The popularity of whisky in Russia increases every year. Noble drink became indispensable attribute of good taste and prosperity, just as a cigar or cuff links. However there is a lot of grades of whisky and to choose among them really good happens not easy.
What is the whisky
Whisky is made by distillation of products of fermentation of various grain - barley or wheat, however malt is most often used. Depending on the production technology of a grade of whisky are divided into malt, grain and blended. Separately allocate bourbon – the American whisky on the basis of corn. Among judges the type of a malt whisky for which alcohol was produced on one "viskokuyena" - so-called single malt (single malt) uses the greatest recognition. It is considered that single malt whisky has the richest taste and the fat content allowing to delay intoxication approach. However, all types of a malt whisky are appreciated above, than mixed.
The word whiskey came from the Celtic language where in translation meant "life water". Scotland or Ireland is considered the homeland of whisky, however they still argue which of them presented to the world the first keg of whisky.
Blended whisky is a mix of malt alcohol and grain. Practically all made volume of a grain whisky is used for production blended as raw grain whisky doesn't possess a brisk taste and aroma. Choosing the good mixed whisky, look for the inscription Deluxe meaning the high percentage of malt alcohol in a bottle on the label. Of course, esthetes consider blended whisky suitable only for cocktails, but it quite is suitable for the first acquaintance to this noble drink.
What to pay attention in shop to
Having prepared theoretically, it is possible to start directly the choice and purchase. One of important criteria is endurance term here. You shouldn't be tempted with the low price of whisky of three-year endurance, especially if you look for a bottle as a gift. It is better to pay in addition and buy a few whisky of more respectable age - 5-7 years.
Good whisky is used or in pure form, or with a small amount of water, soda sparkling water or ice. Especially it concerns some single malt whisky as allows to open all shades of taste of drink more stoutly.
The following what it is necessary to pay attention to – label. As a rule, good whisky is made in Ireland, Scotland, England or the USA, and here it is better not to experiment with other countries. Besides, an important role is played by structure: there at all ethyl alcohol and fragrances shouldn't enter. If among ingredients only malt, barley, a rye or corn – it means that in hands at you the real whisky. One more way to check quality of drink is to stir up a bottle strongly. Large bubbles which will keep long enough have to be formed. And here the oldest whisky should have no deposit even.