Whiskey: Beyond the British Isles

When you check over the selection of liquors that we have in Liquor Store Edmonton, you may find several products such as Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and even Japanese Whisky. Cultural appropriation is definitely present in the creation of distilled spirits, where each region contributes its own unique character in how these spirits are made.

Traditionally, we have grown accustomed to the use of Whiskey or Whisky in the British Isles. With immigration however, it is expected that some customs and methods have been taken to other locales and adapted to accommodate local ingredients.

This adaptation of distillation methods to local ingredients results in a unique product specific to that area. It is made from the unique ingredients of that region, with traditional methods carried over.

Bourbon

Bourbon is quintessentially an American product, there’s no doubt about that. Where Scotch and Irish products are distilled from barley, Bourbon is chiefly made of Corn. The corn however, is just 51 percent of the product. Bourbon is also made of rye and malted barley.

You might wonder now, why is it Bourbon? The name comes from a specific region in the state of Kentucky in the southern United States, where it was first made. There are provisions however, that allow Bourbon to be made anywhere in the United States.

The distillation process differs however, in that it can be distilled thrice. This is until the resultant product is allowed to mature in charred oak casks for that distinct smoky bouquet.

Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey on the other hand, is also uniquely American, and carries the same methods used to distille bourbon. It differs from Bourbon, in that Rye Whiskey is made of 51 percent Rye, which gives it a spice that Bourbon lacks. Rye Whiskey can create another unique product called Tennessee Whiskey. Tennessee Whiskey however, is only produced in the state of Tennessee, and uses a distinct process with charcoal that allows the piquant flavours of this whiskey to mellow out before they mature.

Japanese Whisky

Japanese Whisky originated when Scots trained the Japanese in their methods of whisky distillation, hence the spelling of the name. Unlike Scotch Whisky however, Japanese Whisky does not have a prescribed period where the Whisky should mature. While Scotch Whisky is integrated into Japanese Whisky, the Whisky integrated is usually matured for at least five years.

What’s Next?

Savour the world of difference in Whiskeys, and Whisky with a stop at Liquor Store Edmonton. If you have a distinct flavour that you want to pair one of our liquors with, we would be able to assist you with that. Travel the world, with one sip at a time, with our selection of distilled liquors from all over the world.