Whiskey

The Wonderful World of Whiskey

Country Wine & Spirits is the perfect place for all your whiskey needs. We offer a diverse selection of high-quality whiskey, ranging from rare single malts to classic bourbons and Irish blends. When it comes to whiskey, each bottle captures generations of craft.

What Is Whiskey?

Whiskey is an alcoholic spirit that is made from fermented grains. Think barley, corn, rye, or wheat. Whiskey is normally aged in oak barrels. The longer the time spent in the barrel, the smoother, more complex, and rounded the flavor. It is no surprise that the longer time spent aging the more expensive the bottle as well.

Though single‐malt, blended and bourbon styles vary in base ingredients and barrel rules, all whiskeys carry the signature warmth and depth that make them perfect for neat sipping, cocktail mixing or sharing with friends.

Types of Whiskey

Bourbon

A staple of American distilling, bourbon must contain at least 51% corn and age in new charred oak barrels. Expect sweet vanilla, caramel and toasted oak notes in this full‐bodied style.

Scotch

Produced in Scotland, Scotch whisky (no "e") uses primarily malted barley and must age at least three years in oak casks. Styles range from gentle Speyside drams to peaty, smoky Islay classics.

Irish Whiskey

Made in Ireland and often triple‐distilled, Irish whiskey is renowned for its smooth, approachable profile. Look for creamy cereal, orchard fruit and honeyed notes in single‐pot‐still and blended expressions.

Japanese Whisky

Influenced by Scotch tradition, Japanese whisky blends malt and grain whiskies, frequently finishing in exotic casks like Mizunara oak. Expect fine balance, delicate fruit and floral aromas.

Rye Whiskey

With a mash bill of at least 51% rye, rye whiskey delivers bold spice, peppery bite, and robust grain character. It shines in classic cocktails like the Sazerac and Manhattan.

Notable Whiskey Brands

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Jameson is an Irish blended whiskey known for its smooth, approachable spirit, triple distillation, and nutty notes - perfect for neat drinking or cocktails. It is consistent and widely available worldwide.

The Macallan

The Macallan crafts single‑malt Scotch famed for rich sherry cask influence, dried fruit, spice and luxurious oak character, delivering elegant, full‑bodied sips prized by collectors and those seeking refined maturation.

Michter's Distillery

Michter's produces small‑batch American whiskey with rigorous cask selection, toasted barrel finish, and rich caramel, vanilla, and baking spice notes, balancing craft attention with approachable bottles for everyday sipping enjoyment.

Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is maker of flavorful bourbons and ryes with rich corn sweetness, spice, and oak - combining historic mash bills, patient aging, and solid value across accessible core expressions.

Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker is a global blended Scotch house offering a clear label hierarchy from approachable entry blends to rare Blue Label releases, delivering consistent, region‑spanning flavor, and broad cocktail versatility.

Flavor Profiles & Tasting Notes

Choosing a whiskey that matches your taste begins with understanding key profiles. Pair profiles with mixers, glassware and serving temperatures to highlight your preferred aromas and mouthfeel.

Sweet and Smooth:

 Ideal for newcomers, this profile delivers a mellow, lasting finish without harsh edges or peppery heat. It's a classic choice for those who prefer a soft introduction to whiskey.

Fruity and Fresh:

Light body and acidity make this perfect for highballs or on-the-rocks pours. You get crisp orchard fruits and citrus zest notes that deliver a lively, refreshing sip.

Spicy and Bold:

Manhattans and Old Fashioneds? This profile shines in stirred cocktails. Expect black pepper, cinnamon, and rye spice to bring their signature warming kick to every sip.

Rich and Oaky:

Often found in well-aged bourbons and some sherried single malts, this features toasted wood, toffee, and dark fruit notes from barrel aging.

Smoky and Peaty

Think earthy smoke, sea salt, and char mix into a bold, lingering finish. This one rewards slow sipping and welcomes more nuanced tastings.

Light and Floral:

Subtle is the name of the game. Ideal for those who favor delicate, elegant drams, or a floral, low-proof base for bright, aromatic cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between whiskey and whisky?

Though it might just look like a simple spelling mistake, there is actually a difference between the two spellings. In the modern-day, whisky is used for Scottish whisky, and whiskey is used for Irish whiskey. You might think this is another US/Canadian/British/Australian spelling disagreement, but it is not.

We have examined the differences between Scotch and Irish whiskey above, but there is also this spelling differential. Irish whiskey tends to be a little bit less smooth than scotch. Without being aged, it is a little harsher on the nose and stronger on the palate.

Scotch whisky is a little bit smoother, with a similar strength, especially when drunk neat as it is recommended.

What's the difference between whiskey, Scotch, and bourbon?

Here's a little something to help you remember.

Bourbon is American, must use at least 51% corn, and age in new charred oak. All bourbon is a type of whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

Scotch is produced in Scotland from malted barley and ages a minimum of three years in used oak casks. Not all whisky is Scotch, but all Scotch is a type of whisky.

When it comes to whiskey, does age matter?

Not necessarily. Age adds wood influence and smoothness, but does not automatically mean better taste. There's a science to aging whiskey - too long without knowing what you're doing, and you might end up with swill.

Does whiskey go bad?

Unopened whiskey lasts indefinitely. Don't think of this as the same as aging - glass bottles are there to keep your drink pristine, unlike oak barrels.

When opened, however, things are different. Exposure to oxygen, or oxidation, can change your drink's flavor. If your bottle is over half full, it may be ok for up to two years. If it's less, the flavor change can happen in as little as 6 months. It doesn't matter how well you seal the bottle tightly after it has been opened.

Can I mix premium whiskey in cocktails?

Yes. Many would say otherwise, but we believe that anyone should have the right to enjoy their drinks the way they want to. Why not? Life's too short. Drink your whiskey!