13 Different Types of Whiskey: Bourbon, Scotch & More Explained

While sipping on whiskey used to be a pastime for men in suits and ties, it is now one of the most preferred liquors of choice for all drinkers.

In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic shook the scene of at-home craft cocktails with whiskey concoctions. With whiskey sunrises, Rob Roys and Irish coffee on the rise — the stay-at-home orders instilled more time to whip up creative cocktail recipes.

Whiskey goes beyond the beloved bourbon and Scotch. The spelling of “whiskey” also differs depending on the type’s location of origin. This popular alcoholic beverage also varies depending on ingredients used, how long it’s aged and the flavors extracted through the distillment process.

Before you get to sipping, let’s dive into the 13 different types of whiskey.

Table of Contents:

• What is whiskey?
• The history of whiskey
• How whiskey is made
• Different types of whiskey
• Types of whiskey chart

What is whiskey?

Whiskey is a type of drink produced by fermented grains that go through a lengthy aging process and are then distilled to extract the alcohol. This type of alcohol mostly uses rye, wheat, barley, molasses, or corn as the base ingredient. The type of whiskey will vary depending on the grains, origin location, aging process, and flavors extracted.

Whiskey vs. whisky

The spelling of whiskey vs. whisky depends on the place it was made. Irish and American whiskey use the “e” in the spelling, but Scottish, Canadian and Japanese whisky do not use the “e.”

The history of whiskey

Drinking whiskey dates back to hundreds of years ago when the grapes to make wine were hard to obtain. 

Traveling monks from the mainland of Europe eventually brought the distilling process to the United Kingdom, where it soared in popularity. The process of using grain mash instead of grapes coupled with this distilling process was the genesis of Scottish whisky.

Throughout Europe, barley was distilled into a liquor which resulted in whisky. However, whisky manufacturing was limited until the 15th century when the spirit made its way to North America.

You can now find whiskey variations across the globe.

How whiskey is made

Whiskey is mostly made the same way, but the ingredients will vary. Here are a few basic steps to create whiskey:

1. Gather grains: Depending on the type of whiskey you are making, you might use wheat, rye, corn, barley or molasses to create the base.
2. Ferment: To fully ferment your whiskey mixture, you must store your base ingredients in wooden washbacks for up to 96 hours. The compounds will start to break up and create ethanol, which is natural alcohol.
3. Strain: After fermentation is complete, strain the liquid from any fermented solids. Discard the solids and keep the liquid.
4. Distill: Purify the liquid via heat and vapor to create a pure and higher alcohol level.
5. Age: Store the distilled alcohol in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, depending on the kind of whiskey you are making.
6. Package: Once your whiskey is done aging, make sure to test it and dilute with water if needed. Add your final product to bottles for proper storage.

Different types of whiskey

Did you know that there are 13 different types of whiskey? These spirits differ based on origin, ingredients, taste and even how long they age. Let’s dig into these different kinds of whiskey to find your perfect booze.

1. Scotch whisky

We have Scotland to thank for this type of whisky. The Scottish use malt or grains to distill this liquor.

Each bottle of Scotch is aged in an oak barrel for a minimum of three years. The strength of this whisky depends on the length it has aged. Each bottle will have a label with an age statement. If you don’t see an age on your Scotch, just know it’s the youngest-aged whisky and is three years old.

Folks commonly sip their Scotch neat (alone with no ice) and often enjoy it over dinner.

Originated: Scotland

Aged for: Minimum of three years

Taste: Woodsy, buttery and smoky

Types of cocktails: Rob Roy, Rusty Nail and Pickleback

2. Bourbon whiskey

Americans love their bourbon not just because of its sweet flavor, but also because it’s distilled here in the land of the free. This type of whiskey is made from a minimum of 51% corn and is aged in oak barrels. Bourbon must age for at least two years, and it must be at least 80 proof or more.

Bourbon contains no additives except for water. The sweet caramel flavor is all natural from the charred oak. Americans enjoy making bourbon cocktail recipes like Old Fashioneds, Manhattans and Whiskey Sours.

Originated: America

Aged for: Minimum of two years

Taste: Caramel, vanilla and a hint of smokiness

Types of cocktails: Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Whiskey Sour

3. Irish whiskey

Some folks consider Ireland the birthplace of whiskey. Irish whiskey has a smooth and distinct flavor compared to other different kinds of whiskey.

The Irish use malt, water and caramel coloring to distill their whiskey. There is a minimum aging requirement of three years, and you must use wooden casks. The end result is a smooth whiskey that is easy to sip on the rocks or neat. However, some folks use Irish whiskey to whip up their own signature cocktail recipes.

Originated: Ireland

Aged for: Minimum of three years

Taste: Light, fruity and sweet

Types of cocktails: Irish Mule, Irish Sour and Irish Coffee

4. Japanese whisky

Dating back to the 1920s, Japanese distilleries were designed to produce a whisky that is nearly identical to Scotch.

Japanese whisky is crafted with a blend of malt and grain. This dry, double-distilled liquor is aged in oak barrels. There is more flexibility for creativity when it comes to distilling Japanese whisky vs. Scotch.

While there are few distilleries in Japan, the quality of the ones that exist are top-notch. This type of whisky is now competing with some of the best Scotches and can be found on several award lists.

Originated: Japan

Aged for: Minimum of three years

Taste: Smoky, bold and woodsy 

Types of cocktails: The Black Ship, Red Akuma and Tokyo Sidecar

5. Canadian whisky

Canadian whisky, sometimes labeled as rye whisky, became a hot commodity during Prohibition in America. Folks mostly found this type of whisky in American speakeasies.

Canadian whisky is similar to Scotch in that it must age for at least three years before distribution. Don’t let its nickname fool you — whisky distilled in Canada uses less rye than American rye whiskeys. Some whisky produced in Canada might use wheat, barley or corn.

Originated: Canada

Aged for: Minimum of three years

Taste: Light and sweet, but some are spicier than others

Types of cocktails: Canadian Maple Old Fashioned, Royal Flush and Black Whisky Sour

6. Indian whisky

Did you know India is the largest producer of whisky?

Indian whisky is a unique take on liquor since it is made from molasses. This type of whisky is closer to an aged rum than an actual whisky. However, some producers might add malt or aged Scotch to add more complexity to their Indian whisky.

While this rum-like whisky is delicious, it’s sold mostly in India. Since Indian whisky uses different ingredients than other whiskies, it doesn’t meet the standards to be sold internationally.

Originated: India

Aged for: Minimum of three years

Taste: Sweet with notes of caramel and vanilla

Types of cocktails: Tamarind Whiskey Sour, Whiskey Tonic and Indian Sour

7. Tennessee whiskey

Tennessee whiskey falls under the bourbon umbrella, but producers use whiskey exclusively distilled in Tennessee.

This type of whiskey is made from 51% corn and aged in new oak barrels. Producers are required to use the Lincoln County Process, which means the whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal. The end result is a smoother flavor with hints of vanilla and honey.

Originated: America

Aged for: Two to four years

Taste: Smooth, vanilla and honey 

Types of cocktails: Sweet Tea Smash, Tennessee Mule and Cherry Whiskey Smash

8. Blended whiskey

What happens when you mix a single malt with wheat or corn whiskey? You create a concoction of alcohol that is perfect for most cocktails recipes.

The art of blending whiskey originated in Scotland and spread throughout Europe in the early 1860s. Adding in different flavors and colorings can transform your blended whiskey. This type of whiskey is often priced lower since the flavors are artificial compared to Scotch or bourbon.

Originated: Scotland

Aged for: N/A

Taste: Varies

Types of cocktails: Mint Julep, Hot Toddy and Bobby Burns

9. Single malt whisky

The single malt whisky originated in Scotland and is produced at a single distillery. Before bottling the single malt whisky, it must be aged for a minimum of three years. This whisky variant got its name because the main ingredient is malted barley. However, once the single malt whisky made its way worldwide, the main ingredient shifted to rye instead.

Originated: Scotland

Aged for: Minimum of three years

Taste: Woodsy and smoky

Types of cocktails: Ginger Mojito, Spritzer and Peach Tree Palmer

10. Single grain whisky

The single grain whisky goes through the same process as the single malt whisky, but goes one step further and includes whole grain. Instead of using only one grain, the “single” in its name signifies the alcohol was produced at one distillery. The flavors will vary depending on the grains used.

Originated: Scotland

Aged for: Three to five years

Taste: Varies

Types of cocktails: Whisky Sunset, Manhattan and Rose Fizz

11. Rye whiskey

Rye whiskey is produced in America and uses 51% rye; the rest includes corn, barley and other ingredients. The distilling process closely resembles bourbon. Rye whiskey is aged for two to four years and creates a spicy flavor.

Originated: America

Aged for: Two to four years

Taste: Spicy

Types of cocktails: Ward 8, Brooklyn and Old Pal

12. Wheat whiskey

Wheat whiskey is produced by creating a mix of at least 51% wheat. This is the least popular type of whiskey. In the U.S. a wheat whiskey bottle might be labeled “straight” if it has aged for a minimum of two years in charred oak barrels. The flavor is distinctly sweet with floral notes.

Originated: America

Aged for: Minimum of two years

Taste: Sweet and floral

Types of cocktails: Wheat Berry Smash, Here Comes The Sun and Whiskey Sunrise

13. White whiskey

White whiskey, better known as moonshine, is an unaged, clear spirit made from corn that doesn’t absorb flavors of oak. Moonshine dates back to the beginning of America when colonists would make this type of whiskey instead of paying for imported spirits.

Originated: America

Aged for: N/A

Taste: Sweet corn

Types of cocktails: Moonshine Margarita, Sweet Tea Moonshine and Moonshine Sour

Types of whiskey chart

With multiple kinds of whiskey out there, it can be difficult to choose the one for you. Check out our types of whiskey chart to become more familiar with the different ingredients and varieties.

Final thoughts to sip on

Now that you are more familiar with types of whiskey, you’re ready to put these spirits to the test and find your perfect drink.

Impress your guests by stocking up on wheat and rye whiskey blends to showcase at your next cocktail party. Have your favorite alcohol delivered to your doorstep with Instacart’s easy online ordering. Shop all the whiskey varieties in one place without the hassle. You’ll be a whiskey connoisseur in no time!