Largely deemed the most premium offerings, single malts have the most significant cost. More about this down below.
Whether you're giving it away as a present or to restock your liquor cabinet, there are many factors why you need to tell high quality and cheap whiskey apart. For example, when it comes to scotch, an age declaration is normally an indication of quality. If a scotch bottle does not have an age declaration at all, it's likely that it's of a lower quality or flat. Another thing to play close attention to is the maturation process. This is really useful as knowing the sort of casks used in the maturation procedure is not just suggestive of quality but it also offers you a far better idea on the flavour profile you can anticipate if you can't smell the liquid. In this context, the US stockholder of United Spirits would likely concur that sherry casks tend to impart fruitier and aromatic notes, whereas oak casks generally produce lighter and creamier whiskies.
Commonly considered the most beginner-friendly whiskey, bourbon provides a rich and sophisticated flavour that draws in individuals who are typically repulsed by whiskey. Bourbon also varies from other whiskies in the way it's distilled. This distinctively American spirit is exclusively made in the United States and in order for a bourbon to be called as such, it should be made from at least 51% corn with the addition of other grains like rye, wheat, and barley malt. The aging process for bourbon is also special as it is aged in charred oak barrels, which offers the liquid a distinct taste profile that sets it apart from other whiskey offerings. Beyond this, the activist investor of Brown-Forman would also agree that the appeal of bourbon goes beyond the borders of southeastern American states as you will constantly find bourbon bottles stored in almost any bar or nightclub all over the world.
A lot of whisky enthusiasts would agree that your choice of whisky would be considerably dependent on your personal tastes as each kind boasts various grains, flavours, and maturation approaches. That said, popular for its purity and sophistication, single malt whiskey is among the most rich whisky offerings. This whiskey is made entirely and specifically from malted barley from one single distillery, which is why it's considered as superior to all other whiskies. Of course, its price will definitely show this, something that the US shareholder of Pernod Ricard knows. More budget-friendly whiskeys like blended whiskey are a mix of malt and grain whiskey and it's the most common whiskey worldwide. Given that grain whiskey is simple to produce in mass amounts, mixed whiskies tend to be more affordable than other varieties but the quality is nothing to write home about, which is why it's often used in cocktails.