whiskey 101 Jake Clements whiskey 101 Jake Clements

What is Canadian whisky?

Canadian whisky is like politics. Depending on what side of the aisle your on determines what you think of it. Whiskey geeks tend to scoff at Canadian whisky, but the general population loves it.

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whiskey 101 Jake Clements whiskey 101 Jake Clements

Water and proofing.

Whiskey or Aqua vitae is the "water of life," and the clear natural fresh liquid is vital to flavor. From the quality and source to the amount used for proofing affects how the whiskey tastes.

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whiskey 101 Jake Clements whiskey 101 Jake Clements

What is Irish Whiskey?

When you think of Irish Whiskey, Jameson is probably the first thing that pops to mind. For a good reason, at one point, it was the most popular whiskey in the world. It can still be found at almost every bar in the world. But there is more to Irish Whiskey. From single malts, blends, and the uniquely Irish Pot Still Whiskey.

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whiskey 101 Jake Clements whiskey 101 Jake Clements

What is scotch?

Scottish Whisky is held in the highest regard so much that anything else is inferior. Is it better? That is a matter of personal taste, but the distillers deserve our respect. So what is it? Let’s find out.

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A brief history of bourbon.

Bourbon the whiskey of myth and legend. Our fathers, fathers whiskey. The symbol for the rough and rugged man, frontiersman, cowboy, and 1950s ad exec. Bourbon is nostalgia and modern times. This style of whiskey means or reminds people of different things. But what is it? And where did it come from?

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whiskey 101 Jake Clements whiskey 101 Jake Clements

What is bourbon?

The 4 main types of bourbon. Learn how changing the grains and ratios; distilleries can craft distinct flavors and profiles that cater to a wide range of palates. Whether it's a subtle variation on a tried-and-true recipe or a bold departure into uncharted territory, the plethora of mashbill choices ensures there is something to satisfy every whiskey enthusiast's taste.

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whiskey 101 Jake Clements whiskey 101 Jake Clements

What is American whiskey?

Part of understanding American whiskey is to know how the government identifies and defines a particular whiskey. The responsibility of enforcing the labeling requirements falls on the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, or TTB. It can get complicated but think of it as three filters.

  1. Is it whiskey?

  2. What type of whiskey (class) is it?

  3. Defining the type of whiskey (age)?

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whiskey 101 Jake Clements whiskey 101 Jake Clements

Whiskey, bourbon, or scotch what is the difference?

Whiskey excites you to try new expressions, but if you are at the start of your journey, the liquor store can be a bit intimidating. There are bourbons, scotches, Irish whiskey, Canadian whiskey, stuff you can't pronounce, and in a variety of price ranges. Where do you even start? First, let's break down the different types of whiskey. Understanding the difference between the styles helped me make sense of what is on the shelves.

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whiskey 101 Jake Clements whiskey 101 Jake Clements

A grains journey to whiskey.

The journey starts with grains. If it is a grain, it can grow up to be whiskey, but only grains are allowed to be part of our beloved water of life. The grains are grown, harvested, cleaned, malted (sometimes), turned to grist, to the mash, to the wort, then "beer" or "wash," to new-make, and finally aged whiskey. There are many additional steps within each process, each being as important as the previous—everything from start to finish aides in creating the flavor in your favorite whiskey. 

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Whiskey or Whisky?

Whiskey or whisky? Bourbon is only from Kentucky, or is it? What on earth is a mashbill and why do you care? These are only a few of the common questions I hear when hosting tastings and events. Knowing more about the common phrases, terms, and misconceptions can bring a greater level of understanding and enjoyment to the time you spend sipping your favorite whisk(e)y.

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