Whisky

Name (also whiskey) for a spirit obtained from fermented grain mash and matured in wooden barrels. It originated in Scotland or Ireland. The name, first mentioned in 1736, is derived from the Scottish Gaelic "uisge beatha" or the Irish "uisce beatha" and means "water of life". Whisky is made from various types of grain such as barley (always included), rye, corn or wheat through fermentation and distillation.

What they all have in common is years of ageing in wooden barrels of different types and sizes. US products mature almost exclusively in new, toasted American white oak barrels. European products with a dark colour are often matured in barrels in which sherry or port wine was previously stored. Used American barrels are used for light-coloured whiskies. Whisky is a popular ingredient in many cocktails, including Manhattan.

To read the full text, you must be a Premium Member of wein.plus. You are currently not logged in to wein.plus. Become a Premium Member or log in with your credentials .

Become a Premium Member of wein.plus

Voices of our members

There is a vast number of sources on the web where one can acquire knowledge about wine. But none has the scope, timeliness and accuracy of the information in the encyclopaedia at wein.plus. I use it regularly and rely on it.
Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen

Welcome back!

Whisky

To read the full text, you must be a Premium Member of wein.plus. You are currently not logged in to wein.plus. Become a Premium Member or log in with your credentials .

Voices of our members

The world's largest Lexicon of wine terms.

EVENTS NEAR YOU