How to Whisky: Did You Know that in Some Countries, Whisky Can Have a Little Something Extra?

Whisky is essentially the same all over the world: aged spirit distilled from grain, water and yeast. But did you know that in some countries, additives can be incorporated into whisky? It's time to delve into this.

If you take a look at Scotland and Ireland, whisky is always an unadulterated distillate of grain, water and yeast. The only thing that occasionally appears is E150. Other countries abide by this rule, but not everywhere. Below we list which countries sometimes add something to this divine drink.

The United States has complicated rules when it comes to whiskey and bourbon. Each category has its own rules about what is permitted and what is not.

For instance, according to the regulations, nothing at all may be added to bourbon, although there is an exception. Blended bourbon can contain up to 2.5% additives.

Straight American single malt whiskies may contain caramel coloring and blended straight whiskies can have up to 2.5% additives such as caramel coloring or wine. These may include caramel coloring, wine, sugar, or flavorings such as herbs.

Canada takes a slightly looser approach to the rules than the United States. Canadian Whisky or Canadian Rye Whisky can contain an ample 9.09% of additives. These can be coloring, but also flavoring, wine or sherry.

Even spirit that is younger than three years can be used. However, it needs to be clear what is in this divine drink.

In Japan, it was long permitted to incorporate all sorts of colorings and flavorings in whisky, but this is no longer the case. The rules are now comparable to those of Scotland and Ireland. Which means Japanese whisky may only contain caramel coloring.

Australian whisky makers like Starward and Lark have rules that seem more reminiscent of the United States. It is allowed to use coloring in the whisky along with flavoring. Distilleries can still call their drink whisky, but they have to list on the bottle what's in it.

Therefore, whisky isn't the same everywhere in the world. The basic principles are similar, but at the end of the line, something might be added here and there to the divine drink to enhance its flavor.