What Do We Mean By New World Whiskies?

 


Whisky is being distilled in continents worldwide, but what do we mean when we say “New World Whisky”?

The term is used as a catch-all for the growing production of whiskies outside of the traditional markets of Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Japan, and the U.S. (e.g., Australia, India). Or it can also be a fresh style of whisky emanating from a country with a long history of production (e.g., American single malt).


How New World Whisky is different from Traditional Ones?

Parameters

New World (Single Malt Myth)

Traditional (Blended Scotch)

Distinguishing Factor

New World Whisky is made from water and malted barley and is distilled at a single distillery.

Blended Scotch is made when grain whisky is mixed with malt whisky.

What does it actually mean?

By single malt, we refer to a single producer or distillery. However, the final product need not necessarily be a single malt. It can be an absolute blend of malts of varying ages, such that the viscosity of the product is maintained.

A blended Scotch can also indicate a mixture of 1/3 part of malt whisky and 2/3 parts of grain whisky, but not from the same distillery. Blended Scotch whisky may include a combination of whiskies of more than 30 to 60 different grain and malt distilleries.

Taste Bud speaks

Known for its quality and discrete flavor, the new world Scotch offers a perfect treat to the tongue while keeping you close to earthiness.

It is less intense and has a more pleasing flavor than the two. If you are looking for something soothing and not robust, go for it.

Cost

Connoisseur’s pride. The cost of single malt varies as per the ageing period of the malt.

Its primary ingredient is grain whisky, making this variety less pricey and affordable for the general crowd.

Examples

Amrut Fusion  - India

Alfred Giraud - France

Starward Nova - Australia

TX Blended Whiskey - USA

The GlenDronach - Scotland

 

 

Casks make the difference:

 

Unlike Scotch, which is totally aged in American and European Oak casks, New World Whisky is aged in several different casks:

 

●      They make use of previously used barrels like - mead, pomegranate wine, and 150-year-old beer barrels).

 

●      Alternative wood types such as ‘Frankencasks’ to Birch and Russian Oak. They can also use a mixture of timbers from different sources.

 

Thus, casks play the most vital role in the tone and flavor of the ultimate product.

 

Why don’t we see new world whiskies very often in the Major Markets?

 

Many new world whiskies are hard to find in the Major Markets for a number of reasons.

 

●      They may have limited production.

●      Most of the whiskies are sold in the home markets by the producers themselves.

●      Many new world whisky distilleries are comparatively young and are unable to produce high-quality whisky fit for export.

 

Many aim for a 'farm to bottle' strategy, utilizing local barley and water sources to deliver terroir to the fore. Some even strive to produce everything in-house to ensure an exceptional result as they own their barley fields, handle their estate water sources, and even bottle on-site. Due to their boutique nature and ability to make such unique and limited releases, new bottles often sell out before release.

 

So where can you find new world whiskies?

When new world whiskies make their way to major markets, they usually end up in large cities. Costly whisky bars typically have a good selection of world whiskies. If you’re seeking whiskies from a specific country, look for high-end restaurants that offer that country’s culture. If you don’t stay near a large city, you can buy some world whiskies online.