What Alcohol Is In Whiskey?
Whiskey is one of the most beloved drinks around the world, but what is the magic boozy ingredient that makes it so delicious? Well, if you look beneath the surface, the answer is simple – alcohol. But not just any alcohol – whiskey contains a special type of alcohol that gives it its unique flavor and taste.
Alcohol, or ethanol, is the main ingredient in every type of whiskey. Moreover, it must have a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) to be called whiskey. The higher the ABV, the stronger the whiskey. But it’s not just about ABV – whiskey also contains a variety of other alcohols, including propanol, butanol, and methanol.
Types Of Alcohol In Whiskey
When it comes to whiskey, the two main types of alcohol used in production are grain alcohol and malt whiskey. Grain whiskey, also known as whiskey that is made from grains such as corn, rye, wheat, or barley, typically has a lower ABV and is less expensive than malt whiskey. Meanwhile, malt whiskey, which is made from malted barley, has a higher ABV and is much more expensive than grain whiskey.
The type of alcohol used in the whiskey, and the concentrations of each type, will directly impact the flavor and character of the whiskey. For example, grain whiskey will generally have a light, sweet flavor due to the presence of softer grain alcohols, while malt whiskey will tend to have a richer, more intense flavor due to the presence of higher alcohols like butanol and propanol.
Flavorings Of Alcohols Used In Whiskey
Alcohols have their own unique flavors that can be brought out in whiskey, depending on the type of alcohol used and its ABV. For example, grain whiskey will have a softer, versatile flavor that can be enhanced by adding other ingredients, such as malted barley, to the mash.
Malt whiskey, on the other hand, has a stronger flavor that can be mellowed out with the addition of other ingredients, such as fine oak for mellowing and smoky peat for a smoky flavor. The higher the ABV of the whiskey, the more intense the flavor of the alcohol will be.
Aging And Blending
In addition to the types of alcohol used, whiskey also undergoes aging and blending. During aging, the whiskey is legally required to spend at least three years in barrels, allowing the flavors of the alcohol to deepen and meld together. Some whiskies can be aged for much longer than three years, up to 21 years for some high-end brands.
Once the whiskey has been aged, it can then be blended, meaning that different types and ages of whiskey can be mixed together. This is what gives whiskey its unique flavor and character. For example, a blend may contain grain whiskey, malt whiskey, or even both, to create a unique flavor profile.
Rye Whiskey vs Bourbon Whiskey
Finally, whiskey can also be categorized based on its ingredients. Rye whiskey is made from at least 51% rye, whereas bourbon is made from at least 51% corn. Rye whiskey tends to have a spicier flavor compared to bourbon, which is typically sweeter and more mellow.
So, when it comes to whiskey, the alcohol used in production is the key. Depending on the type of whiskey, the alcohol inside can be grain or malt whiskey with different percentages and flavoring levels. Ultimately, it’s this combination of alcohols that makes each whiskey unique and delicious.
