From Bourbon to Scotch Whiskey and Beyond: Types of Whiskey

Whiskey is a popular alcoholic beverage, and you can enjoy many types of whiskey. A Scottish account from 1494 is the earliest known record of whiskey production, although the history of Irish whiskey stretches back to the 12th century. 

Today, the U.S. is the world leader in whiskey production and consumption. There are multiple types of whiskey available, and knowing about the different kinds of whiskey on the market can help you find the one that will satisfy your palate. 

Types of Whiskey Explained 

Some whiskeys are known for where they originate, with Irish and Scotch whiskey being popular types. Others are named for their defining production characteristics, such as blended and single malt whiskey.

But First, What Is Whiskey?

Brewed malt or other cereal grains are distilled to make whiskey, which is why many types of whiskey have a malt flavor. After the distillation process is complete, whiskey is stored in wood barrels. Whisky is also commonly known for vanilla and woody notes, which come from the wooden barrels the whiskey is stored in while it ages.

Common Types of Whiskey 

Popular types of whiskey include the following:

• Blended whiskey: Single malt or blended whiskeys are combined to produce blended whiskey. 
• Bourbon whiskey: The primary ingredient in straight bourbon whiskey is corn, which must make up 51% of the mash for the product to bear this label. Bourbon whiskey can only be made in America. 
• Canadian whiskey: Canadian whiskeys typically emphasize corn mash, although the corn may be mixed with barley, rye, or wheat. 
• Irish whiskey: The Irish use a malt mash and water or caramel coloring during distillation. Irish whiskey must spend at least three years in whiskey casks. 
• Japanese whiskey: This whiskey emulates the process used to produce Scotch whiskey. 
• Rye whiskey: Rye whiskey is a straight whiskey made from at least 51% rye malt. Other ingredients in the mash may include corn and barley. 
• Scotch whiskey: Scotch must comply with all of Scotland’s regulations for producing whiskey. The production guidelines require Scotch to be distilled in oak casks for no less than three years. The guidelines also limit the size of the casks and prohibit producers from adding enzymes. 
• Single malt whiskey: ‘Single malt’ refers to the ingredients and the production method used. Single malt whiskey is made from barley malt in a single pot still. 
• Tennessee whiskey: Tennessee whiskey is produced in Tennessee and made from a mash with at least 50% corn. Under state law, Tennessee whiskey is stored in charred oak barrels after it is filtered through or steeped in maple charcoal chips. 

Single Malt vs. Blended Whiskey 

A single malt whisky and a blended whiskey may have similar starting points because single malt whiskeys can be combined to produce blended whiskey. A blended whiskey could feature grain whiskey and barley malt whiskey, or a combination of grain whiskey and single pot still whiskey. 

Blended whiskey is the most common type of Irish and Scotch whiskey today. Blended whiskey may include fruit juice or sherry, depending on where it’s produced. 

What Whiskey Should I Try First? 

Choosing a whiskey with a flavor you prefer is a good place to start the first time you order this beverage. 

The taste depends on its origin, and the types of whiskey combined. Blended scotch whiskeys tend to have notes of oak because of the cask requirements, and most are mild because they combine spicy and sweet whiskeys.

Bourbon is a sweet whiskey with a vanilla flavor.

Canadian whiskey is smoother than American whiskey, and features notes of fruit, maple, and oak.

Irish whiskey is a smooth, light whiskey, with notes of fruit and vanilla.

Japanese whiskey is drier than American whiskey, and emphasizes earthy notes. 

Rye whiskey tends to be spicier than other types of whiskey, and is a good choice for someone who doesn’t want a sweet whiskey. 

Scotch whiskey’s dominant notes are malt and woody. It is smooth, and may have subtle notes of fruit or caramel. 

The taste of single malt whiskey depends on the ingredients and production process. Some single malt whiskey is woody, with notes of oak and peat, while others can be spicy and sweet. 

Tennessee whiskey is one of the sweeter whiskies available, with notes of caramel and vanilla.

Other Factors That Could Influence Your Order 

While many governments require whiskey producers to distill whiskey for three years or more, some are distilled for decades. The lengthy distillation process lightens the flavor profile, which refines the taste. 

Some whiskey producers distill their whiskey multiple times, which lightens the taste.

Whiskey that’s distilled more than once has a higher alcohol content than whiskey that’s distilled once. Increasing the alcohol content makes the whiskey smoother. 

Flanker’s Whiskey Picks 

At Flanker, we feature whiskey cocktails for refined palates. When you explore our cocktail menu, you’ll find Mr. Lee’s Manhattan, a cocktail featuring coffee grain whiskey, combined with Lillet Blanc, a white wine featuring Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes, and orange bitters. 

Our cocktail menu also features Teelings Irish Coffee, which combines the following:

• Bubba’s burnt sugar whiskey
• Coffee
• Heavy cream
• Teelings Irish whiskey
• Vanilla syrup

Our Hidden Boot Saloon offers a late-night menu that is perfect for those who want to experience the nightlife at Flanker. The Saloon Spirits portion of the menu features several alcoholic beverages, including the following options that feature different types of whiskey:

• Bow-Legged Swagger: 
  • This alcoholic beverage combines Canadian whiskey with the following:
    • Black pepper and fig spiced syrup
    • Black tea with cinnamon
    • Citric solution
    • Dry orange curacao
    • Madeira
• Cowboy Colada:
  • This beverage features pineapple rum, double rye whiskey, and salted caramel-flavored whiskey with the following:
    • A bacon-coated straw
    • Molasses
    • Pina colada mix
    • Pinto beans
• Whirling Ropes (and Snarlin’ Guns): 
  • This alcoholic beverage is perfect for bourbon fans. It combines bourbon and double rye with the following:
    • Black pepper-fig spiced syrup
    • Chocolate-chipotle-tobacco bitters
    • Mesquite wood smoke

Flanker: Your Destination for Whiskey and More

Flanker delivers a premium sporting club experience for those 21 and older. When you make a reservation at Flanker, you can count on us to provide an adults-only venue tailored to those interested in sporting experiences. Whether you want to watch a game while dining out with friends, or enjoy our interactive experience rooms, we offer something for everyone.

At Flanker, we offer delicious menu items, beverages featuring some of the most popular types of whiskey available, and the perfect atmosphere for a meal or night out.

Book your reservation today.

Sources:

Difford, S. (2025). Scotch whisky. 

Distilled liquor summary. (2025). 

Tennessee whiskey. (2025). 

Whiskey. (2025). 

Whiskey summary. (2025).