Question 1

True or false: Whiskey can legally be aged in previously used barrels, like those that held sherry or wine.

Accepted Answer

True. Many whiskeys, especially Scotch and Irish, use ex-sherry or ex-bourbon barrels to add unique flavors.

Question 2

True or false: The angel's share refers to whiskey lost to evaporation during aging, and in Scotland it averages about 2% per year.

Accepted Answer

True. In Scotland's cooler climate, the angel's share is typically around 2% annually, a well-established figure in the whisky industry.

Question 3

True or false: Scotch whisky must be distilled and aged in Scotland for a minimum of five years.

Accepted Answer

False. Scotch must be aged in Scotland for at least three years, not five. Many premium Scotches age much longer.

Question 4

True or false: All whiskey is made from a mash bill that includes at least 51% corn.

Accepted Answer

False. Only bourbon requires at least 51% corn; other whiskeys like Scotch or rye use barley or rye as the primary grain.

Question 5

True or false: Whiskey must be aged for at least two years to be called 'straight whiskey' in the US.

Accepted Answer

True. US law requires straight whiskey to be aged at least two years, though many are aged longer for flavor.

Question 6

True or false: The color of whiskey comes entirely from the oak barrel it's aged in, with no added coloring.

Accepted Answer

False. While much color comes from the barrel, many commercial whiskeys add caramel coloring (E150a) for consistency.

Question 7

True or false: Canadian whisky often contains a small amount of other spirits, like brandy or sherry, blended in.

Accepted Answer

True. Canadian law allows up to 9.09% of 'flavoring' spirits (like sherry or rum) in whisky blends, a unique rule.

Question 8

True or false: The word 'whiskey' comes from the Irish Gaelic phrase for 'water of life.'

Accepted Answer

True. The word 'whiskey' is derived from the Irish Gaelic phrase 'uisce beatha', meaning 'water of life', through anglicization.

Whiskey Trivia Questions