How many kinds of whiskey and how are they made?

There are many kinds of whiskey, but it's difficult to give an exact number because classifications vary and some styles overlap.

Here's a breakdown by major categories and how they're made:

Key Ingredients:

* Grains: Whiskey is primarily made from fermented grains, usually barley, corn, rye, or wheat.

* Yeast: Yeast converts sugar in the grains to alcohol during fermentation.

* Water: Used for mashing, fermentation, and dilution.

General Process:

1. Mashing: Grains are ground and mixed with hot water to create a "mash."

2. Fermentation: Yeast is added to the mash, converting sugars into alcohol.

3. Distillation: The fermented mash is heated, separating the alcohol from the other components.

4. Aging: Most whiskeys are aged in charred oak barrels, which impart color, flavor, and aroma.

Major Whiskey Categories:

1. Scotch Whisky:

* Grains: Primarily malted barley, sometimes with other grains like corn, rye, or wheat.

* Region: Scotland

* Aging: Must be aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels in Scotland.

* Styles: Single Malt (from one distillery), Blended (mixture of single malts and grain whiskies).

2. Irish Whiskey:

* Grains: Mostly malted and unmalted barley, often with other grains.

* Region: Ireland

* Aging: Typically aged for 3 years in oak barrels.

* Styles: Single Malt, Single Pot Still (using malted and unmalted barley), Blended.

3. American Whiskey:

* Grains: Corn is the primary grain, often with rye, barley, or wheat.

* Region: United States

* Aging: Must be aged for at least 2 years in charred oak barrels.

* Styles: Bourbon (at least 51% corn), Rye (at least 51% rye), Tennessee Whiskey (similar to bourbon but charcoal-filtered).

4. Canadian Whisky:

* Grains: Primarily corn, with rye and barley.

* Region: Canada

* Aging: Must be aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels.

* Styles: Typically blended, known for their smooth, light flavors.

5. Japanese Whisky:

* Grains: Primarily malted barley, sometimes with other grains.

* Region: Japan

* Aging: Similar to Scotch whisky, aged for several years in oak barrels.

* Styles: Single Malt, Blended.

6. Other Whiskey Types:

* Rye Whiskey: Made with at least 51% rye (found in various countries).

* Wheat Whiskey: Made with at least 51% wheat.

* Bourbon Whiskey: Made with at least 51% corn (from the United States).

* Corn Whiskey: Made with at least 80% corn (from the United States).

Key Factors Affecting Whiskey Flavor:

* Grain type: Each grain contributes unique flavors and aromas.

* Yeast strain: Different yeast strains produce different flavor profiles.

* Distillation process: The type of still and its operation impact the final product.

* Barrel type: The type of wood, char level, and barrel size all affect the aging process and flavor.

* Climate: Humidity and temperature impact aging and maturation.

This overview provides a starting point. There are many specific styles and subcategories within each region and grain combination. The world of whiskey is vast and constantly evolving!