Ingredients Of Scotch Whisky

CEREAL GRAINS

Scotch whisky is made with cereal grains such as malted barley, corn, or rye.

There are two primary types of Scotch whisky: malt whisky and grain whisky.

Scotch malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley. Whereas, Scotch grain whisky is made from malted barley as well as other malted or unmalted cereal grains including corn and rye.

WATER

There is no whisky without water. Not only does water serve as a main ingredient but also impacts the overall quality of whisky.

That’s why many whisky distilleries around the world are located in areas nearby fresh spring water or natural water sources to aid in the creation of desired character in whisky.

YEAST

Yeast feeds on the sugar obtained from cereal grains and converts it into alcohol and organic compounds.

These compounds such as esters and phenols add the flavour and aroma to whisky.

Indeed, many distilleries prefer a particular yeast strain to maintain consistency in the character of their whisky.

Different Whisky Types By Ingredients

Worldwide, whisky is made from just three ingredients — water, yeast, and cereal grains such as barley, corn, wheat, or rye.

However, whiskies are distinguished by their use of different proportions of grains, resulting in distinct properties and flavour profiles.

For example, Bourbon is made from at least 51% corn, whereas American rye whiskey comprises a minimum of 51% rye.