There’s always a question asked by people meeting their whiskey-loving friends; What is your favourite whiskey?

The best and maybe the oldest whiskeys in the world originates from Ireland – a country famous for their friendliness and hospitality. With a thriving craft beer and whiskey scene visiting distilleries and breweries are usually a major attraction. To help you brush up on your whiskey knowledge, whether you’re planning a holiday to Ireland or simply interested in Irish whiskey, Pogues Irish Whiskey distributors share interesting facts about whiskey you may never have known. 

6 Things you should know about whiskey

1. Where does whiskey come from?

Did you know that whiskey starts life as beer? It is the liquid gold that emerges from the distillation of base beer, known as wash. While there is great skill and care taken in the creation of this liquid, which determines the ultimate flavour profile of the whiskey, it’s not recommended to drink it at this stage. However distillery workers were once known to filter the yeast out to create a beer-drink they called Joe.

2. Whiskey vs Whisky

The biggest difference between Scotch whiskey and Irish whiskey is the distillation process. While both spirits are distilled liquors, Scotch is distilled twice to Irish whiskey’s thrice. This extra distillation gives Irish whiskey a smoother finish and some say make it the best in the world.

You can read my full article about the difference between whiskey and whisky here.

3. The angel’s share

As a result of evaporation which occurs due to the wood expanding and contracting with the seasons, whiskey will annually lose up to 2.5% alcohol while it matures in oak casks. The part of the maturing whiskey that vanishes is called the angels’ share. Distillers are allowed to write off 2% of their production volume each year to the angel’s share, which is much less than distilleries in warmer climates have to say goodbye to.

4. Super tasters

Women have a superior sense of smell making them naturally superior whiskey tasters. Scientists generally claim that women are better at detecting smells than men, likely for evolutionary reasons i.e. women are more important to the species’ survival. Women are also often more skilled at describing the smells they can detect, being more likely to feel confident identifying olfactory memories and explaining them.

Women will often be described as “Super Tasters”.

5. It can get pricey

The record for the most expensive whiskey cocktail sold is a refresh of the traditional Manhattan made with a 55-year-old Macallan served at Dubai’s Skyview Bar. ⁠Costing £4,632, the posh concoction was stirred with a very special oak stick from a cask of The Macallan. It was also served with ice made from the same water used to produce the single malt whiskey it contains.⁠

6. It’s older than you think

Whiskey may have originated in Ireland. The first record of Irish whiskey distillation is recorded in the famous Red Book of Ossory written in 1324, nearly 200 years before the first record of Scotch distillation. However, the suggestion that Irish monks may have introduced whiskey-making to Scotland may upset the most dedicated Scotch whiskey drinkers.

Now that you know six more facts than you might have ever known about whiskey before reading this, the Pogues Irish Whiskey team wishes you “Sláinte!” which is traditional Gaelic for “health” and is often used when raising a glass in celebration or to wish good health.

For more about The Pogues Irish Whiskey go to https://halewood.co.za/the-pogues-irish-whiskey/. You can find it at most leading liquor retailers, or online at Takealot and Liquor Drop (www.liquordrop.co.za).

Information provided by halewood.co.za