The hallmarks of a good whiskey are often dependent on taste, and vary depending on the type of whiskey that is being considered. Ranging from scotch whiskey, to blended whiskey, to bourbon, each have special characteristics that make them special and that allow the best examples to stand apart. The factors that affect the flavor and quality of whiskey are the grains used to make it, the barrels in which the whiskey is aged, the duration of the aging process, and the blend used to create the finished product. Each has an impact on the whiskey’s flavor and is helpful in one’s appreciation.

Grains and Barrels

Two of the most impactful factors on a whiskey’s ultimate flavor are the grains used to make the whiskey and the material used to make the whiskey barrel in which the whiskey is aged. While most whiskey uses a combination of mashed cereal grains, some will use more or less malt, while still others have higher rye content. In terms of barrels, white oak is the most common choice, but other woods are used as well; in some instances, whether or not the wood is charred has an impact as well. These two factors have a significant impact in giving a good whiskey both its smoky flavor and rich color. The blending process (discussed below) impacts the subtleties of the final product, but it is the choice of grains and wood that give the blender his or her possible ingredients.

The Aging Process

Almost all whiskey is aged for some period of time (with the exception of corn whiskey), and is labeled to indicate the length of time. To a point, the longer the aging process the higher the quality of the end product. The additional time gives the flavors an opportunity to mature and to absorb more of the complexity that comes from the wood in the barrels. Much beyond 30 years, however, this advantage falls away. Furthermore, it is important to understand that whiskey ages in the barrel, not in the bottle. An unopened bottle of whiskey may become rare, but it will not improve in quality as is the case with fine wines.

The Blend

Unless otherwise indicated, most whiskey is blended to one extent or another. This may mean the output of different barrels to the output of different distilleries from different years. Each distiller will combine their available ingredients to achieve a flavor in keeping with their particular signature, so when comparing similarly priced and constructed whiskies is where taste will truly become an important factor. Good whiskey will be carefully constructed and consistently true to its own unique flavor.

Ultimately a matter of taste, having a basic understanding of how whiskey is blended and what gives it a particular flavor is useful to enhancing one’s appreciation. Maybe to a greater extent than with any beverage other than wine, the care with which whiskey is crafted has an impact that makes each available choice unique.