According to a Facts & Factor research report, the annually inflating global whiskey market is anticipated to top $95.9 billion by the year 2026. As a globally-savored spirit that harbors a plethora of health benefits, there’s no wonder why so many people are choosing to buy whiskey online.
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented malted grains, such as barley or rye. First produced in medieval Scotland and Ireland, the classic beverage’s name – ‘usquebaugh’ or ‘uisge beatha’ – generally translates to “water of life.” The earliest documented record of distilling in Scotland occurred in the 15th century – 1494 to be exact – in the tax records of the day, “the Exchequer Rolls.”
Some historians believe that the distilling of whiskey may have been introduced to Scotland by Christian missionary monks. However, nothing is ruling out the possibility of Highland farmers distilling spirits from their leftover barley without following the guidance of modern monasterial members.
Nowadays, this dark grain alcohol is made all over the world. It is possible to buy whiskey online or at most liquor stores and supermarkets. Some of the most popular types of whiskey include single malt, scotch, bourbon, and rye.
Why do people enjoy whiskey?
During 16th-century Scotland, apothecaries would sell whiskey to customers with claims of it being a therapeutic tonic. The people of Medieval Scotland would guzzle whiskey in the hopes of relieving joint pain, curing congestion, and restoring a youthful appearance.
American Prohibition stretched from 1920 to 1933, and doctors began prescribing whiskey to treat medical conditions like high blood pressure, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
The distilled beverage can temporarily widen blood vessels, contributing to clearing mucus build-up in the chest and sinuses. In comparison with other types of alcohol, whiskey contains fewer calories. Plus, it has no sugar or carbohydrates, making it kinder on the waistline than, let’s say, wine or beer.
Moreover, whiskey can be a source of the following vitamins/nutrients:
- Iron
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Phosphorus
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- Zinc
As if that wasn’t appealing enough, whiskey is also enriched with an antioxidant commonly found in berries, known as “ellagic acid”. Research indicates that this antioxidant may help kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and kick-start apoptosis. However, further research is needed.
Interesting Facts About Whiskey
Did you know that whiskey is essentially a more refined form of beer? Whiskey is produced from ‘wort’. This sweet infusion of ground malt, yeast, and water is also contained in a frosty glass of beer.
Here are some other fascinating facts you may not have known about whiskey:
- Home to some 5.5 million people and over 20 million kegs kept in reserve, Scotland boasts close to four barrels of alcoholic beverage per resident.
- Frank Sinatra’s grave contains a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey and a pack of Camel cigarettes.
- Whiskey is one of the primary ingredients of the world-famous Tabasco hot sauce.
- The Guinness World Record for the “World’s Oldest Whiskey” is held by the master distillers responsible for brewing a 400ml bottle of Glenavon Special Liqueur.
- Canadian and Scottish/Scotch blends are spelled “whisky” without the ‘e’, whereas all other types of the spirit are spelled “whiskey”.
Making a Wise Whiskey Purchase
Remember always to practice caution when buying whiskey online. So long as you are of legal age, you may think that the online buying process will be straightforward and stress-free. However, there are a few things you should consider to ensure that you make a wise purchase:
- Read Retailer Policies – Read a retailer’s policies carefully and steer clear of sellers that don’t obey the local laws. It’s not just whiskey sellers that should implement the necessary policies. Every type of e-commerce website owner ought to establish firm policies. Assess the Terms of Service policies, the returns and exchanges policy, and the privacy policy before purchasing.
- Confirm the Retailer is Licensed – Anyone can sell alcohol online with the correct paperwork, marketing/sales skills, and, of course, a B2B eCommerce platform. However, it’s essential to make sure a retailer possesses the necessary licenses to sell whiskey on the Internet legally. The type(s) of licenses required will depend on the type(s) of alcohol a business sells. The licensing requirements may also differ depending on the state. However, in most cases, a valid liquor license, Personal License, and a Premises License will suffice for online sales.
- Check Out the Product Selection – The best sellers will stock hundreds (if not thousands) of different types of whiskeys from distilleries across the globe. Seller experience is often reflected in product diversity, so keep an eye out for brands like Macallan Exceptional Single Cask 1950, Ardbeg 1972 VELIER, Brora 40th Old 200th Anniversary, Speyburn Bradan Orach Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Whisky, and Redbreast Single Pot Irish Whiskey.
- Read Reviews from Previous Customers – The best way to learn if you are getting good value for money when buying whiskey online is to read the customer reviews featured on a seller’s website and other review sites. By reading both the positive and negative comments, you can make a valid judgment about the whiskey(s) you intend on buying, not to mention the seller’s reputability.
- Assess the Shipping Options – It is illegal for the United States Postal Service (USPS) to legally ship alcohol across the U.S. Because of this, most whiskey retailers will rely on FedEx and UPS. Being home to accept the delivery is essential since the recipient must sign for alcohol. Don’t expect the courier to leave the package on your doorstep if you’re not home! A valid form of identification should be presented by someone aged 21 and over.
Pairing Food with Whiskey for Maximum Flavor
Whatever type of whiskey you choose to indulge in when you buy from an online seller, it’s worth treating your palate – as well as the taste buds of your guests, should you be hosting a dinner party – to some complementary flavors. The presence of specific aromas and flavor notes create a mouthwatering connection between whiskey and certain types of food.
Also read: Perks of Choosing Custom Packaging
For example, smokier spirits are the ideal match for dark chocolate, whereas full-bodied Malt and Rye whiskey work well with cheese, single malt Scotch whiskey with smoked salmon, and bourbon with red meat. Don’t forget to hydrate before and after consuming this distilled spirit. After all, nobody likes a hangover.