Whiskey

A distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. The star of the show; what we’re all here for.

Mash

A mixture of grains used to make whiskey. Not to be confused with the Monster version

Mash bill

The specific combination and proportion of grains used in a whiskey's mash. Not an effective way to manage personal finances

Grain

The source of starch used in whiskey production. Common grains include corn, rye, wheat, and barley. Don’t go against it

Barrel

The vessel in which whiskey is aged. It is typically made of oak

Aging

The process by which whiskey is stored in barrels for a period of time, allowing it to develop its characteristic flavor and aroma. Also what we’re all doing, every, single, day…

Proof

A measurement of the alcohol content of whiskey, expressed as twice the percentage of alcohol by volume. For example, a whiskey with 50% alcohol by volume is 100 proof. If you “spike” your pudding, that’s where the proof will be

Distillation

The process of separating alcohol from water and other impurities by heating and condensing the resulting vapor. That’s about the gist of it

Angel's share

The portion of whiskey that evaporates from the barrel during aging. Angel’s get paid in whiskey. Every time you buy a bottle an angel gets his drinks.

Cask strength

Whiskey that has not been diluted with water before bottling. It is typically very high in alcohol content. Also false sense of strength fueled by alcohol; see Popeye’s drunk cousin Squinty

Single malt

Whiskey made from a single batch of malted barley, distilled at a single distillery. Shy at first, but after a couple drinks this malt is ready to mingle

Blended whiskey

Whiskey made by blending together different whiskeys from different distilleries. Alternately, you can employ your blender to make a Whiskey Daquiri

Bourbon

American whiskey made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. Most French sounding American thing ever

Rye whiskey

American whiskey made from at least 51% rye and aged in new, charred oak barrels. Give Rye a try

Scotch

Whiskey made in Scotland, typically from malted barley and aged in oak barrels. No relation to the tape by the same name

Irish whiskey

Whiskey made in Ireland, typically from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley and aged in oak barrels. What if at the end of every rainbow was a barrel of whiskey?

Canadian whiskey

Whiskey made in Canada, typically from a mixture of grains and aged in oak barrels. Yah, sure, you betcha! Canadians drink whiskey too.

Tennessee whiskey

A type of bourbon that is filtered through charcoal before aging, giving it a distinctive flavor. Nothing to senneezzee at

Finish

The final stage of whiskey production, in which the whiskey is bottled and prepared for sale. But wait, there’s more!

Nose

The aroma of whiskey. The nose knows, or thinks that it does anyway

Palate

The taste of whiskey. Don’t drive if you’ve had too much on yours

Body

The overall texture and mouthfeel of whiskey. Press your tongue against our body, whether you keep your mind in the gutter is your business

Finish

The aftertaste of whiskey. It’s kind of like a Minnesota goodbye…

Chill filtration

The process of removing some of the fatty acids and proteins from whiskey by cooling it to near freezing and filtering it. Kick back with some island tunes, tune into a smooth whiskey cocktail, and filter out the daily noise

Cooperage

The craft of making and repairing oak barrels. I love it when a barrel comes together