It is always interesting to research the histories behind different alcoholic drinks. It seems that each early culture found something in their region to ferment into alcohol. Rum evolved in area’s where sugar cane was grown; wines from grape growing regions which then spawned brandies and whiskies and lastly, beer developed in grain growing regions.
Many years ago it was discovered that if the grains used to make gruel were left to soak in hot water then this mixture seemed to magically turn into a sweet mixture. If this sweet mixture was left at room temperature for a week or two then it changed in nature and gave a warm glow and euphoric feeling to anyone who drank it. It was further found that if this drink was then heated and the vapour collected then that drink became much stronger and much less was needed to give the same effect to the imbiber. Whiskey no doubt evolved in a similar manner.
Exactly where whiskey originated is still a matter of debate but in each region where the drink was established, it had its own subtle differences which were largely a result of the environment. For instance, in Scotland the grains were kiln dried using peat which was the common form of fuel for general heat. This gave the grains a very distinctive flavour which was carried over into the final spirit and created the smokey peaty flavour that has become synonymous with Whiskey from Scotland. Other flavours found in Scottish whiskey are sherry from sherry barrels used in the aging process and at times port from the port pipes used in the aging process. All of these elements and others contribute to the complexity and intrigue of Scottish Whiskey. Each different region of Scotland that produces whiskey has over time developed their own distinctive and subtle variations on these flavours.
Highland Whiskies are produced in the northern part of the country and are typically smooth with a peaty character often with a strong sherry taste. Lowland Whiskies are produced in the south of the country and are much lighter in flavour, mellow and even
sweet in taste. Island or Islay Whiskies as the name would suggest are produced on the outer islands of Scotland. They are typically very dry and intense with strong, almost pungent peat flavours. Irish Whiskey developed without access to peat for firing the kilns and as a result has evolved in a different manner. The predominant flavours found in Irish Whiskey are vanilla and sherry with an absence of peat flavour. They are very smooth and easy to drink.
Bourbon/Tennessee Whiskey are a somewhat newer addition to the whiskey family. They evolved as the new territories of the Americas became inhabited. The abundance of different cereal grains like corn and maize and the lack of peat and cold climates created a distinctive style that became known more as bourbon. Although Bourbon is outside the scope of this Whiskey Profile Kit, we have included a basic recipe for your interest. This kit set will allow you to formulate your own favourite tipple by following the below recipes or experimenting yourself to create your own personal recipe.
The complete Whiskey Profile Kit comes with 4 different whiskey base essences as well as the following adjunct flavours:
- Oak Cask: A distinctive rounded oak cask flavour which is a main component in most whiskies.
- Sweet Vanillin: As the name suggests, this imparts a sweet vanilla flavour often found in whiskey that has been barrel aged. It also has a slight sherry flavour.
- Peat Smoke: A strong almost pungent peat smoke flavour that is a very prominent flavour note in Scottish Whiskies.
- Astringent Notes: A sharp bitter astringent flavour that helps to add some bite to the whiskey.
- Fruity Esters: Fruity esters are prominent on the nose more than anywhere else. They add a great deal to the whiskey bouquet.
- Cereal Notes: Often described as grainy, these flavour notes are a part of any grain spirit and are contained in the whiskey bases. This essence allows additional cereal notes to be added to taste.
- Carob Notes: A chocolate grain flavour that results from the use of some mildly roasted grains and can also be contributed by some varieties of yeast during the early stages of fermentation.
- Cedar Oak: This imparts a distinctive drier oak flavour than the oak cask essence and is often found in Irish style whiskey.
- Distillers Caramel: This is a stable caramel colour ideally suitable for distilled spirit as it is slightly negative in charge and imparts a warm golden hue to the whiskey.
- Glycerine: There are two bottles supplied in this pack as this is used in every recipe and contributes smoothness and mouth feel. It is naturally occurring in almost all whiskies.
Generic Recipes
You can also buy a collection of essences to make the style you want. The measurements are in milliliters (mls) and are designed to make 750mL of spirit.
Lowland Whiskey
Whiskey Profile “C” 5.6ml
Sweet Vanillin 1.8ml
Peat Smoke 2.1ml
Fruity Esters 3.8ml
Distillers Caramel 0.7ml
Glycerine 12.0ml
Highland Whiskey
Whiskey Profile “B” 5.6ml
Sweet Vanillin 2.3ml
Peat Smoke 9.5ml
Astringent Notes 3.0ml
Distillers Caramel 0.7ml
Glycerine 9.0ml
Irish Whiskey
Whiskey Profile “A” 5.6ml
Oak Cask 3.8ml
Sweet Vanillin 3.3ml
Distillers Caramel 0.7ml
Glycerine 15.0ml
Bourbon
Whiskey Profile “B” 5.6ml
Oak Cask 2.3ml
Sweet Vanillin 4.5ml
Astringent Notes 1.5ml
Whiskey Profile “D” 3.8ml
Distillers Caramel 0.9ml
Glycerine 15.0ml
Proprietary Styles
The following whiskies are recipes to copy commercially available brands. They are not an identical match. The measurements are in milliliters (mls) and are designed to make 750mL of spirit.
Glenfiddich© StyleWhiskey Profile “C” 6.1ml
Whiskey Profile “B” 1.9ml
Oak Cask 1.4ml
Peat Smoke 2.6ml
Distillers Caramel 1.2ml
Glycerine 9.0ml
Whiskey Profile “C” 5.5ml
Sweet Vanillin 0.8ml
Peat Smoke 2.0ml
Carob Notes 14.7ml
Distillers Caramel 1.0ml
Glycerine 9.0ml
Whiskey Profile “C” 4.4ml
Whiskey Profile “A” 0.8ml
Oak Cask 0.8ml
Distillers Caramel 1.0ml
Glycerine 12.0ml
Whiskey Profile “C” 4.4ml
Whiskey Profile “A” 0.8ml
Oak Cask 0.8ml
Cedar Oak 0.9ml
Distillers Caramel 1.0ml
Glycerine 15.0ml
Whiskey Profile “B” 5.7ml
Oak Cask 2.5ml
Peat Smoke 13ml
Astringent Notes 0.3ml
Distillers Caramel 0.7ml
Glycerine 12.0ml
Whiskey Profile “B” 13.3ml
Oak Cask 1.6ml
Peat Smoke 0.3ml
Cereal Notes 0.9ml
Distillers Caramel 0.7ml
Glycerine 4.5ml
Whiskey Profile “B” 13.3ml
Oak Cask 1.6ml
Cereal Notes 0.9ml
Distillers Caramel 1.0ml
Glycerine 9.0ml