Whiskey is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages - not only in Poland, but also around the world. Made from cereals, matured in wooden barrels, this "delicacy" for adults boasts both a unique flavor and aroma.
Whiskey is a high-percentage drink associated primarily with Scotland. Most of its supporters do not know that it was created in Ireland as a medicinal drink. Only with time, its production was moved to a neighboring country. The Scots made whiskey famous very quickly, creating its own unique recipe.
In order to identify both beverages, it was assumed that the alcohol originating in Ireland will be called whiskey, and that from Scotland will be called whisky.
Differences between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey
First: not just the name
The key difference between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey is based on the extra letter 'e'. Where did it come from in the name of this popular drink? All thanks to Irish distilleries. They wanted to easily emphasize the solution they created, mainly pointing to its uniqueness. In order to distinguish the two products from each other, they decided to change the name "whisky" into "whiskey" - so that the whole thing was similar to each other, but at the same time different.
Second: form
Scotch whisky - as the name suggests - is produced exclusively in Scotland. What's more, it occurs mainly as single malt, less often as blended, i.e. in the form of a mixture of distillates based on various cereals. When it comes to Irish whiskey, the opposite is true. This can be experienced mainly in the blended form, occasionally in the form of single malt.
A few words about the aroma
Barley, specially smoked in peat smoke, is responsible for the specific aftertaste of Scotch whiskey. Irish liquor is traditionally made using hot air, not smoke. Of course, there are many exceptions on the market. An example is the whiskey coming from the Connemara distillery. The difference in the drying method clearly translates into the taste of both alcohols. Irish whiskey is clearly milder.
Third time lucky? Not always!
Time for distillation! The difference between the two drinks can be noticed at every step - also in the process of their distillation. The whiskey is distilled three times, which translates into its delicate, mild taste. Scottish alcohol is only distilled twice - hence its stronger aroma. It is worth noting that Irish liquor is produced with the use of low and wide stills, and whiskey is produced in vessels of slightly more diverse shapes.
At the end…
Both Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey have as many supporters as opponents. Both drinks can boast a rather distinctive flavor. Scotch is appreciated mainly for its distinctive aroma and clearly earthy aftertaste. Irish, on the other hand, attracts lovers of a delicate, caramel-like flavor.
