Scotch Whisky means whisky
distilled and matured in Scotland and Irish Whiskey means
whiskey distilled and matured in Ireland. Whisky is distilled in
Scotland from malted barley in Pot Stills and from malted and
unmalted barley or other cereals in Patent Stills. The well-
known brands of Scotch Whisky are blends of a number of Pot
Still and Patent Still whiskies. Irish Whiskey distillers tend to
favour three distillations rather than two as is general in
Scotland in the case of Pot Still whiskies and the range of
cereals used is wider.
As regards Bourbon Whiskey, the United States
Regulations provide:
- (i)
- that Bourbon Whiskey must be produced from a
mash of not less than 51% corn grain.
- (ii)
- that the word 'Bourbon' shall not be used to describe
any whiskey or whiskey-based distilled spirits not
produced in the United States . '
Rye Whiskey is produced both in the United States and
Canada but the name has no geographical significance. In the
United States. Rye Whiskey by definition must be produced
from a grain mash of which not less than 51% is rye grain. In
Canada, there is no similar restriction. The relevant Canadian
Regulation states:
'Canadian Whisky (Canadian Rye Whisky, Rye
Whisky) shall be whisky distilled in Canada, and
shall possess the aroma, taste and character
generally attributed to Canadian Whisky.' Canadian Whisky
is in fact often referred to simply as Rye Whisky or Rye.
© SWA 1995