Definition: whiskey

This type of strong alcohol actually originated in Ireland and not in Scotland, despite the latter being the main producer. The Irish heritage of this alcohol comes from the Gaelic expression "uisge beatha" (water of life), which was later anglicised to whiskey. It was therefore in Ireland, probably as early as the 6th century, that the science of distillation was introduced from North Africa by itinerant monks. In Scotland, on the other hand, the first official mention of this spirit dates back to 1494.

Like Irish whiskey, bourbon whiskey (whisky made in the United States) is spelled the same way. American whisky is a grain spirit. Corn and rye are mainly used, with millet, sorghum and barley used in smaller quantities.