Whisky Terms Glossary
An overview of commonly used terms in the world of whisky
The extensive history of whisky has produced an impressive number of terms that are used to describe both common things and very nuanced ones. Both whisky novices and weathered whisky enthusiasts will find the list below helpful. We will be updating this list regularly.
Age Statement
The number of years the youngest whisky in the bottle has matured in casks.
Angel’s Share
The portion of whisky that evaporates from the cask during maturation.
Barrel / Cask
A wooden vessel—typically oak—used to mature whisky. Comes in many types (e.g., bourbon barrel, sherry butt, hogshead).
Bottler (Independent Bottler)
A company that purchases spirit from a distillery and bottles it under its own label.
Cask Strength
Whisky bottled at the natural strength of the cask, without dilution.
Chill Filtration
A filtering method used to remove oils and particles, often resulting in a clearer but sometimes less oily whisky.
Distillery
The facility where whisky is produced through mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation.
Dram
A small serving of whisky.
Finish / Finishing
The final stage of maturation in a different cask type to add complexity (e.g., port finish).
IB (Independent Bottling)
A whisky released by an independent bottler rather than the distillery itself.
NAS (No Age Statement)
A whisky that does not state its age on the label.
Nose
The aroma of the whisky when smelled.
OB (Official Bottling)
A whisky bottled directly by the distillery.
Palate
The flavours experienced when tasting whisky.
Peat / Peated
Refers to whisky made with barley dried over peat smoke, resulting in smoky, earthy flavours.
Proof / ABV
Alcohol content. ABV = Alcohol by Volume; Proof varies by country.
Single Cask
Whisky bottled from one individual cask, often limited in quantity.
Single Malt
Malt whisky made at a single distillery using malted barley.
Terroir
The influence of local climate, water, barley, and environment on whisky character.
Vintage
The year the whisky was distilled.