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Whiskey and the Stories Behind It: Types and How It's Made

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29 April 2026

Whiskey is never only a drink. It is weather and wood, grain and fire, patience measured in years rather than minutes. 

A well-made pour carries the imprint of where it began and how it was finished, shaped by the still, softened by time, and framed by the barrel that held it in silence.

Currently, whiskey has become its own language. Some guests chase smoke and mineral depth. Others prefer honeyed sweetness, gentle spice, or a clean and precise finish. 

Once you understand whiskey is built from a few core choices, grain, technique, and aging, the world opens with remarkable clarity.

 

What Is Whiskey

 

Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting and distilling grains such as barley, corn, rye, or wheat, which are then aged in wooden barrels, usually oak.

This aging process gives whiskey its characteristic amber color and enriches its flavor profile, which includes notes of vanilla, caramel, spices, and smokiness. Of course, this depends on the type of grain, distillation technique, and duration of storage.

The spelling of "whiskey" and "whisky" differs depending on the country of origin. The United States and Ireland use the spelling whiskey, while Scotland and Japan use whisky.

 

Types of Whiskey

 

Here are some types of whiskey commonly found in specialty bars.

 

• Scotch Whiskey: Originating from Scotland, it is generally malted barley-based and known for its smoky or peaty character.
• Irish Whiskey: Tends to be lighter and smoother due to its triple-distillation process.
• Bourbon: A distinctive American whiskey with a minimum of 51% corn. It has a sweet, vanilla-caramel flavor.
• Rye Whiskey: Uses a predominance of rye to produce a spicier and bolder flavor.
• Japanese Whisky: Inspired by Scottish techniques, it has a precise and elegant character.


Understanding the different types of whiskey helps you discover your taste preferences, whether you prefer a strong or smooth character.

 

How whiskey Is Made?

 

To understand the types of whiskey, it is also important to know how this drink is made.

 

• Mashing: Grains are ground and mixed with hot water to extract natural sugars.
• Fermentation: Yeast converts sugar into alcohol, producing a low-alcohol liquid.
• Distillation: The fermented liquid is heated in a distillation apparatus to increase the alcohol content and purify the flavor profile.
• Aging: Whiskey is stored in oak barrels for several years. During this stage, the flavor develops and absorbs the wood's characteristics, resulting in distinctive complexity.

The longer the aging process, the deeper and richer the flavor profile tends to be. However, balance remains a key factor.

 

Bottom Parlour, Whiskey Saloon Destination in Jakarta

 

Some places understand whiskey as much as the atmosphere as a liquid. Bottom Parlour is a whiskey saloon destination in Jakarta, designed for nights that feel deliberate. The lighting is low, the energy is intimate, and the menu invites you to explore both classic structure and modern imagination.

At the heart of its cocktail lies Bottom Parlour House Blend Whisky, a signature blend that reflects the saloon's identity. It brings together three whisky styles: Bourbon Whisky, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Irish Whisky. 

Once blended, the whisky is rested for 40 days in an American Oak barrel at the warehouse, allowing each element to settle into a rounded, smooth, and well-balanced expression that is distinctly Bottom Parlour.

 

Bottom Parlour House Blend Whisky Tasting Profile

 

• Nose: Rich, warm aromas of apple, toffee, and honey unfold, with sweet marzipan and subtle hints of tangy marmalade. 
• Palate: Fresh and mellow, revealing notes of pear, creamy peach, and pineapple, gently lifted by a touch of Demerara sugar. 
• Finish: Rich, smooth, and refreshing with an effortless sipability that lingers cleanly on the tongue.

 

But, if you want to taste the spirit through a cocktail lens, these signatures are worth your attention.

 

1. Brandy, You're a Fine Girl 

 

Smoked pear brandy sets a gentle autumnal tone, with a soft fruit warmth that feels rounded rather than sweet. Honey adds a polished richness, while fresh lemon tightens the profile with a clean, bright edge. 

Finished with tonic, the drink lifts into a crisp, aromatic highball that stays refreshing from first sip to last.

 

2. Ruby Starts A-Rockin'

 

Built on The Cocktail Club's house blend whisky, this cocktail leans into a smooth, spirit-forward base with depth and structure. 

Pedro Ximenez sherry brings a velvety layer of dried fruit and dark sweetness, then lemon cuts through to keep the finish precise. 

Grenadine adds a ruby hue and a subtle fruit note, creating a balanced serve that reads both classic and quietly indulgent.

 

3. Chili Chocolate  

 

A richer, more decadent direction. White chocolate liqueur adds a creamy sweetness and silky texture, while Empirical Ayuuk provides an unexpected aromatic lift, keeping the drink from feeling heavy. 

Modernhaus house-blend whisky anchors the blend with warm grain notes, and Pedro Ximenez sherry adds a dark, raisin-like depth. 

The result is a dessert-leaning but composed composition, with a gentle spice suggestion that lingers elegantly.

 

4. There Goes Mary 

 

This is the bold, savoury choice, designed for guests who enjoy heat, smoke, and brightness in one glass. Codigo Blanco offers a clean agave backbone, while Ancho Reyes brings a deep chili warmth that feels fragrant rather than aggressive. 

 

Lime sharpens the structure, bell pepper adds a green, vegetal freshness, and smoked hickory hot sauce finishes with a slow-building smokiness. Complex, lively, and confidently unconventional.

 

5. Dry Martini 

 

A study in restraint and precision. Sipsmith gin delivers crisp juniper and bright botanicals, while Dolin Dry Vermouth adds a subtle herbal softness, keeping the drink balanced. 

 

Served cold and clean, it is linear, elegant, and quietly powerful, best for those who appreciate minimalism and technique over sweetness.

 

Pull Up and Let Us Pour You One or Two in Bottom Parlour!

 

If whiskey is your evening language, or if you are simply beginning to explore types of whiskey with a guided hand, Bottom Parlour offers a setting that respects the ritual. 

 

Arrive with curiosity, order with intention, and let the night unfold one measured sip at a time.

 

Location:

 

• Senopati, Jakarta Selatan

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