Whisky guide

Disclaimer: you may think whisky tastes like gasoline. I do not blame you. Apparently, it takes
months/years of drinking to develop taste for whisky.
Also, the list is not complete and not expert.

Most whiskies have various different versions, cheaper versions and also more expensive ones.
Usually more expensive is better but not always worth the price. Also, you could like a cheaper
version of a whisky more than an expensive one, depending on your taste.

To begin, there are multiple regions (for Scotch) and styles of whisky. I will list all different
regions and styles I care about as separate categories with example whiskies to choose from.

Scotch
Generally, Scotch is made only in Scotland and is made from malted barley mostly (orz
malțificat = malț ca la bere) but may have other cereals, and aged in used wine or bourbon
barrels.

A single malt whisky is made from the same single distillery. It is not made from a single barrel.
But from multiple barrels of the same distillery. (Except whiskies that state: single barrel or
single cask)

A blended Scotch is made from multiple barrels from multiple different distilleries and mixed to
achieve a certain taste profile. Usually it should make the whisky more approachable.

Highlands Scotch
Whiskies made here are full bodied with pretty varied taste profiles. Fruity or smoky or
combinations between the two. If whisky is from north islands expect more spice or smoke. If
south => sweeter/fruitier

● Highland Park (Sherry and smoke combination of taste) - from North islands
● Glenmorangie (I personally want the expensive “Signet” version - but it is way too
expensive).
● Dalmore (King Alexander variant) #want. You can find this in duty free. Bottle is
spectacular, process to make it is also spectacular with several types of barrels.
Very expensive
● AnCnoc
● Aberfeldy
Lowlands Scotch
These are supposedly very light bodied whisky and easy to drink but there aren't really that
many distilleries here.

● Auchentoshan

Speyside Scotch
Speyside is known as the epicenter of Scotch whisky. It is characterised by: no peat and no
smoke, light, grassy or sweet and cherried, complex aromas, elegant flavours

● Macallan (sherried whisky) - I personally want maybe a more expensive variant

because I’d like a good sherried whisky in my house #want
● Glenfiddich
● Glenlivet
● Aberlour
● Glenfarclas #want - reason: this is supposedly one of the few remaining distilleries
that are not run by big corporations. I'd like to see if this is any different than others
● Balvenie

Islay Scotch
This is a special island west of Scotland. It is renowned for peat (turba - cărbune luat din
pamant; provine din descompunerea lenta a materialului vegetal acumulat) and smoke, with
some exceptions*. So if you like the taste of burned wood and smoke, this is your thing.
● Ardbeg
● Laphroaig
● Caol Ila
● Lagavulin - I'd like to try a smoked whisky, really it does not matter which one.
#want. Find it in Auchan
● Bruichladdich (classic laddie has no smoke)* other variations may have peat and smoke
(#want reason: because it's islay and has no smoke - it has hints of an ocean
breeze. Say what?) Also, the bottle looks cool. Find it in duty free.

Japanese whisky
Japanese whisky makes you look like you are an expert drinker (even if you're not)
a pretty good whisky
😂. It is also
● Yamazaki single malt
● Hibiki Harmony blend
Bourbon
Bourbon is exclusively made in USA and is made from at least 51% corn (porumb) plus other
stuff and it is aged in new oak barrels. Therefore, they are aged a smaller time than whisky, and
aromas are more strong of oak. Also it tastes sweeter due to the corn.These aromas are really
distinguishable vs scotch whisky.

Bourbon + Tennessee whisky (Tennessee =

Jack)
● Four Roses Single barrel version - I like the bottle for this one. Also, I heard it is a
good, but pretty strong bourbon. #want
● Gentleman Jack #want, reason: because normal Jack is too common - find this in
Auchan
● Wild Turkey 101
● Elijah Craig
● Buffalo Trace
● Bulleit bourbon

Rye whisky
Rye is made mostly from you guessed it: rye (secară) but it also may have other stuff. It gives
the whisky a more spicy taste.

● Bulleit Rye. If you are curious about rye, try it.

Irish whiskey
There are 2 types of Irish whiskey:
1. Triple distilled = approachable whisky. It is lighter since it is distilled 3 times.
2. Made through a “pot still process” = this makes it unique in the world. It supposedly grants the
liquor a fresh, soft, fruit, spice, minty (sometimes) aroma. (At least this is what reviewers say.)

● Midleton Green Spot or Redbreast (this is the single pot still stuff) #want - I really am
curious about pot still whiskey
● Triple distilled: I want some better version of Jameson or Bushmills - they should be
light and approachable  #want reason:- I kinda liked Jameson which is quite cheap.
I may be blown away by some more expensive Jameson
American craft whisky.
This category is kind of at the edge of new age whisky making. Just like craft beer. It's rare and
it's good.

● Balcones baby blue #want. I am really curious about a craft distillery.

Blended scotch whiskies (really varied

tastes)
● Dewar's (it has honey taste) #want
● Monkey Shoulder (honey and fruits?. I owned this and drinked the whole bottle)
● Chivas Regal. This is everywhere. I may try it just because it is so popular.
● Johnny walker

There are tons of other blends, I just added here some examples.
There is also Canadian or Indian whiskies, but are you such a whisky drinker that you need
some exotic Indian whisky?