Distillery whisky, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash, holds a prominent position in the world of spirits. It is typically aged in wooden casks, giving it a distinctive colour, flavour, and aroma profile.
The production of distillery whisky is a complex and time-consuming process. It begins with malting, where barley grains are soaked and allowed to germinate. The germinated grains are dried and then crushed to produce grist. The grist is mixed with hot water to create a mash, which is then fermented with yeast. The resulting liquid, known as wash, is distilled twice to produce a spirit. The spirit is then aged in casks, usually made of oak, for a minimum of three years. During this time, the spirit interacts with the wood, developing its characteristic flavour and aroma.