Craft Whiskey-Could it Replace Brandy as the Wisconsin Favorite?

We Wisconsinites love our brandy. However, we are no slackers in appreciating good craft whiskey. And it might be gaining on brandy, given the quality of the craft whiskey coming from Wisconsin distilleries. Wisconsin craft distillers make several variations of whiskey. These include products made from malted barley, grain using corn, wheat, rye (and the occasional oddball grains).

Types of Craft Whiskey Made in Wisconsin

Craft whiskey includes variations such as single malt whiskey (whiskey produced at a single distillery), blended malt (single malt from two distilleries), and blended whiskey that uses single malt and grain whiskeys.

You also probably wonder about bourbon, Scotch, and Irish whiskey. These fall into another category defined by geography. Bourbon is a whiskey distilled only in the United States. Scotch comes only from Scotland, and, you guessed it, Irish whisky is made only in Ireland.

Therefore, you had better beware if you find a Japanese bourbon, Mexican Scotch, or Irish whisky produced in India because

you are not getting what you paid for.

Am I Drinking Whiskey or Whisky

Have you ever seen whiskey spelled whisky? The spelling is not a typo. The use of whiskey or whisky depends on geography but can affect the kind of spirit. Many countries around the globe offer whiskey, spelled with an "e" in the word.

Single malt Scotch whisky has no “e” and is [only] made in Scotland using malted barley. Other countries spell whisky with no "e" based on their geography. For example, Canada only sells whisky. Other countries, such as Australia, India, and Japan, choose to serve you whisky. Some people can get a little prickly over spelling. I'm in the camp that wants a great-tasting product and does not care whether it has one less letter in its name. How about you?

Wisconsin Produces American Whiskey

Wisconsin distillers make American whiskeys and bourbon that meet the minimum grain requirements to make the different varieties of whiskey. Unlike vodka or gin, whiskey requires aging to bring out the flavor. Most age at least three years, while surprisingly, bourbon can age for at least two. You may find bourbon aged longer than five years, but most are not at this, simply because most distilleries in the state are relatively new. However, I'm sure we will see some amazing whiskies and bourbons aged for ten years in the not-too-distant future. I don't know about you, but I can't wait!

These distilled products aged in Wisconsin offer a variety of flavors and aromas, taking the term smooth to new heights. The number of distilleries making their own whiskey and bourbon in Wisconsin continues to grow. Why not visit one today and discover the finest whiskey and bourbon in the state, perhaps the country? Cheers!