Do you know the difference between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey? Whisky blogger Luka Gottschalk takes a look

Despite being close neighbors, Scotland and Ireland each have their own unique approach to whiskey. Firstly, there's the syllable, which is whisky in Scotland and whiskey in Ireland (just like the US). Both names are a translation of the Gaelic word ''Uisge Beatha'', which appropriately translates to ''water of life''.

Post by Luka Gottschalk

Here's the answer to the difference between Scotch whisky and Irish wh

iskey The most significant difference is the distillation process and thus the flavor profile. Irish whiskey is often distilled three times, whereas most Scotch whiskey is usually 'only' distilled twice. But what difference does it make that the raw spirit is distilled a third time? Quite simply, the raw spirit becomes finer and smoother and the harsher notes are distilled away. The third distillation can also have the side effect of removing certain nuances and notes. Mash bill In addition to the distillation, the mash bill has a huge impact on the finished product. It is also a term used in the beer world and simply refers to the types of grains used and the distribution of these grains in the grain mix. This term is not very relevant in Single Malt, as these mash-bills are 100% barley. However, in Single Malt, different types of barley can be used. Here, the concept of a mash bill becomes quite relevant for a Single Malt. In blended Scotch and Irish whiskey as well as American whiskey, it is always of great importance. Each distillery has their own signature mash bill, which helps to create their own distinctive flavor.

Like Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey can also be divided into 'grain' whiskey and malt whiskey. A grain whiskey from Ireland will often have a major component of corn in their mash bill, whereas a Scottish grain whiskey will often have a major component of wheat in their mash bill. Both countries produce Single Malt, Single Grain, Blended Malt and Blended whisk(e)y, but Ireland also produces Single Pot Still whiskey. For more on Grain whisk(e)y versus Single Malt, read the article; ''Do you know the difference between Single Grain Whisky and Single Malt?'' https://www.whisky.dk/shop/cms-BlogWhiskyDk.html Single Pot Still Single Pot Still is a special type of whiskey where both malted and unmalted barley are used in the distillation process. The combination of malted and unmalted barley gives an extra spicy dimension to the whisky that cannot be imitated by any other method. Just like a Single Malt, a Single Pot Still is distilled in copper pot stills, which gives the spirit a silky smooth mouthfeel and a wonderful, rich flavour. There is also only barley in their mash bill, with the aforementioned malt/unmalted twist.

As a fitting end to the post, I have dug out a good Single Pot Still whiskey from the collection, which in my opinion is a definitive Single Pot Still Whiskey. This is a Redbreast 21 years, from Midleton distillery.Redbreast 21 years - 46%Nose: A wonderful scent of cypress hits the nose immediately. Reminiscent of the wonderful scent when you enter a coniferous forest. Then a very strong scent of grapefruit and melon emerges. Palate: In the palette, we remain in a fruity area, with lovely notes of: Cantaloupe, peaches, grapes and then a strong taste of roasted hazelnuts. Finish: The finish is where the Single Pot Still character really kicks in! It's a long, dry, spicy finish where the fruit notes linger, accompanied by a note of freshly sawn wood. If you're curious about what a Single Pot Still whisky can do, Redbreast 21 years is an excellent place to start!

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