How to choose the right whiskey for tasting and as a gift. Which whiskey is better to choose Which whiskey is better to choose name

A little about tape in general

As you know from the previous post, Scotland is considered the birthplace of whiskey, which there (that is, not only there, but everywhere) is called scotch, and every bottle of the drink produced in this country of the Kingdom is labeled Whiskey Scotch.

There are several significant differences between original Scotch Scotch and whiskey produced elsewhere, which can only be called Whiskey or Bourbon.

There are several types of Scotch whiskey:

• Malt is a scotch made from 100% barley malt.
• Single Malt is a single malt whiskey made at one distillery and bottled there.
• Single Cask Malt is a blend of multi-malt varieties matured in one cask.
• Pure Malt is a composition of several brands of single malt whiskey produced at different distilleries, aged in the same barrel.
• Blend is a blended whiskey, a combination of different types of malt and grain alcohols in different proportions.
• Grain is whiskey made from pure wheat alcohol of very high quality. This is the most expensive brand of non-malt scotch.
• Single Grain is also a pure grain whiskey, lower in the category.
• Grain Single Barrel is a scotch made only from a mixture of grain spirits, aged in one barrel for at least 6 months.
• Pure Grain is a combination of several grain drinks from different distilleries.

It's rare to find pure grain whiskey here. Most often - blends or single malts. In total, there are currently 148 brands of Scotch tape on the market.

The most famous brands of scotch tape

If you ask someone who knows a little about whiskey which brand is the most famous, he will no doubt name Johnnie Walker. In Russian the name sounds like Johnny Walker - this is the name of the founder of the distillery. The event happened back in 1820. It is now the world's best-selling brand. There are 5 Johnnie Walker labels:

• The cheapest is Red Label. Its manufacturer positions it as adhesive tape “for every day.” Consists of 35 barley varieties, based on the Cardu brand, aged in sherry barrels for 3 to 5 years.
  The cost of a bottle here ranges from 1.8-2.0 thousand rubles per 0.7 liter bottle. Further I will indicate just such a spill - for convenience. The first price is in online stores and wholesalers, the second is in retail. This is No. 1 whiskey in the world. 7.5 million 9-liter boxes are sold annually worldwide!

• Black Label is an excellent blend, aged for more than 12 years. It contains almost 40 single malt spirits. It has the softest, honey taste and a slight smoky note in the aroma. Cost 3.0-4.2 thousand rubles.

• Gold Label, or also called "Golden Label", is aged for at least 18 years and is composed of 15 of the most valuable barley and grain spirits. The recipe was developed for the centenary of Johnny Walker and Sons. It is considered the most “honey and smoky” brand. Price – within 5-5.5 thousand rubles.

• Platinum Label is the company's newest product. Year of birth: 2011, blended by Jim Beveridge. The alcohols are infused for at least 18 years, the composition is kept secret. Experts say that the blend was created under the influence of the blend master’s trip to India. And therefore, scotch has a very strong, spicy and at the same time, sweet taste with a traditional smoky aroma. Price – about 8 thousand rubles.

Among luxury whiskeys, the brand has held the championship for decades Chivas Regal– products of the Chivas Brothers distillery (founded 1801).

The blend consists of 39-41% malt whiskey. Three types are available: Chivas Regal 12 Y.O. with 12 years of aging (price about 3 thousand rubles for 0.7 l), with 18 years - Chivas Regal Gold Signature 18 Y.O. (6.5 thousand rubles) and Chivas Regal Royal Salute 50 Y.O., created for the half-century anniversary of the Queen’s coronation in 2003.

A special feature is the colored bottles, imitating the shimmer of precious stones on the royal crown. The price of an exclusive bottle is from 15 thousand rubles.

Whiskey Scotch Glenlivet, read as Glenlivet, is one of the best brands of single malt whiskey Single Malt. Date of birth: 1824. Aged from 12 to 25 years. Malt is dried using peat smoke, which is almost fresh in composition and extracted in only one place.

It has a rather light golden color, a honey flavor and a delicate smoky floral flair. It is aged in bourbon barrels (one type is sherry), and the water has been taken from only one source for almost 200 years. Cost – from 4 thousand rubles. for a 12-year-old bottle up to 30-35 thousand - for 25 years of age.

Famous Grouse- Scotland's national pride. Only there is wild grouse partridge, which is depicted on the label. The strength of the drink is 43% alc. Consists of malt spirits from two distilleries. The best selling brand in Scotland itself.

And at the same time, many houses have their own recipes for how to make Famous Grouse. Connoisseurs note spices and orange in the taste, caramel in the aftertaste, and fruit (orange and cherry) and peat smoke in the aroma. The price is around 2-2.5 thousand rubles.

Among the very famous and valuable brands we should definitely mention:

• Ballantine's– third place in sales in the world. Possesses the title “Impeccable Taste”. Price from 1000 rub. for 3 years of age and up to 35 thousand for aging for 30 years.
• Cutty Sark– the lightest and most original variety in taste. And the cheapest original adhesive tape - from 800 rubles. per bottle
• Dewar's White Labe l is the most complex blend in composition. Has a Royal Patent and more than 400 international awards. Aging from 3 to 25 years, price 4-25 thousand rubles.
• Glenfiddich or tape with deer antlers. Every 4th bottle sold in the world has them on the label. This is an elite class single malt whiskey. A bottle of a 40-year-old drink costs 210 thousand rubles. The cheapest is about 4 thousand.

The most popular whiskey in Russia

Well, I would like to complete my review with the most popular brand among my compatriots. Naturally, this is the White Horse - White Horse. Also, this whiskey is the first in Japan, second in Brazil and third in the USA in popularity.

Interestingly, in its homeland this drink is not even in the top 20. But the manufacturer, White Horse Distillers Limited, is the only one to receive the Queen’s Award for Achievement in the Development of International Trade.

The distillery was recently acquired by Diageo, which now owns almost half of the listed brands. The White Horse blend contains more than 20 types of malt and grain alcohols, the taste is sweet, fruity, smoky aroma, with notes of vanilla.

This is where I say goodbye, although I could tell you a lot more interesting things about adhesive tape. I’ll switch to other drinks for now - well, so that they don’t get offended. Subscribe and you will receive an email with a new, exciting investigation on the topic of alcohol. And remember - everything is good in moderation!

Best regards, Pavel Dorofeev.

Whiskey is a refined alcoholic drink that is prepared from various types of grain 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.

Rating of the best whiskeys according to the authoritative magazine “Whisky Bible”

Firstly, it should be noted that the best whiskeys are Scotch (Scotch) and 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 whiskey”. 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 blend of three Macallan whiskeys, a 1946 blend, 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: continuation of the popularity rating of 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.

1. Single malt whiskey
2. Blended whiskey
3. Grain whiskey
4. The best whiskey in the world
5. How to choose whiskey?

Whiskey is a strong alcoholic drink made from various grains. There are stages in its preparation:

1. Germination of seeds (malting).
2. Fermentation.
3. Distillation.
4. Aging in oak barrels.

Whiskey is usually made from barley or wheat, but sometimes it can be made from rye. Bourbon, which is made from corn, stands out separately. The strength of whiskey can vary within a very wide range, most often it is 32-50%, but sometimes there are drinks containing 60% alcohol. This variety makes it difficult to decide which whiskey to choose.

Depending on the difference in production technology, three types of whiskey are distinguished:

• malt;
• blended;
• grain.

Single malt whiskey

This type of drink is usually the answer to the question of which whiskey is the best, since it is considered elite, the most expensive and of the highest quality. Whiskey connoisseurs enjoy single malt whiskey most fully. The production technology of this drink takes the longest, since it must be infused in oak barrels for at least 3 years. The average aging time is 10 years.

Single malt whiskey is a drink made from sprouted barley (barley malt). It must be distinguished from grain whiskey so as not to confuse which whiskeys are considered good.

The amazing ability of this whiskey is the dependence of its aroma and taste on the place of production.

But single malt whiskey is not all the same, but has several subtypes:

• Actually, single malt single malt whiskey is made at one distillery, although it allows for a blend of fractions from different vintages.
• Single cask whiskey is taken from one barrel, it may have cask strength, but it is often brought to the standard.
• Quarter cask whiskey is taken from a smaller barrel, which must be made of American oak. In this case, the strength of the drink increases to 50%, the taste is more intense, and the ripening process is accelerated. This type of whiskey is most often chosen by the stronger sex, which is not surprising.
• The last type of pure malt (otherwise, blended malt or vatted malt) is a mixture from different distilleries.

There was a well-founded opinion regarding single malt whiskey that it had too strong a smell and a somewhat unusual taste. For this reason, they began to mix it with other types of whiskey. But such a drink can no longer be called single malt whiskey.

Video about which whiskeys are considered good

Although any single malt whiskey is produced using standard technology, in each region it acquires its own specific aroma, by which it is easy to distinguish it from others.

Manufacturers have a little secret that they don’t like to advertise too much: there are two different types - consumer whiskey and whiskey from merchants. Both varieties are good. The only difference is that whiskey from merchants is produced in small distilleries, so it is more expensive. The consumer version is made on an industrial scale, so it is closer to the definition of good inexpensive whiskey. There is also a difference in personality. Consumer whiskey has a standard good taste and aroma, but the bouquet of whiskey from merchants “dances” a lot, and not necessarily for the better.

The location of a particular distillery and climate inevitably affect the quality of single malt whiskey, so each batch is unique in taste. The water used in production also matters, as does the method of distillation.

The best single malt whiskey can be found in bottles with the following names:

• Glen Grant, Glenfiddich.
• Bowmore, Highland Park.
• Aberlour Single Malt.

Blended whiskey

It is this type of whiskey that can most often be found in most stores; it is the most accessible. The prices are quite reasonable and the taste is quite pleasant.

Blending is the process of mixing malt whiskeys with grains in the production. In total, the blend can include up to 50 different varieties. If the label contains the words “Deluxe” or “Premium”, then this means that the blend is made up only of elite, expensive varieties, and the buyer is presented with the best varieties of whiskey.

If we consider the issue from the point of view of sales volume, then 90% of the whiskey sold in the world is blended. There are types of such whiskey that contain a minimum of malt drink, for example, such as Chivas Regal, although manufacturers trumpet the opposite. Drinks containing a large proportion of malt fraction are labeled with the word “Delux”, which is what you need to know before choosing a good whiskey. For those who do not yet understand the difference in the tastes of different whiskeys, it is best to study them through blended drinks.

Andrew Usher developed the first blended whiskey recipe in 1853, which became the most widespread and was later called “Old Vatted Glenlivet.” Whiskey production in England has come under government control since 1860. The point of blending is not so much to obtain a unique bouquet, but to maintain its stability from year to year. Any batch of drink selected for blending immediately undergoes tasting after distillation. And which whiskey is better: single malt or blended – everyone decides for himself.

Well-known representatives of blended whiskeys are:

• Ballantines.
• Chivas Regal.
• Bell's.

Grain whiskey

Experts classify grain whiskey as the lowest quality, even calling it technical. This drink is made from roasted barley or corn. Grain whiskey also has a significant technological difference from malt whiskey in its production - for its distillation, special stills are used, in which steam promotes the continuous production of alcohol. Such a drink appears on open sale quite rarely, since it has almost no smell or taste. But after additional purification it is used as a semi-finished product for the production of vodka or gin.

Famous brands of grain whiskey:

• Greenore.
• Choice Old Cameron Brig.

The best whiskey in the world

Whiskey producers established the World Whiskies Award in 2007, which became a kind of Oscar for them. Moreover, several nominations were highlighted:

• best malt;
• best single malt;
• best blended

as well as the best whiskey by country of origin:

• best Japanese;
• best Irish single malt, etc.

The historical spelling of the word "whisky" is whisky, but in the late 19th century a corruption of the word "whiskey" arose to distinguish producers in other countries.

New winners are announced every year, so the question of which whiskey is better is more of a rhetorical question. Thus, in 2014 the following brands won:

• Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask - the best single malt whiskey in the world;
• Taketsuru 17 Years Old – the best blended whiskey;
• The Lost Distilleries Blend - the best blended whiskey;
• Sons of Liberty Pumpk in Spice - the best flavored whiskey;
• Master of Malt Speyside Whiskey Liqueur 40 Years Old – the best whiskey liqueur in the world;
• Teeling Single Grain – the best single grain whiskey;
• Thomas H Handy Sazerac is the best rye whiskey.

How to choose whiskey?

The qualities of whiskey, like other drinks, depend on the ingredients and their proportions; they create a unique bouquet.

In Scotch whiskey, the main ingredient is barley malt, and minimalism rules here. But the Irish decided to add rye, which became an integral part of the rich taste. America introduced corn and wheat, and in Japan, rice and corn get into whiskey along with barley.

A rather free choice and combination of initial ingredients will not help in deciding which drink is better - it is purely a matter of personal taste. If we are talking about the best classic whiskeys, then Scottish and Irish drinks are undoubtedly in the lead. It is important to learn how to drink whiskey correctly in order to experience the full flavor of the drink.

Video about which whiskey is the best

When choosing whiskey in a store, you should look at its composition and strength. The more modest the composition and the higher the strength, the more solid the whiskey is considered. Good whiskey can range in color from light yellow to brown.

Presence of sediment is not allowed.

When turned over, the liquid should flow down the sides of the bottle in a “stocking” and not in streams. After shaking the bottle of drink, large air bubbles that do not disappear for a long time should appear in it.

Do you like whiskey? Which variety do you think is the best? Share your opinion in the comments.

There are a considerable number of varieties of whiskey in the world. Producers of strong wine have been honing production technology for centuries and testing recipes for creating unique alcohol. As a result of many years of trial and error, distillers around the world began to produce several of the most popular types.

Whiskey varieties

In accordance with the raw materials used and production technology, the following varieties are distinguished:

Malt whiskey

Single malt whiskey is considered the most expensive and refined. What does this mean? This alcohol is made from barley using a special technology and is prepared in accordance with ancient recipes and traditions. Initially, single malt whiskey was used as the basis for blending mixed alcohol.

In 1960, in Scotland, at the Glenfiddich distillery, the ancient recipe for single malt alcohol was restored. Connoisseurs of good wine appreciated the revealed taste and aromatic qualities of this noble drink. Since then, single malt whiskey has rapidly conquered the global alcohol market.

In turn, this type of strong alcohol has several options. How do single malt whiskeys differ from each other?

1. Vatted malt – cask whiskey. This type of drink is created by mixing malt alcohol from various distilleries (pure molt). The whiskey production technology at different enterprises is almost the same. But the water used and special climatic conditions make the alcohol of each distillery individual. When mixing strong wine from different producers, a noble drink with a unique taste and aroma is obtained. This whiskey can be called two-malt, although such a concept does not officially exist in alcohol production technology.
2. Single malt – whiskey from one distillery. To produce this type of alcohol, the manufacturer uses only single malt whiskey of its own production. In the technology of creating a drink, mixing only the same type of alcohol of varying degrees of aging is allowed.
3. Single cask – whiskey from one barrel. When creating this type of alcohol, the manufacturer varies only the strength. Extracted from one barrel, whiskey can have its own cask strength acquired during maturation, or it can be brought to a standard strength by the creator.

Grain whiskey

This type of strong whiskey is made mainly from corn. This is the lowest quality drink that has no aroma. The area of ​​application of the drink is use for making blends. Although a small batch of grain whiskey in its pure form goes on sale.

The drink that is planned to be used for blending undergoes single distillation. With more thorough distillation (up to 5 times), alcohol is used to create vodka and gin.

Blend whiskey

90% of the production volume is a blended drink. What is the difference between single malt alcohol and blended alcohol? The answer is simple - composition. Blended alcohol consists of single malt and grain whiskey. Each producer of strong alcohol creates its own unique bouquet, taking into account the traditions and preferences of the consumer. The Scottish blended version is considered the most famous and noble.

When getting acquainted with this amazing drink, many people have a question - which whiskey is better, single malt or blended. You can find the answer to this question only by trying these drinks. As you know, there is no comrade according to taste. Some people like the rich bouquet created as a result of blending. Some people prefer a discreet, monogamous drink. This problem can only be solved experimentally. And everyone will have their own decision.

Another type is bourbon. This is American whiskey made from corn using special technology. And, although it belongs to the category of whiskey, it has an absolutely unique taste and aroma, different from other types of this alcohol.

Classification by place of production

In addition to classification by composition, the drink is also divided by country of origin.

• Scottish (Scotch). The most common type of whiskey is produced in Scotland. According to tradition, Scotch whiskey is the one for which the spirit was produced in Scotland. And it doesn’t matter in what part of the world this drink was bottled. A huge number of distilleries supply single malt and blended whiskey to the world market.
• Irish. A distinctive feature of this alcohol is the absence of smoke aftertaste. Alcohol with such properties is created thanks to a special maturation process and the container used.
• American. In America, strong alcohol is made from corn, rye and a small amount of barley. Thanks to the peculiarities of the technological process and unique recipe, the drink is significantly different from Scottish and Irish.
• Canadian. In Canada, the main raw material for alcohol production is rye. On the labels of this drink there is the mark “RYE”.
• Japanese. Alcohol produced in Japan goes to the Asian market, it is almost impossible to try it here. The quality of Japanese whiskey is similar to scotch. The difference is the absence of peat flavor.

Each type is original in its own way and deserves attention. The final choice remains with the consumer.

There are three main types of whiskey - malt, grain and blended. Malt - produced from pure barley malt without impurities. A grain made from different types of cereals, it is almost entirely used in the production of blended whiskey, but partly goes on sale. Blended whiskey is a mixture of whiskey from different types of grains. There is also American corn whiskey, created using a special technology.

The best of the best

Since 2007, the ‘World Whiskies Award’ has existed. This is a kind of Oscar for whiskey producers around the world. The award is presented in several categories: “Best Whiskey”, “Best Malt Whiskey”, “Best Blended Whiskey”. Awards are also given by country for the best producers of the drink - “Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey”, “Best Japanese Whiskey”, etc.

In Scotland the word "whisky" is written as "whisky", in all other countries - "whiskey".

The winning labels change every year, so keeping up with new trends in whiskey production is not so easy. Here are the results for 2014:

1. The best single malt whiskey in the world - Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask
2. Best blended whiskey - Taketsuru 17 Years Old
3. Best blended whiskey - The Lost Distilleries Blend
4. Best Flavored Whiskey - Sons of Liberty Pumpkin Spice
5. The world's best whiskey liqueur - Master of Malt Speyside Whiskey Liqueur 40 Years Old
6. Best single grain whiskey - Teeling Single Grain
7. Best American Whiskey - Balcones Brimstone Resurrection
8. Best rye whiskey - Thomas H Handy Sazerac

How to choose great whiskey in the store

But, of course, not everyone has the opportunity to attend a prestigious award and try all the varieties listed there. And in general, in Russia, most of them are quite difficult to buy. However, there are several tricks that will allow you to use the available assortment of whiskey for yourself or as a gift.

The word comes from the Celtic "uisce beatha" - "living water".

First, pay attention to the country of origin. The best whiskey is produced in the USA, Ireland, Scotland and Japan. Most likely, there will be no complaints about products from these countries. True, if the label says “Scotch Whiskey” or, say, “Scotch Whiskey” in Russian, then this is a product produced in Russia and bears little resemblance to real whiskey.

Look at how the label is attached. It should be positioned evenly and glued without bubbles. Pay attention to the composition. Real whiskey should contain only water and grain or corn - no ethyl alcohol, no flavors or fragrances.

The color of good whiskey can be from light to dark golden. There should be no sediment in the bottle.

When you turn the bottle over, the whiskey should fall down in a large drop, and not flow down the walls.

Finally, when shaking the whiskey, large air bubbles should appear that do not disappear for a long time.

Let's try to figure out which whiskey is the best among the inexpensive ones in Russian stores today.

Whiskey, likewise, is a noble alcohol, the consumption of which is invariably associated with success and status. But what if you forget about all these stereotypes and its obligatory high cost, and try to choose whiskey at the “yellow” price tag?

Its strength varies from 40 to 60 percent, and the base for creating alcohol is barley, corn, oats and rye. The history of whiskey is closely connected with English monasteries, where this drink was used for medicinal purposes. Over time, the recipe spread throughout Europe and gained popularity among economically successful segments of the population.

The Russian market cannot offer domestically produced whiskey to potential consumers. But the import of this elite alcoholic drink is carried out on a global scale. The main importing country is Great Britain. This is followed by Ireland, the USA and Canada.

Whiskey brands of various price categories are widely available. But consumers are mostly interested in a product designed for the mass market. Is there affordable, yet decent alcohol in this segment?

The Johnnie Walker brand annually supplies more than 100 million bottles of whiskey to the world market. Two brands of branded drinks are especially popular in the domestic space:

Red Label is a blended 40% cold filtered whiskey. The taste is dominated by smoky notes, which are diluted by a soft hint of vanilla. You can note the sharpness of the drink, which is dulled by cooling it.

Price: 2,483 rubles per 1000 ml.

Reviews: The average consumer rating is 6 points. Tasters note the classic, very pleasant taste. Its only drawback is a certain “flatness” and lack of zest.

Black Label is a blended 43% cold filtered whiskey. It has a dominant hint of smoke, notes of malt and fruity sherry. There are hints of citrus and a faint taste of raisins. It has a “solid” aftertaste with peaty and fruity undertones, which is why it is recommended to drink the drink in its pure form.

Price: 2,615 rubles for 500 ml.

Reviews: The average consumer rating is 8 points. Consumers note that the alcohol has earned high praise due to its smoky-sweet taste and gradually revealing complex bouquet of various notes. There are no downsides as such, but for some, Black Label may be too strong.

Chivas Regal 12 years old – this is the undisputed leader among Scottish blended elite whiskeys. The strength of the drink reaches 40%. Chivas Regal is aged in oak barrels. The flavor range consists of rich shades of honey apples, nuts, toffee and vanilla. The aftertaste develops long and bright.

Price: 3,322 rubles for 700 ml.

Reviews: The average consumer rating is 9 points. Tasters note a pleasant aroma of wild herbs and heather mixed with honey and sweetness. The combination of Chivas Regal 12 YO with strong cigars or black coffee has found particular love.

Blended whiskey is aged in sherry casks. It has an intense golden color, a strict aroma of wood and sherry.

The main flavor motif is woody. There are floral and spicy notes. The peculiarity of the drink is its double aging: the best “representatives” of malt whiskey mature in barrels for 12 years. Then they are combined and ripen for another year, acquiring a special bouquet.

Price: 3,500 rubles for 700 ml.

Reviews: The average consumer rating is 9. Buyers note a delicate smell that does not “hit” the nose, like some long-aged strong alcoholic drinks. Another remarkable detail is the spicy-oaky, warming aftertaste, for which whiskey is drunk neat.

Ballantine's 12 YO blended whiskey is aged in bourbon barrels and has a stunning creamy honey taste, as well as light hints of floral, oak and sweetness.

The aftertaste is fundamentally different from the main “theme” of the drink and has a refreshingly salty aftertaste. The aroma is very harmonious, but goes more into a woody theme. Sweet and vanilla notes play rather weakly.

Price: 3,400 rubles for 700 ml.

Reviews: the average consumer rating is 9.5. The main advantages noted by consumers are a very unusual aftertaste, which adds a special “zest” to the drink.

In a large supermarket, there may be several dozen or even hundreds of different bottles on the whiskey shelf. When buying whiskey for the first time, it is very difficult to navigate such a wide range. To make this task easier, I will talk about the criteria that influence the taste and price of the drink. When choosing, I advise you to focus on the following characteristics:

1. Type of whiskey. This is the most important characteristic affecting the prestige and cost of the drink. Whiskey can be malt (made only from pure barley), grain (other cereal crops are used in production) and blended (obtained by mixing the two previous types). Bourbon stands out separately - American corn whiskey, which, due to differences in production technology, does not fall into any of the categories.

Malt whiskey is considered the best; it is divided into the following subtypes:

• Single Malt - whiskey made from malted barley at one distillery, often a mixture of alcohols of different aging periods, this is the classic and most common option, trustworthy producers: Highland Park, Aberlour, Bowmore, Dalmore Sirius;
• Single Cask Malt is a drink from one barrel (does not mix with other alcohols), retains a unique taste and aroma, even from the same manufacturer, different batches (barrels) can differ greatly in organoleptic characteristics, it is rarely found on sale, the famous distillery is “Tyrconnell”;
• Pure Malt is a mixture of single malt whiskey from different distilleries; when properly blended, it hides the shortcomings of the alcohols included in the composition; often these drinks have standard average properties; the richness and richness of their taste depends on the skill of the distiller; the most successful combinations are obtained from “Ballantine's” and “Shieldaig” .

Due to low quality and lack of unique taste, grain whiskeys (Grain) are not sold in their pure form; they are needed only for the production of blended varieties. The only exception is the “Choice Old Cameron Brig” brand, but it is quite difficult to find, especially in Russia.

Blended whiskeys are a mixture of malt and grain varieties. This type accounts for about 90% of global sales, in other words, it is designed for mass consumption. The more malt alcohol in the composition, the better and more expensive the blended whiskey will be.

This is not to say that these are low-quality drinks. It all depends on the selection of alcohols and the technology of mixing them. For example, the world famous brands “White Horse”, “Chivas Regal” and “Johnnie Walker” are also blends.

2. Region of production. Identified by the name on the label. The label "Whisky" or "Scotch" refers to drinks produced in Scotland. Most scotches (especially those produced on the islands) have a peat smell and a slight smoky taste. I recommend trying “Highland Park”, “Macallan”, “Lagavulin”.

Irish varieties are called “Whiskey”; they are distinguished by a soft, balanced taste and persistent aroma. Top distilleries: Bushmills, Midleton and Cooley.

American corn whiskeys (containing at least 51% corn alcohol) are called "Bourbon". These drinks are famous for their delicate sweetish taste, so for beginners, drinking bourbon in its pure form is much easier and more enjoyable than other varieties. The most advertised representative of bourbons is the Jim Beam distillery from Kentucky.

An exception is another famous American brand, Jack Daniel's. Despite the fact that the drink consists of 80% corn distillate, Jack Daniels is referred to as “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Canadian whiskeys are predominantly made from rye, and you can find the inscription “RYE” on their labels. They don't stand out as anything special. Japanese drinks are more similar to Scotch whiskeys, such as Nikka, and are sold in Asian countries.

3. Holding time. It is after prolonged infusion in oak barrels that the alcohol turns into a noble drink with unique properties. Age is determined by the ripening period of the youngest alcohol. For blended varieties, this means that if the label indicates 12 years of aging, then the youngest spirit has spent at least 12 years in the barrel. Once bottled, age does not count.

The minimum aging period for whiskey is 3 years (for bourbon - 2), but most producers infuse it for much longer, on average from 5 to 10 years. It is this age that you need to focus on when choosing whiskey. You should not buy the youngest varieties, as their taste often leaves much to be desired.

4. Price. The most expensive whiskeys are not always the best. Often the price includes brand awareness and the cost of packaging (so-called “gift whiskey”). For personal tasting, I advise you to focus on the average price range, in which there are many worthy representatives.

If you are choosing whiskey as a gift for a person who is not a connoisseur of this alcohol, it is better to buy a drink from a well-known brand in a beautiful designer bottle or expensive packaging. A connoisseur can choose the right whiskey only by knowing his preferences in terms of type and country of production. This is often a very difficult and thankless task.

In terms of price, I advise you to pay attention to another important point - the cost of the selected bottle. It should be approximately the same in all stores (the difference is no more than 20%). If the price in one of the stores is significantly lower, it is possible that it is counterfeit whiskey, the consumption of which can lead to alcohol poisoning. It is dangerous to buy it.

5. Taste. Although the technology for preparing all types of whiskey is largely identical, thanks to the nuances, the resulting drinks have very different tastes. To get acquainted with this unique alcohol, you need to taste at least several varieties from different countries and only after that decide whether you like whiskey or not.

The mistake of beginners is that they form a general opinion about whiskey after trying only one brand and often not the most worthy one.