The whisky world today is an experience unlike others, one that takes on a journey through years and years of experimentation and study. What the new world today experiences is a result of the traditional distilleries and whisky heritage preserving what they found to be extremely fascinating.
While the true origin of the spirit remains a mystery, it is certain that the seed of whisky was rooted in the roots of Scotland and Ireland. Amidst the rift between the two countries to take credit for the incredible invention, they are both known for their whiskies all over the world. Scotland’s climate supports whisky making and is ideal for various types of whiskies — single malts, blends that combine grain as well as malt, blended malts and single grain whiskies. Islay, known for peaty whiskies, doesn’t necessarily indicate that one style pertains to one region. There are various remarkable yet distinct whiskies along the island that disregard the thought, for example – Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich are evidently different from the popular peaty ones. Whisky from the Highlands, Islay, Lowlands and Speyside form the hub for producing the most exquisite scotch whiskies.
The rise of blended scotch also met with the global popularity of Irish whiskey. Dublin being the absolute epicentre of whiskey-making there, Irish whiskey ruled the world through its ever evolving drinks for the wealthy. Even today, Irish whiskies and distilleries make up for exciting yet sophisticated flavour profiles that makes them diverse with a touch of opulence as well as tradition. The emergence of Japanese whisky, on the other hand, gradually gained attention along with reputation across the world. Companies like Suntory and Nikka continue to have a crucial impact on the Japanese whisky market by dominating and making use of what no other country in the world can produce due to other tools, only available in Japanese regions. American whisky is a result of European immigrants who later settled in Pennsylvania and West Virginia to embark on a journey for America to be ahead in the whisky-making procedure as well. The American whisky boom is known for its bold flavours and their rye whisky which is classic of the US. Moreover, after vast innovation and advancement over the years, the US has witnessed a huge number of craft distillers making way for great-tasting yet exciting whiskies that are also prioritising flavour profile over traditional ways and methods.
Other parts of the world are making fresh headlines with not only new heartlands as production areas but also giving a renewed outlook of palates, eclectic styles and menu designs. From Ireland, Scotland, Japan and the US to a unique whisky scene along countries like India, Netherlands, Denmark, New Zealand and Bolivia, distilleries are originating all over the world, preparing the industry for a new clash of trends that will challenge conventional ways and styles around whisky consumption. The vast number of countries involved in whisky making today are the result of a multitude of factors that further take over to produce fascinating flavours through techniques never heard of. Each country, each distillery has adapted to the trends as well as country-wise availability of ingredients and weather dynamics. Some of the countries have also made sure to preserve their whisky heritage by bringing in newer possibilities in the arena.
Canadian whisky for instance, is only be produced through rye that survives the freezing weather conditions as well as the requirements to fulfil the distillation process on western plains. Apart from that, distilleries in England are coming up with extremely diverse whiskies, making it even more worthwhile to explore English whiskies ; one can find them all along the hills of the Cotswolds and the Suffolk Coast to the mountains of Cumbria. Meanwhile, Asian whiskies work on a whole different network of techniques that amount to whisky made from the cheapest ingredients, also known as rum; however, it is after taking into consideration this reputation, India has emerged as a hub for exotic single malts.
On the other hand, Japan has made sure to be ahead and produce the most distinctive whisky as well. It is a global representation of award-winning, carefully made drams that have taken the route of being evergreen in the global whisky market. A similar boom has taken over Taiwan where the Kavalan distillery is on a streak of producing some of the most exquisite whiskies through a unique selection of casks along with the different maturation conditions in the country. With ventures like New Zealand’s Cardrona and Australia’s Lark and Starward, Antipodean nations are on a trail of being countries that every whisky aficionado wishes to explore. On the list, there are also Nordic nations that represent local accents and palates along with South Africa producing one of the best grain whiskies and countries as distinct as Israel, Mexico, France and Wales coming with new whiskies.
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt : Japan’s beloved Nikka Taketsuru is one of the most unique expressions. The name comes from the father of Japanese whisky – Masataka Taketsuru, also the founder of Nikka. This blended pure malt is perfectly balanced, offers depth and provides vibrant, roasty flavours.
Penderyn Whisky : Hailing from Wales, Penderyn distillery is an award-winning one for producing single malt whisky in several expressions – cherrywood, peated, madeira among others. Penderyn Portwood is one of the best to experience, especially for whisky lovers.
Milk and Honey Classic : Israel’s first whisky distillery – Milk and Honey proudly produces The Milk and Honey Classic Single Malt Whiskey which is one of the world’s best expressions. It uses the finest ex-bourbon casks giving it a mellow yet balanced flavour.
Kavalan Classic Single Malt : This Taiwanese whisky has been only operating since 2005 but is popular for its newness and fresh flavours. It is a symbol for all young whiskies that are proceeding to endeavour a similar path.
Sullivans Cove Whisky : The Sullivans Cove distillery, hailing from Australia produces full and creamy whisky. Its fruity, grainy and not to forget chocolate notes have made the distillery stand out in the international whisky-making scene.
Stauning Whisky : The Denmark based whisky is one of the oldest whisky distilleries in the country. Founded in 2005, the Danish whisky is rich with an overall elegant and refined character making their locally grown grain transform into exceptional whisky.
Rampur : Rampur is an exquisite Indian single malt scotch whisky with a rich and complex character. It hails from Himalayas in India where it is matured and distilled to reach at a level of exceptionality.
Bellevoye : This French, triple-malt whisky is one to remember. It is aged in French oak casks and displays unique delicacies of freshness and fruits.
There’s a surge in whisky offerings, from Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky to Millstone Dutch Single Rye Whisky. Other unique expressions include The Tullamore D.E.W. Honey Irish Whiskey, Hwayo Single Grain Whisky and Niigata Kameda which is one of the best, youngest spirits out there. As seen, new world whisky is driven by a new generation of consumers that demand unique experiences and fresher products. New world whisky entrepreneurs have a golden opportunity to mould the future of the industry trends in favour of their products by harnessing the latest tools, technology and distinctive flavours. Never in the history of whisky-making, has the world seen a plethora of options for whisky, thereby leaving the consumers absolutely prized among so many options.
