Whisky Beginners Series: A Simple Guide to ABV and Whisky

When it comes to whisky, one very important (and often overlooked) factor is the alcohol by volume, or ABV, and the affect it can have on the final taste. This beginners guide to ABV gives you everything you need to know.

What is ABV?

ABV stands for Alcohol By Volume, and is simply a measure of the amount of ethanol (pure alcohol) in a given drink. ABV is expressed as a percentage of the total volume of the liquid, meaning that if a spirit has an ABV of 50%, for every 100ml of spirit, there must be at least 50ml of ethanol.

What ABV is Whisky?

To be called whisky, it must age in oak casks for at least 3 years and be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. The spirit is around 60-70% ABV when casked for maturation. Afterward, water is added to achieve the desired ABV, highlighting the whisky's characteristics.

Did Someone Say Angel's?

The Angel's Share refers to the whisky lost to evaporation during maturation, typically 2-4% annually, influenced by cask type and climate. In hotter climates, this can reach up to 40%. Humidity levels determine whether water or alcohol evaporates more, affecting the final ABV and flavour intensity of the whisky.

What is Cask Strength Whisky?

Cask strength whisky is bottled directly from the cask without dilution, resulting in a higher ABV than other whiskies. This high ABV enhances flavour and aroma, offering a richer, bolder and more complex tasting experience.

How does ABV affect taste?

Whiskies with higher ABV have more intense, concentrated flavors due to less water, resulting in a full-bodied, complex profile. Lower ABV whiskies are often more approachable, especially for new drinkers. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference.

Chill Filtration

Chill filtration removes impurities from whisky by chilling it below freezing and filtering it to trap larger compounds and coagulated proteins, which can cause cloudiness. This process extends the whisky's shelf life but may strip away some flavour and character. Whiskies with an ABV over 46% do not require chill filtration, so many producers aim for this threshold.

Conclusion

With your understanding of whisky ABV, you can make informed choices for your next dram. Higher ABV whiskies are more intense, while lower ABV options are often more approachable, especially for beginners. Explore the variety available and discover your preferred way to enjoy this marvellous malt. Share your favourite drams and how you like to drink them... Cheers!

SHOP ABV