There are several whiskey brands out in the market today, and with all the options to choose from, selecting the finest one may prove to be overwhelming. This is because you need to compare the quality of various brands before making a choice, and this is not only time-consuming, but it can cost you a lot too. In this case, to simplify the process of selecting the finest whiskey, just consider the important factors listed below.
The Region Where It Was Made
One of the first things that you need to consider in buying whiskey is the region where it was made because this has a significant impact on what goes into the liquor, affecting how it tastes. For this reason, the liquor experts from The Whisky Club suggest that you travel to different parts of the globe to have a first-hand experience of the quality of whiskey from various parts of the world. Some of the most popular places where high-quality whiskey is made include Ireland, Canada, Japan, and of course, the United States.
- Ireland
If you are looking for whiskey made from malted barley and barley that has a certain smoky taste, then you should go for scotch whiskey, while if you are after a multi-faceted aroma, then you should go for Irish whiskey that uses rye in addition to barley and malted barley. As soon as you visit Ireland, make sure that you don’t pass up the opportunity to visit The Dingle Distillery. This is one of the newest distilleries in the region and apart from producing whiskey, they also manufacture vodka and gin.
There is also the option for you to go and visit The Jameson Experience, which is one of the most top-rated attractions in Ireland and is also considered a haven for whiskey lovers. Some of the buildings of this distillery even date back to the late 1700s. On the other hand, if you want to learn the proper way to taste whiskey, then you should visit the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre which can offer you the best whiskey experience too.
- Canada
Whiskey from Canada is made from rye, which gives it a unique flavor. When traveling across Canada in search of the best whiskey in town, make sure to give N Sur Mackay in Montreal a visit. This is a whiskey-focused charming bar with a 1920s ambiance. In case you are somewhere in Calgary, make sure that you pass by the Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey which not only serves true and authentic Canadian whiskey but pairs it with Texas barbecue too.
If Montreal or Calgary is not part of your travel itinerary, but you are within the vicinity of Vancouver, then stop by the Shebeen Whisky House which offers a wide selection of whiskey for you to choose from. You may even find rare varieties of whiskey that you won’t find anywhere else, plus the ambiance of the place will have you feeling like you are in Dublin. Otherwise, make sure to visit Char No.5 Canadian Whisky Bar if you are in Toronto where you will get to enjoy the best local Canadian whiskeys on the other side of the country.
If you are traveling across Asia and you are bound for Japan, then you are in luck because Japan has grown to be one of the top producers of whiskey in the world over the past couple of years. If you are in Tokyo, pass by Park Hyatt where you can enjoy the same local whiskey that Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson enjoyed as they were filming the movie Lost in Translation. Otherwise, make sure to head over to the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery which is one of the first distilleries opened in Japan. This trip will surely make a worthwhile pilgrimage to the whiskey lover in you. It is here where you will be able to try Suntory’s 12-year-old Yamazaki whisky, which is the first Japanese whisky to win gold at the International Spirits Challenge. They also accommodate daily tours and tasting events to suit your delight.
You can also visit Nikka Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido in Northern Japan. This distillery is considered to be the second-largest whiskey company in the country, with Nikka being awarded as the best single malt at the World Whisky Awards.
Age
Aside from the region where the whiskey is made, you should also consider the age of the liquor because this can significantly affect its quality. For instance, a younger whiskey that has not been aged long enough may not have the premium taste that an older whiskey variety possesses. Most whiskey experts prefer the varieties aged anywhere from five to twelve years because from there, the liquor is deemed perfect in terms of its flavor and aroma.
Whiskey that has been aged for over 20 years is considered to be of premium quality, such that these are considered to be a collector’s item because of their unique character. Just keep in mind that the period after bottling the liquor no longer counts in the aging process. Rather, the years counted are only the years that the whiskey is aged in oak barrels, which is usually three years minimum.
Variety
Another thing that you need to consider in buying whiskey is its variety. There are four common whiskey varieties, namely grain, malt, blended, and bourbon, each having their characteristics. For instance, in grain whiskey varieties, cereals predominate as a base, while malt can be made from a mixture of various alcohols in different aging periods. Conversely, blended whiskey is a mixture of both grain and malt whiskey, while bourbon is made with corn grains. Each of these whiskey varieties poses unique characteristics that affect their taste and aroma.
You will be able to choose the finest whiskey if you consider the region where it was made, as well as its age and variety. Alongside this, you also need to ensure that you only source out whiskey products from reliable manufacturers and distributors. All these are geared towards ensuring that you get high-quality whiskey at a reasonable price.
