The name whisky is a bit of a misnomer. It’s not made from grain but rather from the distilled spirits of various types of fermented mash. The most common varieties of whisky in NZ are made from malted barley or corn. Other kinds include wheat and sugarcane.
Whisky is a popular drink in New Zealand but is not the most popular. Beer is the best-selling alcoholic beverage in the country, with over 75% of New Zealanders saying they drink it at least once per month.
What is whisky?
Whisky is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. It’s usually distilled to between 80 and 95% alcohol by volume (ABV), although some whiskys are made with less or more water than others.
Whisky in NZ can be produced in many different styles, but the most common type is bourbon—a neutral grain spirit aged in new oak barrels for at least two years before bottling.
The four main types of whisky
- Whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash.
- Whisky is the most widely consumed liquor in the world, with an estimated 2 billion cases sold each year.
- The four main types of whisky are bourbon (the most popular), Irish style (made from malted barley and rye), American style (produced in California) and Canadian style (most commonly used for vodka).
How to enjoy whisky
The next time you’re in the mood for a drink, take a moment to consider how whisky is made. The process can be broken down into three parts: distillation, maturation and ageing.
Distillation: A mixture of water and alcohol is heated until all of the liquid boils off but does not evaporate.
How to store whisky
- If you’re storing your whisky in a refrigerator, ensure it’s dark and out of the light.
- Keep all other bottles of alcohol away from your whisky—if they’re too close together, they can affect each other’s flavour.
How to pair whisky with food
When it comes to pairing whisky with food, there are three main categories.
- Chocolate and whisky: There’s no better way to end a night than by treating yourself to some chocolate and whisky. The combination of sweet and salty will surely please even the most discriminating palate.
- Pizza and whisky: If you’re having friends over for dinner or want something easy and delicious at home, this is a great option! Pair your favourite pizza with good quality single malt scotch (or another type of spirit) for an extra special occasion that everyone can enjoy together.
Whisky cocktails you need to know
There are many types of whisky cocktails, but they all have one thing in common: they’re delicious. Whisky is one of the most versatile spirits out there, and you can use it to create drinks that fit any mood or occasion. If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy this drink, here are some ideas that might be right up your alley:
- The whisky sour is a classic cocktail made using lemon juice, sugar and water (or club soda). It’s easy to make—muddle some fresh fruit into a glass filled with ice cubes, then add three-part syrup and soda water until it tastes balanced/sweet enough for your taste buds!
- Old Fashioned is another popular variation on the theme; instead of adding lemon juice as part of its ingredients list though, it is recommended to use orange bitters instead because not only does it add another layer of flavour but also helps keep things balanced, so there won’t be too much acidity coming through at once.
Barley, corn, rye and wheat are the grains used in making whisky.
- Barley, rye and wheat are the grains used in making whisky.
- Corn is not used in making whisky.
- Some whiskies are made from a blend of grains such as wheat and corn.
Conclusion
So, there you have all the information you need about whisky. Hope this guide has helped clear up any lingering confusion about what a spirit is and how it’s made. This piece explores that whisky is a complex drink with a rich history and fascinating backstory that goes far beyond its classic American image as something from the Old West. Some experts say today’s modern cocktail culture owes much to the spirit itself!
