Common Whiskey Myths to Avoid

For some, whiskey is a sophisticated drink to savor and appreciate. Yet, some individuals still avoid this drink, primarily due to the many myths about whiskey. Discover some of the most common whiskey myths below, and learn the truth behind the myths.

All Whiskey Is Smokey

Some individuals avoid whiskey because they believe all whiskey is smokey. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Different types of whiskey have different levels of smokiness. For example, single malt whiskeys typically have a more intense smoky flavor, while blended whiskeys are usually milder. Therefore, if you are not into smokey drinks, take your time to explore different types of whiskey to find one that suits your taste.

Whiskey Should Always Be Drunk Neat

There is no right or wrong way to drink whiskey. If you prefer, you can add a splash of water or mixer to your whiskey. Mixing aims to open up the flavors of the whiskey and make it more palatable. Some might argue that adding water or a mixer to your whiskey dilutes the drink. However, if you enjoy your whiskey with a splash of water or mixer, there is nothing wrong with that.

Old Whiskey Is Always the Best

Age does not necessarily indicate the quality of the whiskey. Sure, older whiskeys may be more expensive, but that does not mean they are automatically better. Younger whiskeys can be just as smooth and flavorful as their older counterparts. Once again, the best comes down to personal preference.

Additionally, keep in mind that not all whiskeys improve with age. In general, peated and single malt whiskeys are the types that benefit most from being aged.

The Founding Year on the Label Is Always True

Just because a whiskey label says the drink was distilled in a particular year, that does not mean the whiskey inside is from that same year. For instance, some whiskey companies put new whiskey into old bottles and then sell them as "limited editions." So take the age statement on a whiskey label with a grain of salt.

All Whiskey Is Made in Scotland

Although Scotland is well-known for its whiskeys, not all whiskey comes from there. Instead, whiskey is produced worldwide, including in Ireland, Japan, Canada, and the United States. So if you're looking to branch out and try something new, don't be afraid to explore whiskeys from other countries.

The Color of Whiskey Tells You the Age

For instance, some individuals assume that the darker the whiskey color, the older it is. However, that is not always the case. Different factors affect the color of whiskey, such as the type of barrel the whiskey is aged in.

Also, some companies add coloring to their whiskeys to give them a unique appearance. As such, the color of the whiskey is not always indicative of its age.

All Bourbon Is Made in Kentucky

Bourbon is a whiskey made with a high percentage of corn and then aged in new, charred oak barrels. Although bourbon originates from Kentucky, you can now access bourbon from any state in the United States. As such, when browsing the whiskey aisle, don't be surprised if you see some bourbons made outside of Kentucky.

Now that you know the truth behind some of the most common whiskey myths, you can enjoy this delicious drink without reservations.

You can count on us at The Barrel Tap to provide you with a wide selection of high-quality whiskeys. In addition, we ship a range of whiskeys to whiskey lovers all over the world. Browse our online store to find your perfect bottle of whiskey.