How to choose good whiskey 
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There are many rumors and legends surrounding whiskey. It is believed that the drink was invented by the Scots or Irish, but high-quality varieties today are produced in Japan, the USA, and Canada. If you are a beginner, it is difficult to give preference to any type: alcohol differs significantly in taste and aroma. To choose whiskey for yourself or as a gift, connoisseurs recommend focusing on a number of criteria - more on this later in the article.
Geographical affiliation
The preparation method depends on the country where the drink is produced, and even the region. Scotland remains the main supplier of single malts. The production uses yeast, barley malt and water. Today, blended whiskeys based on rye and wheat are also popular.
The taste of Scottish varieties differs by region:
- The Lowlands – a fruity, slightly tart, silky drink that will appeal to beginners;
- Highland – whiskey from the Highlands, where most distilleries are located, with a smoky aroma;
- Speyside – distinguished by a fruity flavor and a smoky tone with sweetness (Glenfiddich remains the leading producer, supplying about 30% of all single malt whiskey in the world);
- Islay is a drink from a harsh region and is intended for connoisseurs, characterized by a smoky aroma and salty taste;
- Campbeltown – a deep salty flavor suitable only for connoisseurs.
In Ireland the drink is called whiskey, not whiskey, as in other countries. It is triple distilled, resulting in a slightly sweet and smooth brew suitable for beginners. Old Bushmills is considered one of the oldest distilleries in the country. Connoisseurs recommend familiarizing yourself with the Jameson variety, then moving on to the more mature Bushmills 21 YO, Jameson 18 YO.
Canadian whiskey is for everyone. It is hard, dry, and is prepared on the basis of barley, wheat, and corn. The Japanese one is made using Scottish technology, so it differs little from the original, but the price is much higher. American is sold in bottles with a black label and is often used in cooking.
Types of whiskey
When choosing a drink, you need to pay attention not only to the geography of production, but also to the variety. Each of them has its own characteristics:
- Single Malt – single malt Scotch whiskey;
- Blended – a blended drink with a balanced taste and affordable price;
- Blended Malt – a blend of single malts;
- Blended Grain is a blended product made from unmalted grain with the addition of malt.
Blended, balanced varieties are more suitable for beginners, while connoisseurs may prefer more traditional single malts.
Aging time and price
Whiskey is a drink that has been aged for at least 3 years. Elite varieties are marked with 5-10 years of aging. When indicating age, only the presence of raw materials in the barrel is taken into account. Perennial drinks have a more pronounced taste.
The price of a decent drink cannot be less than 1000 rubles per 0.5-1 liter. Especially when it comes to the best varieties of whiskey aged for many years from Scotland, Ireland, and the USA.