THE LATITUDE THAT LONGITUDES ACCORD

As the world of whiskies expands beyond the Scottish highlands, America, Ireland and Japan, Spice dots the map with new world centres of spirited joy.

- SANDEEP ARORA

The whisky universe today offers an experience that journeys through years of experimentation and study with traditional distilleries and whisky heritage preserving the most fascinating aspects of its evolution. While the true origin of the spirit still remains a mystery, it is certain that the seed of whisky was rooted in the womb of Scotland and Ireland, even though the rift between the two countries to take credit for this incredible invention remains unresolved. Scotland’s climate supports whisky making and is ideal for various types of whiskies—single malts, blends that combine grain as well as malt, blended malts and single-grain whiskies.

But it was the rise in the global popularity of blended scotch that made Dublin the absolute epicentre of whiskey-making, ruling the world through its ever-evolving drinks. Even today, Irish whiskies and distilleries make for exciting yet sophisticated flavour profiles that render them diverse with a touch of opulence combined with the notes of tradition.

The emergence of Japanese whisky on the other hand, gradually gained attention and credence across the world. Liquor companies such as Suntory and Nikka continue to dominate the Japanese whisky market and making use of uniquely Japanese resources. The rise of American rye whiskey, now deemed a classic, was the result of European immigrants, who later settled in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Now, with years of innovation and advancement, a large number of craft distillers have sprung up in the US, making great-tasting yet exciting whiskies that prioritise flavour profiles over traditional ways and methods.

The Cup Runneth Over