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Whisky Glossary : Abv

Whisky Glossary and Definitions

Unlike wine, for example, whisky is not really about mystification, but it does bring its own jargon. Any unusual terms you are likely to come across are described and defined in this section.

 
 

Issue 111 Out Now

Whisky Magazine Issue 111

Kentucky, Louisville, Benromach

 
Abv - Definition

Abv

Alcohol By Volume, often abbreviated to Abv

See also : Alcohol By Volume

A bourbon thoroughbred
Stuart Maclean Ramsay was totally sedcued by Kentucky's smallest distillery, which uses Scottish copper pot stills and a rare method of distillation.

December 1999, Issue 7, page 30

A brave new world
The world of whisky may well still be dominated by the big five traditional producers,but they're no longer having it all their own way.Dominic Roskrow looks at the new wave of world whisky

September 2007, Issue 66, page 18

A brave new world
Using his knowledge and passion for wine,whisky maker John Hall is creating one of the most iconic Canadian brands, Rob Allanson went to find out why.

November 2007, Issue 67, page 45

A captivating cocktail
Ian Wisniewski looks at the Atholl Brose

June 2006, Issue 56, page 25

A drop of the soft stuff
Ian Wisniewski assesses the effect of the water used in whisky production and as mixer on the drink we love

October 2002, Issue 26, page 52

A Little Piece of History
Once, Old Crow was synonymous with quality bourbon, but for some years it has been lost in the wilderness. Now it's set a new lease of life. Dominic Roskrow reports

January 2011, Issue 93, page 22

A Locavore's Tipple
Liza Weisstuch goes in search of slow food whiskey

February 2013, Issue 109, page 34

A matter of art in a glass
What makes a great blend,and why do the biggest brands command such loyalty? Ian Buxton reports

October 2005, Issue 51, page 22

A new relationship
Beer guru Roger Protz looks at some oak aged beers on the market

December 2010, Issue 92, page 58

A Phoenix from the flames
It's nearly 10 years since a major fire all but destroyed a great part of Heaven Hill. But the distillery's now thriving and going from strength to strength. Charles Cowdery reports

July 2005, Issue 49, page 25

A right royal return (Carneronbridge)
Tom Bruce-Gardyne finds that Carneronbridge Distillery is ready to return to the public eye after years in the background of the Scottish whisky industry- all thanks to a member of the Royal family

February 2002, Issue 21, page 38

A sense of place
Joe Bates finds a warm welcome in Sweden.

February 2009, Issue 78, page 34

A Singular Idea
Mark Gillespie explores Buffalo Trace's single oak project

February 2012, Issue 101, page 24

A touch of glass
There is no doubt that the glass you use has an effect on the appreciation of the spirit therein. Marcin Miller investigate further.

July 2002, Issue 24, page 46

A trace of greatness
Stuart Maclean Ramsay roams among the magnificent buffalo of Kentucky.

September 2000, Issue 11, page 22

A-Z of the world's best blends
Ailsa Craig Company: A Dewar Rattray Age: none ABV: 40% Territories: NA Description: smoky but has a unique and unusual taste created by the harsh grain and the oily and interesting malt content The...

October 2004, Issue 43, page 24

Above the clouds
Joe Bates gives in-flight duty-free a chance.

July 2009, Issue 81, page 34

Ageing Gracefully
The quiet son of Islay whiskies, Bunnahabhain, is to launch a oneoff limited edition 40 Years Old single malt whisky.

December 2012, Issue 108, page 8

Alchemy by the Bay
Stuart MacLean Ramsay takes a trip to the US west coast and checks out three very different but equally daring and passionate distillers

December 2001, Issue 20, page 38

Arranged marriage
So how do whiskies cope once they have come of age and are ready for single-malt marriage? Ian Wisniewski investigates

June 2003, Issue 31, page 72

As easy as A,B,C
New to whisky? Then this new series goes back to basics. Dominic Roskrow explains

October 2006, Issue 59, page 74

As esay as one, two, three?
Peter Mulryan looks at the increasingly rare art of triple distillation

March 2003, Issue 29, page 58

Ask the expert
John Rose fields more of your questions

March 2007, Issue 62, page 53

Ask the Expert
If you have a question for John, send it to editorial@whiskymag.com or by post to Questions & Answers, Whisky Magazine, St Faiths House, Mountergate, Norwich, England, NR1 1PY

December 2011, Issue 100, page 97

Ask the Expert
I'm hoping that you could help me with some information on a bottle of Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Ardbeg. Distilled in 1974, the label says it was bottled in 1996 at ABV 40%. I am hoping th...

July 2012, Issue 105, page 82

Ask The Expert
I have several hand-blown bottles of the Bowmore Bicentennial edition, complete with the wooden case. It is one of the finest whiskies I have ever tasted but it seems too valuable for me to drink at t...

October 2012, Issue 107, page 74

Ask The Expert
Send your questionsto editorial@whiskymag.com or by post to: Q&A, Whisky Magazine, St Faiths House, Mountergate, Norwich, England, NR1 1PY

April 2013, Issue 111, page 82

At the still
Dave takes us through the production process.

September 2008, Issue 74, page 59

At whisky's coalface
Bruichladdich is the latest of a series of distilleries to launch its own whisky academy. Mark Furse joined one of the first groups to see what you get for your money

October 2004, Issue 43, page 48

Beware bargain barrels
Just when you thought you'd heard the end of whisky investment scams, Ian Buxton says the true story will be in the drinking

August 2006, Issue 58, page 27

Bodega Don George
Dave Broom heads to a surprising Scottish outpost in the Dominican Republic.

September 2009, Issue 82, page 53

Bottling the Holy Ghost
What happens when you have a Mass at the mash-tun?

January 2006, Issue 53, page 11

Bourbon uncovered
Gary Regan & Mardee Haidin Regan guide us through the process of whiskey-making American-style

October 1999, Issue 6, page 54

Business traffic drives whisky business at Frankfurt
Joe Bates reports from one of Europe's largest airports

July 2007, Issue 65, page 57

By the letter
In the latest in the series Dominic Roskrow looks at the letter ‘D'

March 2007, Issue 62, page 78

 

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Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Private Collection Balblair 1973
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.00%
8 Elegant and uncomplicated. Refreshing and appetising. Hides its 50% ABV very well.

Dry Fly Triticle
Grain - U.S.A. - 42.00%
8 ?A big, rich classic Bourbon note to this one. Well played.

Cooper's Choice Rosebank 1992
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
8 A reminder of a great Lowland malt lost.

Grant's 25 Years Old
Blended - Scotland - 40.00%
7 A delicate and enticing whisky which would have benefited from a higher strength. When you want to try a little tenderness.

Glenfiddich Rick Oak
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
7 It's a decent enough dram but just falls flat in the mouth. More alcohol would have helped methinks.

 

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