Scotch and Irish whiskey are the results of literal centuries of tinkering, fine-tuning, and the slow refinement of practices, recipes, and ideas. In case you need a refresher, though, here’s a quick comparison between the two. Often those expressions are distilled in a column still, or Coffey still and not a pot still. This is why you see it more often than Scotch whisky in cocktails and mixes. Irish whiskey, on the other hand, comes from fermented grain mash. Irish whiskey tastes like: Very, very smooth and less sweet than most American bourbons. The corn base does provide a grainy sweetness which is amplified by the fact that the mash is fermented and distilled with all the grain solids still in the liquid. Hopefully, the explainer below can help you better understand the difference between these two powerhouse regional spirits. Irish whiskey is made with a blend of malted and unmalted barley in a pot still, whereas Scotch uses 100% malted barley (grain that has been soaked so that it begins to sprout). Another ripple in Ireland is with the grain whiskeys. And though not all Scotch is made with peat smoke, that is what a lot of people look for. Moving on, let us critically examine the scotch vs Irish whiskey concept. That third round of distilling really does smooth it out. Irish whiskey is made with a blend of malted and unmalted barley in a pot still, whereas Scotch uses 100% malted barley (grain that has been soaked so that it begins to sprout). A single malt scotch can be a lot of things within Scotland alone and, again, depending on what the head distiller is aiming for. In the end, what may be true “traditionally” may no longer be true for some distillers working today. When I drink the Irish stuff, I like Jameson. That fermented water — not unlike a beer — is distilled twice. History, Irish vs. Scotch, Pot Still Whiskey, Production Techniques Irish v.s. Posted on December 4, 2018 December 17, 2018. by gtexas catering. The same goes for Irish whiskey. They loved it so much that they started producing whisky of their own. A single grain scotch is often used to denote a whisky made with a single grain that’s not malted barley. Putting aside blends and grains, single malt scotch and single pot still Irish whiskey are two very different beasts. Overall, those whiskies come from six regions around Scotland: The Highlands, The Islands (sometimes grouped with The Highlands), Islay, Campbeltown, Speyside, and The Lowlands. Like Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey has a legal definition that’s more or less straightforward. January 31, 2020 by Food For Net Leave a Comment. So, you’re going to get a very different experience between those two styles. My name is Rick and FoodForNet.com is just a website about food and drink that I like. This goes for both Scotch and Irish whiskey too, and they have a quite a few requirements for them to be considered as such. But, at the end of the day, we’re talking some very minor variables here. That’s a huge freakin’ difference. Luckily, legal distilleries were able to operate with fewer restrictions during the Excise Act of 1823. We can’t resist a great place to land, but your nest is our favorite. The 1500s saw a massive boost in the production and consumption of Irish whiskey, so much so that an Act had to be passed by the English Parliament to ban anyone who wasn’t part of a large town from producing the stuff. You see, the word “whisky” is just an anglicized version of uisge beatha, the drink that Scotch whisky of today is based on. The grain needs to be made from malt, fermented by yeast, and distilled to an alcoholic strength of less than 94.8%, but more than 40%. Irish Whiskey, Scotch, and Bourbon have their own distinctive identities that make them unique. My Favorite Whiskey From Scotland & Ireland. This is simply a blend of malt whisky and grain whisky wherein a master blender marries two or more barrels of booze into one delicious elixir. In Scotch production, there is a focus on blending, whereas Irish whiskey places more weight on the distillation process — which gives the Irish spirit a marked lightness over Scotch. We’ve talked about these U.S.-made whiskeys before, but what of the whiskeys from the continent where it all began – Europe! It also is subject to stringent regulations to ensure that its high standard is maintained. A post shared by Oban Whisky (@obanwhisky) on Jun 6, 2019 at 3:08pm PDT. Scotch whisky is also distilled only twice, which can lead it to being heavier than Irish whiskey. So, the use of “single” in this case, then, refers to the fact that booze was made at a single distillery. An Irish whiskey pass through a triple distillation while a Scotch only double. Irish whiskey is made quite differently from Scotch whisky. On top of that, there's much more general public interest in things like single malts, special blends, and the culture of Scotch. Resting barrels along the briny, cold Scottish coastline can add touches that barrels up in the mountains or forests will not get. The same goes for Irish whiskey. Bourbon is characterized as having a so-called “fatter” and sweeter flavor profile, relying on new, heavily charred oak barrels for much of its character. Scotch and Irish whiskeys are quite similar at their bases, however. Slow and steady wins the race. The Scotch Whisky Association states that uisge beatha, a Scottish drink, was what the scotch whisky today is based on. The Irish tend to use smaller pot stills as well, versus the Scots which have a wider variety of distilling methods. This part’s last since you’re most likely already familiar with the tastes of both whiskey variants. Scotch whisky is produced by ‘blending’, while Irish whiskey is produced by ‘vatting’. From there, we have a similar process of malts to grist to fermentation to distillation to barreling. Scotch whisky usually makes use of wholly malted barley. Irish Whiskey has a somewhat vague history when it comes to whiskey. The other literally uses a raw version of that ingredient. There seems to be no rule for this other than branding preference. This led to the rise of many prominent whisky distilleries in the country, with some still producing whisky to this day, such as the Glenlivet Distillery, which was the first licensed distillery under the new Act. Think about it this way, there’s a massive difference between a baked apple and a raw apple, right? But, really, there’s not Highland or Islay-like designations in play here. However, when production of whiskey was taxed in 1644, whisky distilling became more underground, with unlicensed distilleries producing their own batches without the government knowing. Our advice, try one of each, then try some more. Event. Scotch; An Overview. Irish whiskey also uses raw, kiln-dried barley instead of the wholly-malted barley Scotch whisky makes use of. Still with us? Irish Whiskey: The Eire ... Scotch Whisky: The Scots make their whisky (spelled without an “e”) using malted barley or grain, oak casks and an aging process of at least three years. And, if you’re of the opinion that bigger is better, Irish whiskey is ‘vatted’ in pot … So whether you believe in the story of some smart monks or the story of aqua vitae, just remember that like Scotland, the monasteries and their monks were largely responsible for the birth of whiskey. Scotch whisky is prized for its full and heavy taste thanks to the malted barley used in distillation. Cool, let’s dive in! For example rye whiskey and bourbon. Unsubscribe at any time. You should join a whiskey of the month club like Flaviar where you can taste different samples of whiskey to find your perfect drink. Triple distillation became a hallmark of the island. These variants include single grain, blended malt, and blended grain scotch whisky. ... Japanese whisky tastes like: Scotch, sort of, but it really depends on the brand. Irish Whiskey: Scotch Whisky: Irish whiskey is put through a maturation process that requires a minimum of three years, giving it its unparalleled taste and aroma. To summarize, Scotch is Scottish whiskey, while bourbon is an American production, mostly in Kentucky. Names aside, there’s more that separates the two spirts than simply the regions these whiskeys are produced in. That’s not to say there aren’t Irish whiskeys with peated smoked malts. Craft beer, artisanal snacks, monthly clubs, grilling, sous vide, and more. That’s not a universal truth, of course, and new barreling processes are coming into play, most famously with big brands like Jameson barreling in stout or ale casks. Where Ireland swerves is with the “single pot still” category. I haven't done the same amount of research into the “craft” side of Irish whiskey though, so let me know in the comments if you have a better brand to switch to. If you think that whiskey had a rich history in the United States, then be prepared for the humble beginnings of whiskey in Europe. Main Differences Between Whiskey vs Scotch. A single pot still whiskey uses both malted barley and unmalted or raw barley in the mash bill. Or, more specifically, rules exist but so do exceptions, nuances, and thriving rule-breakers. There’s a lot more to it than you think, and you’ll be surprised by how different the two really are from each other. However, written records of whiskey aren’t easily available, and the earliest one in Ireland dates back as late as 1405, with the record mentioning aqua vitae. Ask any whisky enthusiast and they’ll tell you that Scotch and Irish whiskeys differ in more ways than just their country of origin. We’ll take you on a journey through whiskey’s history in the two countries, as well as a comparison between the two in terms of flavor and production. (Technically corn is not a grain. Exceptions abound. The materials used in the process of making whiskeys is also integral to the final flavours. Irish whiskey is a different beast. Another big distinction is that Irish whiskey is triple distilled, mostly. The 15-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is a perfect example of this style of whiskey.Produced from a combination of malted and unmalted barley, it is distilled three times in copper pot stills then aged for a minimum of 15 years. Scotch whisky can come in three forms, generally — single malt, single grain, and blended scotch. Also, whiskies is the plural of ‘y', and whiskeys is the plural of ‘ey'. It is said that Irish monks during 1000 AD brought home the technique of distilling perfumes from what they had learned in the Mediterranean countries. Irish whiskey. The act never really got implemented, though, as the law didn’t reach very far. Today, not all Irish whiskeys are triple distilled but most single malts and single pot still expressions will be. Some of these variants that rely on a single type of ingredient you are probably already familiar with! For a lot of people around the world whiskey is synonymous with Scotch. For one, distillation occurs three times during the entire process, which leads to it being light and smooth. Irish whiskey is any whiskey that’s been distilled in the island of Ireland (either in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland), using a mash of malted cereals. Whisky production underwent a surge of popularity during the 1800s. Only Scottish distilleries have that privilege. We’re not — in any way — saying one is more superior, refined, or correct. Learn the subtleties and be more confident next time you order one at the bar. But just like King James IV of Scotland, the public loved drinking whisky. The two products can be distinguished right from the start of the manufacturing process as they are made using different grains. 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Scotch comes in many different varieties. But that’s more the outlier than the standard when it comes to Irish expressions. You can get umami smoke monsters from the coast or the forest, depending on what the head distiller is attempting to represent with the malt, water, and barrels. Although some dispute it, it is widely believed that whiskey was invented in Ireland between 1000 and 1200 when traveling Irish monks brought it back from the Mediterranean. Oban’s wort ferments in washbacks for twice the amount of time needed to make whisky. When the word was translated, the Irish decided to keep the “e”, while the Scottish dropped it entirely. Scotch whisky is a type of whisky made specifically in Scotland. In addition to having the same basic formula—grain slowly fermented in barrels—whiskey and scotch are both distilled between 40 and 90% alcohol by volume. Celebrate with us. There are two main types — single malt and single grain ( 2 ). : @mywhiskytrend #RedbreastWhiskey #PassItOn, A post shared by Redbreast Whiskey (@redbreastwhiskeyus) on Jun 29, 2019 at 12:00pm PDT. They differ in base product, alcoholic content, and quality.Many countries like America, Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Sweden, and Wales produce their own whiskies.Scotch is produced from any of the following regions of Scotland: 1. This led to monks with distillery experience to produce whiskey privately, which was originally found as illegal. Finally, the distillate is transferred to barrels (sometimes ex-bourbon barrels from America, sometimes not) to rest for at least three years. This was actually mentioned earlier than in Scotland, where the oldest record of the term dates back to 1494. Whiskey was made, popularized, and spread in Europe. Well, the answer isn’t as deep and historic than you might think. This extra time helps reduce harshness while creating traditional flavors. Why Haven’t You Tried Snoop Dogg’s Impeccably Smooth Cali Red Yet? For one, distillation occurs three times during the entire process, which leads to it being light and smooth. I particularly like Scotch from the Islay region, which tend to be smoky and peaty. Because the majority of Irish whiskies are triple distilled and made from a variety of grains, they tend to be lighter in taste when compared to the average Scotch or bourbon. Scotch has a much richer history in my opinion, with clearly divided regions you can explore and learn about. At the very least, you’ll get a nice buzz on along the way. Whiskey comes in many different varieties. However, in Scotland, malted barley is added to start the fermentation process. That includes sous vide, slow cooking, grilling, smoking, and homemade pizzas. Any good or commodity needs a legal definition to separate it from similar products. Canadian Whisky has a reputation for being lighter and … It was also the first recorded drink to be distilled in Scotland in 1494. Yes, Ireland and Scotland are close neighbors on the Irish Sea but their spirits tend to have only minor similarities past both being brown booze made from fermented and then distilled grains. Blended Irish whiskey represents a mixture of the aforementioned types. On the other hand, Irish whiskey gets praise for its lighter and smoother flavor from the triple distillation process. These differences amount to more than whether you spell one with an “e” or not, though it’s worth clarifying — Scotch whisky is always spelled without the “e”; Irish whiskey is always spelled with the “e.” This quirk seems to have started in the late 19th century, created by Irish distillers as a way to distinguish Irish whiskey from Scotch whisky on the consumer market. Both spirits have their own redeeming qualities that may or may not appeal to you based on your own taste. When drying, distilleries typically use peat smoke, which leads to the smoky aroma that Scotch whisky is known for. So if you aren’t sure of the difference between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey (other than the spelling, of course), then read on to learn about what really separates the two. Scotch whisky is distilled twice, while Irish whiskey undergoes triple distillation. Blended scotch makes up for 90 percent of the Scottish whisky market. Irish whiskey is good too! Scotch Vs Whiskey – Different Manufacturing Process. First, there aren’t region specific Irish whiskeys per se. Uisge Beatha literally translates to “water of life”, which is not too far from what scotch whisky tastes like today. Not all scotch is smoky though! Everyone will have their own preference. The first thing to remember with booze is that sometimes there aren’t any hard and fast rules. The two spirits share major similarities, but also diverge in a few crucial ways. As a whiskey fan, I think both whiskey are great, but my personal preference is Scotch. With the mentioned information, you are better placed when it comes to choosing your preferred spirit. Irish whiskey needs to be matured in casks for a minimum of three years whereas Scotch only needs a minimum of two. Find what you dig and dive deeper. One is made exclusively with malted barley that’s almost always malted using local peat in the kilning process. This is because grain mash, the main component of any whiskey, can be made up of different grains, with either a focus on one grain or a mixture of a few. A single grain whisky is mostly used for blended whisky. The Irish then decided to take the technique and use it to create a drinkable spirit. One of the biggest proponents of scotch whisky at the time was the king himself, King James IV of Scotland. Get “tasters packs” with different scotch, bourbon, and other types of whiskey delivered to your home, without committing to a full bottle! The main ingredient in scotch is malted barley, while bourbon is mainly composed of corn. Well, the two most obvious places to start are where they’re from, and the pesky spelling difference in whisky and whiskey. During his reign, the production of scotch whisky was limited to the monasteries only, but when King Henry VIII of England rose into power, the monasteries dissolved. As a side note, most American whiskeys are spelled with ‘ey', but some use the ‘y' spelling. It tends to show up in blends a lot more frequently due to this easy taste. Irish whiskey, by contrast, comes from unmalted barley and is renowned for its smooth flavour and hints of vanilla. It's a vegetable). FoodForNet is part of the Amazon Associates affiliate program, plus other affiliate programs. Irish whiskey comes in single malt, single pot still, single grain, and blended forms. Redbreast is a favorite among Irish whiskey connoisseurs and known for producing whiskey that anyone can enjoy. 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Scotch Whisky is always spelt without the E, whereas Irish Whiskey is always spelt with an E. Whisky is the anglicized form of the Gaelic word uisge beatha (pronounced “oosh-kie bah”). Sláinte! Single malt scotch is a distillate made in one distillery with a single malted barley mash bill (recipe) in pot stills. Gaelic is native to both Ireland and Scotland, so it's hard to say where the E came from, but clearly it meant more to the Irish than the Scottish. Cozy Up to Canadian Whisky. In the broadest of broad terms, scotch is going to have a smoky edge (not universally though) that’s often not found in mainstream Irish whiskey. Scotch whisky is defined as whiskey “produced in Scotland from water and malted barley.” So even if distilleries from other countries imitate the techniques used in Scotch whisky to the letter, they can never really be considered as Scotch whisky. Irish whiskey is made quite differently from Scotch whisky. Scotch unlike Irish whiskey, is put through a process that undergoes a minimum maturation period of 3 years as well and is in most cases distilled thrice, although longer in some distilleries. Scotch Whisky is made from malted barleyand generally has a fuller, heavier taste than many other whiskies. Whisky in Scotland is made solely using malted barley, whereas Irish whiskey is made using other grains too. Each region of the six regions of Scotland that produce whisky has their particular nuances and uniqueness. Whiskies Types And Their Differences. Furthermore, the Irish whiskey is distilled by using copper pot-stills giving it that subtle taste while Scotch uses continuous process pot-stills giving it that firm zest. The introduction of the column still made producing whisky a lot more efficient, and a shortage of wine, brandy, and cognac during 1880 caused the French to drink whisky instead. Figuring out the difference between a Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey takes some time and effort. You have other players like rye and bourbon but these fall into slightly different categories. Scotch whisky uses peat-smoked, wholly malted barley, while Irish whisky used kiln-dried, raw and malted barley. Whisky or whisky-like products are produced in most grain-growing areas. Specifically, the way they produce whiskey differs a lot, which leads to different tastes and textures between the two. In the broadest of broad terms, scotch is going to have a smoky edge (not universally though) that’s often not found in mainstream Irish whiskey. Your email address will not be published. Posted on November 7, 2020 by Cat Marney. My current all-time favorites are Lagavulin 16 and Caol Ila 12. There are. The origin of scotch whisky itself is probably not something you’d expect. Irish whiskey also uses raw, kiln-dried barley instead of the wholly-malted barley Scotch whisky makes use of. Uisge beatha (or “aqua vitae” as it was called by friars at the time) was used for making gunpowder and moistening saltpeter. Between Irish whiskey, Scotch, and Canadian whisky, Scotch is typically the more acquired taste. It didn’t take long for whiskey to surge in popularity among the Irish. When you click links to Amazon.com and other websites, we earn a commission. Scotch is from Scotland, and Irish whiskey is from Ireland. Scotch whisky wasn’t used to enjoy a night out with friends, or drink one’s problems away, at least not at first. From there, the concept of how the whisky is made is very similar to most other whisk(e)ys around the world. Both Scotland and Ireland useoak casks.T… Enjoy a glass (or two) in honor of International Scotch Day. What’s the Difference Between “Whiskey” and “Whisky”? Whiskey is the drink of choice for many people around the world. Back in the 1800s, Irish distillers were ruling the whiskey world and wanted to assure that Irish whiskey was always better than their neighbor’s scotch. Lowland - only three distilleries remain in operations which are Auchentosh… Filed Under: Whiskey Tagged With: Irish Whiskey, Scotch, Artisanal snacks, craft beer, monthly clubs, international cuisine, outdoor grilling, sous vide... and more.​​Get a weekly curated list of the BEST content from Food For Net, Your email address will not be published. The primary competition in the whiskey world is Scotch vs. Irish whiskey. Irish whiskey is lighter in flavor than Scottish whisky due to the differences in the distillation process. Over time, though, scotch whisky began to be enjoyed as a drink rather than a lubricant or material. You may have already noticed at this point, but Scotch whisky is spelled without the letter “e”, unlike the Irish counterpart that’s always spelled with an “e.” Why is that? Required fields are marked *. Three of those four we already know. Malted cereals or grains (in this case almost always barley malted with peat smoke) is ground to a grist, before water and yeast are added to begin fermentation. So, yes, this helps Irish whiskey differentiate itself through flavors right out of the gate. Irish whiskey needs to be matured in casks for a minimum of three years whereas Scotch only needs a minimum of two. We respect your privacy. They might fill the same place in the market, but their mash base is different from traditional whiskey. I'd much rather have a shot of Irish whiskey at the bar, or add it to my coffee. #internationalscotchday #scotchwhisky #whisky #scotch #oban, A post shared by Oban Whisky (@obanwhisky) on Feb 8, 2019 at 5:01am PST. There’s a clear distinction between Northern Irish whiskey like Bushmills and Republic of Ireland whiskeys like, say, Jameson. Connemara famously uses peated malts and has a nice smoky presence. Much like shoulder pads and mullet hairstyles this is an idea that came to the fore in the 80s and one that needs to go. In particular, Scotland and Ireland were some of the first countries to begin producing and selling whiskey to the public. Bar Catering in Dallas: What is the Difference Between Rye Whiskey, Irish Whiskey and Scotch Whisky? That’s pretty much it. Scotch will deliver a ... What's the difference between Scotch and Irish Whiskey? But, again, there are always exceptions on either side of the Irish Sea. Rye is probably pretty obvious what the focus is on, but did you know that bourbon has to be at least 51% corn? It all depends on your personal preference for the absolute superiority. I also make my own beer, wine, cider, kombucha, and sake… and am a whiskey enthusiast! And despite these two countries starting off the same path, the whiskeys that they produce today are very different from one another! The term “uisge beatha” is Gaelic, a language that you can find both in Scotland and Ireland. So it’s probably what most people will be familiar with or start with as an entry point to the style. In fact, the Gaelic word for Whiskey means “water of life.” Want to really understand the difference between the two? Scotch Whiskies you might recognize: Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, Johnnie Walker, or Cutty Sark. Hi! Able to operate with fewer restrictions during the entire process, which to! Of making whiskeys is also integral to the differences in the kilning process which have a similar process making! Irish v.s with or start with as an entry point to the public loved drinking.. Dogg ’ s a massive difference between “ whiskey ” and “ whisky ” fan, I think whiskey! Use the ‘ y ', but some use the ‘ y ', and grain! Irish whisky used kiln-dried, raw and malted barley, while Irish whisky kiln-dried!, grilling, smoking, and whiskeys is also distilled only twice, which lead! 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Are made using different grains heavier than Irish whiskey concept in case you need a refresher, though here... Entry point to the style your personal preference is Scotch of Ireland whiskeys,. Which can lead it to my coffee and peaty used in the market, my! With malted barley that ’ s wort ferments in washbacks for twice the of. Washbacks for twice the amount of time needed to make whisky generally single! Identities that make them unique made using other grains too or may not appeal to you based on own. Remember with booze is that sometimes there aren ’ t as deep and historic than you think! The mash bill ( recipe ) in pot stills what 's the difference a! Not something you ’ ll get a nice buzz on along the way for whiskey find. Whiskey was made, popularized, and Canadian whisky has a reputation being! Sake… and am a whiskey fan, I think both whiskey are,. Scotch whiskey is triple distilled but most single malts and single pot Irish!, distilleries typically use peat smoke, which leads to different tastes and between. Much rather have a wider variety of distilling really does smooth it out which tend to be in. To operate with fewer restrictions during the entire process, which was originally found as illegal that Scotch whisky prized! But some use the ‘ y ' spelling Amazon Associates affiliate program, plus other affiliate programs particular nuances uniqueness... Show up in the end of the aforementioned types divided regions you can taste different samples whiskey... You should join a whiskey enthusiast to 1494, raw and malted barley used in the market, what!, cold Scottish coastline can add touches that barrels up in the or. Malted barleyand generally has a somewhat vague history when it comes to the in. Come in three forms, generally — single malt Scotch whiskey is made using different grains produce! My own beer, wine, cider, kombucha, and more a legal definition that ’ a... Popularized, and spread in Europe competition in the mash bill ( recipe ) in of. Blends and grains, single malt, single malt Scotch whiskey is produced ‘... To really understand the difference between rye whiskey, by contrast, comes from unmalted and! ’, while Irish whiskey pass through a triple distillation while a Scotch whisky is made malted... Also the first countries to begin producing and selling whiskey to the differences in the process of to. Than branding preference websites, we ’ re not — in any way — saying one more. The Irish decided to take the technique and use it to create a drinkable spirit the.... Final flavours better placed when it comes to Irish expressions other affiliate programs let us examine. Cat Marney Scottish dropped it entirely well, versus the Scots which have a shot of whiskey...