The My Spirits & Wines Beginner’s Guide to Whisky | Explore Scotch, Irish & More

If you’re new to whisky, welcome to a world rich with flavour, heritage, and stories in every bottle. At My Spirits & Wines, we know whisky can feel like a secret society, but it doesn’t have to be. Our quick guide breaks down the basics, so you can shop confidently, enjoy boldly, and find your perfect dram without the guesswork.

What is Whisky?

Let’s start with the basics. Whisky (or whiskey) is a spirit distilled from grains,  usually barley, corn, rye, or wheat. In the UK, whisky must mature for a minimum of three years in wooden casks and contain at least 40% alcohol by volume.

Fun fact: the spelling depends on geography. “Whisky” is used in Scotland, Japan, and Canada, while “whiskey” is preferred in Ireland and the United States.

The Many Faces of Scotch Whisky

Scotch whisky is world-renowned, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. It must be made in Scotland and aged at least three years in oak barrels. Most Scotch matures in used bourbon barrels, sometimes finished in sherry or other casks, adding complexity and nuance.

Here are the main Scotch categories you’ll come across:

• Single Malt: Made from 100% malted barley at one distillery. Think Glenmorangie or The Macallan,  iconic and full of character.
• Single Grain: Made at one distillery but using grains beyond malted barley. This is a rarer style and often goes into blends.
• Blended Malt: A marriage of single malts from different distilleries,  think of it as a whisky team effort.
• Blended Grain: A blend of single grain whiskies from various distilleries,  a small but interesting category.
• Blended Scotch: The most popular style globally,  combining single malts and single grains for balance and smoothness. Famous names like Johnnie Walker fit here.

Scotch Regions: Flavours from the Highlands to the Isles

Scotland’s whisky regions each bring their own personality to the glass:

• Campbeltown: Once booming, now home to three distilleries. Expect maritime notes and a hint of brine.
• Highlands: Vast and varied, from the floral Glenmorangie to the robust Old Pulteney.
• Islay: Peat, smoke, salt, and swagger. If you want power and personality, look here (Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin).
• Lowlands: Light, grassy, and fresh,  perfect for those new to whisky or seeking subtlety.
• Speyside: Whisky heartland. Sweet, fruity, and elegant,  Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, and Balvenie hail from here.
• Islands: The unofficial sixth region, including distilleries like Talisker and Highland Park, combining coastal influence with rich flavours.

Shop great scotch here

Whiskey from Ireland

Irish whiskey, with its own proud tradition, must be made in Ireland and aged at least three years. Often triple-distilled for a smoother finish, Irish whiskey offers vibrant, approachable flavours.

Look out for:

• Single Pot Still Whiskey: Made using a mix of malted and unmalted barley in pot stills,  uniquely Irish and full-bodied.
• Blended Irish Whiskey: The dominant style, combining various whiskey types for balance and smoothness.

American Whiskey: Bourbon, Rye & Tennessee

The US is home to distinctive whiskey styles with strict rules:

• Bourbon: At least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels. Sweet, rich, and often vanilla-forward.
• Rye: Spicier, made from at least 51% rye grain.
• Tennessee Whiskey: Bourbon’s cousin, filtered through charcoal before aging. Jack Daniel’s is the big name here.

Canadian Whisky

Canadian whisky has a reputation for smoothness and rye notes, but don’t be fooled by the name,  “rye whisky” on a Canadian label doesn’t always mean lots of rye grain. Blends dominated by corn and other grains are common, aged at least three years in barrels.

Japanese Whisky

Japan’s whisky scene is a tribute to Scottish traditions, thanks to Masataka Taketsuru, who studied in Scotland before starting distilleries like Yamazaki and Nikka. Japanese whiskies often highlight balance, elegance, and craftsmanship,  a treat for the curious whisky lover.

Why We Love Whisky at My Spirits & Wines

We get it,  whisky can feel complicated, even intimidating. But here at My Spirits & Wines, it’s all about discovery and enjoyment. We curate our collection with care, championing bottles that offer flavour, craftsmanship, and stories worth telling.

Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your shelf, we’re here to help you find drams that speak to your taste buds and your soul. Explore online,  your next favourite whisky awaits.

Pro Tip: Ask Questions, Taste Often, Enjoy More

Whisky isn’t about rules; it’s about your palate. Try different styles, regions, and ages. Chat with us, we love to share recommendations and stories. The more you taste, the clearer your preferences become.

Ready to start your whisky journey? Explore our handpicked collection and join the conversation with My Spirits & Wines,  where quality meets character.