The 6 Most Popular Types of Whiskey

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Raise a glass to the nectar of the gods! Whiskey has been around for centuries and continues to be a staple in the world of alcohol.

From the smooth and rich bourbon to the smoky and peaty scotch, whiskey is a drink with a unique flavor profile that caters to every taste bud. And, at Hollywood Beverage, we offer them all.

Whether you're a seasoned whiskey drinker or just starting your journey, understanding its different types helps to get the most out of your drinking experience. But with so many different types of whiskey available, where do you even begin?

In this blog, we'll take a sip into the six most popular types of whiskey, so you can expand your knowledge and discover the perfect drink for you.

So sit back, relax, and raise a glass to the rich and diverse world of whiskey!

Bourbon: America's Native Spirit

Ah, bourbon whiskey, the sweet nectar of the South.

This American classic is known for its smooth and smoky flavor. It is the perfect drink for anyone who loves a bit of sweetness in their whiskey. But there's more to bourbon than just its delicious taste.

Did you know that bourbon is the only type of whiskey that's considered "America's Native Spirit"? That's right, by law, bourbon must be made in the USA and with at least 51% corn. And, to add to its already rich and complex flavor, bourbon must also be aged in charred oak barrels, which gives it its signature smoky taste.

Bourbon is also known for its versatility, as it can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or even in cocktails.

Here are some popular bourbon cocktails:

Old Fashioned: Made with sugar, bitters, water, and orange peel, garnished with a cherry and an orange slice.

Manhattan: A mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, garnished with a cherry.

Mint Julep: A Southern classic made with mint leaves, sugar, water, and crushed ice, garnished with a mint sprig.

Whiskey Sour: A mix of bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup, garnished with a cherry and an orange slice. View our recipe.

Boulevardier: A cocktail made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari, garnished with an orange twist.

With so many different types of whiskey brands and varieties, there's a bourbon out there for everyone.

At Hollywood Beverage, we offer online bourbon delivery service for a wide range of options, from the ever-popular W.L. Weller, Pappy Van Winkle, and Blanton's Bourbon to Woodford Reserve, and Eagle Rare. Choose your delight and we'll have it shipped directly to your door!

Scotch Whisky: A Smoky and Peaty Delight

Scotch whisky, oh the nectar of Scotland!

Scotch is Scottish Whisky (without the 'e'). This spirit has a rich and storied history, and it's the epitome of class and sophistication. Scotch whisky is a drink that's meant to be savored and appreciated, like a fine wine.

So, what exactly makes Scotch whisky, well, Scotch? For starters, it must be made in Scotland and aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks. The use of malted barley, pure water from Scotland's streams and rivers, and the unique climate of Scotland all contribute to the distinct taste and character of Scotch whisky.

Scotch whisky is also known for its wide range of flavor profiles, from the peaty and smoky Islay whiskies to the rich and fruity Speyside whiskies. The region in which the whisky is produced, the type of barrel it's aged in, and the length of aging all play a role in determining the final flavor profile of the whisky.

Whether you prefer it neat or on the rocks, the experience of sipping a glass of this fine spirit is like no other. Have you tried any of these popular cocktails/shots using Scotch?

Rob Roy: A cocktail made with scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters

Whisky Sour: A classic cocktail made with scotch, lemon juice, and simple syrup

Rusty Nail: A cocktail made with scotch and Drambuie

The Blood and Sand: A cocktail made with scotch, cherry liqueur, orange juice, and sweet vermouth

Scotch on the Rocks: A scotch whisky served over ice

At Hollywood Beverage, we love our Scottish Whisky. Our line-up includes Chivas Regal, Glenfiddich, Johnie Walker, and more.

Buy your Scotch online today and receive guaranteed secure and speedy delivery. Is your Scotch a gift? Consider our timeless, personalized engraving for that special whisky drinker.

Irish Whiskey: A Smooth and Mellow Spirit

Irish whiskey, oh how charming! It's like a warm hug on a cold day.

According to Irish law, for a whiskey to be labeled as "Irish", it must be made from yeast-fermented grain mash and aged for a minimum of three years in Ireland.

What makes Irish whiskey truly special is its smooth and approachable taste. It's triple distilled, which gives it a lighter and smoother flavor profile compared to other whiskeys. The use of pure spring water and unmalted barley are other factors that contribute to its distinct taste.

It is perfect for sipping straight, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

Irish whiskey makes for a fantastic ingredient in cocktails and shots. Here are some popular options:

Irish Coffee: This classic drink combines Irish whiskey, strong coffee, brown sugar, and whipped cream to create a warm and comforting beverage.

Irish Manhattan: A twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, this drink uses Irish whiskey instead of rye and adds a dash of green chartreuse for a unique twist.

Shamrock Shot: A festive shot made with Irish whiskey, Midori melon liqueur, and a splash of lime juice.

Irish Car Bomb: A popular bar shot, it's made by dropping a shot glass of Irish whiskey and Bailey's Irish Cream into a glass of Guinness stout.

Whiskey Sour: A simple but delicious cocktail made with Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.

Shop your favorite Irish Whiskey brand from Hollywood Beverage — Jameson, Midleton, Redbreast, and more. Or, discover a new tipple at Hollywood Beverage. Buying a gift? Consider our personalized engraving for that Irish Whiskey admirer in your life.

So next time you're in the mood for a whiskey that's easy on the palate, you know what to grab. Sláinte!

Canadian Whisky: A Smooth and Mellow Blend

Canadian Whiskey: A Smooth and Mellow Blend

Canadian whisky, eh? It's quite the spirit. It's known for its smooth and creamy taste, with a distinct flavor profile.

There are 2 unique aspects to it.

A. Mashing: It's often blended with rye, corn, barley, and other grains to create a smooth and balanced spirit. However, instead of mashing all the grains together, Canadian distillers mash, ferment, distill and age each type of grain separately. They then combine the finished whiskeys. In the resultant blender, each grain gets individual attention.

B. Aging: The spirit is aged in small, charred oak barrels, giving it a rich, warm flavor that is unmatched by other whiskies.

Fun fact: Canadian whisky was once referred to as "rye" because of the high amount of rye grain used in the production process.

With Canadian whisky, you could consider putting the ginger ale or soda away and drinking it neat or on the rocks. Alternatively, sample some cocktails, such as:

Caesar: A popular Canadian brunch cocktail made with Clamato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a rim of celery salt.

Whiskey Sour: A classic cocktail made with Canadian whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Maple Manhattan: A twist on the classic Manhattan, made with Canadian whisky, sweet vermouth, and a splash of maple syrup.

You could also make shots of Canadian whisky with ginger ale, cinnamon liqueur, or tomato juice.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Canadian whisky is a smooth and flavorful spirit that's sure to warm you up on a chilly night. Cheers!

Never tried this type or an ardent fan of the spirit? Try our delightful collection — Crown Royal, Rare Perfection, Canadian Club, and more.

So next time you're in the mood for a smooth and flavorful spirit, reach for a bottle of Canadian whisky from Hollywood Beverage.

Japanese Whisky: A Unique and Refined Spirit

Japanese Whiskey: A Unique and Refined Spirit

Ah, Japanese whisky, now that's a spirit worth talking about!

It's known for its complex and subtle flavors, with a distinct style that sets it apart from other whiskies around the world.

One of the most unique aspects of Japanese whisky is the attention to detail that goes into its production, right from the indigenous Mizunara oak and the precise water source to the special yeast strains, and the meticulous aging process is done with utmost care.

All of this has paid off. Japanese whisky has become highly sought after by whiskey aficionados and connoisseurs, with some bottles fetching high prices at auction.

Fun fact: Japanese whisky was inspired by the whiskies of Scotland. In the early 20th century, a Japanese distiller named Masataka Taketsuru traveled to Scotland to learn the art of whiskey making. He brought his newfound knowledge back to Japan and helped lay the foundation for the Japanese whisky industry.

Speaking of savoring this spirit, we recommend trying your Japanese whisky neat at least once, so you can experience the complexities and nuances of the whisky. Whisky on the rocks is also a popular choice around the world.

In the mood for cocktails? Try

Highball: A simple and refreshing cocktail made with Japanese whisky, soda water, and ice.

Sake Manhattan: A twist on the classic Manhattan, made with Japanese whisky, sweet vermouth, and a dash of sake.

Japanese Old Fashioned: A variation of the classic Old Fashioned, made with Japanese whisky, simple syrup, bitters, and a twist of orange peel.

Shop your favorite Japanese Whisky online today from Hollywood Beverage. Easy favorites are Hatozaki Whisky, Teitessa, Suntory, and more.

So, whether you're a whiskey lover or just looking to try something new, Japanese whisky is a spirit that's definitely worth trying. Kanpai! (Cheers! in Japanese.)

Rye Whiskey: A Bold and Spicy Spirit

Rye Whiskey: A bold and spicy spirit

Rye whiskey, now that's a spirit with a storied history!

It's known for its bold and spicy flavor profile, with a distinct taste that sets it apart from other whiskies.

One unique aspect of rye whiskey is that it must be made from a mash bill of at least 51% rye grain, giving it its signature flavor. But don't let the high rye content fool you, rye whiskey is also blended with corn and barley to create a smooth and balanced spirit.

Rye whiskey has a rich history, with roots dating back to the American colonial era. It was once dominant in the United States but fell out of favor with the rise of bourbon. However, in recent years, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity.

Rye whiskey is a versatile spirit that can be used in various cocktails. Here are a few popular options:

Manhattan: A classic cocktail made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, garnished with a cherry. View our recipe.

Old Fashioned: A simple and classic cocktail made with rye whiskey, simple syrup, bitters, and a twist of orange peel.

Sazerac: A classic cocktail originating in New Orleans, made with rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, and Peychaud's bitters.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, rye whiskey is a bold and flavorful spirit that's sure to add a unique twist to any cocktail. Cheers!

Trust Hollywood Beverage to deliver you the most popular and hard-to-find rye whiskey brands at the lowest prices. Here are some of the gems from our collection: Angel’s Envy, Dad’s Hat, and Knob C r eek.

If you’re purchasing a gift, consider our popular personalized bottle engraving.

Conclusion

The Origin of The 6 Popular Types of Whiskey

So there you have it, your perfect guide to the 6 most popular types of whiskey.

Whether you're a beginner, a collector, an enthusiast, or a connoisseur, we have something for everyone. We offer a wide range of options from top-shelf, highly sought-after brands to budget-friendly options — all matching your distinctive taste.

We hope this guide has given you a delectable peek into the whiskey universe and inspired you to try new variants within a category or hop onto a new type.

Check out our full collection of whiskey brands here and order online securely. Get them delivered directly to your doorstep with our fast and easy online liquor delivery.

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