Grain Whisky
Grain whisky is a light type of whisky that is produced using a continuous distillation process. Unlike single malt whisky, grain whisky is distilled from different types of grain. Thanks to the different methods, grain whisky can be produced faster and more cheaply than malt whisky. The main role of grain whisky is in the production of blended whisky, where the sweet, light grain serves as the basis. Without grain whisky, there would therefore be none of the large and popular blends, such as Johnnie Walker, Jameson and co. If the grain whisky comes from just one distillery, it is referred to as single grain whisky. This whisky is rarely available to buy as a private label. However, you can find it at independent bottlers and get your own impression of grain whisky. Especially in summer, grain whiskies can be a great alternative to the often spicy and heavy malt whiskies.
Content: 0.7 Liter (€42.84* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€44.27* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€67.13* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€32.84* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€36.41* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.04 Liter (€249.75* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€157.13* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.04 Liter (€174.75* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€89.27* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€128.56* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€357.14* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€92.84* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€48.56* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€62.84* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€457.13* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€64.27* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€55.69* / 1 Liter)
What is grain whisky anyway?
Grain whisky literally means "grain whisky" - which is somewhat confusing. After all, all whisky is made from grain. However, while a single malt or malt whisky is distilled exclusively from barley malt, a wide variety of grains can be used for grain whisky. For example, wheat, maize or rye as well as unmalted barley can be used. This makes production more flexible and cheaper: you take what is cheap to buy and dispense with the lengthy malting process.
How is grain whisky made?
The production of grain whisky also differs significantly in the distilling process. Whereas single malt is distilled two to three times in copper pot stills, grain whisky is produced in a continuous distillation process. The stills are called Coffey, patent or column stills. These are large, column-shaped stills, often made of stainless steel, of which two are usually connected to each other, an "analyser" and a "rectifier". This technology, invented by Robert Stein in 1826 and perfected by Aeneas Coffey, enables continuous distillation and significantly faster, more efficient distillation. The relatively cheaply produced, high-proof distillate (alcohol content approx. 95% vol.) is very pure - but less intense in flavour than traditionally produced malt whisky.
The great unknown
For many people, "grain whisky" initially means nothing, even though it plays an important role in the whisky world. This is because this type of whisky is rarely found pure, as "single grain whisky". Rather, the main role of grain whisky is to act as a "filler" in blends that can be produced quite cheaply. This blending of grain with malt whisky makes it possible to offer whisky of consistent quality in larger quantities and at a price suitable for the masses. Without grain whisky, there would also be no blended whisky and blended Scotch whisky. No Chivas Regal,Johnnie Walker, Ballantine's,Jameson, Famous Grouse, Dewar's... But a grain whisky can be much more than just something that creates a crowd in a blend.
What does grain whisky taste like?
If you give it time and attention and allow it to mature long enough in the right cask, then a single grain can be a real revelation. A fine, elegant whisky with notes of nut, vanilla, honey, sweet fruit and much more. Grain whiskies are also a great alternative to their heavy malt whisky siblings, as their light nature works well at higher temperatures.
Grain whiskies you should try
There are not too many grain distilleries, and very few actively market their whisky as single grain. Thanks to the independent bottlers, however, there are now a whole range of highly interesting drops to discover. In Scotland, whisky from active grain whisky distilleries such as Cameronbridge, Girvan, Invergordon, Loch Lomond, North British, Strathclyde and Starlaw can be tasted from time to time. However, there are also still old stocks of closed grain distilleries that are developing into rare collector's whiskies. Examples of closed grain distilleries include Caledonian, Cambus, Carsebridge, Dumbarton, Port Dundas and Strathmore. Grain whisky is also available to buy as separate whiskies in Ireland.