Whiskey 101: The Main Whiskey Styles

Let’s be honest: walking down the whiskey aisle can be completely overwhelming. You’re staring at a wall of bottles, hit with terms like "Bourbon," "Single Malt Scotch," "Rye," and "Irish Whiskey," and it feels like you need a secret decoder ring just to pick one. What’s the real difference between all these types of whiskey? And more importantly, how do you figure out which one you’ll actually enjoy drinking without wasting your hard-earned money on a bottle you end up hating?

Welcome to your official, judgment-free zone. Forget the snobbery and confusing jargon. We’re here to be your practical guide to the main styles of whiskey, breaking down the basics in plain English. Think of this as your Whiskey 101, a simple starting point to help you learn about whiskey, understand the key flavors, and finally feel confident in your next purchase. Ready to drink smarter? Explore our simple guides to each whiskey style below.