Whisky
Created | Updated Sep 10, 2004
Whisky is an alcoholic drink produced in Scotland, as opposed to whiskey, which (although also being an alcoholic drink) is produced either in America (sometimes referred to as bourbon, a foul piece of undrinkable stuff) or Irland (acceptable, but too sweet). Also, even though many of them are owned by scottish destilleries, the Japanese are building up quite a market for their domestic whisky, but most Japanese destilleries are in Scottish possession.
Whisky is produced, one could say, from destilled beer. And that's where all things in common between the different brands end.
The finest whisky, connaisseurs say, is single malt, as opposed to blended, and it should be produced on the island with the imaginative name Isla, off the Scottish west coast. Two brands here, in my view, are extraordinary; Lagavulin and Laphroaig. These are probably the two smokiest whiskies you will find; some non-whisky lovers would say that it is kind of like licking the inside of a crematory chimny. I favourise Laphroaig. On the highland Speyside region you will sooner or later come across The Macallan, single malt of softness and rich taste, often referred to as the Rolls Royce of the not so smoky and a good introduction for the newbie to the single malts. I assure you that it is a heavenly taste.
Among the blended whiskies (blended whiskies consists of single malts and other blended whiskies blended together to a different brand), one often hear the name Chivas Regal. This is not a fine blend. It is weary and has no sting, although it is not entirely disgusting. Try instead the smothness of a Famous Grouse, which has a base of The Macallan and Highland Park. Or why not pour a little Teacher's in your coffee, topped with whipped cream and a touch of brown sugar? That warms ye ol' bones, I tell you.
In conclusion, whisky means the water of life and it is given to us from the heavens. If you feel interested in reading more about whisky, learn it from Scotch Whisky. Or, better yet, discuss it here.
