What Is Whisky?
Whisky is a spirit distilled from a fermented mash of grain and matured in wooden casks. At its simplest it is three ingredients — grain, water and yeast — plus two that no one can hurry: wood and time.
Where the word comes from
"Whisky" comes from the Gaelic uisge beatha, "water of life" — a translation of the Latin aqua vitae that monks used for distilled spirits. Over centuries uisge became "usky", then "whisky".
Whisky or whiskey?
Both are right. Scotland, Canada and Japan write whisky; Ireland and most American producers write whiskey. There are exceptions — Maker's Mark and Old Forester print "whisky" — so read the label rather than the rule.
What makes Scotch, Scotch
Scotch is protected by law. Under the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 it must be:
- made at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley (other whole cereal grains may be added)
- fermented with yeast only, and distilled to less than 94.8% ABV so it keeps the flavour of its raw materials
- matured in Scotland, in oak casks of no more than 700 litres, for at least three years
- bottled at no less than 40% ABV
- free of any additive except water and plain caramel colouring (E150a)
Anything younger than three years is legally "new make spirit", not whisky — however good it tastes.
How whisky differs from other spirits
| Spirit | Made from | Typically aged? |
|---|---|---|
| Whisky | Grain | Yes — in wood, by law in most countries |
| Brandy / Cognac | Grapes (fruit) | Yes |
| Rum | Sugar cane or molasses | Often |
| Vodka | Almost anything | No — distilled very high and filtered to be neutral |
| Gin | Neutral spirit + botanicals | Rarely |
Where the colour comes from
New-make spirit runs off the still as clear as water. Every shade of gold, amber and mahogany in the glass comes from the cask — or, in some bottles, from a little caramel colouring. Look for "natural colour" on the label if that matters to you.
Next: the styles of whisky — single malt, blends, bourbon and more.