What is the primary grain used in the production of whiskey?

The primary grain used in the production of whiskey is barley. Barley is a versatile grain that is well-suited for malting, a crucial process in whiskey production that involves soaking the grain in water, allowing it to germinate, and then drying it to stop the germination process. This process develops the enzymes necessary for converting starches into fermentable sugars during mashing. While other grains, such as corn and rye, are also used in whiskey production, particularly in various styles like bourbon (which primarily uses corn) and rye whiskey, barley is foundational in many traditional styles, especially Scotch whisky, where malted barley is the primary ingredient. Thus, understanding the role of barley in the whiskey-making process highlights its significance as the primary grain in this context.