Whiskey Encyclopedia AZ

Whisky Journey: Islay, Speyside, Ireland, Japan, Kentucky

Whiskey Terminology

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- Whiskey guided by the best experts

Whiskey is made from very simple, natural ingredients such as grain, water, and yeast, but it boasts a very rich flavor.
There is a famous saying in Scotland, where whiskey is especially loved.
“There is no such thing as bad whiskey.
“There is only good whiskey and better whiskey.” Whiskey has captured the taste buds of drinkers around the world, and in Korea, the whiskey boom is hotter than ever.
"The Whiskey Atlas" is a guide for whiskey lovers, introducing 506 carefully selected whiskies from around the world.
Charles McLean, who served as editor, wrote and compiled this book, is a leading whisky expert in Scotland and has been selected as a 'Master of Quaich', the highest authority in the whisky industry.

- 506 types of whiskey from 24 countries

We've compiled a dictionary of 506 whiskeys selected by experts, from A to Z, for easy browsing.
Two indexes are included at the end of the book.
One way to find them is to sort by type: single malt, blended, bourbon, rye, grain whiskey, etc.
Another classification is by country, where you can find unique whiskies from 24 countries, including whisky powerhouses Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Japan, as well as the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Finland, and South Korea.

- Commentary on the history and story of whiskey

Knowing the story of the people who created this exquisite taste makes a glass of whiskey even more enjoyable.
The text unfolds a colorful story, including the distillery's birth and evolution, the meaning behind the brand, and episodes related to its characters.
The world's largest malt distillery, Glenfiddich, had a very humble beginning. William Grant, a father of nine children, produced his first spirit with frugality and savings using a second-hand still.
The Glenlivet was started by George Smith as an illegal distillery, and after he broke with the illegal traders, he had to carry a pistol to protect his life.
'Monkey Shoulder' is a name that expresses the sorrow of a worker whose shoulder became deformed like a monkey's after repeatedly turning over grain.
If you're curious about how 'Ichiro's Malt' became a whisky of such high collection value, you should read it alongside 'Hanyu'.
Only 1,347 bottles of the super-premium whisky 'Last Drop' were produced, and as the author says, "reading the tasting notes may be the closest you can get to this whisky."

- Vivid tasting notes

You can savor the taste of whiskey through tasting notes that convey the scent you smell through your nose, the taste you feel in your mouth, and even the aftertaste.
In addition to tasting with all five senses, we analyze the flavor from various aspects, such as which casks were used for maturation and which malts were used in the blend.
Ballantine's 12 Year Old is a "golden whiskey with a sweet honey aroma and vanilla notes from the oak," while Bushmills Original is "easy to drink with fruit and vanilla flavors that spread in the mouth."
“It is a great introduction to the world of Irish whiskey.”
Reviews are cold, with some saying that "you shouldn't expect a sophisticated taste" for "Georgia Moon" and others saying that "Colein" is "best enjoyed mixed with other drinks."
How would you rate Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 Year Old, the legendary bourbon with a legendary price?
“It has been aged for a very long time for a bourbon whiskey and has stood the test of time.
Sweet vanilla and caramel notes are complemented by notes of raisins, apples and oak.
It has a rich buttery flavor in the mouth, with notes of molasses and a slight char.
The finish is long and complex, with subtle hints of charred oak.”

- Map and travel information for distillery tours

Visiting a distillery, witnessing the whiskey-making process, and tasting whiskey on site is a dream come true for whiskey lovers.
The 'Whiskey Travel' section of this book introduces representative travel destinations that are good for distillery tours, such as Islay, Speyside, Ireland, Japan, and Kentucky.
These areas are home to a cluster of distilleries, many of which have visitor centers to welcome whiskey enthusiasts.
It provides recommended itineraries, accommodations, and restaurant information along with maps, and also highlights must-see points at each destination.

- Special editing for the Korean version

Interest in whiskey is growing in Korea, and Korea has finally become a single malt whiskey producing country.
Reflecting this situation, the Korean edition of 『Whiskey Encyclopedia』 added content not found in the original book.
First, let me introduce Korean whiskey.
You can find whiskey from the Kim Chang-su Whiskey Distillery, which is renowned as a boutique distillery and has been receiving enthusiastic responses from whiskey enthusiasts, including the new product released in the fall of 2024.
Taiwanese Kavalan whiskey, which became famous in Korea after appearing in director Park Chan-wook's "Decision to Leave," was also added only to the Korean version.
Additionally, for whiskey beginners, an explanation of whiskey terminology is included as an appendix at the end of the book.