All about whiskey. History, benefits, properties, calories and more. Whiskey, also known as whiskey, is one of the best known alcoholic beverages in the world. It is an enchanted amber liquor with a characteristic flavor that manages to seduce many palates. Whiskey is one of the drinks rich in history and it has been present since ancient times and can be enjoyed alone or accompanied, filling those who taste it with good taste.
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what is Whisky?
Whisky is an alcoholic beverage produced from the distillation of fermented malt from cereals such as barley, wheat, rye and corn and its subsequent aging in wooden barrels, traditionally made of white oak.
The word whiskey or whiskey comes as a derivative of the Scottish Gaelic uisge beatha and Irish Gaelic uisce beathadh. Which means water of life, at first it was written whiskey, but the e was added to differentiate the Irish from the others.
Origin and history of whiskey
Many times we have consumed a drink of whiskey and we have enjoyed its flavor and quality, but perhaps we do not know what is the origin of this distilled beverage that is so much liked and maintained over time.
The origin of whiskey is not very clear, however, archaeological records have been found that show that the Egyptians knew the process of distillation of fermented grain. Process by which whiskey is produced, but for the time this process was used for the creation of perfumes. 
So finding out where the whiskey is a bit complicated, and there is no evidence as such of its origin, so some link it with an Irish origin and other Scottish. It is believed that the whole process of distillation and fermentation came to Europe during the Middle Ages, where it was kept alive in Christian monasteries, possibly brought by the Greeks and Romans.
The first written document in history about whiskey appeared during the year 1494, at that time the production and consumption of whiskey was popular within Scotland. Initially the name whisky was given to the drink for its medicinal properties, as it was recommended for the maintenance of health, prolongation of life, relief of colic, paralysis, smallpox and other diseases.
Types of Whisky
Whisky is a beverage made from the distillation of cereals such as wheat, barley, malted barley, rye or corn, which ferments and is left to age in oak barrels until it is bottled and sold. This has led to give rise to different types of whiskey which we can find them classified by their composition and origin. 
Whisky classification by composition
The different types of whiskey are mainly characterized by the years they have been aging in the barrel and its composition, so we can find:
Malt whiskey
The malt whiskey is one that has been created from the distillation of malted barley in copper stills in the form of onion. It is one of the most worked and best valued types of whisky in the world, and most of its production is carried out in Scotland.
In general, malt whiskey is distilled twice so that a distillate of great purity and higher quality is obtained. After distillation, malt whisky is aged in oak casks for at least three years. Depending on the origin of the malt, these in turn are denominated in:
- Single Malt: It is a whiskey made exclusively with malted barley in a single distillery.
- Vatted Malt: It is the malt whiskey obtained from the distillation of malted barley and the mixture comes from barrels from different distilleries.
Grain whisky
This is the whiskey produced mainly in Scotland and Ireland, and is one that does not come from a malted cereal, although, in general, for its production wheat is used, it may contain any other cereal.
The grain whiskey can be distilled in still columns and the use of this system results in the loss of flavors that unlike malt whiskey usually retains. Grain whiskey is not usually too elaborate, so its maturation period in the barrel is quite short.
Blended
whisky It is the whiskey derived from the mixture of different types of whiskey such as malt and grain, its flavor usually varies according to the mixture made and the distilleries used as each uses its own water.
Classification of whisky according to its origin
According to the country of origin we can find the whiskey as follows: 
Scotch
It is the whiskey distilled only in Scotland, is among the most recognized in the world. Its great prestige is due to the strict regulations that adjust its production process, such as distillation in oak barrels for a period of at least three years. In addition to the prohibition of using artificial substances in the preparation.
Irish
It is made with barley, to which a triple distillation process is applied, making it smooth and delicate, and it is exclusively from Ireland, from where it receives its name Whiskey.
Canadian
It is a whiskey that maintains a strong influence of Irish, however it is usually softer, and that is that for its preparation are usually used mixtures of barley, corn and wheat, and sometimes rye. Like Scotch, it is kept in fermentation for at least three years, although not necessarily in oak barrels.
American
This whiskey also maintains a strong Irish influence as a result of the migration received by the United States from Ireland. It is made with corn fermented for two years in oak barrels.
Welsh
It is a whiskey that receives a great influence from Scotch whiskey, which has led it to be recognized as one of great level that has been gaining the respect of the world.
Japanese
Japanese whiskey has a great Scottish influence in terms of its production method, is characterized by having a powerful and energetic body and flavor, which makes it a high quality product.
Indian
It is a whiskey that is usually associated more with rum than with whiskey itself, is made from malt and ferments are distilled from different molasses.
what are the main characteristics of whiskey?
Whisky is an alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting the wort of different cereals. Which in turn are subjected to different distillations and then aged in oak barrels, which gives it its own characteristics.
- The most commonly used cereals for its preparation are barley, malted barley, corn, wheat and rye.
- The aging process in white oak barrels confers new flavors and aromas from the wood, which in turn changes its primary composition.
- It is the time spent in the barrel that determines the age of the product.
- Whisky is generally aged for no less than 3 years.
- The flavor of the whiskey should permeate the mouth with its fruity notes and hints of barrel.
- Its aroma is characteristic of alcohol.
what are the properties of whiskey?
Whisky is one of the healthiest alcoholic beverages, as long as its consumption is controlled and not abused, otherwise it can be harmful to health.
- It has antioxidants
- It is low in calories
- It is free of fat and cholesterol
- It does not contain carbohydrates
- It contains ellagic acid, which keeps DNA from coming into contact with cancer-causing compounds.
what is the alcohol content of whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled beverage considered one of the strongest, its alcohol content is usually between 40% and 60%, so it should not be consumed in excess because it can be harmful to health.
+5 Benefits of Whisky that you need to know about
Whisky has natural properties that make it have health benefits, however this is only possible if its consumption is controlled. Among the main benefits that we can find we have the following: 
Reduces the risk of suffering a stroke
Whisky prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the cardiovascular system and can eliminate excess cholesterol from the body, as it possesses antioxidants that contribute to good circulation. In addition, it makes the walls of the arteries more flexible, reducing the possibility of blockages, thus preventing stroke.
Combats weight gain
Whiskey has no calories so it is free of fat and cholesterol, which helps to maintain a balanced diet, of course, as long as its consumption is adequate.
Reduces the chances of diabetes
Moderate consumption of whiskey can improve the body’s ability to regulate insulin and glucose levels in the blood, which prevents diabetes.
Extends life
Whisky has antioxidants that help fight free radicals, which are the major causes of aging, allowing the body to live a longer, healthier life.
Improves brain health
what is whiskey made of?
Surely, while drinking a good whiskey you have asked yourself what whiskey is made of, well, here we will tell you what its secret is. Whisky is made from water, cereal grains and yeast. The water encourages the barley to germinate during the malting process and is added during the mashing stage to extract the sugars and make the wort. 
Cereal grains are the basic ingredients in whisky making, as they provide the starch that is then converted into alcohol. Scotch whisky can be made from wheat, oats, rye or corn but to be a pure malt Scotch whisky the grain must be barley.
Yeast is the final ingredient needed to make malt scotch, and its fundamental role in the equation is to convert sugar into alcohol. Whisky is a beverage that has been in existence for years and that over time has established itself in the preference of those who seek to enjoy a luxury and quality liquor that fills the palate with its flavor.
