liquor’s subtle nuances. Glencairn glasses etched with your monogram can help you get in the scotch spirit, sipping a glass neat after work.

Highball Glass

If you are having a whiskey and soda water, it’s likely to come in a highball glass. This is very common for simple mixed whiskey drinks and a staple of home bars.

Cheers,

Sherri