Whiskey Wonders: Facts and Trivia about Whiskey

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Here are 10 facts about Whisky you might not know:
- The word "whiskey" comes from the Irish phrase "uisce beatha," meaning "water of life."
- Types of Whiskey: There are several types, including Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Rye, and Canadian whiskey, each with unique characteristics and production methods. In some Scotch whiskies, peat is used during the malting process, imparting a smoky flavour to the final product.
- Aging Process: Whiskey must be aged in wooden barrels, usually oak, which gives it its distinct flavour and colour. Bourbon, for example, must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
- Water Source: The water used in whiskey production can significantly affect flavour, with some distilleries having proprietary water sources.
- Oldest Distillery: The Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world, dating back to 1608.
- Scotch Regulations: For a whiskey to be called Scotch, it must be distilled and matured in Scotland for at least three years.
- Single Malt vs. Blended: Single malt Scotch is made from malted barley in one distillery, while blended Scotch combines whiskies from multiple distilleries.
- Bourbon Law: To be called Bourbon, the whiskey must be made in the U.S., contain at least 51% corn, and be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
- Cask Strength: Some whiskeys are bottled at "cask strength," meaning they are not diluted with water before bottling, resulting in a higher alcohol content.
- Angel's Share: During ageing, whiskey evaporates through the barrels at about 2% per year, a phenomenon known as the "angel's share."