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Whiskey styles and regions

What makes bourbon bourbon, and how Scotch, Irish, Japanese and Canadian whisky differ.

American Whiskey

7,572 bottles in My World of Whiskey

US law defines each style by its grain, its barrels and its strength. Bourbon is the best known, but rye, wheat, corn and American single malt each have their own rules.

Straight Is A Trait

Straight bourbon or rye has aged at least two years in new charred oak with nothing added. Under four years old, the label must state the age. In WOW it is a Trait, so you can filter it on any style.

Scotch Whisky

2,658 bottles in My World of Whiskey

Scotch must be made and aged at least three years in oak casks of 700 litres or less in Scotland, and bottled at 40% ABV or more, with only water and plain caramel colouring allowed. The style tells you what grain went in and whether it came from one distillery or several.

Regions

Irish Whiskey

393 bottles in My World of Whiskey

Irish whiskey is aged at least three years in wooden casks on the island of Ireland. Single pot still is the style found only there.

Canadian Whisky

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Canadian whisky is aged at least three years in small wood in Canada. It is often called rye whatever its grain.

Japanese Whisky

243 bottles in My World of Whiskey

Japanese producers follow an industry standard: malted grain, Japanese water, and distilling, aging (at least three years) and bottling all in Japan.

Indian

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Whisky made in India. Much of what is sold in India is made from molasses; single malts from barley follow international standards.

Taiwanese

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Whisky made in Taiwan. The warm, humid climate ages whisky quickly.

Swiss

17 bottles in My World of Whiskey

Whisky made in Switzerland, aged at least three years in wooden casks.

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