What Grains Go Into Whisky?

Each whisky starts life with a base of barley, corn, rye, and/or wheat.  These grains as well as the oak and other wood barrels used to age the spirits will define the taste and aroma of the spirit.  All whiskies a made with a single or blend of grains to create the texture and depth of the flavour in our glass. 

Barley: The Scotch king.  Barley packs a punch in the glass.  Barley is malted and dried with the use of peat this adds a smoky earthy profile.  The hazard here is the bite that cuts through with this grain.  Therefore it is common practice to age Scotch in old port and sherry barrels, the use of these barrels helps mellow the bite of the barley and add notes of fruit and spice. 

Corn: Corn / Maize whiskey is easily approachable for beginner drinkers of whisky.  Corn whiskies tend to have sweet honey, browned butter, and creamy flavours.  Toasted marshmallow flavours come from the use of charred American oak barrels.  Corn is used as the dominate grain in Bourbon.  To be considered Bourbon, the whiskey must be made in America and contain at least 51% corn base.  Notes of caramel, honey with a hint of spice and chocolate undertones are present in the glass.  Moonshine is unaged white whiskey made almost entirely of corn or corn and sugar.   

Rye: Rye is a good option for a more seasoned whisky drinker.  Rye whisky tends to have levels of spice bosting flavours of dried ripe fruit, nutty flavours and a richness that leaves a unique flavour profile.  A glass of rye whisky can take you on a journey of sweet and oaky ending with a finish that is warm and spicy. 

Wheat:  Once a less mainstream grain for whisky and making a come back most wheat whiskies come from North America.  Canada and America boast some of the wheat whiskies that are becoming raising stars.  Wheat whiskies tend to be smooth and easy to drink.  Flavours of honey, vanilla, dried berries, spice, and toffee.  Wheat whiskies are easily approachable and crowd pleasures. 

So, remember that the ingredients that go into your spirit dictate what you taste in your glass.  Understanding what makes the Whisky will heighten your ability to recognize, appreciate and savour the great spirit we call whisky. 

Other Grains: Most whiskies are made with the grains above or a blend of them.  There are whiskies that are made from other grains.  Some Japanese whisky are made from rice.  Koval whiskey is made out of oats and millet, Corsair has created whiskeys from nearly every grain under the sun.  Different grains bring a new unique taste and texture to the spirit. 

Sources:

https://luxrowdistillers.com/whiskey-grain-guide/

https://www.drinkhacker.com/2017/09/27/what-grains-are-used-to-make-whiskey-and-why/