Category Archives: Whiskey History

Penderyn Whisky – A Distinct Welsh Whisky

Penderyn Whisky is a Welsh whisky, actually the very first Welsh whisky that was commercially available made in Wales, with its inception in the 19th century. It is produced by the Penderyn Distilleries, which was formally the Welsh Whisky Company, and is classified as a premium strength single malt whisky. It comes in several varieties and is distilled in the village of Penderyn located in the Cynon Valley, Rhondda Cynon Taf which is where the brand takes its name.

Launched as a company in 2000 bearing the name the Welsh Whisky Company it soon began making its name worldwide. Although whisky was distilled in Wales for many hundreds of years, by 1894, the practice had all but died out. Penderyn Whisky still remains the only whisky produced in Wales to this day. It is considered the smallest distillery in the world, resting in the Brecon Beacons National Park, and gets its water from the Brains Brewery.

The whisky range

• Madiera single malt
• Penderyn Sherry wood
• Penderyn Peated
• Single Cask Whiskies

The Madiera Single Malt Whisky defines the style of their house whisky. It is distilled in their unique copper pot still and matured in bourbon barrels. It is finished in rich Madiera wine casks and then it is bottled, premium strength. It is said to have a light character and be soft golden in color.

The Penderyn Sherrywood is a single malt whisky that is defined by its complexity. It is handcrafted by the unique distillation and matured as a single malt whisky. It has a rich tone of dry sherry, which is where it derives its name.

The Penderyn Peated is a single malt whisky which also is subtlety complex. It is distilled and matured as a single malt whisky to have a delicate style that underlies the medium peaty character. Having a light golden tone, it is said o capture the true spirit of Wales.

The Single Cask Whisky, likened after the success of the Penderyn Port Wood Limited signal cask whisky, is a limited edition that was launched in August 2009. It was quickly named the “European single cask whisky of the Year” by Jim Marry, the famous independent whisky expert and the Author of The Whisky Bible. It has a cask strength of 60.6% above and has a prestige unparalleled by any other whisky.

Penderyn Whisky has made a name not only for the uniqueness of the location for which it is distilled, but so too for the diversity of the products that it produces. It is a higher end whisky and the only that is distilled in Wales. Adding its own prestige and heritage, it sets itself apart from the other distillers by its taste and attention to detail. Being the smallest whisky distiller and in such high demand because of its uniqueness, it has problems keeping production up to the demands placed upon it. In the single malt whisky tradition, it keeps great constraints on the quality and attention that is put into its production, which is what keeps people wanting more.

Macallan Whisky – A Traditional Scottish Single Malt Whisky

Macallan Whisky is a single malt Scottish whisky distiller that has been in operation since 1824 at the Macallan Distillery located at Craigellachie. It is distilled and bottled by the Macallan Distillers, Ltd, a subsidiary of the Edington Group, formally part of the Highland Distillers. It is credited to be “the world’s third largest-selling single malt,” and the second largest in distilled whisky by value. It is a smaller distillery, and up until the 1970s, was not a single malt distillery. The whisky produced is only ever matured in ex sherry casks imported from Jerez Spain.

Located on the estate is not only the distillery, but alongside there is still farming that continues to grow the golden promise barley which is one of the main, and vital ingredients, which affords this fine spirit its unique taste.

Macallan Whisky can be described in several ways, either as a whisky, a scotch or a scotch whisky. In order for a whisky to be classified as a “Scotch whisky” is must be produced from a mash of cereals that have been matured in an oak cask in the country of Scotland for a minimum of three years. The other qualifier is that it must be bottled at a minimum strength of 40% of alcohol by volume.

There are three different qualifications of Scottish whiskies

A blended Scotch whisky is one that is distilled at more than one distillery and consists of a malted barley among other cereals. A blended malt Scotch whisky is a Scotch whisky which is distilled at more than one distillery, but is made entirely from malted barley. Finally, a single malt Scotch whisky is a Scotch whisky that is distilled at only one distillery and is produced solely from malted barley. Macallan Whisky is a single malt Scotch whisky distilled only at their distillery.

The Macallan Whisky single malt scotch 10 year is characterized as the following:

• A pale straw color
• A complex, with hints of fruit and heather honey nose
• A soft palate with a maltiness balanced with oak and fruit
• A lingering finish with hints of oak and fruit

There are many different categories of for the scotches blended by the Macallan Whisky. Most of the Macallan brands are on the upper end of the price continuum, with the most aged being a very pricy endeavor. Because of its single malt tradition and reputation, however, it is known for its consistency and quality.

Although a spin off from the original Highland Distillery, Macallan Whisky has made its reputation, and a name for itself, as being a high-quality, consistent whisky. It is aged in only the finest sherry casks which gives it its distinct taste that has become a staple for its followers. There are many different varieties, each finding their own niche and clientele, ranging from middle of the road price to high elegance, depending on the age. It maintains it allure as one the best single malt scotch whiskies available on the market.

Lagavulin Single Malt Whiskey Operating Under Centuries Old Traditions

Whiskey is an acquired, yet cultured taste. It is a drink that is meant to be sipped and savored, usually as an after dinner delight. It is made from fermented grain mash. The mash can consist of barley, malted barley, malted rye, rye, maize and wheat, with different grains used for different varieties. It is a liquor which must be aged, and is done so in wooden casks which are generally made from white oak. Lagavulin Whiskey is a variety which is distilled on the Island of Islay in the United Kingdom and is a delicacy for the elite of the United Kingdom and for any whiskey connoisseur worldwide.

Lagavulin Whiskey has been described as being robustly full-bodied, well balanced and smooth with a slight sweetness on the palate. A highly desirable single malt, it has an extremely strong peat-smoke typical of southern Islay, but it also has a dryness that is unparalleled to the region. Its characteristics are described as:

• 43% ABV strength
• Deep amber gold appearance
• Intense peat smoke with seaweed and iodine with a rich, deep sweetness
• Full and rich body
• Dry peat smoke, has a strong fill on the palate but a gentle sweetness which is followed by sea salt with a woody touch
• Long, elegant peat-filled finish with a salt and sea wood finish

Lagavulin Whiskey uses barley in its distillation, and is malted by Port Ellen, having as much as 20 times as much exposure to peat smoke as other whiskey. It is a slow process and one not to be rushed, taking an average of over 16 years or more to distill. Whiskies can be described using many different terms, plain whiskey, scotch whiskey or just scotch. Although whiskies are distilled in a number of regions throughout the world, in order for it to be considered a scotch, it has to originate from Scotland.

Legitimately claiming to be one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, Lagavulin Whiskey is a single malt liquor. Although there is debate as to when the official beginning of the distillery, it is thought that it dates from as early as 1742. It is produced by White Horse Distillers which is owned by United Distillers & Vintners, which is in turn owned by Diageo plc. It is of the Classic Malts brand, named Lagavulin for the Gaelic, lag a’mhuilin, meaning “hollow by the mill.” The distillery was founded in 1816 and uses the Solum Lochs for their water source. It is an extremely upper-end whiskey, obtaining many accolades for its taste and refinery.

It is enjoyed mostly by the upper elite or aristocrats of society. It is said to have an unmistakable, powerful, peat-smoke aroma. Perhaps one of the reasons it is reserved for the elite is because it is a high priced liquor. It is a good accompaniment for Roquefort cheese and biscuits. Lagavulin Whiskey has a complex taste, dry, and smoky with a big full body. The sweetness that you enjoy at first sip turns to darker smoke, like coal at the close. There is also a hint of smokiness to follow.

Laphroaig Whiskey Is Truly A Community Creation

Laphroaig Whiskey is a whiskey that, because of the determination of its uncompromising community, has remained true to its origins. Being true to its beginnings, it is maintained as the smokiest and most peat of any whiskey available on the market. The distilleries location on the Western isle of Islay holds responsibility for its peat taste due to the ancient peat bogs surrounding it. The white oak casks, that characterizes the production of whiskey, are stored in warehouses located on the sea. Because of its proximity to the sea, the whiskeys flavor is inundated with sea-mist, salt and seaweed.

Whisky is a type of liquor that is made from a fermented gain mash, which can originate from different grains including barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, malted barley and maize. Laphroaig Whisky has perfected their taste and kept it consistent since it began distilling back in the 1800s. Although Scottish whiskies are the youngest of the whiskies being sold, they have made their name on the market and become quite an acquired taste.

Whiskies can be called by many different names, whisky, Scotch whisky, or just scotch. Although whiskeys are distilled in many regions of the world, they have to be of Scottish origins to be truly labeled a scotch. Laphroaig Whisky comes in different varieties and all are aged differently. They all have the same uncompromising taste and quality that purchasers come to rely on no matter the age. The majority of the whiskies they produce and sell are middle of the road in price. Although not on the higher end of the price spectrum, their taste and quality is of a high-price brand.

Although the origins of Laphroaig Whisky are not fully known, it is legend to have originated by the Irish. The one certainty is that its reputation was in full swing by 1815 when the distillery was officially established as “Johnston & Johnston.” It has definitely maintained, and lived up to its reputation as one of the best single malt liquors on the world. In 2005 it was voted “the best of the best” in the Champion of Whisky Competition.

Laphroaig Whisky has been described as brimming with pungent, earthy aromas of the blue peat smoke, with a delicate sweet nutty taste of barley which stems for the perfume of the Islay’s streams. Although it may appear to have an aloof savor at first, it is an acquired taste that will capture your spirit and tie it to a feeling of an old friend. It has the following characteristics:

• Autumn gold in color
• A Slight peatyness, velvety, smooth, coconut creamy aroma with water nose
• Soft velvet moderately peatyness taste
• Zesty orange and creamy finish

Although not a large distiller, Laphroaig whisky has found its own niche within the market of whiskies. They have a following of loyal whisky drinkers that have come to depend on their flavor and consistent quality. Like an old friend its drinkers feel at home at first taste.

The Eight Greats Of Islay Whisky Distilleries

Islay Whisky is Scotch whisky that is made in Islay, which is on the southernmost of the Inner Hebridean Islands, off of the west coast of Scotland. Located in this region also is the famed whisky tourism central, with eight active distilleries, and a ninth almost ready to begin production. The style of the whisky that is distilled is one of smoky taste because of the peat that is located within the water that is used to distill, as well as, the peat that grows naturally in the soil of the barley that is used to create these wonderful concoctions.

There are eight distilleries that make up the Islay Whisky distilleries: Ardbery, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol lla, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, and Port Charlotte. The Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich make the lightest of the class, much less peaty, although the Bruichladdich also makes a heavier version. What sets the Bowmore apart from the others is its production of a well-balanced medium-strong peated whisky that utilizes a sherry-cask maturation. The newest of all the distilleries, the Kilochoman sets itself apart by location. It is located farther from the sea than the other seven distilleries. All eight of the distilleries gain their taste and uniqueness from the salt-winds. They all have the reputation of the strongest flavored of all malt whiskeys.

There are several characteristics of the Islay Whisky Malts

• They tend to be dry and peaty, alongside the smoke there is a gentle mossy scent and some spice
• The southern Islay whiskies produce phenolic whiskies who have the aroma that resonant of tar, smoke and iodine carbolic
• Bowmore, which is in the middle of the island, has all of these characteristics only less powerful than its Islay Whisky counterparts
• Caol Ila, Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain are much less smoky and lighter
• They all have a dry finish, with the southern ones having quite a bite

Legend persists that Monks brought the art of distillation to the Islay during the fourteenth century. It was an ideal spot for them, utilizing the Uisge Beathe or water of life, with the limitless supplies of peat and pure soft water. Also already available on this location was the other essential whisky ingredient for fermentation, barley. Being one of the only locations that still produces single malt scotches, the whisky products produced in this small location is in high demand on the worldwide market. Because the aging is what makes these whiskies so highly desirable, there is a lag in shortage and it has driven up the prices of these scotch whiskies.

Islay Whisky is not only a place that is famous for its production of whisky, but so too, for the rich beauty of its countryside. There is a vast amount of people who visit the locale for distillery tours, and also for all the other tourism delights that they have to offer. The Islay Whisky offers more than just whisky, so too ambiance and unbelievable scenery unparalleled accommodations. It is an overall experience of history and rich culture.

History of Jack Daniels Whiskey

When most people in the United States hear the word whiskey, they immediately think of Jack Daniels. The history of Jack Daniels whiskey is an important turning point in the US whiskey industry and without it, many would be without their favorite drink. Jack Daniels is one of the most popular whiskies enjoyed in the United States, whether it’s at a restaurant, bar, or for at home.

How the History of Jack Daniels Whiskey was Started

Born in 1850, Jack Daniel began learning how whiskey was made at the age of 7 from a Lutheran minister by the name of Dan Call. Call owned a still on the Louse River of Tennessee and taught Jack everything there was to know about how to make whiskey.