Whisky Grains
Whisky is distilled from a fermented mash of water, yeast, and some type of grain— typically Barley, Rye, Corn, or Wheat. This grain choice has a huge impact on the flavour of the whisky, and usually dictates the style of whisky that is produced.
However, distillers also have control over other aspects of the grains they select such as malting, exposure to peat smoke and the combination of grains are used in the final mash.
Below we explore how each type of grain impacts flavour, and recommend a range of whiskies that are good examples of each grain type.
Malted Barley
Malted barley produces a smoky, toasted, or nutty flavour. Most whiskeys produced around the world include some malted barley. Malting is the process of germinating the grains
Single Malt Whisky must be produced entirely from malted barley and be distilled, aged and bottled at a single distillery. Single malt whiskies are often the most prized style of whisky produced by a distillery.
Here are a few great examples of whiskies distilled from Malted Barley.
Unmalted Barley
Unmalted Barley (aka. Barley) adds a unique character to the whisky adding a spiciness, more of a weighty, grainy texture and funky cereal flavour that isn’t as present in whiskies distilled purely from Malted Barley.
Generally, unmalted barley is used in combination with malted barley to add its spicy flavour to the whisky without being too overpowering.
Here are a few great examples of whiskies distilled from a mash containing Unmalted Barley.
Malted Rye
Rye adds an extra bite of sweet and peppery spice to whisky, compared to barley or corn. The higher the rye content, the spicier the whiskey.
Here are a few great examples of whiskies distilled from a mash containing Malted Rye.
Unmalted Rye
Rye adds an extra bite of sweet and peppery spice to whisky, compared to barley or corn. The higher the rye content, the spicier the whiskey.
Here are a few great examples of whiskies distilled from a mash containing Unmalted Rye.
