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Which whiskey is better to choose as a gift name? How to choose the right whiskey for tasting and as a gift. The most famous brands of scotch tape

Wires and cables
20.09.2020

A little about tape in general

As you know from the previous post, Scotland is considered the birthplace of whiskey, which there (that is, not only there, but everywhere) is called scotch, and every bottle of the drink produced in this country of the Kingdom is labeled Whiskey Scotch.

There are several significant differences between original Scotch Scotch and whiskey produced elsewhere, which can only be called Whiskey or Bourbon.

There are several types of Scotch whiskey:

  • Malt is a scotch made from 100% barley malt.
  • Single Malt is a single malt whiskey made at one distillery and bottled there.
  • Single Cask Malt is a blend of multi-malt varieties matured in one cask.
  • Pure Malt is a composition of several brands of single malt whiskey produced at different distilleries, aged in the same barrel.
  • Blend is a blended whiskey, a combination of different types of malt and grain alcohols in different proportions.
  • Grain is whiskey made from pure wheat alcohol of very high quality. This is the most expensive brand of non-malt scotch.
  • Single Grain is also a pure grain whiskey, lower in the category.
  • Grain Single Barrel is a scotch made only from a mixture of grain spirits, aged in one barrel for at least 6 months.
  • Pure Grain is a combination of several grain drinks from different distilleries.

It's rare to find pure grain whiskey here. Most often - blends or single malts. In total, there are currently 148 brands of Scotch tape on the market.

The most famous brands of scotch tape

If you ask someone who knows a little about whiskey which brand is the most famous, he will no doubt name Johnnie Walker. In Russian the name sounds like Johnny Walker - this is the name of the founder of the distillery. The event happened back in 1820. It is now the world's best-selling brand. There are 5 Johnnie Walker labels:

  • The cheapest is Red Label. Its manufacturer positions it as adhesive tape “for every day.” Consists of 35 barley varieties, based on the Cardu brand, aged in sherry barrels for 3 to 5 years.
    The cost of a bottle here ranges from 1.8-2.0 thousand rubles per 0.7 liter bottle. Further I will indicate just such a spill - for convenience. The first price is in online stores and wholesalers, the second is in retail. This is No. 1 whiskey in the world. 7.5 million 9-liter boxes are sold annually worldwide!
  • Black Label is an excellent blend, aged for more than 12 years. It contains almost 40 single malt spirits. It has the softest, honey taste and a slight smoky note in the aroma. Cost 3.0-4.2 thousand rubles.
  • Gold Label, or also called "Golden Label", is aged for at least 18 years and is composed of 15 of the most valuable barley and grain spirits. The recipe was developed for the centenary of Johnny Walker and Sons. It is considered the most “honey and smoky” brand. Price – within 5-5.5 thousand rubles.

  • Platinum Label is the company's newest product. Year of birth: 2011, blended by Jim Beveridge. The alcohols are infused for at least 18 years, the composition is kept secret. Experts say that the blend was created under the influence of the blend master’s trip to India. And therefore, scotch has a very strong, spicy and at the same time, sweet taste with a traditional smoky aroma. Price – about 8 thousand rubles.

Among luxury whiskeys, the brand has held the championship for decades Chivas Regal– products of the Chivas Brothers distillery (founded 1801).

The blend consists of 39-41% malt whiskey. Three types are available: Chivas Regal 12 Y.O. with 12 years of aging (price about 3 thousand rubles for 0.7 l), with 18 years - Chivas Regal Gold Signature 18 Y.O. (6.5 thousand rubles) and Chivas Regal Royal Salute 50 Y.O., created for the half-century anniversary of the Queen’s coronation in 2003.

Feature: colored bottles that imitate overflow precious stones on the royal crown. The price of an exclusive bottle is from 15 thousand rubles.

Whiskey Scotch Glenlivet, read as Glenlivet, is one of the best brands of single malt whiskey Single Malt. Date of birth: 1824. Aged from 12 to 25 years. Malt is dried using peat smoke, which is almost fresh in composition and is mined in only one place.

It has a rather light golden color, a honey flavor and a delicate smoky floral flair. It is aged in bourbon barrels (one type is sherry), and the water has been taken from only one source for almost 200 years. Cost – from 4 thousand rubles. for a 12-year-old bottle up to 30-35 thousand - for 25 years of age.

Famous Grouse- Scotland's national pride. Only there is wild grouse partridge, which is depicted on the label. The strength of the drink is 43% alc. Consists of malt spirits from two distilleries. The best selling brand in Scotland itself.

And at the same time, many houses have their own recipes for how to make Famous Grouse. Connoisseurs note spices and orange in the taste, caramel in the aftertaste, and fruit (orange and cherry) and peat smoke in the aroma. The price is around 2-2.5 thousand rubles.

Among the very famous and valuable brands we should definitely mention:

  • Ballantine's– third place in sales in the world. Possesses the title “Impeccable Taste”. Price from 1000 rub. for 3 years of age and up to 35 thousand for aging for 30 years.
  • Cutty Sark– the lightest and most original variety in taste. And the cheapest original adhesive tape - from 800 rubles. per bottle
  • Dewar's White Labe l is the most complex blend in composition. Has a Royal Patent and more than 400 international awards. Aging from 3 to 25 years, price 4-25 thousand rubles.
  • Glenfiddich or tape with deer antlers. Every 4th bottle sold in the world has them on the label. This is an elite class single malt whiskey. A bottle of a 40-year-old drink costs 210 thousand rubles. The cheapest is about 4 thousand.

The most popular whiskey in Russia

Well, I would like to complete my review with the most popular brand among my compatriots. Naturally, this is the White Horse - White Horse. Also, this whiskey is the first in Japan, second in Brazil and third in the USA in popularity.

Interestingly, in its homeland this drink is not even in the top 20. But the manufacturer, White Horse Distillers Limited, is the only one to receive the Queen’s Award for Achievement in the Development of International Trade.

The distillery was recently acquired by Diageo, which now owns almost half of the listed brands. The White Horse blend contains more than 20 types of malt and grain alcohols, the taste is sweet, fruity, smoky aroma, with notes of vanilla.

This is where I say goodbye, although I could tell you a lot more interesting things about adhesive tape. I’ll switch to other drinks for now - well, so that they don’t get offended. Subscribe and you will receive an email with a new, exciting investigation on the topic of alcohol. And remember - everything is good in moderation!

Best regards, Pavel Dorofeev.

Whiskey is a refined alcoholic drink made from grain various types using special methods of distillation, storage and aging. It is usually drunk neat or mixed in cocktails. Like any other type of alcoholic product, this drink is available in both the highest and lower quality. In this article, we will give a rating of whiskey so that you can decide which option to buy for a home feast, which one is not a shame to give to a big boss, and which one to use as an investment for the future. After all, collectible bottles “leave” at auctions for many thousands of dollars.

Rating of the best whiskeys according to the authoritative magazine “Whisky Bible”

Firstly, it should be noted that the best whiskeys are Scotch (Scotch) and Irish. Often a separate rating is compiled exclusively for these species. Aging and composition are also important - after all, the drink can be single malt, double malt and multi-malt. Even the material from which the barrels for storing alcohol are made matters (oak ones are considered the best). Taking into account all these factors, the whiskey rating is compiled. So, let's listen to the opinions of the experts and see how the reputable sommeliers of the American magazine “Whisky Bible” distributed the prizes:

1. In first place is Old Pulteney 21 YO whiskey, which earned 97.5 rating points out of 100 possible. The price for 700 ml is about 200-250 dollars, which is quite good for the first place winner.

2. Second place of honor, according to the experts of the “Whiskey Bible,” should be given to the noble drink George T. Stagg, the price of which is about 150-160 dollars per bottle.

3. Third place goes to Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheated Mash Bill Bourbon 10 YO. Its cost is much less - only 80-90 dollars for a 750 ml bottle.

We named the three main winners of the rating. The experts then considered the best varieties in various categories, for example: “Scotch” (Scotch whisky), “Single malt scotch”, “Irish” and “American whisky”. It must be said that this, perhaps the most authoritative rating of whiskey in the world, does not include varieties of the drink that are widely known to Russian consumers. The only thing that was recognized as one of the best in the “Blended Scotch” category was the more or less familiar Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 YO.

The most delicious whiskey: customer opinion

Agree, you can take into account the opinions of experts about which whiskey is the best in the world. But is it worth relying on them when talking about the taste of the product? After all, sommeliers evaluate drinks according to some special, semi-secret criteria, and what may seem like a divine pleasure to them, the average buyer will not like at all. So, let's look at the rating of whiskey by taste, based on reviews from consumers themselves, as well as sales estimates. So, William Lawson’s drink (Baccardi company) is in first place, Johnnie Walker Black Label is firmly in second place, and Maccalan whiskey takes third place. Whether experts agree with this rating is a big question... The above Top 3 drinks are compiled based on sales growth data for 2013.

Rating of whiskey in the world: top 10 most expensive drinks

Now we come to perhaps the most interesting part, because collectible whiskeys cost tens of thousands of dollars, and few people buy them just to enjoy the aromatic drink while sitting by the fireplace and smoking a cigar. Such bottles are considered as investments and are carefully stored in special cabinets, which, by the way, also cost a lot of money. So, we present to your attention another whiskey rating. The main selection criterion was the price for one bottle of the drink (the rating was compiled based on 2013 data):

1. In first place is a blend of three Macallan whiskeys, a 1946 blend, priced at $460,000 per bottle. Believe me, the cost of the drink will only increase over the years.

2. In second place is Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955 whiskey at a price of $94,000 per bottle (compared to the winner of first place, this price seems extremely “affordable”).

3. Third place again goes to Macallan, but this time with the 1926 blend. Price: $75,000 per bottle.

4. The fourth position is occupied by Glenfiddich 1937 - it seems that the Glenfiddich and Macallan brands have entered into serious competition in terms of price and product quality. The cost of a bottle of Glenfiddich 1937 is $71,700.

5. In fifth place is the rare Dalmore 62 Highland Malt Scotch Matheson whiskey at a price of $58,000 per bottle.

6. Positions six to ten were occupied by Macallan 55, Dalmore 50, Glenfarclas 1955, Macallan 1939 and Chivas Regal Royal Salute 50, where last digit in the name - the number of years of aging. Prices per bottle range from $15,500 for the Macallan 55 to exactly $10,000 for the Chivas Regal Royal Salute 50.

Popularity rating of inexpensive whiskeys

Of course, it’s good to be a millionaire and have a bottle worth ten SUVs... However, not everyone has access to such pleasure. Therefore, let's look at the whiskey ranking by popularity. It includes exactly those drinks that are available to the average buyer, because their price does not exceed $30–40 for a standard 0.7 liter bottle. In the process of compiling the rating, the taste of the drink, quality, aftertaste and other important criteria were taken into account

1. First place goes to Kingdom 12 Year Old Scotch whiskey: the product has been aged for 12 years and has a soft aftertaste.

2. Second on the list is Town Branch Bourbon, a famous American brand.

3. Third is Elmer T. Lee Bourbon Whiskey.

4. The fourth position is occupied by Black Bottle Blended Scotch whiskey (experts say that this “scotch” has a bright aftertaste with fruity tones).

5. In fifth place is Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey, it is noteworthy that its strength is 45 degrees.

Value for money: continuation of the popularity rating of inexpensive whiskeys

If you are an amateur and not a connoisseur of this drink, the first five names given above are unlikely to evoke any associations in you. But as you continue the rating, you will finally see familiar brands on the list. So:

6. In sixth place is Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, aged six years.

8. In eighth position is Smooth Ambler Exceptional White Whiskey. It is said to have a distinct cornmeal flavor.

9. Ninth place was taken by a brand more or less familiar to Russians: the Johnny Drum Green Label drink has a standard 40 degrees and a slightly spicy taste.

10. And the last, tenth place is given to Johnny Drum Black Label, which also has a strength of 40 degrees, and in its taste and aftertaste there are shades of vanilla and... leather.

Popular cocktails containing whiskey

Making alcoholic mixes is an art. And a professional bartender can name a dozen cocktails that include the drink in question. Here are the best and most popular of them:

  • the famous whiskey-cola mix (even if there are only two ingredients, but still a cocktail) is a real bestseller;
  • a cocktail called “Nail” or “Red Nail”, which also includes whiskey and Scottish liqueur “Drambuie”;
  • many people love Irish coffee - hot drink, to which whiskey is also added.

In general, noble “Scotch” or “Single Malt” is usually drunk simply with ice, so there are not many cocktails with the addition of this Scottish or Irish drink. So, we looked at the rating of whiskeys - the most expensive, as well as the most inexpensive, but at the same time high quality, and the most popular among buyers. We hope our article will help you choose your drink or decide on a gift for a friend or colleague, because alcohol in this category is often used as a gift for a birthday or any other holiday.

  1. Single malt whiskey
  2. Blended whiskey
  3. Grain whiskey
  4. The best whiskey in the world
  5. How to choose whiskey?

Whiskey is a strong alcoholic drink made from various grains. There are stages in its preparation:

  1. Germination of seeds (malting).
  2. Fermentation.
  3. Distillation.
  4. Aging in oak barrels.

Whiskey is usually made from barley or wheat, but sometimes it can be made from rye. Bourbon, which is made from corn, stands out separately. The strength of whiskey can vary within a very wide range, most often it is 32-50%, but sometimes there are drinks containing 60% alcohol. This variety makes it difficult to decide which whiskey to choose.

Depending on the difference in production technology, three types of whiskey are distinguished:

  • malt;
  • blended;
  • grain.

Single malt whiskey

This type of drink is usually the answer to the question of which whiskey is the best, since it is considered elite, the most expensive and of the highest quality. Whiskey connoisseurs enjoy single malt whiskey most fully. The production technology of this drink takes the longest, since it must be infused in oak barrels for at least 3 years. The average aging time is 10 years.

Single malt whiskey is a drink made from sprouted barley (barley malt). It must be distinguished from grain whiskey so as not to confuse which whiskeys are considered good.

The amazing ability of this whiskey is the dependence of its aroma and taste on the place of production.

But single malt whiskey is not all the same, but has several subtypes:

  • Actually, single malt single malt whiskey is made at one distillery, although it allows for a blend of fractions from different vintages.
  • Single cask whiskey is taken from one barrel, it may have cask strength, but it is often brought to the standard.
  • Quarter cask whiskey is taken from a smaller barrel, which must be made of American oak. In this case, the strength of the drink increases to 50%, the taste is more intense, and the ripening process is accelerated. This type of whiskey is most often chosen by the stronger sex, which is not surprising.
  • The last type of pure malt (otherwise, blended malt or vatted malt) is a mixture from different distilleries.

There was a well-founded opinion regarding single malt whiskey that it had too strong a smell and a somewhat unusual taste. For this reason, they began to mix it with other types of whiskey. But such a drink can no longer be called single malt whiskey.

Video about which whiskeys are considered good

Although any single malt whiskey is produced using standard technology, in each region it acquires its own specific aroma, by which it is easy to distinguish it from others.

Manufacturers have a little secret that they don’t like to advertise too much: there are two different types - consumer whiskey and whiskey from merchants. Both varieties are good. The only difference is that whiskey from merchants is produced in small distilleries, so it is more expensive. The consumer version is made on an industrial scale, so it is closer to the definition of good inexpensive whiskey. There is also a difference in personality. Consumer whiskey has a standard good taste and aroma, and the bouquet of whiskey from the merchants “dances” a lot, and not necessarily for the better.

The location of a particular distillery and climate inevitably affect the quality of single malt whiskey, so each batch is unique in taste. The water used in production also matters, as does the method of distillation.

The best single malt whiskey can be found in bottles with the following names:

  • Glen Grant, Glenfiddich.
  • Bowmore, Highland Park.
  • Aberlour Single Malt.

Blended whiskey

It is this type of whiskey that can most often be found in most stores; it is the most accessible. The prices are quite reasonable and the taste is quite pleasant.

Blending is the process of mixing malt whiskeys with grains in the production. In total, the blend can include up to 50 different varieties. If the label contains the words “Deluxe” or “Premium”, then this means that the blend is made up only of elite, expensive varieties, and the buyer is presented with the best varieties of whiskey.

If we consider the issue from the point of view of sales volume, then 90% of the whiskey sold in the world is blended. There are types of such whiskey that contain a minimum of malt drink, for example, such as Chivas Regal, although manufacturers trumpet the opposite. Drinks containing a large proportion of malt fraction are labeled with the word “Delux”, which is what you need to know before choosing a good whiskey. For those who do not yet understand the difference in the tastes of different whiskeys, it is best to study them through blended drinks.

Andrew Usher developed the first blended whiskey recipe in 1853, which became the most widespread and was subsequently named “Old Vatted Glenlivet.” Whiskey production in England has come under government control since 1860. The point of blending is not so much to obtain a unique bouquet, but to maintain its stability from year to year. Any batch of drink selected for blending immediately undergoes tasting after distillation. And which whiskey is better: single malt or blended – everyone decides for himself.

Well-known representatives of blended whiskeys are:

  • Ballantines.
  • Chivas Regal.
  • Bell's.

Grain whiskey

Experts classify grain whiskey as the lowest quality, even calling it technical. This drink is made from roasted barley or corn. Grain whiskey also has a significant technological difference from malt whiskey in its production - for its distillation, special stills are used, in which steam promotes the continuous production of alcohol. Such a drink appears on open sale quite rarely, since it has almost no smell or taste. But after additional purification it is used as a semi-finished product for the production of vodka or gin.

Famous brands of grain whiskey:

  • Greenore.
  • Choice Old Cameron Brig.

The best whiskey in the world

Whiskey producers established the World Whiskies Award in 2007, which became a kind of Oscar for them. Moreover, several nominations were highlighted:

  • best malt;
  • best single malt;
  • best blended

as well as the best whiskey by country of origin:

  • best Japanese;
  • best Irish single malt, etc.

The historical spelling of the word "whisky" is whisky, but in the late 19th century a corruption of the word "whiskey" arose to distinguish producers in other countries.

New winners are announced every year, so the question of which whiskey is better is more of a rhetorical question. Thus, in 2014 the following brands won:

  • Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask - the best single malt whiskey in the world;
  • Taketsuru 17 Years Old – the best blended whiskey;
  • The Lost Distilleries Blend - the best blended whiskey;
  • Sons of Liberty Pumpk in Spice - the best flavored whiskey;
  • Master of Malt Speyside Whiskey Liqueur 40 Years Old – the best whiskey liqueur in the world;
  • Teeling Single Grain – the best single grain whiskey;
  • Thomas H Handy Sazerac is the best rye whiskey.

How to choose whiskey?

The qualities of whiskey, like other drinks, depend on the ingredients and their proportions; they create a unique bouquet.

In Scotch whiskey, the main ingredient is barley malt, and minimalism rules here. But the Irish decided to add rye, which became an integral part of the rich taste. America introduced corn and wheat, and in Japan, rice and corn get into whiskey along with barley.

A rather free choice and combination of initial ingredients will not help in deciding which drink is better - it is purely a matter of personal taste. If we are talking about the best classic whiskeys, then Scottish and Irish drinks are undoubtedly in the lead. It is important to learn how to drink whiskey correctly in order to experience the full flavor of the drink.

Video about which whiskey is the best

When choosing whiskey in a store, you should look at its composition and strength. The more modest the composition and the higher the strength, the more solid the whiskey is considered. Good whiskey can range in color from light yellow to brown.

Presence of sediment is not allowed.

When turned over, the liquid should flow down the sides of the bottle in a “stocking” and not in streams. After shaking the bottle of drink, large air bubbles that do not disappear for a long time should appear in it.

Do you like whiskey? Which variety do you think is the best? Share your opinion in the comments.

There are a considerable number of varieties of whiskey in the world. Producers of strong wine have been honing production technology for centuries and testing recipes for creating unique alcohol. As a result of many years of trial and error, distillers around the world began to produce several of the most popular types.

Whiskey varieties

In accordance with the raw materials used and production technology, the following varieties are distinguished:

Malt whiskey

Single malt whiskey is considered the most expensive and refined. What does this mean? This alcohol is made from barley using a special technology and is prepared in accordance with ancient recipes and traditions. Initially, single malt whiskey was used as the basis for blending mixed alcohol.

In 1960, it was restored at the Glenfiddich distillery in Scotland. old recipe single malt alcohol Connoisseurs of good wine appreciated the revealed taste and aromatic qualities of this noble drink. Since then, single malt whiskey has rapidly conquered the global alcohol market.

In turn, this type of strong alcohol has several options. How do single malt whiskeys differ from each other?

  1. Vatted malt – cask whiskey. This type of drink is created by mixing malt alcohol from various distilleries (pure molt). The whiskey production technology at different enterprises is almost the same. But the water used and special climatic conditions make the alcohol of each distillery individual. When mixing strong wine from different producers, a noble drink with a unique taste and aroma is obtained. This whiskey can be called two-malt, although such a concept does not officially exist in alcohol production technology.
  2. Single malt – whiskey from one distillery. To produce this type of alcohol, the manufacturer uses only single malt whiskey own production. In the technology of creating a drink, mixing only the same type of alcohol of varying degrees of aging is allowed.
  3. Single cask – whiskey from one barrel. When creating this type of alcohol, the manufacturer varies only the strength. Extracted from one barrel, whiskey can have its own cask strength acquired during maturation, or it can be brought to a standard strength by the creator.

Grain whiskey

This type of strong whiskey is made mainly from corn. This is the lowest quality drink that has no aroma. The area of ​​application of the drink is use for making blends. Although a small batch of grain whiskey in its pure form goes on sale.

The drink that is planned to be used for blending undergoes single distillation. With more thorough distillation (up to 5 times), alcohol is used to create vodka and gin.

Blend whiskey

90% of the production volume is a blended drink. What is the difference between single malt alcohol and blended alcohol? The answer is simple - composition. Blended alcohol consists of single malt and grain whiskey. Each producer of strong alcohol creates its own unique bouquet, taking into account the traditions and preferences of the consumer. The Scottish blended version is considered the most famous and noble.

When getting acquainted with this amazing drink, many people have a question - which whiskey is better, single malt or blended. You can find the answer to this question only by trying these drinks. As you know, there is no comrade according to taste. Some people like the rich bouquet created as a result of blending. Some people prefer a discreet, monogamous drink. This problem can only be solved experimentally. And everyone will have their own decision.

Another type is bourbon. This is American whiskey made from corn using special technology. And, although it belongs to the category of whiskey, it has an absolutely unique taste and aroma, different from other types of this alcohol.

Classification by place of production

In addition to classification by composition, the drink is also divided by country of origin.

  • Scottish (Scotch). The most common type of whiskey is produced in Scotland. According to tradition, Scotch whiskey is the one for which the spirit was produced in Scotland. And it doesn’t matter in what part of the world this drink was bottled. A huge number of distilleries supply single malt and blended whiskey to the world market.
  • Irish. Distinctive feature This alcohol has no smoke taste. Alcohol with such properties is created thanks to a special maturation process and the container used.
  • American. In America, strong alcohol is made from corn, rye and a small amount of barley. Thanks to the peculiarities of the technological process and unique recipe, the drink is significantly different from Scottish and Irish.
  • Canadian. In Canada, the main raw material for alcohol production is rye. On the labels of this drink there is the mark “RYE”.
  • Japanese. Alcohol produced in Japan goes to the Asian market, it is almost impossible to try it here. The quality of Japanese whiskey is similar to scotch. The difference is the absence of peat flavor.

Each type is original in its own way and deserves attention. The final choice remains with the consumer.

Let's try to figure out which whiskey is the best among the inexpensive ones in Russian stores today.

Whiskey, likewise, is a noble alcohol, the consumption of which is invariably associated with success and status. But what if you forget about all these stereotypes and its obligatory high cost, and try to choose whiskey at the “yellow” price tag?

Its strength varies from 40 to 60 percent, and the base for creating alcohol is barley, corn, oats and rye. The history of whiskey is closely connected with English monasteries, where this drink was used for medicinal purposes. Over time, the recipe spread throughout Europe and gained popularity among economically successful segments of the population.

Russian market cannot offer potential consumers domestically produced whiskey. But the import of this elite alcoholic drink is carried out on a global scale. Home country The importer is Great Britain. This is followed by Ireland, the USA and Canada.

Whiskey brands of various price categories are widely available. But consumers are mostly interested in a product designed for the mass market. Is there affordable, yet decent alcohol in this segment?

The Johnnie Walker brand annually supplies more than 100 million bottles of whiskey to the world market. Two brands of branded drinks are especially popular in the domestic space:

Red Label is a blended 40% cold filtered whiskey. The taste is dominated by smoky notes, which are diluted by a soft hint of vanilla. You can note the sharpness of the drink, which is dulled by cooling it.

Price: 2,483 rubles per 1000 ml.

Reviews: The average consumer rating is 6 points. Tasters note the classic, very pleasant taste. Its only drawback is a certain “flatness” and lack of zest.

Black Label is a blended 43% cold filtered whiskey. It has a dominant hint of smoke, notes of malt and fruity sherry. There are hints of citrus and a faint taste of raisins. It has a “solid” aftertaste with peaty and fruity undertones, which is why it is recommended to drink the drink in its pure form.

Price: 2,615 rubles for 500 ml.

Reviews: The average consumer rating is 8 points. Consumers note that the alcohol has earned high praise due to its smoky-sweet taste and gradually revealing complex bouquet of various notes. There are no downsides as such, but for some, Black Label may be too strong.

Chivas Regal 12 years old – this is the undisputed leader among Scottish blended elite whiskeys. The strength of the drink reaches 40%. Chivas Regal is aged in oak barrels. The flavor range consists of rich shades of honey apples, nuts, toffee and vanilla. The aftertaste develops long and bright.

Price: 3,322 rubles for 700 ml.

Reviews: The average consumer rating is 9 points. Tasters note a pleasant aroma of wild herbs and heather mixed with honey and sweetness. The combination of Chivas Regal 12 YO with strong cigars or black coffee has found particular love.

Blended whiskey is aged in sherry casks. It has an intense golden color, a strict aroma of wood and sherry.

The main flavor motif is woody. There are floral and spicy notes. The peculiarity of the drink is its double aging: the best “representatives” of malt whiskey mature in barrels for 12 years. Then they are combined and ripen for another year, acquiring a special bouquet.

Price: 3,500 rubles for 700 ml.

Reviews: The average consumer rating is 9. Buyers note a delicate smell that does not “hit” the nose, like some long-aged strong alcoholic drinks. Another remarkable detail is the spicy-oaky, warming aftertaste, for which whiskey is drunk neat.

Ballantine's 12 YO blended whiskey is aged in bourbon barrels and has a stunning creamy honey taste, as well as light hints of floral, oak and sweetness.

The aftertaste is fundamentally different from the main “theme” of the drink and has a refreshingly salty aftertaste. The aroma is very harmonious, but goes more into a woody theme. Sweet and vanilla notes play rather weakly.

Price: 3,400 rubles for 700 ml.

Reviews: the average consumer rating is 9.5. The main advantages noted by consumers are a very unusual aftertaste, which adds a special “zest” to the drink.

A real taste for good alcohol is extremely rare. But you can develop the ability to understand drinks by simply remembering a few simple recommendations and making a couple of test “forays” into specialized stores. In the process of such “training” one cannot ignore whiskey: this noble drink must be able to both drink and choose. You will have to figure out the first one yourself, but this article will help you with the second one.

Which whiskey is better to choose: malt, grain or blended?

Whiskey belongs to the group of strong alcohol made from grain through malting, fermentation, distillation and further aging in traditional oak barrels. Basically, the strength of whiskey is 32-50%, but some examples reach 60%.
Classic whiskey is malt whiskey, made exclusively from barley malt and labeled as malt whiskey. It is divided into three groups:

Variety Production Features Popular titles Marking
Single malt The drink is produced at one enterprise and is a mixture of alcohols with varying degrees of aging. Aberlour, Dalmore Sirius, Highland Park, Bowmore single malt
Bochkova During the production process, single malt whiskey from various distilleries is mixed. Thanks to the correct blend, the shortcomings of individual alcohols are hidden. The resulting drink can have different flavor variations and shades of strength; the result mainly depends on the skill of the manufacturer. Shieldaig, Ballantine's vatted/ pure malt
Single barrel Whiskey is made from one barrel and is not mixed with other spirits. Due to this, the unique taste and aroma qualities are preserved. Tyrconnell single cask malt

The most expensive and best whiskey is single malt. Pure and single cask malt are somewhat inferior in quality, and the latter option is also very difficult to find on sale.

Grain whiskey serves rather as a base for other drinks than in its own right. Vodka, gin, and blended whiskey are made from it. It is very rare to find the Choice Old Cameron Brig brand on store shelves, which produces a pure grain drink.
The most popular are blended varieties, designated as blended and considered a drink for the masses. They are a malt-grain mixture: the more malt, the better the drink. Despite the frank budgetary nature of blended whiskey, it often has an excellent taste. For example, the following brands have proven themselves well: Johnnie Walker, White Horse, Chivas Regal.

Bourbon stands apart. This is a drink of American origin, for the production of which corn, rye and oat grains are used. Not for everyone, but worth a try.

Whiskey: how to choose by country of production?

The country in which whiskey was made can tell a lot about the taste of the drink. Mainly found on the shelves:

  1. Irish whiskey. Perfect option for a beginner. It is characterized by soft notes with a piquant aftertaste of black currant. Main brands – St. Patrick, Cooley, Bushmills, Jameson and Midleton.
  2. Scotch tape. The leader among whiskeys in terms of popularity. The drink has a peat flavor and a distinct smoky smell. Scotch is usually drunk diluted. The best brands are Glenfiddich, AnCnoc, Johnnie Walker, White Horse, Chivas Regal.
  3. Japanese whiskey. It is produced using a technology similar to the “Scots”, but the drink turns out to be less “smoky”. Japanese whiskey is characterized by excellent quality, as well as its low prevalence on domestic shelves. The main brands are Yoichi, Nikka, Suntory.
  4. Canadian whiskey. The most “unexpected” drink, which is due to the peculiarities of Canadian legislation. About 9% of almost anything can be added to whiskey - vodka, rum, cognac. As a result, the taste of the drink is completely unpredictable. It is recommended to try the “works” of such manufacturers as Black Velvet and Canadian Club.
  5. American whiskey. A sweetish taste and long aftertaste are characteristic features of bourbon. In terms of its softness, it can be compared to the “Irish”. Traditionally, Jack Daniel’s, Old Virginia and Jim Beam brands are presented on the shelves.

Each type of whiskey has its own admirer, so it is recommended to simply try it. Even drinks from the same country can differ, so don’t be too disappointed in scotch if you don’t suddenly like Johnnie Walker – there’s always the option of turning to another brand.

Which whiskey should you buy after looking at the bottle?

Liquor stores are literally filled with fakes, from which you can tell the difference between the real drink and the bottle. It is characterized by:

  • evenly pasted and neat label;
  • intact plug;
  • excise stamp;
  • general "neat" appearance.

In addition to the type of whiskey and the country of origin, the label must contain information about the aging. Only through a long stay in oak barrels does alcohol form a unique noble drink. The age of whiskey is determined by the youngest spirit included in the composition, but as soon as the drink is in the bottle, the countdown stops. For bourbon, the minimum aging is 2 years, for other whiskeys - 3 years. Optimal age is considered 5-10 years: this is the drink that is recommended to be chosen.

A quality drink meets the following requirements:

  • transparency;
  • perfectly pure color;
  • absence of sediment and clots.

There is a true test to determine how good a whiskey is. If you shake the bottle slightly, liquid should slowly flow down its walls, and air bubbles should form in the drink itself.

No one can resist good whiskey. All you need to do is make the right choice.

Whiskey is in particular demand among connoisseurs of high-quality elite alcoholic beverages. It is made from sprouted cereal seeds that undergo a process of malting, fermentation and distillation. The drink is stored in barrels made of natural material for several years, after which it is bottled. The strength of the whiskey must be at least forty degrees, and its color ranges from light yellow to dark brown. Not many people know how to choose the right whiskey. First, you should study what it is like.

Types of whiskey

The drink can be classified according to various criteria: from the country of origin to the price. You should choose whiskey based on several criteria. If we talk about the type of raw materials that are used in the production process, the division is as follows.

  1. Malt. This whiskey is made from barley
    • Pure Malt. To obtain the drink, single malts from different distilleries are mixed. The most successful combinations are those of “Shieldaig” and “Ballantine’s”.
    • Single Cask Malt. This type is very rare. During the production process, it is not diluted with drinks from other barrels, so different batches from the same manufacturer may have different tastes. One of the most famous distilleries producing this whiskey is Tyrconnell.
    • Single Malt. This is a mixture of alcohols of different ages. The most common type of whiskey, produced at a single distillery. Famous manufacturers: Bowmore, Highland Park, Dalmore Sirius.
  2. Grain. Made from different cultures and is considered a low quality drink. It is found very rarely in its pure form; more often it is used in the production of blended varieties. A well-known brand is "Choice Old Cameron Brig".
  3. Blended. It is the result of mixing the two previous varieties. Most of the whiskey consumed in the world is of this type. The best are those that contain more malt alcohol. Some of the most famous brands are “Chivas Regal”, “White Horse”.

Depending on the region of production, the division is as follows:

  1. Scottish. It has a smoky flavor, as its raw materials are dried on peat coal. On the label there are the words “Whisky” or “Scotch”. Some of the popular ones are Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Black Label.
  2. Irish. The malt is dried in ovens and the drink is softer through triple distillation. On the bottle you can find the designation “Whiskey”. The most famous are Jameson, Old Bushmills, St. Patrick.
  3. Canadian. This whiskey is most often made from rye and is slightly stronger than previous types. The label may be marked "RYE". An example of Canadian whiskey is Canadian Club Classic;
  4. Japanese. Rice, corn and millet are used in the production of this drink. Whiskey aged in Japanese oak barrels is highly prized; it is less “smoky” and not as “peaty” as Scotch. The famous brands are Nikka, Yamazaki, Suntory.
  5. American (bourbon). The drink has a sweetish taste; the main crop in its production is corn. Barley and rye are often added. The grains are ground into flour and fermented with sugar and water. The drink is stored in charred barrels. World famous brands “Jim Beam” and “Jack Daniel’s”.

Which whiskey is better to choose?

Haubeysell recommends when choosing a drink Special attention devote it to endurance. Years are not taken into account after whiskey is bottled, so what is meant is the period during which the drink was in the barrel. When determining the aging of a drink (if it is the result of mixing several types), the age is determined by the maturation of the youngest alcohol. The minimum term is 3 years, for bourbon 2 years are allowed. If the question arises of how to choose whiskey based on aging, then it should be 5-10 years, since the taste of too young varieties leaves much to be desired.

It is also worth remembering that expensive does not always mean better. The cost may include brand awareness, costs for designer or gift packaging. It is advisable to compare prices in several stores; they may differ quite a bit, and if the difference is significant, these are most likely cheap fakes.

To decide exactly which whiskey to choose, howbuysell recommends tasting several options and, based on personal taste preferences, choosing something specific.

There are three main types of whiskey - malt, grain and blended. Malt - produced from pure barley malt without impurities. Cereal from different types cereals, it is almost entirely used in the production of blended whiskey, but partly goes on sale. Blended whiskey is a mixture of whiskey from different types of grains. There is also American corn whiskey, created using a special technology.

The best of the best

Since 2007, the ‘World Whiskies Award’ has existed. This is a kind of Oscar for whiskey producers around the world. The award is presented in several categories: “Best Whiskey”, “Best Malt Whiskey”, “Best Blended Whiskey”. Prizes are also awarded by country - the best manufacturers drink - “Best Irish single malt whiskey”, “Best Japanese whiskey”, etc.

In Scotland the word "whisky" is written as "whisky", in all other countries - "whiskey".

The winning labels change every year, so keeping up with new trends in whiskey production is not so easy. Here are the results for 2014:

1. The best single malt whiskey in the world - Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask
2. Best blended whiskey - Taketsuru 17 Years Old
3. Best blended whiskey - The Lost Distilleries Blend
4. Best Flavored Whiskey - Sons of Liberty Pumpkin Spice
5. The world's best whiskey liqueur - Master of Malt Speyside Whiskey Liqueur 40 Years Old
6. Best single grain whiskey - Teeling Single Grain
7. Best American Whiskey - Balcones Brimstone Resurrection
8. Best rye whiskey - Thomas H Handy Sazerac

How to choose great whiskey in the store

But, of course, not everyone has the opportunity to attend a prestigious award and try all the varieties listed there. And in general, in Russia, most of them are quite difficult to buy. However, there are several tricks that will allow you to use the available assortment of whiskey for yourself or as a gift.

The word comes from the Celtic "uisce beatha" - "living water".

First, pay attention to the country of origin. The best whiskey is produced in the USA, Ireland, Scotland and Japan. Most likely, there will be no complaints about products from these countries. True, if the label says “Scotch Whiskey” or, say, “Scotch Whiskey” in Russian, then this is a product produced in Russia and bears little resemblance to real whiskey.

Look at how the label is attached. It should be positioned evenly and glued without bubbles. Pay attention to the composition. Real whiskey should contain only water and grain or corn - no ethyl alcohol, no flavors or fragrances.

The color of good whiskey can be from light to dark golden. There should be no sediment in the bottle.

When you turn the bottle over, the whiskey should fall down in a large drop, and not flow down the walls.

Finally, when shaking the whiskey, large air bubbles should appear that do not disappear for a long time.