Whiskey: What Nigerians Should Know About their Favourite Alcoholic Bev

WHISKEY

Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage distilled from fermented grain mash. Different types of grains are used for different types of whiskeys, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. The distilled beverage is typically aged in wooden casks, mostly charred oak casks.

The common characteristics of the different classes and types of whiskeys are the fermentation of grains, distillation, and aging in wooden barrels.

Whiskey produced all over the world with various countries having their unique variety of whiskey: Irish and American whiskey Scotch whisky, Indian whiskey, Canadian whiskey, English whiskey etc.

Whiskey is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages known to man. It was first produced by the ancient Greeks and Arabs then it was spread to Scotland and Ireland from where it spread all over the world.

It can be spelled as “whiskey” or “whisky”, the Scottish spell it as “whisky “while the Irish spell it as “whiskey”, with an extra ‘e’. This difference in the spelling comes from the translations of the word from the Scottish and Irish Gaelic forms. American whiskies are also spelled with an extra ‘e’; it was taken to the United States by Irish and it has been spelled that way ever since.

Scottish, Canadian and Japanese whiskies are generally referred to as whisky.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WHISKEY

Whiskey was once used as a medicinal drink and studies have shown that whiskey has a lot of health benefits. Whisky is more than just a drink you share with your friends . It actually carries some meaningful health benefits Not only does whisky taste good, but it is good for you. Here are some health benefits of whiskey.

It lowers the risk of Heart Diseases

A glass of whisky a day can help reduce your risk of heart disease and heart failure. According to a study by Harvard, a moderate amount of alcohol raises the amount of “good cholesterol”in your blood and this is a natural protection against heart disease.

Whiskey helps in fighting cancer

Research shows Whiskey contains ellagic acid, which helps absorb rogue cells in your body. This acid is also found in fruit and wine; however, it is found in higher levels in whisky. Although, whiskey should not be used as an only treatment.

Promotes Weight Loss

Whiskey contains little sodium and no fat and simple sugar that is quickly processed by the body, this promotes weight loss. Unlike beer which causes beer gut and reduces muscle tone whiskey can help you lose those pounds while still having a good time.

Reduces Stress

A glass of whisky can help you take off the edge if you are feeling stressed. Alcohol is known for calming the nerves. This is extremely beneficial for people with high stress or anxiety. However, one should not rely on alcohol as the only way to calm nerves as this can lead to alcohol abuse.

It Helps to fight cold

Whiskey helps to fight cold, a mix of whisky, hot water, lemon and honey warms you up inside and helps fight that cold. While the whiskey doesn’t fight the cold directly, it does dilate blood vessels to make it easier for them to fight the infection. So when you feel that cold coming, grab a glass of whiskey.

Aids digestion

If your stomach feels uncomfortable after a large meal, or if you are feeling nauseous, a glass whisky may help ease your stomach. Whiskey stimulates your stomach enzymes and gets your digestive system moving fast. Not only will your stomach work hard to break down the whisky, but it will also break down that large meal in the process.

Boost Your Immune System

Whisky contains ellagic acid, which combined with vitamins can help your immune system fight off illnesses.

Whiskey does not just help you fight common colds, it also helps prevent it.

Reduces the risk of Diabetes

. Studies have shown that a glass of whiskey once in a while reduce the chances of having diabetes by up to 40% so if you are at a risk of diabetes whiskey is good for you. A moderate amount of whisky can improve your body’s ability to regulate insulin and glucose levels which then you lowers your risk of developing diabetes.

Whiskey should be enjoyed in moderation. Although Whiskey is has great benefits, it is not a substitute for medicine and should not be relied upon as such to prevent alcohol abuse.

TYPES OF WHISKEYS

There are many types of whiskeys, some unique to their countries of origin and some with a unique mode of production: Irish whiskey, Scotch Whisky, American whiskey, Japanese whiskey, Canadian whiskey, single malt whiskey etc.

Scotch whiskey

Scotch whiskey sometimes called Scotch is produced in Scotland, the most famous and revered of all the Whisky producing countries. Scotland has a wide range of whiskies. Scotch whiskey made with either malt or grain, the distilled spirit must be aged in oak barrels for at least 3 years and each bottle must show the age of the youngest whiskey used to make the blend.

Scotch whiskey is best enjoyed neat and it is an excellent after dinner drink. Scotch whiskey that can be bought on myliquorhub.com include Johnnie Walker red label, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Johnnie Walker green label, Glenmorangie signet, Glenmorangie 18, Glenmorangie 12, Glenmorangie 10.

Irish whiskey

Irish whiskey is made from a mash of malt and put through a triple distillation process to give it a smooth and fruity flavour. Irish whiskey is one of the oldest types of whiskey, as old as the Scotch whiskey.

Irish whiskey is the smoothest of all the whiskeys and can only be distilled using water and caramel colouring and it is then aged in wooden casks for at least 3 years. The Irish are also unique in their production of single pot still whiskey. Irish whiskey is easy to sip neat or on the rocks or to make to make cocktails.

Irish whiskey that can be bought on myliquorhub.com include Jameson whiskey, Jameson black barrel, Sheridan’s liqueur.

American whiskey

America whiskeys tend to have more spicy notes and a vanilla sweetness, due to the new, charged-oak barrels that are used for maturation of Bourbon, especially. This massive generalisation doesn’t do the range of whiskey styles justice, however. American Whiskeys include Bourbons, Ryes, Tennessee Whiskeys and Straight Corn Whiskey, all of which offer a distinct flavour profile. More recently, the craft distilling movement has led to even greater variety. American whiskies that can be bought on myliquorhub.com include Jack Daniels and American Honey.

Single Malt Whiskey

The term “single malt whiskey” refers to a whiskey that is produced by a single distillery using a single malted grain, which is typically barley. Single malts are most famous among Scotch whisky, though they can be produced anywhere in the world. Ireland, Japan, America, Canada, and other countries produce great single malts as well.

Blended Malt Whiskey

It is a mixture of single malt whiskies from different distilleries. If a whisky is labelled “pure malt” or just “malt” it is almost certainly a blended malt whisky. This was formerly called a “vatted malt” whisky.

Blended Whiskey

This type is made from a mixture of different types of whisky. A blend may contain whisky from many distilleries so that the blender can produce a flavour consistent with the brand. The brand name may, therefore, omit the name of a distillery. Most Scotch, Irish and Canadian whisky are sold as part of a blend