Alcoholic beverages are often given as gifts on special occasions including the holidays, as congratulations, and at birthdays. One of the most versatile gifts to give is also one of the most appreciated by many. Whiskey is produced in dozens of different ways by hundreds of different distillers in almost every country in the world. This makes giving whiskey as a gift a natural choice.
History
Whiskey, and all of its cousins, are distilled spirits derived from the fermentation of grain--usually corn, wheat, rye or barley. The distilled spirit is then aged in oak casks or barrels for at least 2 years, but often for more. The result is a product that has a caramel color and a very distinct set of characteristics that makes it enjoyable by itself, or as a mixer with other alcohols or non-alcoholic drinks. Whiskey has been interpreted by the Scottish, which have perfected Scotch whiskey. The use of barley and the firing of the fermentation process by peat moss has given Scotch unique smoky flavors that are a signature of refinement around the world. Americans have invented bourbon whiskey, a unique interpretation of whiskey that is derived mostly of corn and aged in white oak barrels to give it a rich, amber color and sweet flavor. Other types of whiskey, such as "sour mash," rye and wheat whiskeys, are variations of whiskey recipes crafted in Ireland, Canada and many other countries.
Significance
Scotch whiskey is among the most sophisticated whiskey gifts a person can receive. The unique tradition of making Scotch has imbued it with distinct characteristics that are appreciated by many whiskey aficionados around the world. Older Scotches are even more highly prized because in addition to their refined taste, they are an expensive investment that makes the recipient want to savor every drop. Prized Scotch whiskeys can run several hundred dollars by themselves, but Scotch whiskey can also be part of a basket arrangement.
Types
Bourbon is an American tradition and a closely regulated product to ensure consistency in the product. Still, there are enough variations that a bourbon whiskey gift can be found for almost any kind of person. Some of the more prominent bourbons to give include Jim Beam and Makers Mark. Jim Beam is a country-wide distributor and distiller of large-batch bourbon, making its prices relatively inexpensive. Makers Mark and other small-batch bourbons purposefully create less volume of bourbon in order to focus more on brand quality; this makes the bourbon gift a bit more expensive. Other bourbons and near-bourbons such as Jack Daniel's have offered their own premium, small-batch bourbons with more sophisticated and refined characteristics.
Features
Irish and Canadian whiskeys are counted among the finest in the world, though whiskey is produced in Germany, Israel, Japan and many other countries. Each country produces a whiskey of different characteristics and properties, though all are technically whiskeys. Ireland, however, is the origin of the entire whiskey process. Irish monks exported Christianity and whiskey-making to Scotland, and Irish distillers immigrated to America and Canada and continued their traditions of distillation. Jameson's Irish Whiskey is one example of the original Irish whiskey.
Considerations
Some whiskeys, especially those of the bourbon family, also find their way into marinades and barbecue sauces. Bourbons such as Jim Beam and sour mash whiskeys such as Jack Daniel's are two examples of whiskey-flavored sauces. If the person receiving the gift either does not drink or would prefer not to receive alcohol, these gifts can be used as alternatives and are widely available. As noted, Scotch gift baskets are available from certain online and in-store retailers around the holidays, as are Irish and Canadian whiskeys. These baskets usually include food that complements the beverage in question, and some come with glasses, decanters or other paraphernalia related to whiskey and whiskey consumption.
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