Definition: whisky - whiskey

Whisky (or whiskey, depending on the region of production) is a spirit made from malted barley, sometimes with added rye, oats or corn. The origin of whisky is still a subject of controversy between the Irish and the Scots, each claiming to have the oldest evidence. Whisky was subsequently exported to the New World, particularly to the United States and Canada. Since the beginning of the 20th century, distilleries have developed in Japan and, more recently, in the rest of the world.

What is the difference between whisky and whiskey?
Grain spirit (malted or unmalted) produced in Scotland is called WHISKY, while if it is produced in the United States or Ireland, it is called WHISKEY.
Whiskey produced in the United States is called Bourbon and is made from grain (at least 51% of which is corn).
Scottish whisky is generally double distilled (see whisky production), while in Ireland whiskey is distilled three times.

What is the difference between whisky and Cognac?
Whisky is an alcohol made from grain (usually barley, but other grains can be used, such as maize or wheat), while Cognac, like Armagnac, is made from grapes.
However, the principle of alcohol production remains the same: sugar is extracted and converted into alcohol.

When do we refer to Scotch (whisky)?
A whisky produced in Scotland that has been aged for at least three years in oak casks on Scottish soil is entitled to the designation "Scotch Whisky".
Blend, single malt, pure malt, vatted malt, etc.
A "single malt" whisky is a whisky produced from malted barley in a single distillery.
A "Pure Malt" whisky is a whisky produced from malted barley. As this designation is not official, it can refer to whisky produced by a single distillery or by several distilleries.
A "vatted malt" whisky is a whisky produced from malted barley and is a blend of the production of various distilleries.
A "blended whisky" or "blend" is a mixture of malt (usually from various distilleries) and grain whisky.

Classic Malts
The Classic Malts series is an initiative by Scotland's largest distillery owner (Diageo) to promote the different whisky-producing regions of Scotland. This series was launched in 1985 and includes the following distilleries:

Region Distilleries
Speyside Cragganmore
Highlands Dalwhinnie
Lowlands Glenkinchie
Islay Lagavulin
West Coast Oban
Islands: Skye Talisker

This collection is an excellent introduction to the world of single malt whisky.
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