Whiskey

* The word whisky comes from the Gaelic term for "water of life" - uisge beatha.
* The spelling "whisky" is used in Scotland, Canada, and few other nations.
* The spelling "whiskey" is used in the US and Ireland.

* Rye whiskey is made from rye malt.
* Bourbon is made from corn.
* By law, Canadian whisky must be produced with all cereal grains.
* Spent grain from whisky production can be used as animal feed.
* Whisky's color comes from its cask aging.

Single Malt vs Blended Whisky

Single malts must be produced at an individual distillery in Scotland from malted barley.

Blended whisky combines malt whiskies with grain whiskies for a smoother taste. The ratio is generally 20-50% malt whisky to 50-80% grain whisky. The age of blended Scotch is dictated by the age of the youngest whisky in the blend.