Originally Posted by
struth
Yes, even grain whisky tho uses malted barley, as it gives the enzymes that convert the starches to fermenting sugars, that makes the beer. Grain is distilled in column stills, which are continuous things and produce very strong alcohol 80+% abv. Malt whisky has to have 100%malted barley.
In bourbon they usually add a bit of malted barley for the enzymes, although they also add industrial ones too. Corn doesn't malt easily so they need it.
Ireland used to be without an E, but when Scots started making their whisky it was giving the Irish stuff a bad name so they changed it to with an Eto distinguish it apart..
Of course Scotch is now regarded as the best.
Bourbon is usually made with column stills too. Scottish Single malt is always made in pot stills.
The Japanese are catching up fast. Just look at the best single malt in the 2020 world whisky awards.
Kevin
Too busy enjoying the music....
European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..