Our industry
Whisky / Whiskey
With Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey and Whisky Español, Europe is at the centre of the whisk(e)y industry - a spirit drink enjoyed around the world. As readers with a keen eye will have already spotted, it is spelt differently - with or without an 'e' - depending on where the spirit is produced.
While its origins have been lost in history, whisk(e)y has been distilled for hundreds of years. The word whisk(e)y is of Celtic (Scottish/Irish) origin, and comes from 'uisge beatha' meaning water of life.
Whisk(e)y is a distilled spirit drink made only from natural raw materials - cereals, water and yeast.
Malt whisk(e)y is made from malted barley only using traditional copper pot stills, while grain whisk(e)y is made from malted barley together with unmalted barley and other cereals, using the patent still process. A skilful marriage of both malt and grain whiskies - sometimes involving up to 40 different whiskies - produce world famous blended whiskies.
Distilled in a traditional way to retain the aromas and flavours of the cereals, whiskies must be matured for at least 3 years in wooden casks, with maturation often lasting many more years. This period in cask imparts whiskies with a distinctive golden colour and added complexity of flavour.
Despite their family relationship, there is wonderful variety and each whisk(e)y is a unique experience - different in its character and flavour but always to be enjoyed.