6 Interesting Facts About Whiskey That You Should Know

Whiskey is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages worldwide. Made from different grain and always aged in wooden barrels, “the water of life” originated more than 1,000 years ago when Scottish and Irish monks tried to find the substitution for grapes they had used in their native mainland Europe to make wine. The earliest written evidence of using distillation to turn grain mash into a spirit dated 1494. When Brother John Cor, a Lindores monk, was mentioned in the Exchequer Rolls of the same year as King James IV commissioned to turn eight bolls of malt into Aqua Vitae as they called Scotch Whiskey in those days.

Exceptional in many ways, whiskey has a rich history full of exciting twists and turns, and here are six more facts that you should know about this spirit – regardless of whether it’s your favorite drink or you enjoy it from time to time. 

The World Of Whiskey Is More Diverse Than You Think

Have you ever tried Japanese whiskey? Well, chances are you even didn’t know it exists! Truth to be said, it’s nothing special. Nothing more than a try to replicate a famed scotch product. Anyway, the world of this alcoholic beverage is diverse, as well as its geography.

Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley or grain, while the spirit has to be aged in oak casks for at least three years. By the way, the size of the barrels cannot exceed 185 gallons to give the spirit that special oak note. Everyone can make Scotch, but only shades made entirely on the territory of Scotland have the right to be called Scotch Whiskey. The same principle of origin is true for Irish whiskey, which in contrast to the Scottish counterpart, can be made of any malted cereal grains. 

Bourbon Is Whiskey

Bourbon is an American whiskey distilled from a mash made mainly from corn. While there aren’t strict minimum age requirements for this spirit, it must be stored in charred oak barrels for at least 2.5 years to be called a “straight bourbon.” However, there are plenty of variations and combinations that deliver a unique taste. For instance, one of the most popular brands in the US, Wild Turkey 101 is one of the best bourbons in terms of taste because it’s blended with 6, 7, and 8-year old bourbons aged in virgin white oak barrels with the deepest char. Anyway, to be proudly called bourbon, the spirit must contain at least 51% of corn and must not contain any additives. Naturally, it has to be made in the US.

Whiskey Was Available During The Prohibition

Even though on January 17, 1920, the Volstead Act took effect, entrenching the Prohibition across all US States, whiskey was still available for consumers – but with a prescription from their doctor. As incredible as it may sound, there was such a thing as medical whiskey, and people can buy it at licensed pharmacies. The truth is, there were certain limitations, so one person was allowed to purchase one pint in 10 days but does that matter? Anyway, until December 1933, when the controversial Act was repealed, six producers licensed by The US Government had bottled and sold the medical whiskey.

Whiskey Is Beer

Yes, at the core, whiskey is a beer that has been distilled more than one time. Technically speaking, all whiskeys start their beautiful life as beer or whiskey wash, which is a less delicious term for the first results of fermenting grains.

The Bottle Of Whiskey Can Cost $6.2M.

That’s exactly how much you have to pay for one bottle of the Isabella Islay Whiskey Original produced by the Luxury Beverage Company of the United Kingdom. Of course, it’s the bottle that does add to the staggering price, showcasing over 8,500 diamonds, almost 300 rubies, and 50 pounds of white gold. However, the spirit is also a true Scotch masterpiece that stuns with one-of-its-kind flavor and magnificent aroma.  

It Was A Favorite Beverage Of Nikola Tesla 

One of the greatest inventors of all times, Nikola Tesla, gave whiskey over all other beverages. He didn’t drink tea or coffee, thinking of them as “unhealthy” stimulants. Still, he sincerely believed that whiskey could help generate new ideas and enhance productivity, so he consumed it every day.

Since its inception many centuries ago, whiskey has gone a long way to the spirit we know today. We hope these six interesting facts have given you an insight into the wondrous world of this popular alcoholic beverage.