April 10 - Your Daily Drink on Whiskey

Hey everyone! Let's talk about Whiskey!

Whiskey is one of the world's top favorite liquor. Whiskey isn’t the easiest drink to embrace. Its alcohol level is much higher than beer or wine, and some of the names, like those of Gaelic-rooted Scotch whiskies, can be difficult to pronounce. Whiskeys, though, are rich and diverse in flavors—more than any other distilled spirit. At their extreme, the really smoky, peat-infused Scotch whiskies can be downright challenging.

Did you know?

• Because many people loves whiskey in the United States, it is one of the first few items being taxed in the country.
• What's the difference between bourbon and whiskey? Bourbon needs to be produced only in America and made from 51 percent corn, whisky does not. Bourbon also needs to be stored in new, charred oak barrels whereas whiskey barrels do need to be oak but not new or charred. Lastly, to be called bourbon, the liquid needs to be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125.

Know how! Like a pro!

• Just like drinking wine, smell the whiskey before drinking it and let the aroma set in. Taste and smell are related, and you will be preparing your taste buds and your mouth for the drink when you smell it.
• Sip the whiskey, DO NOT GULP! Take small sips and let the flavor swirl around your mouth before you swallow.
• Savor the whiskey. This drink has a high alcohol content, take it slow. Drink it while relaxing, and give yourself time between each sip to reflect on it.

There are approximately 500 brands of whiskeys in the world. Scottish, Irish, American, Japanese, the list is extensive. Let me give you a list of the most popular ones in no particular order:

Bourbon Whiskey

• Elijah Craig 21-Year-Old Single Barrel
• Jefferson's Presidential Select 21 Year Old
• Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
• Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20-Year-Old
• Four Roses Small Batch
• Old Forester 2014 Birthday Bourbon
• Woodford Reserve Seasoned Oak Finish
• Basil Hayden's
• Black Maple Hill 16-Year-Old Small Batch
• Angel's Envy

Scotch Whiskey

• Bell’s
• Label 5
• William Lawson’s
• Dewars
• The Famous Grouse
• William Grant’s
• J & B Rare
• Chivas Regal
• Ballantine’s
• Johnnie Walker

Malt Whiskey

• Balvenie
• Glenfiddich
• Highland Park
• Laphroaig
• Old Pulteney Malta
• The isle of Jura Malta Superstition
• The Macallan

Top Whiskey Bars in SF

• Whiskey Thieves
• Nihon Whisky Lounge
• Beretta
• The Alembic
• Rickhouse
• 15 Romolo
• Rye
• Bloodhound
• Broken Record