Whisky

From ArticleWorld

Whisky is an alcoholic beverage distilled from grain. The word is a derivation from the Scottish Gaelic uisge beatha meaning “water of life”.

Origin

The origin of whisky as a distilled beverage can be traced back to the 13th century. It was not a drink then but thought to be a wonderful medicine with the ability to heal most diseases. It was also used as an ointment.

Raphael Holinshed, the celebrated historian explained the effects of ditilled malted barley in his "Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland" in the 1700s as follows :

"Being moderately taken, it slows the age, it cuts phlegm, it lightens the mind, it quickens the spirit, it cures the dropsy, it heals the strangulation, it pounces the stone, it repels gravel, it pulls away ventositie, it keeps and preserves the head from whirling, the eyes from dazzling, the tongue from lisping, the mouth from snuffling, the teeth from chattering, the throat from rattling, the weasan from stiffing, the stomach from womblying, the heart from swelling, the belly from wincing, the guts from rumbling, the hands from shivering, the sinews from shrinking, the veins from crumpling, the bones from aching, the marrow from soaking, and truly it is a sovereign liquor if it be orderly taken."

The earliest licensed whisky distillery began its operations in 1608. The name of the distillery was Old Bushmills distillery and the license was granted by James I.

Characteristics

Whisky may be drunk neat, “on the rocks” (with ice) or with water. It is also a used in various potent cocktails, mixed drinks and even with coffee (this drink is called Irish coffee).

There are many varieties of whisky available today. Malt whisky is made only from malted barley. Grain whisky may be made from corn, rye etc. Pure pot still whisky, made in Ireland, consists of a combination of malted and unmalted barley. Popular varieties made in the United States include Bourbon, Rye whisky and Tennessee whisky which have been aged in charred oaken casks. Blended whisky is made with a mixture or any of the above varieties and tends to be cheaper than the others. The name printed on the label identifies the type of blend like blended scotch or blended bourbon.