When we think of whiskey, we often imagine the verdant hills of Scotland, the green pastures of Ireland, or the rolling bluegrass landscapes of Kentucky. Yet, a new wave of distilleries in countries often overlooked in the whiskey conversation are making a name for themselves. In places like Taiwan, India, Sweden, and even Israel, distillers are harnessing their unique climates and local grains to create world-class whiskeys.
Understanding Different Production Methods and Styles
While the process of making whiskey generally involves malting, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging, the variations within these steps are vast and contribute to a country’s distinct whiskey style. It’s essential to understand the divergent production methods and styles that make each bottle uniquely captivating. So, let’s delve deeper into some less traditional approaches to whiskey production that challenge the norms and add an exciting twist to our whiskey experience.
Swedish Whiskey: Innovative Cask Finishing
Swedish distilleries, like Mackmyra, are carving a niche for themselves with their unique approach to cask finishing. Instead of traditional sherry or bourbon casks, they experiment with Swedish oak and cloudberry wine casks. This innovative practice imparts intriguing flavors and allows for a novel whiskey expression that’s distinctly Swedish.
Taiwanese Whiskey: Fast-paced Aging
Taiwan’s subtropical climate plays a crucial role in the unique character of its whiskies. The elevated heat and humidity accelerate the aging process, leading to whiskies that, despite their youth, are rich in flavor. Brands like Kavalan showcase this rapid maturation process in their expressions, embodying an intense flavor profile.
South African Whiskey: Double Maturation
South Africa’s Bain’s Cape Mountain Whiskey is leading the way in single grain whiskey production with a pioneering double maturation process. The spirit is first aged in first-fill bourbon casks, then transferred to a second set of first-fill bourbon casks for additional aging. This process contributes to an incredibly smooth, layered whiskey that celebrates South African ingenuity.
Austrian Whiskey: Holistic Production
Whisky-Erlebniswelt in Austria is a shining example of a holistic approach to whiskey production. Their field-to-glass philosophy ensures every step in the process, from growing the grains to distilling and aging, is steeped in a commitment to quality, sustainability, and traditional craftsmanship.
Japanese Whiskey: Small-Batch Artisanship
In Japan, distilleries like Chichibu are emphasizing small-batch, artisanal production. This approach allows for an exceptional level of control over the process, resulting in whiskies that capture the local terroir and the distillery’s commitment to quality.
Rye Whiskey: Rediscovering an American Classic
At WhistlePig, a bold venture into rye whiskey is underway. Their innovative approach, involving experiments with different grains, aging processes, and finishes, is bringing the complexity and versatility of rye whiskey to the forefront. This exploration is not just about diversifying whiskey expressions, but also about breathing new life into a beloved American spirit.
Tasting Notes and Recommendations
Now, let’s get to the exciting part – the whiskeys themselves. Let’s start with Kavalan from Taiwan – a rich, fruity single malt that often surprises people with its complexity and depth. From India, Amrut Fusion stands out, combining Indian barley with peated Scottish barley for a unique, smoky-sweet experience. Mackmyra from Sweden offers a delightful range of expressions; their Svensk Rök has a distinct smoky character layered with sweet fruits and spices. Finally, the Milk & Honey distillery from Israel showcases the potential of desert-aged whiskey with their Classic Single Malt, offering notes of honey, vanilla, and gentle spice.
A Master Distiller’s Opinion
We’ve had the privilege of speaking with several distillers who shared their experiences and motivations. Ingvar Ronde, Master Blender at Mackmyra, spoke about the importance of expressing Swedish nature and traditions through their whiskey. Kavalan’s Ian Chang emphasized their commitment to quality, stating, “We may be young, but we focus on creating a world-class whiskey that reflects Taiwan’s spirit.” The passion these distillers have for their craft is palpable and truly shines through in their unique products. These master distillers, hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions, shape the character of the whiskeys they craft. They infuse their passion, heritage, and innovative thinking into every bottle, bringing us the unique flavors we seek in every sip. Here are some enlightening conversations we’ve had with these trailblazing distillers from around the globe.
WhistlePig’s Dave Pickerell on Innovation in Rye Whiskey
As a former Maker’s Mark distiller, Dave Pickerell’s departure to a small, unheard-of distillery, WhistlePig, made waves in the whiskey world. “It was a gamble, sure,” Pickerell admitted in our conversation. “But at WhistlePig, we had an opportunity to do something genuinely exciting with rye whiskey. We wanted to push boundaries and explore the forgotten potential of this American classic. Our experiments with different grains, aging processes, and finishes aren’t just about producing a variety of expressions – they’re about honoring the complexity and versatility of rye.”
Billy Walker of GlenAllachie Distillers on Reviving a Lost Distillery
When Billy Walker and his partners bought the GlenAllachie distillery in 2017, they took on the challenge of reviving a distillery that had remained relatively obscure for half a century. “Our vision was to craft the finest Speyside single malt, one that truly reflects the unique conditions of our distillery’s location,” Walker revealed. “Our whiskies are a testament to Speyside’s character – fruity, with a touch of spice and complexity.”
Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at BenRiach
Rachel Barrie, one of the few women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, is masterfully steering BenRiach towards modern, innovative expressions while honoring its rich heritage. “I see whiskey as a form of art,” she shared. “In our casks, we’re not just aging whiskey; we’re cultivating a symphony of flavors. We’re exploring the extraordinary versatility of our spirit, through peated expressions, unique cask finishes, and everything in between.”
Ichiro Akuto of Chichibu Distillery
Ichiro Akuto, the man behind Japan’s Chichibu distillery, is leading the way in the new generation of Japanese whiskey. “Chichibu might be smaller and younger compared to the giants of Japanese whiskey,” he acknowledged, “but we’re passionate about creating artisanal, small-batch whiskies that capture the essence of our locality. Each bottle we produce tells a story about our terroir, our commitment, and our vision for Japanese whiskey.”
Jasmin Haider-Stadler of Austria’s Whisky-Erlebniswelt
Jasmin Haider-Stadler, part of the family-run Whisky-Erlebniswelt in Austria, brings a unique perspective to whiskey production. “Our approach to whiskey is holistic,” she explained. “From field to glass, every step is interwoven with our family’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and tradition. We’re proving that great whiskey isn’t confined to certain geographies – it’s where heart meets craftsmanship.”
Andy Watts of South Africa’s Bain’s Cape Mountain Whiskey
Andy Watts, the master distiller at Bain’s Cape Mountain Whiskey, is crafting award-winning single grain whiskies in the heart of South Africa. “The uniqueness of our whiskey comes from our South African maize and the Cape Mountain water we use,” Watts expounded. “We’ve pioneered a double maturation process that allows us to create an exceptionally smooth and flavorful product. Our whiskey is a celebration of South African resources and ingenuity.”
How to Source and Enjoy These Unconventional Whiskeys
You may wonder, “Where can I find these fascinating expressions?” Thankfully, online retailers like WhiskeyD offer a curated selection of international whiskeys. They offer a chance to sample these unique creations without needing a passport. When enjoying these whiskeys, remember: there’s no wrong way to drink whiskey. Whether you prefer it neat, with a drop of water, or over ice, the important thing is to savor and appreciate the diverse range of flavors these unconventional whiskeys offer.
Remember, whiskey isn’t just a drink; it’s a reflection of the place and people behind it. By embracing these unconventional whiskeys, we not only expand our palates but also our understanding and appreciation for other cultures. So, here’s to venturing off the beaten path and discovering the wide, wonderful world of whiskey.