Which is made from grain various types using special methods of distillation, storage and aging. It is usually drunk neat or mixed in cocktails. Like any other type of alcoholic product, this drink is available in both the highest and lower quality. In this article, we will give a rating of whiskey so that you can decide which option to buy for a home feast, which one is not a shame to give to a big boss, and which one to use as an investment for the future. After all, collectible bottles “leave” at auctions for many thousands of dollars.
whiskey according to the authoritative magazine "The Whiskey Bible"
Firstly, it should be noted that it is also Irish. Often a separate rating is compiled exclusively for these species. Aging and composition are also important - after all, the drink can be single malt, double malt and multi-malt. Even the material from which the barrels for storing alcohol are made matters (oak ones are considered the best). Taking into account all these factors, the whiskey rating is compiled. So, let's listen to the opinions of the experts and see how the reputable sommeliers of the American magazine “Whisky Bible” distributed the prizes:
1. In first place is Old Pulteney 21 YO whiskey, which earned 97.5 rating points out of 100 possible. The price for 700 ml is about 200-250 dollars, which is quite good for the first place winner.
2. Second place of honor, according to the experts of the “Whiskey Bible,” should be given to the noble drink George T. Stagg, the price of which is about 150-160 dollars per bottle.
3. Third place goes to Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheated Mash Bill Bourbon 10 YO. Its cost is much less - only 80-90 dollars for a 750 ml bottle.
We named the three main winners of the rating. The experts then considered the best varieties in various categories, for example: “Scotch” (Scotch whisky), “Single malt scotch”, “Irish” and “American whisky”. It must be said that this, perhaps the most authoritative rating of whiskey in the world, does not include varieties of the drink that are widely known to Russian consumers. The only thing that was recognized as one of the best in the “Blended Scotch” category was the more or less familiar Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 YO.
The most delicious whiskey: customer opinion
Agree, you can take into account the opinions of experts about which whiskey is the best in the world. But is it worth relying on them when talking about the taste of the product? After all, sommeliers evaluate drinks according to some special, semi-secret criteria, and what may seem like a divine pleasure to them, the average buyer will not like at all. So, let's look at the rating of whiskey by taste, based on reviews from consumers themselves, as well as sales estimates. So, William Lawson’s drink (Baccardi company) is in first place, Johnnie Walker Black Label is firmly in second place, and Maccalan whiskey takes third place. Whether experts agree with this rating is a big question... The above Top 3 drinks are compiled based on sales growth data for 2013.
Rating of whiskey in the world: top 10 most expensive drinks
Now we come to perhaps the most interesting part, because collectible whiskeys cost tens of thousands of dollars, and few people buy them just to enjoy the aromatic drink while sitting by the fireplace and smoking a cigar. Such bottles are considered as investments and are carefully stored in special cabinets, which, by the way, also cost a lot of money. So, we present to your attention another whiskey rating. The main selection criterion was the price for one bottle of the drink (the rating was compiled based on 2013 data):
1. In first place is a three-varietal blend from 1946, priced at $460,000 per bottle. Believe me, the cost of the drink will only increase over the years.
2. In second place is Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955 whiskey at a price of $94,000 per bottle (compared to the winner of first place, this price seems extremely “affordable”).
3. Third place again goes to Macallan, but this time with the 1926 blend. Price: $75,000 per bottle.
4. The fourth position is occupied by Glenfiddich 1937 - it seems that the Glenfiddich and Macallan brands have entered into serious competition in terms of price and product quality. The cost of a bottle of Glenfiddich 1937 is $71,700.
5. In fifth place is the rare Dalmore 62 Highland Malt Scotch Matheson whiskey at a price of $58,000 per bottle.
6. Positions six to ten are occupied by Macallan 55, Dalmore 50, Glenfarclas 1955, Macallan 1939 and Chivas Regal Royal Salute 50, where the last digit in the name is the number of years of aging. Prices per bottle range from $15,500 for the Macallan 55 to exactly $10,000 for the Chivas Regal Royal Salute 50.
Popularity rating of inexpensive whiskeys
Of course, it’s good to be a millionaire and have a bottle worth ten SUVs... However, not everyone has access to such pleasure. Therefore, let's look at the whiskey ranking by popularity. It includes exactly those drinks that are available to the average buyer, because their price does not exceed $30-40 for a standard 0.7 liter bottle. In the process of compiling the rating, the taste of the drink, quality, aftertaste and other important criteria were taken into account
1. First place goes to Kingdom 12 Year Old Scotch whiskey: the product has been aged for 12 years and has a soft aftertaste.
2. Second on the list is Town Branch Bourbon, a famous American brand.
3. Third is Elmer T. Lee Bourbon Whiskey.
4. The fourth position is occupied by Black Bottle Blended Scotch whiskey (experts say that this “scotch” has a bright aftertaste with fruity tones).
5. In fifth place is Russell's Reserve 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey, it is noteworthy that its strength is 45 degrees.
Value for money: inexpensive whiskeys
If you are an amateur and not a connoisseur of this drink, the first five names given above are unlikely to evoke any associations in you. But as you continue the rating, you will finally see familiar brands on the list. So:
6. In sixth place is Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, aged six years.
8. In eighth position is Smooth Ambler Exceptional White Whiskey. It is said to have a distinct cornmeal flavor.
9. Ninth place was taken by a brand more or less familiar to Russians: the Johnny Drum Green Label drink has a standard 40 degrees and a slightly spicy taste.
10. And the last, tenth place is given to Johnny Drum Black Label, which also has a strength of 40 degrees, and in its taste and aftertaste there are shades of vanilla and... leather.
Popular cocktails containing whiskey
Making alcoholic mixes is an art. And a professional bartender can name a dozen cocktails that include the drink in question. Here are the best and most popular of them:
- the famous whiskey-cola mix (even if there are only two ingredients, but still a cocktail) is a real bestseller;
- a cocktail called “Nail” or “Red Nail”, which also includes whiskey and Scottish liqueur “Drambuie”;
- Many people love Irish coffee - a hot drink with whiskey added.
In general, noble “Scotch” or “Single Malt” is usually drunk simply with ice, so there are not many cocktails with the addition of this Scottish or Irish drink. So, we looked at the rating of whiskeys - the most expensive, as well as the most inexpensive, but at the same time high quality, and the most popular among buyers. We hope our article will help you choose your drink or decide on a gift for a friend or colleague, because alcohol in this category is often used as a gift for a birthday or any other holiday.
Giving alcoholic drinks as a gift has become a good tradition these days. High-quality and elite alcohol does not lead to drunkenness. It warms the soul, liberates the body and encourages good and friendly conversation. In this article we will talk about strong alcoholic drinks - about cognacs And whiskey.
Undoubtedly, the presentation of such a gift deserves special attention and it is necessary to first become familiar with the taste preferences of the person to whom the gift is intended.
Usually cognac or whiskey is given to men, after all, such drinks should be drunk slowly, delving into each sip, looking at the oily stems flowing down the walls of the glass. They are complemented by a fragrant Cuban or Dominican cigar. Modern emancipation has led to the fact that some women are also not averse to eating delicious food and joining the club of strong alcohol lovers. Therefore, women can also be given such gifts!
You can buy good cognac or whiskey as a gift at any chain hypermarket or wine boutique, or order it in an online store.
Attention: Quality and endurance dictate the price, not the other way around, and this is Golden Rule when purchasing alcohol as a gift.
An inexperienced beginner will need a kind of guide to the sea of cognac and whiskey. The advice of a professional sommelier will become just such a navigator today. Well, friends, are you ready to set sail? Today the weather is calm and no storms are expected.
Cognac theme. Attention, there may be pitfalls!
Do not rush to immediately go to the shelves and display cases where imported products are displayed. Russian producers also know how to make high-quality cognacs, which you wouldn’t be ashamed to present as a gift to the most respected person. In addition, domestic cognac emphasizes true patriotism and national priorities.
The sales leaders among all cognac factories in the Russian Federation are the factories of sunny Dagestan, namely Kizlyar and Derbent. Here I would like to make a small clarification: in Dagestan there are a lot of small enterprises producing cognac, since this is considered a matter of honor for the horseman and only lazy people do not produce cognac there. That is why it is quite possible to make a mistake and instead of Lezginka buy Lezginochka or something more or less visually close to it. In an effort to conquer the market, many manufacturers create labels for their products that mislead consumers. This is an outright falsification.
Read the label carefully, and even more carefully the back label. Seek reliable information.
In addition to the name, look at the quality of the label's printing: it should be bright, even, and shiny. A good label is glued on with high quality and has no adhesive smudges, roughness or folds. Be sure to check the closure of the product: the heat-shrinkable cap should not rotate, and there should be a cork stopper underneath it.
Visually evaluate the product you have chosen. Factories with a century-old history are very meticulous about the appearance of their products; they will not allow any flaws. If anything is in doubt, it is better to refrain from purchasing – Do not buy such cognac for yourself, much less as a gift for the hero of the occasion.
Attention: active falsification is aimed at the category of the best-selling goods in the low and medium price categories. More valuable and aged, expensive and less sold cognacs are not adulterated, since it is unprofitable!
What do the stars and letters tell you?
Many people know that domestic cognacs are marked on the labels with asterisks or letters. Three stars is the least aged cognac and it is completely inappropriate to present it. Five stars is a more seasoned product, but again it’s a bit of a stretch for a gift. These are all ordinary cognacs, and they do not deserve special attention. Save them for a friendly feast and move on to the next shelf.
Pay attention to the cognac abbreviation KVVK, KS or OS. Such cognacs are called vintage and collection. They will delight the recipient with their full-bodied taste and aroma.
For information: mature, old cognacs always come in a gift box, while cheaper ones – without it. Great cognacs are beautiful in form and content, so the bottle must be beautiful.
Decoding
KVVK– aged cognac, of the highest quality, it contains cognac spirits in its blend at least 8 years old.
KS– translated as old cognac. It is created from cognac spirits having aging in oak for 10 years or more.
OS– the cognac is very old. A real crowning achievement of winemakers. To create it go best alcohol and the best oak. It is aged for 20 years or more.
One more tip. Before you go shopping, go to the official websites of the factories. Check out the range on offer. Study information about the product and its price, see how it looks visually.
Cognacs of Dagestan – Caspian soul of Russia
1. Noble cognac “Russia”
The first contender for the hand and heart for a gift or presentation is the noble cognac “Russia” produced by the Federal State Unitary Enterprise. It is aged in oak barrels for at least 15 years and has a soft taste with pronounced tones of aging in oak. The flavor balance is spicy and fruity. It is considered the official cognac of the Kremlin.
The average price is around 4,250 rubles per 0.7 liter.
2. Cognac "Peter the Great » – Russian tradition
Empire
He will become one of best gifts for a man who appreciates the traditions and richness of Russian history. Cognac “Peter the Great” is aged for 25 years.
The aroma is complex, you can find the smell of vanilla and leather. The taste is raisin and almond, and the aftertaste is long and elegant.
Price – from 5,000 rubles per 0.7 liter.
3. Cognac in souvenir porcelain from Kizlyar
The FSUE plant is perhaps one of the few that offers porcelain souvenir products to the market. Cognac KS shtof "Eagle" has at least 15 years of aging and has the aroma of meadow grass and tones of pine needles, combines a balance of spices and a fruity aroma. Soft and harmonious in taste, “Eagle” will be a wonderful gift. It is unlikely that you will be able to buy such a gift in a regular store - this rare product requires pre-order.
Priced at 6,000 rubles for exclusivity.
4. Senator cognac – well-deserved respect
The second leader in the cognac market among domestic producers is undoubtedly the Derbent plant. For complete information, the label should say Derbent Cognac Factory JSC. As a gift from this manufacturer you can offer Senator cognac in a crystal decanter, which is produced from oak-aged cognac spirits for more than 10 years. The aroma is complex with tones of vanilla and chocolate. The taste is mild. The aftertaste is harmonious and round. The product has been awarded gold medals. Available in gift packaging.
Price – from 6,100 rubles.
5. Cognac “President” – no comments needed
Cognac "President" with 30 years of aging speaks for itself. Very old cognac in a crystal decanter. It has a full flavor and a buttery body. The blue silk of the gift wrapping elegantly combines with the golden coat of arms of the Russian Empire.
Very expensive cognac! Estimated at 30,000 rubles.
For information to the buyer: if collectible cognacs may seem too expensive and unaffordable, and ordinary ones are not suitable as a gift, then feel free to buy vintage cognacs. They are not particularly expensive, but the quality is high.
Armenian sun in a cognac glass
Following Russian cognacs are Armenian cognacs. But not all the gold that came down from Mount Ararat. Supermarket shelves are full of offerings of cognac from Armenian producers, and most often its cheap versions are presented in frosted bottles.
The YKZ (Yerevan Brandy Factory) has been and remains a classic of the genre, dating back to 1887, which to this day has not lost its age-old traditions. Skipping ordinary star cognacs, start your choice with cognacs aged 10-15 years.
6. Cognac “Vaspurakan” – a legend of Armenia
A win-win solution as a gift could be “Vaspurakan” - this is a 15-year-old cognac,having its own individual character. This is a fairly old cognac, it has a harmonious bouquet with woody notes that complement the spicy and coffee aromas. The soft and delicate taste of “Vaspurakan” will undoubtedly appeal to even a connoisseur and gourmet.
Price – from 4,200 rubles.
7. Cognac “Noah” – song of the Caucasus
Literally across the road from the YBC there is the no less famous Yerevan Brandy, Wine and Vodka Factory, which produces the popular Noy cognac. It is represented on the alcohol market with a wide range of cognacs, among which any consumer can find an option suitable for price and quality. An excellent gift is Noah Classic, 20 years old in oak. The recipient will feel notes of dark chocolate, almonds and vanilla, as well as southern dried fruits in its taste. It is distinguished by velvety softness, purity of taste and a slightly tart aftertaste.
Price for 0.5 liters – from 4,200 rubles.
French cognac – on the crest of a wave
In a sea of cognac, France rules the roost. She has been the undisputed leader and progenitor of cognac production for many thousands of years. It is on its unique soils that the best white Ugni Blanc grapes grow, which are able to give the world the splendor of this drink. Cognac is born in the region of the same name, in the Charente department. The drink of royalty and emperors, knights and midshipmen, it makes anyone who touches it fall in love with it from the first sip.
Interesting fact:
Cognac production in France is strictly regulated by the state. Even a small drop of a drink that goes against the legal regulations, technology or blend can significantly affect the name of a particular manufacturer, among whom there is fierce competition and they value their reputation very much.
8. French cognacs are the best choice
Any cognac produced in the Cognac region (a French city in the Charente department) is a guaranteed quality product.
Let's name five great cognac houses, any of which can take first place:
- Popular Hennessy,
- Chic Martel,
- Aristocratic Otard,
- Noble Courvoisier,
- Harmonious Remy Martin.
All of them deserve attention and any of them can give true pleasure.
In fact, there are many more producers in the Charente region and they all keep the recipe for the blend of their drink strictly secret. Whatever French cognac you buy as a gift, know that in your hands is true gold with a centuries-old history, which you are not ashamed to give to a respected person.
As in the case of Russian and Armenian versions, the best examples of the creation are French cognacs of the X.O categories. (Extra Old), Extra, Gold Reserve, Napoleon. Before appearing to the world in all its glory, they mature in the best oak barrels for an average of 20 years. That is why their taste is so mature, round, oily, rich, soft, and does not burn the taste buds. In old cognacs, the smell of alcohol is practically absent; they capture the aromas of heather honey and oak bark, and their taste contains the sweetness of dried fruit and vanilla notes. An incredible number of epithets describe this drink: divine, elegant, refined, soft, round, full-bodied. Real cognac is a magical melody that you want to listen to endlessly!
Of course, such masterpieces cannot be cheap. Their market price is on average 10 thousand rubles. Not every Russian has the opportunity to spend that amount on a gift. In this case, you can consider the cognac category V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) – the cost of a bottle of this product will be half as much.
Interesting fact:
The shorter the aging of cognac, the sharper and harsher the taste of the drink. Cognac is a living organism; it must ripen, mature and gain intelligence and strength in the process of aging and communicating with oak. It would be stupid to ask a baby to solve complex math problems... wouldn't it?
Whiskey is a drink for the elite
Cognac as a gift is undeniably the most popular option, but many men (less often women) prefer to drink whiskey. Whiskey is strong alcoholic drink, produced using a special technology from fermented grain wort and malt. It can be different in its quality, origin and preparation technology: it can be aged for a long time in an oak barrel and completely young, blended and single malt. Living water is the second name that strong whiskey deservedly received. A healing and warming sip of quality whiskey can work wonders, revitalize and invigorate any body.
However, in order to understand which whiskey to choose for a gift, you need to understand at least a little about the process of its production. No matter how sad it may sound, not everything is whiskey that is written on the label.
Whiskey is produced in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, America and Japan. They differ from each other in their taste and aroma.
The lowest level of whiskey production is straight and blended whiskey, which is mainly used for making cocktails. This whiskey has a harsh taste. Rarely does anyone like drinking it in its pure form, and diluting it with Coca-Cola is not a rule of good manners.
If you want to purchase true quality as a gift, then hurry away from the shelves with yellow promotional price tags. Three for the price of two is not your option today. Look for a more aged product, or better yet, a single malt. And so that the price does not scare you, stock up on fortitude and a couple of respectable bills.
It is believed that understanding the drinking and taste of whiskey comes with age and it takes some time to understand it. A particularly aged whiskey should be given to a mature person who already knows a lot about drinking whiskey and is able to appreciate its quality, while a less aged whiskey is quite suitable for a young person who is just starting his journey in the sea of elite alcohol.
Blended Johnny is a master of his craft
The most popular whiskey brand in the world is Johnny Walker. On store shelves it is presented in various options from the most ordinary to a real creation. The red Johnny Walker label is considered the most... simple option gift. EIts taste is too simple and does not have much zest. It is aged for 3 to 5 years in an oak barrel. According to the classification, it belongs to young varieties of whiskey. The price for 0.7 liters in gift packaging is around 1,700 rubles.
9. Johnny Walker Whiskey – gold label
There are more expensive varieties of "Johnny Walker", such as gold label. This whiskey is aged in oak for at least 18 years, and the product is blended. The price of such a drink is an order of magnitude higher than the previous one - it ranges from 5,900 rubles per bottle in gift wrapping. Its juicy taste reveals vanilla, spices, almonds and honey aroma. When consumed, it reveals itself as oily and velvety, which is especially appreciated by true gourmets.
10. Johnny Walker Whiskey – black label
Intermediate between the red and gold label is the blended "Johnny Walker" in black label. 12 years of aging in oak gave this drink an excellent balanced taste. It contains aromas of citrus and raisin, malt, peat and smoky. This whiskey will be a good gift for those who do not smoke cigars, but prefer to drink whiskey with cola and ice.
The price is approximately 2,400 rubles.
Single malt whiskeys - the crown of creations
But all these are just the buds of distillery craftsmanship; the real berries are single malt whiskey. Its taste is truly unique and cannot be compared with any other drink. It belongs to the category of elite alcohol. Whiskey labeled “single malt” is produced in the UK, France, and Japan, O However, the palm remains with the stubborn Scots.
Its difference from blended is that it is produced at a single distillery, and only the best malted barley and crystal clear water are used in its production. It does not contain other grain impurities in its composition. Single malt whiskey is pure gold and the pride of Scottish distilleries.
We bring to your attention the most common brands of single malt, aged whiskey, which are ideal as a gift and will leave an indelible mark on the taste buds of the hero of the occasion.
11. Glenfiddich whiskey - a gift in the theme
The hit parade opens with the incomparable Glenfiddich, aged in American and European oak for 12 years. Its amber color and rounded taste contain woody notes and aromas of vanilla and honey, while its sweet aftertaste reveals pear and chocolate. Available for sale in a gift tube.
The price for 0.75 liters varies within 4,000 rubles.
12. Glenlivet Whiskey – meaningful
gentleman
Following him is his older compatriot - single malt Glenlivet (Glenlivet) with 15 years of aging. It matures in French oak and has an old gold color. The taste is sweet and velvety. In its content, the main violin is played by a rich creamy aroma with notes of nuts, citrus fruits and flowers. The aftertaste is noble.
The cost of such a gift is from 5,600 rubles per 0.7 liter.
13. Laphroaig Whiskey – a gift not for the faint of heart
At the top of today's podium is the undisputed leader - the magnificent 18-year-old strong Laphroaig. Chocolate and nutty, sweet and caramel, peated Laphroaig is such a rich and full-bodied whiskey that we can talk about it forever, as long as its long and balanced aftertaste lasts.
Price for 0.7 liters – from 9,400 rubles.
This gift is ideal for a true whiskey connoisseur. For beginners, its taste may seem too complex, because drinking single malt whiskey is a special art!
Olga Smirnova
Other gift ideas
Miracle alcohol
Whiskey is a drink that comes in a variety of varieties and flavors. It will take a lot of time to consider everything that exists. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to the most famous ones in order to decide which whiskey is good. A high-quality drink can have a beneficial effect on the human body, but if consumed in moderation. Thanks to this alcohol, creativity is stimulated, efficiency and concentration increase, and it also gives tone. This phenomenon is explained by the essential oils and tannins that are part of it. However, if you drink this drink in too large portions, then after 6-12 hours you may experience unpleasant sensations.
Three groups of whiskeyThis drink is divided into three main groups: blended, malt and single malt. Which of the following whiskeys is good? Last. Malt is of slightly worse quality, since distillates are mixed during its production, which leads to a change in the structure of the complex essential oils, and it determines beneficial features drink In the process of making blended whiskey, ready-made drinks are mixed, rather than their distillers. Because of this, the subtle harmony and individuality of the whiskey is disrupted. However, there are blends that deserve attention, even if they are few.
Aroma and taste
Which whiskey is good? One that has individual characteristics. These features depend both on the technology of making the drink and on the region where it is prepared. There are significant differences between Irish and Scottish varieties. The reason is that the latter are distilled twice, and the former three. Which whiskey is better between these two? Everyone will judge, because everything depends on taste. I would like to note that Irish ones are characterized by a “creamy” taste.
It is worth noting certain varieties of this drink. They are truly worthy of attention. Among single malts, it is worth trying "Caol Ila". A good drink with a smoky aroma. Which whiskey is better among malts is Bushmills Malt. Whiskey made in Ireland with a distinctive soft taste and a pronounced hint of cream. I would also like to touch on the topic of blended whiskey. Among them, it is better to give preference to “Jameson”, “Tullamore Dew” (Ireland), and “Chivas Regal” (Scotland).
The birthplace of the drink
There has been a long debate about where whiskey came to us from. Many countries claim to be the birthplace of this drink: America, Scotland and Ireland, Japan and many others.
It lies in the ingredients and proportions. Thanks to them, a unique taste is created. They are different. Malt and barley are a sign of a Scottish drink, if rye is added - this is Ireland, corn with wheat is the work of America, and rice is a Japanese addition. And this is not the entire list of products used. Every person who recognizes at least half of this list will have a very popular and logical question: “Which whiskey is the best?” It is impossible to give an exact answer; again, everyone has their own taste for alcohol. However, something worth noting in general is that the best whiskey is the one with 50-60 revolutions and a minimum of ingredients.
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Whiskey. This drink is a real cultural dominant of Western civilization, especially its Anglo-Saxon part, which has now largely won the status of the number one global strong drink.
This happened largely due to the fact that the whiskey is a truly worthy “strong” drink in all respects. But one should not discount the marketing myth of whiskey as an obligatory attribute of Western alcoholic culture, which, through many powerful brands, has made it possible to instill in the minds of consumers a love for the ancient Celtic drink on all continents.
A brief excursion into history
The word “whisky” itself is a calque from the Celtic language uisce beatha/uisge beatha (in transcription it sounds like “uiske beatha” and literally means “water of life” - a calque from the Latin expression aqua vitae.
It is believed that the art of distilling low-alcohol mash was brought to Scotland by Christian missionaries, who, in the conditions of the British Isles, had to replace grapes with barley. Having gone through the chain uisge - uisce - fuisce - uiskie, as well as a number of technological and taste improvements and finally becoming whiskey, the drink began to subjugate the tastes of the local population.
However, the Irish immediately began to challenge the copyright for the invention. According to them, a similar process on the Emerald Isle was started by St. Patrick, who took up distilling immediately after the completion of the baptism of pagan Ireland.
Both peoples subsequently made a significant contribution to the development of the drink: the Irishman Enes Coffey significantly improved the still for distillation in 1830, while the very first such installation was built by the Scotsman Robert Stein.
It was their joint creativity that caused a revolution in production in the second half of the 19th century - distilleries were able to significantly increase production volumes, and it became possible to talk about the emergence of a new industry in the structure of the British and Irish economies.
It was then that the first large companies appeared, specializing in this segment, and using the enormous space for creativity provided by new technologies for the production of whiskey drinks, regional traditions and a variety of ingredients.
It was then that the first experiments began in mixing different brands of cask whiskey to create unique aromas and tastes.
But, like any technological revolution, the process also had a downside - the word “whiskey” was legally allowed to refer to young, three-year-old spirits, and producers began to replace barley with wheat and corn to reduce costs, adding malt varieties “for taste.”
It was these processes that determined the abundance of varieties, marks and brands that today make up a real galaxy of whiskey.
Whiskey happens...
In modern English, you can find two spellings of the word whiskey - those produced in Scotland, Canada and Japan are usually referred to as whisky.
Drinks from Ireland or America are most often called whiskey. The addition of "e" occurred in the late 19th century to highlight its products - i.e. clean water a marketing ploy that tells us nothing about the taste and quality of the product.
The standard strength of whiskey varies in the range of 40-50%, but no one limits the creativity of drink creators, so you can also find varieties with a strength of 60%.
First of all, whiskey is malt - the drink is made from pure barley malt and aged without mixing with other types of whiskey, such as grain whiskey.
The most ideological pure whiskey of this type is single malt whiskey, produced by one distillery, sometimes mixed different years extracts of one variety. This is, in fact, the gold standard of whiskey, the original.
Single malt whiskeys are a gourmet's delight, offering a huge selection of original flavors, many of which will only be appreciated by people with very specific preferences. At the same time, single malts contain a rich layer of interesting drinks that can give many pleasant moments to the taste buds of a connoisseur.
This is the real soul of Scotland, drinks that require a thoughtful attitude to consumption, savoring either in the company of trusted people who will not distract from the process, or alone.
The most famous brands are Laphroaig, Maccalan, Glenfiddich, Isle of Jura, Tallisker, Highland and many others, abundantly presented on the shelves of numerous Irish and English pubs and bars, as well as in alcohol supermarkets in the Russian Federation.
Single malt whiskeys are usually the most expensive drinks compared to other classes of whiskey. The production of many single malts is a small business, at least in comparison with the well-promoted brands of widespread and more understandable blended varieties - the capacity is lower, the production volumes are more modest, the production cycle is longer: all this together is the reason that good single malt whiskey begins cost from 1,500 rubles per bottle, and there are no limits to this indicator at all.
There is a class of collectible single malts of very long aging, but they are extremely difficult to find in bars and stores - these are gift drinks for very wealthy citizens.
One of the varieties of single malt drinks is single cask whiskey. Malt whiskey from a single cask, not mixed with anything. That is, how it was poured, how it was left to age, also opened and bottled, without adding anything or changing anything.
There is quarter cask whiskey - the same single cask malt whiskey, but from a smaller barrel, usually stronger (up to 50% - the so-called cask strength, which also indicates the originality of the drink and the absence of attacks on its integrity).
There is also a mixed malt whiskey - blended malt, which is a mixture of malt whiskey from various distilleries. By and large, this is the same single malt - at least in taste. Only very great connoisseurs and deep experts in the subject area will be able to distinguish mixed “molts” from the originals.
This technology allows you to obtain original tastes and combine the best of several types of single malt drinks in one bottle.
In general, the closest attention should be paid to the place where whiskey is made - for example, the varieties produced on the island of Islay are historically very different from most other varieties.
A lot of smuggled whiskey was distilled on the islands, and to speed up the production process, barley was dried in the smoke from burned peat, the taste of the finished drink received, firstly, notes of smoke, a signature “smoked taste,” as well as marine, bright iodine aromas that cannot be confused by anyone. with what. This is a purely Scottish "trick" not used in Ireland. The malt for Irish whiskey is kiln-dried, and the drink itself goes through triple distillation - imparting the necessary softness, which is not characteristic of most Scottish single malts.
In general, single malts in Scotland are divided by region into Highland Single Malts, Speyside Single Malts, the aforementioned Islay Single Malts, Lowland Single Malts and Campbeltown Single Malts.
Further on classification is in progress Grain whiskey is the so-called “technical” whiskey: not to be confused with industrial alcohol. The term only means the fact that the drink is almost never used in its pure form for sale, but is produced for further blending purposes.
If you try, you can find single grain whiskey on sale - pure grain whiskey similar to single malt, but the task is not easy due to the specificity of the drink (almost complete absence of smell and pronounced taste characteristic of classic whiskey). It must be understood that by grain we mean the same grains of malt, just not sprouted, as is the case with the classics.
There are only four bottled pure grain whiskeys in Scotland: Glen Wolf, Black Barrel, Glen Clyde and Invergordon.
Blended whiskey - mixed or blended whiskey. The most popular and widespread type of whiskey around the world. According to various estimates, it today accounts for up to 90% of global production. Not to be confused with blended malt, described above - blended whiskey varieties include different alcohols - malt, grain, wheat, rye - while blended malt is always a mixture of only malt alcohols.
It is with blended whiskey varieties that the inexperienced consumer masses associate the very concept of “whisky”; it is the blend that fills supermarket shelves at an affordable price and misleads many alcohol lovers about the entire kingdom of whiskey. “I drank this whiskey of yours, it’s rare rubbish,” says the average consumer in the Russian Federation, having tried some cheap “compote” of young spirits costing 499 rubles for a 0.7 liter bottle.
Brands John Dewar's, Johnnie Walker, Jameson, White Horse, Famous Grouse and many, many others (“thousands of them”) are the brightest representatives of this class, sometimes also called “table” or “consumer whiskey” (something like “house wine” " - an affordable, high-quality drink without frills).
However, a certain gradation also exists within blended whiskey - brands such as Red Breast or Chivas Regal are distinguished by a high content of high-quality long-aged malt alcohols in their composition, which leads to a very high level drink quality and price. The name of such varieties may be supplemented with the addition “Deluxe”.
The same Johnny Walker ranges from Red Label, a very modest drink by the standards of connoisseurs in terms of taste, to quite high-quality by the standards of the same connoisseurs Green, Gold, Blue or Platinum Label - extremely expensive and tasty whiskeys.
As a rule, in the production of blended whiskey in modern conditions, traditional technology, aging time and many other nuances of the work of old distilleries are violated - the drinks are impersonal, standardized and indistinguishable from one another, but otherwise the volume of global demand cannot be satisfied.
Finally, bourbon is American corn whiskey produced using special technology (aging in oak barrels charred from the inside). Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Jack Daniels and numerous Canadian varieties. An honest drink for the right price, but not as refined as the Old World varieties, and in the UK or Ireland it is not considered whiskey.
The other two most important characteristics of the drink are the aging time and, given what has been said about the prevalence of blended whiskey, the blending process itself.
Excerpt
The whiskey is aged in oak barrels. Ideally, in sherry casks.
If there are none (and today there simply cannot be enough for everyone), then they are aged in American white oak containers that previously contained bourbon, or simply treated with sherry. Barrel – most important factor maturation of the future whiskey: in it it gains strength and receives that very recognizable taste and bouquet of aromas.
By law, Scotch whiskey must be aged for at least 3 years. This is the minimum period after which the malt distillate, after two or three times of distillation, receives the right to be called the proud word - whisky.
As a rule, such “young stock” is used for blending, after which the cheapest whiskey brands are born, happily consumed in cocktails a la “whiskey and cola”, or sold for a “three bottles for the price of two” promotion. for 500 rubles, etc.
What goes into creating high-quality and elite varieties is single malt whiskey, which is aged for at least 10 years. Classic - 10-12 years of aging, and then up to 21 years. These are already exclusive varieties, and if we talk about exotics, you can also find 30-50 year old brands.
In other parts of the world, everything is simpler: good “Ireland” is aged for an average of 5 years, “Canada” - at least 6 years, of course, there are exceptions (12-year-old Jameson, for example).
After aging is complete, it is either time to bottle it for subsequent sale, or mix it into new varieties through blending.
Different types of blended whiskey can mix different types of malt (from 15 to 50 varieties) and grain whiskey (3-4) of different aging periods (again, at least 3 years).
After obtaining the necessary mixture, it is time to age the whiskey again - but here we are no longer talking about years, a period of several weeks to several months of aging is enough.
The point of blending is to use cheap grain whiskeys, obtain a product of standard quality and combine the best properties of different types of malt whiskeys into one finished drink.
Old Vatted Glenlivet is considered the world's first blended whiskey and was developed by Andrew Usher in 1853.
There are two types of blending: different types of malt and grain whiskey are mixed in special vessels, where they are kept for 24 hours. This mixture is then placed in barrels and bottled after a few weeks. This way you get cheap whiskey (the same one that is widely known thanks to Famous Grouse, Johnny Walker Red Label, White Horse and others).
Another approach is to keep blended mixtures for 6-8 months in oak barrels. This period is called the “wedding”. This is how more expensive high-quality blended whiskey is produced (Chivas Regal, RedBreast).
Actually, brands
10. Ballantine's– a very common brand of Scotch whiskey, under which 7 different varieties are sold - Finest, Limited, 12 year old, 17 year old, 21 year old, 30 and 40 years old. In principle, within the line of this brand you can explore all the main varieties, from a simple blended whiskey to collectible 21-40 year old single malts. The basis of the ingredients is a bank of 50 single malt alcohols, four grain varieties. The brand is widely known for its sponsorship of sporting events.
9. Imperial Blue- whiskey produced in India by the same company that makes Ballantine’s, one of the most popular among audiences with an average monthly income. Very little malt alcohol is used in the preparation; the base is molasses.
8. Jack Daniel's is the best-selling American bourbon in the world. Frank Sinatra was buried with a bottle of this drink. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 is the most popular type of this bourbon, although the producer tries to distance itself from this class, claiming that the drink is filtered through a maple wood charcoal filter, which distinguishes it from other bourbons and makes it closer to traditional whiskey.
7.Original Choice- another Indian brand. Despite its prevalence within the borders of India, it is a premium product, aged in real American oak barrels.
6. Old Tavern– another “Indian”. A very smooth drink at an extremely affordable price.
5. Royal Stag. And again an Indian drink from Pernod Ricard (Imperial Blue and Ballantine’s). This is a blend of Scottish malt spirits and local material - molasses.
The taste is completely atypical for whiskey, but that is why it is popular both at home and abroad.
4. Bagpiper. Yes Yes. India again. Exported to 10 countries, the official drink of Bollywood...
3. McDowell's No.1– whiskey with the aroma of vanilla wood, opens up when adding a few drops of water. The most popular drink in the Middle East.
2.Officer's Choice. Another and last representative of India, not much different from his fellow tribesmen.
1Johnnie Walker, sold everywhere man has set foot, even in remote Central African powers. 18 million cases in 2012 speaks volumes (a case is a measure of the sales volume of strong alcohol, 9 liters).
Green Label blend won three gold medals at the World Spirits Competition between 2005 and 2007, an excellent whiskey offering everything from the simplest table whiskey to the finest varieties.
As we can see, there are only a couple of scotches in the ranking, with a complete absence of Irish whiskey and exquisite single malts from Scotland. The overwhelming majority of drinks presented in the rating are sold in the markets of India, China, Latin America and the Middle East, as well as in Eastern Europe.
If we are talking about countries with an established national culture of whiskey consumption, the picture will be completely different - in the USA Jack Daniels takes a confident first place, in Scotland - Glenfiddich, in Ireland - Jameson.
And if you don’t take into account Indian whiskey, but look at the sales of only Scottish brands, then for obvious reasons the already mentioned Johhny Walker and Ballantines will be in the lead, with Chivas Regal, J&B Rare, Grant's, Famous Grouse, Dewar's, William in third place Lawson's, Label 5, and finally Bell's.
Despite the fact that the lines of many of these brands include sometimes excellent classically aged single malts, the main sales of “scotch” also come from unpretentious popular blended brands. The situation is the same in Irish whiskey.
These are the market realities determined by the drinking culture: people want to consume simply, without ceremony: poured, drank, or poured, diluted with cola, drank. And for this you don’t need exquisite whiskey, you just need the drink to match the average ideas and expectations in taste and strength.
Actually, this is where the divide between brands takes place - if the consumer wants something in the style of a party, something that can be drunk quickly and has the main effect of achieving rapid alcohol intoxication - these are brands of the same category. As a rule, inexpensive (or slightly above average) blends solve the problem once or twice.
If a person values the process of exploring tastes, bouquets, and savors the drink in accordance with the culture of consumption, then completely different brands are needed that satisfy the high gourmet aspirations of the individual.
Whiskey a la Russe
Russia has its own, special relationship with whiskey. Every year they drink more and more of it - and every year the share of counterfeit products increases in the growing volume.
Now its share is about 30% (data from the Center for Research of Federal and Regional Alcohol Markets (CIFRRA)).
The Synovate Comcon research center found that in 2012, 9.8% of Russians over 18 years of age drank whiskey. For comparison: in 2000 - 1%, in 2006 - 3.1%.
According to the Center for the Development of National Alcohol Policy, the most counterfeited whiskey brands in Russia are Johnnie Walker: Red Label and Black Label, as well as Jack Daniels. A bottle that originally costs 1-2 thousand rubles can be reduced in price to only 200-500.
Actually, that’s all you need to know about whiskey in Russia: they fake what’s popular. The mass consciousness does not yet know what whiskey can be and how it is drunk - for the vast majority of compatriots, it is the same drink as vodka, which must be drunk in one gulp, or mixed with a sweet carbonated drink a la Cuba Libre.
On the other hand, among economically successful people, the culture of whiskey consumption is undoubtedly developing - in the premium alcohol segment, whiskey is confidently outperforming expensive varieties of vodka.
Bars and pubs are developing, in the lines of which you can find varieties for every taste and color - from purely cocktail whiskey Black Beast (it’s difficult to drink in its pure form, let’s say) to the exquisite Laphroaig Quarter Cask 10 year or Ardberg 10 year.
In most cases, establishment staff are well versed in the types and varieties of whiskey, will tell you where to start getting acquainted, and will give advice on proper consumption.
True, there is no need to talk about the displacement of vodka yet - the total volumes of consumption of whiskey, rum, tequila, and gin in the Russian Federation are insignificant against the background of the consumption of vodka, of which about 1 billion liters are drunk per year.
So, understanding a host of brands is both difficult and simple. It is unrealistic to learn them all - about 2,500 types of adhesive tape alone are sold in the world (!!!).
You decide on a goal. If this is a feast, a holiday and an entertaining evening, then take simple, understandable blends/blends. As we have already indicated, there are a great many of them, and for the most part they are quite similar, both in characteristics and in price.
The Irish whiskey varieties Bushmills Original, Feckin, Finian's, Jameson, Kilbeggan, Merry's, Power and Son, Tullamore Dew, Paddy, as well as the Scottish blends Ballantines Finest, Cutty Sark, Dewars White, Grant's 8 cope well with the task. year, J&B, Lauder's, Chivas 12 year, Famous Grouse 12 year, Highland Harvest Organic, Johnnie Walker Black Label.
Bourbons of similar height - Gentleman Jack, George Dickel No. 12, Jack Daniels Old No. 7 Black Label, George Dickel Special Barrel, Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Ancient Age, Benchmark, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Early Times, Jim Beam White, Ten High, Wild Turkey 101, Baker's 7 year, Basil Hayden's, Blanton's Single Barrel, Bulleit, Four Rose's Single Barrel, Jim Beam Black, Knob Creek Small Batch, Maker's Mark, Old Rip VanWinkle 15 year and Woodford Reserve.
Canadian varieties - Canadian Club Classic 12 year, Canadian Mist, Black Velvet, Forty Creek Barrel Select, Mountain Rock, Pendelton, Windsor Canadian, 8 Seconds, Canadian Club Sherry Cask 8 year, Crown Royal, Forty Creek Three Grain, Tangle Ridge Double Cask .
All this is honest “table whiskey”: that is, good, smooth table whiskey/bourbon, for which you don’t mind paying even more money than they ask for. It’s also not at all shameful to pour cola into it and add ice and citrus fruits. Get a quality Cuba Libre or Old Fashioned and you'll get tipsy quickly.
Next, there are more elegant drinks - Bushmills Black Bush, Clontarf Single Malt, Jameson 1780, Michael Collins Single Malt, The Irishman The Original Clan, Tullamore Dew 12 year, Connemara Cask Strength Peated Single Malt, Greenore Single Grain, Jameson 18 year, Red Breast 12 year, The Tyrconnell 10 year Single Malt.
Fine whiskeys that you wouldn’t be ashamed to put on the table for an anniversary, wedding or other special occasion.
Bushmills 1608, Bushmills 21 year, Middleton Very Rare, Jameson Rarest Vintage, Ambassador 25 year, Buchanan's 18 year, Johnnie Walker Green, Tomintoul Oloroso 12 year, Chivas 18 year, Compass Box Hedonism, Wild Scotsman, Ballantine's 30 year , Chivas Regal 25 year, Johnnie Walker Blue, Kings Crest 25 year, The Antiquary 21 year, Booker's Small Batch, Eagle Rare 17 year, Jefferson's Reserve, Michter's 10 year, Noah Mill's 15 year, AH Hirsch 16 year, Longrow Cask 10 year, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 year, Willet 28 year.
More or less luxury drinks are also made in Canada - Seagrams VO, Wisers Deluxe 18 year, Crown Royal Special Reserve, Glen Breton Rare Single Malt, Canadian Club 30 year, Crown Royal XR, J.P. Wiser's Red Letter - all this is already elite, despite the popular brands, drinks of the most serious, gourmet class, suitable for savoring in the quiet of an office or at the bar.
And let’s remember – Scottish single malts are only suitable for this kind of savoring. Let's list the main ones: Deanston 12 year, Glenfiddich 12 year, Speyburn 10 year, Aberlour 10 year, Ardmore Traditional Cask, Glenlivet 12 year, Highland Park 12 year, Laphroaig Quarter Cask 10 year, Macallan Fin Oak 12 year, Scapa 14 year, Ardberg 10 year, Bowmore 16 year, Bruichladdich 15 year, Glendronach 12 year, Highland Park 18 year, Old Pulteney 17 year, Scapa 16 year, Glenfarclas 25 year, Highland Park 40 year, Macallan 25 year, Springbank 15 year, The Glenrothes 1975, Aberfeldy , Balblair, Ben Nevis, Dalmore, Dalwhinnie, Glen Ord, Glenmorangie, Oban, and Old Pulteney, Arran, Jura, Tobermory, and Talisker, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin.
You need to DRINK them. Specially. Not a bite. Not in one gulp, without diluting it with any cola (for this in a decent pub you can earn the contempt of the bartender forever). Without getting drunk (or doing it extremely slowly and elegantly).
Single malts, unlike simpler American, Irish or Canadian varieties, are drunk according to the rules - the Irish traditionally do not dilute their whiskey (it is extremely soft - Jameson, Paddy as prime examples), while some “Scotches” are flavored with ice or refreshed with several drops of water are recommended (otherwise they may get stuck in the throat).
Single malts are poured and drunk in special tulip-shaped glasses, as it is believed that it allows the aroma of the drink to be better revealed.
No glasses, shots, shot glasses, bowls - only old fashion or tumbler. To cool whiskey, it is considered good form to use, in addition to ice, which still affects the taste by diluting the whiskey, cubes of the so-called soapstone (good luck finding it in bars in Moscow or St. Petersburg).
Single malts are expensive drinks: a shot in a pub will cost 400-500 rubles (however, there are varieties in the range of 300-350 rubles), and a bottle - from 2.5 to 15-16 thousand (we do not consider the super-elite segment of 30 and older years of aging, these are presidential drinks, and even then, not all presidents of the world probably had the good fortune to try them).
You need to understand that for this money you will not always (by no means always) get what you like. Single malts are often very original drinks that will only be appreciated by very big connoisseurs and amateurs, so paying quite a lot of money by the standards of average salaries in modern Russia for tasting experiments, with the goal of simply relaxing after a working day, is probably inappropriate.
But if you want to treat yourself to something like that, break your alcohol routine and open up a new space for exploration, study and comparison - then single malts are an excellent subject area for this kind of task.
It is worth remembering that the world of whiskey brands is not a static hierarchy where nothing new happens and everything is frozen in the eternal harmony of peaceful coexistence.
New brands are appearing - Japan performs very well (for a long time now, but in our bar menu the famous Suntory is not so easy to find, although they are sold in stores), Canadian varieties are becoming a pleasant discovery in terms of price/quality ratio for many (completely unpromoted brands save on marketing and don’t raise the price tag for a big name, offering a quality drink for practically nothing), manufacturers are trying to improve existing varieties and create something original based on the classics.
In the end, varieties known in the West make their way to Russian market– not long ago an excellent Scottish single malt AnСnoc appeared - it is not available in bars, but in stores an excellent drink is sold for unexpectedly low money with excellent quality and the mildest taste of a real Scottish single malt.
And the world of whiskey is full of such surprises – mostly pleasant ones.
If earlier whiskey was something strange and outlandish in our country, today this drink is loved by connoisseurs for its unique taste and aroma. Therefore, the question of how to choose whiskey as a gift is relevant. Even if a person does not consider himself a connoisseur, a bottle of aromatic drink will be a good gift for a birthday or other an important event. There are several rules that will help you avoid making a mistake in your choice. Let's take a closer look at them.
Choosing the right whiskey
When choosing whiskey, buyers make simple mistakes. For example, they believe that the more expensive the drink, the better it is. Price is not the criterion to be guided by. Let's look at how to choose the right whiskey and what to look for.
- Regional differences.
The most famous whiskey is Scotch. The label must be marked Whiskey or Scotch. Irish whiskey is labeled Whiskey. Their persistent aroma goes well with a soft, delicate taste.
American whiskey is called "Bourbon" and consists mainly of corn alcohol. The famous “Jack Daniels” consists of 80% corn alcohol. This makes it taste really soft and light
How to choose whiskey as a gift?
- Type of whiskey
This is the first thing you need to pay attention to. This criterion directly affects taste qualities, prestige and price. There are malt, grain and blended drinks. Malt barley is made from pure barley, cereal barley is made from other crops, and blended barley is obtained by mixing the previous two types.
American whiskey, bourbon, is made from corn and is not classified; it is unique. Malt whiskey is considered the best, but it is almost impossible to find in stores. This is a luxury drink. Cereals are also not found in stores due to low quality and almost complete lack of taste. When thinking about which inexpensive whiskey to choose, look to well-known and trusted brands like White Horse.
Blended whiskey accounts for about 90% of total turnover and is designed for mass consumption
