old school

History
The origin of whisky is not entirely clear, but first mentions of the production of a grain distillate can be found in Scotland in the 15th century. During the 16th and 17th century, the art of whisky production spread across the British Isles, not only due to favourable natural conditions, such as plentiful grain, a wealth of peat, which is used to dry barley, and a humid climate, but also due to its affordability compared to imported alternatives. Over the centuries, whisky became a popular spirit and was exported to other countries, such as the USA, Canada or Australia, thus making it an internationally popular drink. It was in America that maize became the primary ingredient for distillation, which gave rise to a new drink called bourbon.

Today
Whisky, one of the most popular spirits in the world, is categorised based on a variety of factors, such as country of origin, the type of grain used, age, aging method and more. It is a popular drink outside of the Anglo-Saxon world and excellent brands of whisky can be found in all corners of the world, such as in Japan.

How to Drink
Ideally, whisky is served at room temperature so that its flavour and aroma can truly stand out, but it is often also used in mixed beverages (Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Irish Mule…)

Types
Single Malt – Made of barley malt and originating from a single distillery, meaning it is never mixed with whisky from other distilleries.
Blended Malt – Made of at least two types of single malt whisky from different distilleries.
Single Grain – Made of unmalted grain, from a single distillery, never mixed with whisky from other distilleries.
Blended Grain – Made of at least two types of grain whisky from different distilleries.
Blended Scotch – Made of multiple kinds of single malt (usually 15-40) and grain (usually 2-3) whisky from multiple distilleries.

History
Rum is undoubtedly one of the world›s most popular alcoholic beverages. And no wonder, given the myriad of flavours and aromas it has to offer! The history of rum in its modern form dates back to the colonisation of America by the Europeans. The first rum was probably created somewhere in the region around Barbados from sugar cane, which was grown in abundance on plantations. The sugar cane was pressed and the extracted juice was then fermented and distilled. The result was a strong alcoholic drink that fascinates our taste buds to this day.

Today
Nowadays, rums are primarily the domain of the Caribbean and Central America. Various countries and islands started developing their own kinds of rum, which differed based local traditions and techniques. Rum is usually divided into three styles based on the colonial classification – French, characteristic by its strong aroma and fresh taste, Spanish with its delicate, balanced taste, and English, strong, harsh, with a long-lasting finish.

How to Drink
There are, of course, many ways to enjoy this delicious drink. You can drink it neat ideally at room temperature, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails such as Mojito, Cuba Libre or Daiquiri.

Types
Blanco – white rum with very mellow flavour, used primarily for cocktails
Dark – the most popular variant, commonly artificially flavoured
Aged – rums aged for 5 to 25 years

History
Cognac is synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and refined taste. Its history dates back to the 16th century, when Dutch traders began distilling renowned French wines. But it was the French in the end who improved the technique of double distillation and became experts in distilling white wine in wooden casks. As time went on, cognac became a popular spirit among the nobility and aristocracy, and over the course of the 18th and 19th century spread abroad, primarily to England and Russia, where it also became a favourite of the higher social circles. At that time, cognac distillers started marking their products with various brands and new techniques of cognac aging and production were developed.

Today
For a spirit to bear the name cognac, it must originate from the eponymous region in the west of France, it must be made exclusively from white grapes Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche or Colombard and must age for at least two years. The most famous brands include Hennessy, Rémy Martin or Courvoisier.

How to Drink
Cognac is served ideally at a temperature of 19 °C in special glasses that allow one to fully enjoy its nuanced taste. It is drunk neat, without any additives so that its complex aroma and outstandingly varied flavour profile can be truly appreciated.

Types
V.S (very special) – aged for at least 2 years
V.S.O.P (very superior old pale) – aged for at least 4 years
X.O (extra old) – aged for at least 10 years

History
The history of gin is a fascinating tale full of innovation and transformation that shows how the drink has evolved from a simple curative elixir to a sophisticated beverage with a rich history and vast palette of flavour profiles. Though we can no longer ascertain the very beginnings of its history, gin experienced a major boom in 17th century England, when it became a popular drink among the lower classes, primarily thanks to its availability and low price. At that time, London saw the founding of many distilleries that produced gin in large quantities. Initially, they distributed it primarily to pharmacies as a cure for digestive disorders, but it soon made its way into all social strata. It was the favourite drink of William III., also known as William of Orange, who ruled with his wife since 1689 as the King of England, Ireland and Scotland. However, as distilling techniques advanced, gin evolved and became a more sophisticated drink with many variations on its unique taste.

Today
Gin is now a popular drink all around the world. Many distillers focus on producing gin through combination with various herbs, spices and other ingredients to create new and unique flavour profiles. Gin is steadily gaining recognition and is used as both a foundation for cocktails and as a worthwhile drink in its own right.

How to Drink
Though gin can be served on the rocks, you should try it neat first if you truly wish to appreciate its taste. It will also stand out beautifully in mixed beverages (Gin Tonic, Gin Fizz, Negroni, or agent 007›s favourite Vesper Martini).

Types
Jenever – Jenever (or genever) is distilled from malted grain and juniper.
Dry Gin – Also known as London dry gin, it is made from malted grain and herbs.