What does the word whisky mean?
Whisky, also spelt “whiskey” in certain countries, is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic “uisge beatha” meaning “water of life”. The name “whisky” varies depending on the producing country and specific regulations. It is known by this name in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Japan, and the United States, where Americans spell it “whiskey”.
In the beginning...
The history of whisky dates back to many centuries ago, with traces of distillation which date back to Antiquity. It progressively established itself as a noble product in Ireland and Scotland where by the 15th century, if not earlier, monks were producing it for their monasteries. Over the centuries, distillation; techniques improved, and whisky became an essential part of Scottish and Irish culture.
In the 18th century, the distillation of Whisky spread to America, notably Virginia and Kentucky, where American bourbon came into existence. The production of whisky also spread to Canada and Japan with each region bringing its own distinctive touch to the beverage.
Today, whisky is a drink enjoyed by the whole world, with styles and flavors which vary according to the production country, the ingredients used and the aging methods. Perfume and eau de toilette with whisky notes have plenty to inspire them, as they delve into the beverage’s dense history. Its elegant character is recreated through olfactory notes that are particularly distinctive.
The making of whisky
The making of whisky is a complex process that requires patience, a savoir-faire and respect for traditions. The story begins with the selection of grains, most often malt barley, although other cereals such as maize, rye, and wheat are used depending on the desired type of whisky. First of all, the grains are malted to release the enzymes necessary for fermentation.
Malting consists of germinating barley grains by soaking them in water and leaving them to dry. Once germinated, the grains are dried in a malt kiln, creating malt, an essential substance for fermentation.
The malted grains are then ground into a fine powder, known as grist, which is mixed with hot water in a mash tun. This operation converts the starch in the grains into fermentable sugars.
The sweet liquid obtained after brewing, called wort, is then transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added. Fermentation generally lasts between two and three days producing a low alcohol liquid known as “wash”.
The wash is then distilled in large copper stills, where it undergoes two or three distillations to eliminate the impurities and obtains a pure, clear, and strong alcohol. The distillate obtained during the second distillation is called the “new make spirit”.
This new spirit is then aged in wooden casks, usually made of oak, for several years or even decades. Throughout this maturing period in the casks, the whisky acquires its unique flavors, colors, and aromas. The interactions between the liquid and the wood of the cask gives the whisky its woody, vanilla, spicy and sometimes smoky notes.
Finally, after the aging process, the whiskies are blended by master blenders to create specific expressions.
They are blended with other whiskies from different years and casks to achieve the desired balance of flavors. The whisky is then bottled and ready to be enjoyed, reflecting the hard work and passion of many craftsmen involved in this production process.
What do you know about the use of whisky in perfumery ?
The whisky olfactory profile of whisky is deep, syrupy, woody, sometimes smoky, fruity and almost gourmand making it a particularly complex and interesting note in perfumery. Perfumes with whisky notes generally evoke a warm and woody environment. Powerful notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and smoke are detected and are reminiscent of aging barrels.
Both woody and amber, they bring originality to fragrance compositions.
In perfumery, whisky is an accord that cannot be obtained naturally. Different raw materials are therefore combined to give a whisky effect. This accord combines wonderfully with spicy notes such as pepper, cinnamon, or ginger, resulting in spicy, seductive fragrances.
Whisky also works very well with gourmand notes such as vanilla, caramel and coffee and adds a sugary and gourmand touch to the fragrances.
Certain perfumers like to play with contrasts by associating the woody note of whisky with fresh and green notes, creating modern and dynamic compositions.
Perfumes with whisky notes often evoke an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication which is ideal for special occasions and elegant evenings. Their enchanting and sensual notes are an invitation to a sophisticated olfactory voyage.
Although whisky cannot be extracted naturally, recent extraction techniques can obtain notes that are close to it. Indeed, the company IFF-LMR has teamed up with cooperage specialist Segiun Moreau, to develop oakwood, an extract from oak barrels used for spirits and wines. Oakwood is an exceptional raw material recently added to the perfumers’ palettes, providing a new syrupy woody note. Its olfactory characteristics include buttery warm milk and whisky, as well as woody facets.
Whisky inspires perfumery in both its olfactory and marketing dimensions.
Some perfume bottles are inspired by spirit glasses, such as the brand By Kilian, which uses the impressive whisky glass for its perfume bottles. The world of spirits is omnipresent in the By Killian house. Notably, one can find a fragrance called Angel’s share, which refers to the volume of alcohol evaporated during cask aging. The perfume house Paco Rabanne is inspired by the whisky universe for its eau de parfum “Paco Rabanne pour Homme”, creating a bottle based on a whisky flask.
Perfumes and eau de toilette containing a whisky accord are primarily perfumes for men. However, with woody and amber notes being popular, we can find more and more unisex perfumes featuring a whisky note. Feminine whisky perfumes are not currently widespread.
Good to know!
Moderate consumption of whisky can bring various potential health benefits, primarily due to its antioxidant content such as polyphenols, which can help to protect cells against free radicals. Studies have also suggested that moderate whisky consumption could be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases in certain individuals.
Additionally, for some people, moderate whisky consumption may have relaxing effects, providing a sense of calm and peace. However, it is important to emphasize that these potential benefits are only relevant within the context of responsible consumption and that the risks linked to alcohol far outweigh the potential benefits. Therefore, caution and moderation remain essential.
Some famous perfumes with whisky
Whisky accords are not very common in the perfume market, however there are perfumes and eau de toilette containing whisky. This whisky note is mainly used in eau de toilette and male perfumes.
A Men Pure Malt by Thierry Mugler is a eau de parfum for men that showcases a syrupy heart thanks to the whisky accord. This is paired with sparkling citrus top notes, and at the heart, the whisky is complemented by a coffee note.
Finally, the amber base is marked by patchouli, vanilla and musky notes, defining this modern and bold fragrance.
Coffee & Whisky by Bath and Body Works: A men’s eau de parfum that subtly blends the rich and intoxicating aromas of coffee and whisky. This enchanting composition offers a seductive blend of woody and spicy notes combined with the comforting warmth of roasted coffee.
Let yourself be captivated by this olfactory experience, perfect for men searching for a sophisticated and bold fragrance.
Gentleman by Givenchy: A men’s eau de toilette for men that embodies timeless elegance and masculine sophistication. This fragrance combines woody and spicy notes with leather and patchouli notes, creating a bold scent. The freshness of the top notes combined with the warmth of the base notes gives this scent a distinctive olfactory signature which attracts modern men in search of a sophisticated eau de toilette.
The Evaflor house offers a range of scents for men based on whisky, extending this accord through various fragrances.
Beyond eau de toilette, certain skin care or cosmetic products for men are scented with a whisky accord. This note is still uncommon in such products but is gradually gaining popularity, especially for men, but diversifying as well.
Bon Parfumer does not offer a eau de parfum with a whisky accord but it does have different fragrances inspired by spirits and alcohols. There are as many gift options for men as there are for women:
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• The most refreshing: Eau de parfum 904 is for both men and women and features a vodka gin accord that transports you to a sophisticated evening with a cigar in hand! A Cocktail of vodka, citrus, peppermint, and juniper. A smoky base where the combination of tobacco with patchouli and vetiver oscillates the fragrance between damp and dry wood.
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• The spiciest: The eau de parfum 902 immerses you into a victorious poker game accompanied by a glass of Armagnac by the fireplace. A whirlwind of warm spices mixed with the freshness of ginger and orange. Armagnac blends into the spices, while geranium subtly blooms in the fragrance. A contrasting base with dry light tobacco and round vanilla.
• The liveliest: The 004 perfume and its freshness evokes a summer cocktail with gin and citrus. This cologne has been interpreted as an eau de parfum to provide longevity and diffusion while retaining the freshness of a cologne. A zesty top with a trio of citrus. An aromatic and spicy heart with a note of gin. Ginger and nutmeg gradually lead to the damp, woody, and earthy notes of tobacco and patchouli. Musks soften and brighten the severe base notes.
