Few alcohols have the history and revered reputation that whiskey does. It’s made worldwide, with many countries producing their own unique blends. If you want drinks gifts that go a long way, then a whiskey gift set is one to consider. Know for intense flavours that differ by country and brand, whiskey gift sets will never fail to leave an impression on those that buy them.
What is whiskey made from?
Whiskey is such a diverse drink. Therefore, there are several ways to make it depending on what kind is being made.
Water and yeast are the two main ingredients in whiskey. Water is needed for the distillation period and to soften the strength of the alcohol, whereas yeast is required to create the flavours of whiskey.
If Scotch Whisky is being made, then barley will also be used. If Bourbon Whiskey is being produced, then distilleries will use corn instead.
What countries produce whiskey?
Many countries around the world have thriving whiskey industries, meaning there are plenty of whiskey gift sets for you to choose from. Countries such as Scotland, Ireland, the USA, and Japan have long-standing histories of producing whiskies, and each produces its own speciality and have their own distinctive brands.
Whiskey is also up-and-coming in countries such as England and Wales, with distilleries opening there for the first time in over 100 years.
Does whiskey go off?
Unlike alcohols like wine, whiskey doesn’t have a set shelf life before it goes off. However, it would help if you still didn’t store whiskey from your whiskey gift set in warm rooms. It should be kept cool and out of sunlight as much as possible. The taste can be affected if oxidation occurs, so try and keep as little air in the bottle as possible.
The bottles should be stored upright, too, not on their side like they would be if they were wine. This is because whiskey corks, unlike wine corks, aren’t designed to be in contact with alcohol. They become less effective if this is the case.
How do I drink whiskey?
There are several different ways to drink whiskey from your whiskey gift sets.
If you’ve got strong taste buds, drink your whiskey gift set neat or with a splash of water. You can even add ice cubes to your glass to soften the strong taste.
Whiskey gift sets can be sold in several ways. Some can be sold as small taster bottles. Others can be partnered with mixers to make a larger whiskey gift set. For example, Jack Daniels and Coke. Or, they can be part of a cocktail like an Old Fashioned.
If you’re thinking about making your whiskey drink, read our guide on learning how to make these 4 classic whiskey cocktails.
Does all whiskey taste the same?
There are many different types of whiskey, created all around the world. Each type has its own distinct flavours, fermenting and distilling processes, but sometimes it can be hard to know which whiskey is which.
- Single malt scotch whiskies can taste quite smoky. Blended scotches can taste smoother due to the blended flavours complementing each other.
- Bourbon whiskey, by contrast, can taste much sweeter.
- Because it’s often triple-distilled, Irish whiskey can have a mellower taste than other whiskies.
If you want to know more about the different types of whiskey that could be included in a whiskey gift set, read our buyer’s guide on 7 things you need to know if you’re new to whiskey.