Whisky, a spirit steeped in craftsmanship and tradition, has been delighting drinkers for centuries. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, it contributes over £5.5 billion to the economy, accounting for 70% of Scotland's food and drink exports, and approximately 1.14 billion bottles are exported annually.
With roots dating back to ancient civilisations, this beloved spirit has evolved into many styles, each with its distinct personality, from the rugged landscapes of Scotland to the sun-drenched fields of Kentucky.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting out, join us as we explore the various types of whisky and uncover the distinguishing features that make each one a true treasure.
7 Types of Whisky
1. Scotch Whisky (Scotland)
Scotch whisky, uniquely created in Scotland, offers a wide array of flavours, with some noted for its smoky and peaty characteristics. However, these flavours vary widely depending on the region. Whiskies from Speyside and the Highlands, for instance, tend to be lighter and less smoky, whereas those from Islay are usually more peaty. Every area contributes a distinct viewpoint to the creation of Scotch whisky.
This whisky pairs well with robust foods like smoked salmon or blue cheese. By law, Scotch whiskies must be aged for a minimum of three years to ensure their rich, complex character.
Single Malt Whisky
Single-malt Scotch whiskies are made from 100% malted barley in one distillery, and their flavour profiles can vary widely depending on the distillery, region, and production methods. A prime example is the Macallan 18-year-old Sherry Oak, renowned for its rich and complex flavours. This single malt is aged in sherry-seasoned oak casks, which lend deep notes of dried fruit, spice, and oak, making it a standout whisky for those who appreciate a sophisticated, full-bodied dram.
How It Tastes: Features a rich palate with notes of aged oak, raisins, and ginger.
Its Appearance: Beautifully complemented by its natural light mahogany colour.
ABV: 3%
- Made from malted barley in a single distillery.
- Aged in carefully selected sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez.
- Has a depth of richness and complexity.
Blended Scotch Whisky
Blended Scotch whiskies combine malt and grain whiskies from multiple distilleries, resulting in a wide variety of flavour profiles. Our personal favourite is Campbeltown Loch because of its smooth and approachable taste. This particular blend offers a consistent flavour across bottles, making it an excellent option for both sipping neat and mixing in cocktails.
How It Tastes: Creamy coffee, salted caramel, and a hint of peat smoke, with notes of ginger loaf, buttery sea salt, and pecan pie.
Its Appearance: Light gold to amber.
ABV: 46%
- A blend of malt whiskies
- Perfect for cocktails or enjoying on its own.
Single-Grain Whisky
Single-grain whisky is made from grains other than malted barley at a single distillery. It has a lighter, sweeter taste and is often used in blends, but it can also stand alone with a delicate character.
How It Tastes: Light, sweet, with hints of caramel and vanilla.
Its Appearance: Light gold.
ABV: 40-46%
- Produced from grains other than malted barley.
- Less intense than single malts but still full of character.
- Often used in blended whiskies.
Blended Malt Whisky
The Campbeltown Loch Blended Malt whisky is a blend of single malt whiskies from various distilleries. It delivers a complex, layered taste with salted caramel, creamy coffee, a hint of peat smoke, and a nose of ginger loaf, buttery sea salt, and pecan pie. You can easily find this bottle in the best whisky shop London offers.
How It Tastes: Rich and complex with malt sweetness and spice.
Its Appearance: Golden to dark amber.
ABV: 40-45%
- A blend of single malts from different distilleries.
- Peat smoke and a subtle leathery note finish.
- Matures in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks.
2. American Whiskey (United States)
American whiskey encompasses several styles, with Bourbon and straight rye whisky being the most famous. Known for its sweeter flavour, it pairs beautifully with BBQ and grilled meats.
This spirit is typically aged in charred new oak barrels and offers rich caramel and vanilla notes. We recommend sipping it neat or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Bourbon
Bourbon is an American classic made primarily from corn. Evan Williams Black bourbon is a smooth, easy-to-drink bourbon crafted from primary corn and aged in charred new oak barrels. This Bourbon delivers a rich, full-bodied experience.
How It Tastes: Light on the nose with deep vanilla and hints of mint. The palate reveals oak, brown sugar, and caramel notes, leading to a medium-to-long finish.
Its Appearance: Deep amber.
ABV: 40-50%
- Made primarily from corn (at least 51%).
- Aged in charred new oak barrels.
- Known for its smooth, rich character.
Tennessee Whiskey
Tennessee whiskey is a type of bourbon filtered through charcoal and placed inside wooden casks, giving it a smoother, mellower taste. Like Johnnie Walker, Tennessee whiskey has rich overtones of smoke and maple, best drunk straight or with a little water.
How It Tastes: Smooth, with sweet maple and smoky notes.
Its Appearance: Amber to deep copper.
ABV: 40-50%
- Filtered through charcoal (Lincoln County Process).
- Similar to Bourbon but smoother and more refined.
- Barreled in charred oak, steeped in maple charcoal chunks.
- Must be produced in Tennessee.
Rye whisky
Rye whisky is made with at least 51% rye, delivering a bold, spicy flavour with hints of pepper and cinnamon. It’s perfect for classic cocktails like the Manhattan, offering a sharp, vibrant character.
Van Winkle 13 Family Reserve Rye is a rare and collectable whisky, aged 13 years, offering rich flavours of caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak with a bold, spicy finish. Perfect for sipping neat or in classic cocktails like the Manhattan.
How It Tastes: Rich caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice with hints of pepper and cinnamon.
Its Appearance: Deep amber.
ABV: 40-50%
- Made with at least 51% rye.
- Known for its bold, spicy profile.
- Often used in classic cocktails like the Manhattan.
3. Irish Whiskey (Ireland)
Irish whiskey undergoes triple distillation. It is well-known for having a smooth, mild flavour, tastes well either neat or with an Irish coffee.
Irish whiskey complements seafood dishes like oysters and smoked fish. Dating back more than a millennium, it is among the most ancient styles. It is well-known for blending malt and pot still whiskies.
Grain Whiskey
Grain whiskey is typically lighter and smoother, made from grains like corn, wheat, or barley. Its mild, floral notes make it versatile, often used in blends but enjoyable on its own as well.
Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt whiskies offer rich flavours and deliver a smooth, creamy texture.
How It Tastes: Light and smooth with notes of tropical fruit, vanilla, and sweetness.
Its Appearance: Pale gold.
ABV: 40-46%
- Made from Primarily corn.
- Known for its sweet, creamy texture and subtle complexity.
Single-Malt Whiskey
This whiskey, made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery, offers rich, malty sweetness with notes of fruit and spice. It’s a refined option, perfect for sipping neat to appreciate its depth.
How It Tastes: Rich, with malty sweetness and hints of fruit and spice.
Its Appearance: Golden amber.
ABV: 40-46%
- Made from 100% malted barley in one distillery.
- Aged for a minimum of three years.
- Known for its complexity and depth.
Single Pot Still Whiskey
Single Pot Still whiskey is a unique Irish whisky made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley. Known for its creamy, spicy character, it delivers a smooth yet robust flavour, perfect for sipping.
How It Tastes: Creamy, with notes of spices, fruit, and honey.
Its Appearance: Amber.
ABV: 40-46%
- Made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley.
- Exclusively produced in Ireland.
- A signature style of Irish whisky.
Blended Whiskey
Blended whiskey is a combination of pot still, malt, and grain whiskies, offering a balanced and approachable taste. It’s versatile and widely enjoyed, either neat or as a base in popular cocktails.
Jameson Crested offers a more nuanced and mature flavour profile than other Jameson blends. With whisky offers and deals, you can easily order it online.
How It Tastes: Smooth, with rich notes of sherry, toasted wood, and a balance of sweet malt and spice.
Its Appearance: Light gold.
ABV: 40-43%
- A blend of pot still and grain whiskies.
- Known for a higher proportion of pot still whiskey aged in sherry casks, adding depth and spicy sweetness.
- Accessible and versatile.
4. Wheat Whiskey (United States)
Wheat whiskey, like the Woodford Reserve, is often less intense than bourbon, making it an easy choice for those new to this spirit.
Sip it neat or with ice to enjoy its subtle flavours. This new-release whisky offers a lighter, fruit-forward alternative to rye or bourbon, perfect for those looking to explore a different style of whiskey.
How It Tastes: Fruity and floral with notes of cinnamon, baked apples, pears, and hints of vanilla, cedarwood, and honeysuckle.
Its Appearance: Pale gold to light amber.
ABV: 40-45%
- Made primarily from wheat (at least 51%).
- Smooth and easy-drinking.
- A lighter alternative to rye or bourbon.
5. Canadian Whisky (Canada)
Canadian whisky, often referred to as "rye" in Canada, is known for its light and smooth profile. Its mild sweetness makes it ideal for cocktails, though it’s also enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Canadian rye whisky, like the Glenfiddich Winter Storm 21-Year-Old, is versatile and pairs well with roasted meats or light desserts like fruit tarts. By law, Canadian whiskies must be aged for a minimum of three years.
How It Tastes: Light, smooth, with hints of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
Its Appearance: Golden to light amber.
ABV: 40-45%
- Often made from a mix of fermented mash of cereal grain aged in wood barrels.
- Known for its mellow, approachable flavour.
- Frequently used in cocktails.
6. Japanese Whisky (Japan)
Japanese whisky, heavily influenced by Scotch whisky, is admired for its precision and balance. Delicate and nuanced, it often features floral and fruity notes, making it a perfect pairing with sushi or sashimi.
The Hibiki 21-Year-Old Japanese whisky is frequently aged in unique Mizunara oak casks, adding a distinctive flavour. To appreciate its complex subtleties, it is best enjoyed neatly.
How It Tastes: Rich and layered with dried fruit, dark chocolate, spice, subtle floral hints, and a touch of smoke.
Its Appearance: Deep amber.
ABV: 40-50%
- Inspired by Scotch whisky-making techniques.
- Aged in Japanese Mizunara oak barrels for a unique and refined flavour.
- Known for its complexity and world-class recognition.
7. Corn Whiskey (United States)
Corn whiskey, an American original, is made with at least 80% corn and is typically unaged. This gives it a raw, earthy flavour, and its sweetness pairs perfectly with bold foods like BBQ or steak.
Unlike Bourbon, corn whisky is often distilled at a lower proof, preserving its rich corn character. It’s best enjoyed neat or in simple cocktails.
Georgia Moon is an authentic American Corn Whiskey, made with at least 81% corn in the mashbill and aged in new uncharred or used charred barrels. Known for its unique packaging in a mason jar, Georgia Moon has introduced two new flavour varieties: Peach and Lemonade, fruit-infused moonshines.
How It Tastes: Sweet and smooth with a distinct corn flavour, now with refreshing Peach and Lemonade varieties.
Its Appearance: Clear, unaged whiskey.
ABV: 40-50%
- Made with at least 81% corn.
- Aged in new uncharred or used charred barrels.
- Known for its authentic American roots and unique mason jar packaging.
Whiskey vs Whisky
Both spellings are correct, but the difference comes down to where the distilled spirit is made. In fact, the presence or absence of the 'e' is a nod to regional traditions that have been passed down for centuries.
The ‘e’ in ‘whisky’ originated in Ireland and was later adopted by American distillers. To this day, both Irish and American varieties proudly keep the ‘e’ in their spelling. Meanwhile, Scotland – known for its rich whisky heritage – has always preferred the more minimalist ‘whisky.’ This tradition is shared by both Canadian distillers and Japanese whisky makers, who follow Scotland’s lead in leaving out the ‘e.’
Wrapping Up
Exploring the different types of whisky highlights how unique each variety is, from the smoky notes of Scotch whiskies to the smooth sweetness of American Bourbon. Each type brings its own flavour profile, shaped by regional traditions and ingredients. While Scotch, Irish, American, and Japanese whiskies may differ in taste, ageing process, and spelling, they all share a dedication to craftsmanship.
Whether you prefer the bold spice of Rye whisky or the delicate balance of Japanese whisky, there’s something for everyone. Now that you know the differences, you can better appreciate each whisky for what makes it unique.
If you’re keen to expand your collection, check out the curated whisky selection at The Whisky Masters online whisky shop.