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Spirits from Around the World: A Global Tasting Journey

If you are looking to expand your palate and embark on a journey that takes you through the various spirits around the world, then you are in the right place. Spirits are beyond just a drink; it’s a culture, tradition, and history that speaks volumes about a particular place. They are an integral part of social, religious, and medicinal ceremonies around the world. Every spirit has a unique flavor, aroma, and story to tell. From the tangy Caipirinha of Brazil to the smoky Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey of Scotland, every spirit has its signature taste. This blog post is here to introduce you to some of the famous spirits around the world and let you engage in a fantastic tasting journey.

Are you ready to explore some signature flavors & spirits from around the world? Let’s start with Gin, a clear spirit that originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Gin’s main flavor is juniper berries, and it’s been used for centuries as a medicinal drink. Today, Gin comes in an array of botanical flavors, including lavender, rosemary, citrus, and herbs. Drink it neat or as a cocktail, Gin is perfect for summer evenings.

Moving on to Japan, we have Sake, which is made from fermented rice. Sake is often served warm and has a dry, delicate flavor. Sake is the national beverage of Japan and is commonly used in religious ceremonies. It’s similar to wine and can be paired with sushi, seafood, or grilled meats.

From Japan, let’s jump to Mexico, the birthplace of Tequila. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant and must be produced in specific regions of Mexico to bear the name Tequila. Tequila comes in various categories, including blanco, reposado, and Añejo. The flavor is potent, with a hint of smokiness and is best enjoyed in a margarita or shot with salt and lemon.

Now we head to Scotland to explore their most popular spirit, Scotch. Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley and distilled in oak casks to give it a smoky, peaty flavor. The flavor profiles of Scotch whiskey vary depending on the region; the Islay single malt is the smokiest Scotch with a hint of seaweed, while the Highland single malt has a sweeter, fruity taste.

Finally, let’s talk about Rum, which is commonly associated with the Caribbean. Rum is made from sugarcane and comes in different styles, including white, dark, and spiced. The Caribbean produces some of the world’s best rums, with each island boasting signature blends, creating diverse flavor profiles. Rum is perfect for sipping on the rocks or in a fruity cocktail.

Spirits are the epitome of culture, tradition, and history. Each drink tells a unique story and offers a distinctive flavor. Exploring spirits around the world can be an exciting and informative journey. Gin from the Netherlands, Sake from Japan, Tequila from Mexico, Scotch from Scotland, and Rum from the Caribbean are just a few of the famous spirits that we’ve explored today. The best way to find your favorite spirit is to experience the flavors of the world, one glass at a time. So grab a bottle or create a tasting flight, invite your friends & family, and let’s raise a glass to the spirits from around the world. Cheers!

Whiskey vs. Whisky: Understanding the Differences

If you are a whiskey lover, you might have come across the term ‘whisky’ and wondered why some whiskeys are spelled differently. Whiskey and Whisky are two popular alcoholic drinks enjoyed worldwide, but their spelling can be a bit confusing. So why do some brands spell it differently, and is there really a difference between the two? In this blog post, we will explore the differences between whiskey and whisky and show you some of the best selections available at Payless Liquors.

The first thing to understand about whiskey and whisky is that the spelling depends on the origin of the drink. Whiskey is the spelling used for the drink made in America and Ireland, while ‘whisky’ is the spelling used for those made mainly in Scotland, Canada, Japan, and other parts of the world. Another significant difference is the distilling process, which can affect the flavor and texture of the drink. In the USA, for instance, bourbon is made from at least 51% corn mash and aged in charred oak barrels, while Irish whiskey is triple distilled and Scottish whiskies are usually double distilled, although some are triple distilled.

When it comes to taste, whiskey and whisky can offer different flavors and aromas. For example, while most Scottish whiskies have a distinctive smoky flavor with peat flavors, American bourbon is often sweeter with vanilla or caramel notes and a slightly different drink recipe. Irish whiskey is often milder and smoother, while Canadian whiskey often has a fruity aroma.

If you are looking for a great selection of whiskey and whisky, then Payless Liquors is the best place to start. They have everything from bourbon, single malt Scotch, Canadian, Irish whiskey, and Japanese whisky, to name a few. You can also choose from blends or single malts and compare the flavors and detect the differences between the two.

If you’re new to whiskey and whisky, you may want to start with a classic cocktail to help you explore the flavors. Some popular options include an Old fashioned, which is made from bourbon, bitters, a sugar cube, and an orange peel garnish. Another famous one is the Rob Roy, which is made from scotch, vermouth, and a dash of bitters.

In conclusion, the differences between whiskey and whisky are determined by the origin of the drink and the distilling process. While the spelling may seem like a minor detail, it can significantly affect the flavor profile of the drink. With the vast selection available at Payless Liquors, you can taste a range of different whiskeys and whiskies, including classics and new favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey expert or a newcomer to the world of spirits, Payless Liquors is the perfect place to explore the variety of flavor and distinction between these complex and flavorful beverages.

Why Not Rye?

Whiskey has, of course, been around for years, but rye is seeing a new and exciting resurgence in the drink market. As a versatile grain, rye is used for vodka, beer, and whiskey. With distilleries across the country, both large and small, rye whiskey is a flavorful beverage that is gaining a whole new following.

Cask finishing is one way that all the many types of rye whiskeys separate from their competition, and the body of rye lends itself well to the process. Its clean finish is better suited to casks than bourbon’s heavier one.

While the United States has a long tradition and history of rye whiskey, its origins aren’t necessarily stateside. German immigrants brought the tradition with them in the mid-1600s while they were settling in modern-day Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Germany had a rich history of rye whiskey production, even then.

We can credit the German immigrants with bringing the rye process to the United States. Still, we can also credit the Dutch with the industrialization of distilling, and they made a spirit very similar to rye whiskey. The Dutch had been making genever with rye for many years. Luckily, rye grew plentifully in America, thus solidifying rye’s usage in distillation.

Before Prohibition, rye was America’s dark spirit choice rather than bourbon. Because of Prohibition, many distilleries that produced rye closed and never reopened, and rye was notoriously difficult to find for several years.

As for rye whiskey, a serious resurgence has been going on for some 15 years after its production had previously died off in the 90s. We’re lucky today that so many people in the industry have taken rye whiskey on as a quest, and while innovation can be great, staying power is excellent too.

Bulleit Rye is one of the classics that Payless Liquors offers. With its smooth, crisp finish and notes of vanilla, spice, and honey throughout, this is a great sipper on the rocks, neat, or as the base spirit for a number of cocktails.

Rittenhouse is another rye whiskey offering. Long a beloved choice for bartenders, Rittenhouse has an herbal, sweet taste to start, then transitions quickly to roasty, dark flavors, such as oak and licorice. Perfect for a classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan, its flavor can handle nearly every kind of whiskey-based drink.

Did you know that Old Overholt is America’s oldest rye whiskey brand? In production since 1810, this rye whiskey is no spirit to turn your nose up to. They’re still capable of producing an excellent core rye that’s being aged for four years rather than the previous three. They also make some higher-octane distillations and offer an 11-year-aged rye as well. Old Overholt has a citrusy bouquet and sweet caramel and vanilla scents. A perfect cocktail or sipping rye.

Rye has a long and rich history in the United States. With over 200 years of production and enjoyment, it has a staying power worth noting. See our full list of Rye Whiskey offerings, and try a new Rye today.