American Whiskey

Origins

When it comes to distillation in the Americas, rum actually was the first one to make its mark in the New World. This is mostly due to the burgeoning trade routes and the need for raw goods to build the infrastructure necessary in the colonies. However, because potable water wasn’t necessarily trusted and was difficult to acquire - many turned to beer made from corn and rye. Not much changed in the United States until expansion of the country began to move westward. There were some fantastic rye whiskies being made in the Ohio River Valley though - even George Washington was distilling his own rye whiskey at his Mount Vernon Estate.

As early colonizers of the United States expanded west, the same can be said for corn production. Corn became increasingly popular in this region because it was hearty and could grow on difficult terrain. Many found their new livelihoods in the production of corn during this time period of the late 18th century. Like all things that can be made into alcoholic beverages - eventually people find a way - and corn was the perfect vehicle for this expression. Bourbon was born!

Not all bourbon though made during this time period was of great quality. In fact, much of it was barely potable and it was an incredibly dangerous process without the proper machinery, equipment, and training. However, as the United States gained its independence, it began to look inward for its own national spirit(s) and stay away from imported goods like rums, brandy, and wine.

Bourbon production began to flourish - especially in Kentucky where the soil, water, transportation/commerce, and some experienced and knowledgable individuals were located. We can debate who made the first big strides for bourbon all day - from Nathan “Nearest” Green to Reverend Elijah Craig - however, the real answer is that it was a collaboration of some great individuals who all collectively made the spirit what it is today. Even today you can ask the many master distillers in Kentucky and they’ll tell you that they’re all one big family.

Bourbon was exploding and growing as a spirit as it began to be bottled and distributed wholesale to retailers and doctors/pharmacists of the time. However, prohibition was right around the corner. With the coming of prohibition one saw the decline of American whiskey. The 18th amendment was crippling to not just distillers, but also farmers, bar owners, shipping companies, and every facet in between. Where prohibition sought to rid evils surrounding alcohol, it gave rise to crime and illegal activities surrounding the importing and sale of alcohol that was otherwise unobtainable.

Post-prohibition was difficult as most alcohol stores were nearly depleted and the whiskey that was being made as incredibly young. It takes time to make great whiskey. And of course, World War II was just around the corner to make things even more difficult. However, bourbon was declared America’s national spirit and given special protection in 1964. This slowly began the movement for the current bourbon renaissance that you can now find today. Bourbon sales are skyrocketing and local distilleries and popping up all over the country. Bourbon has found it’s golden age in the U.S.

What Makes it American Whiskey?

Alright, here we go! Time to settle some debates about Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, Rye, Moonshine, and all of the rest. One of the hardest things about American whiskey is that there are a bunch of categories and everyone has an opinion about them. In this day and age, it’s important to get the facts straight and then choose your favorites to drink! We’re lucky that there are so many amazing different styles for us to choose from!

Standard Legal Definitions:
● It is made from 100% fermented grain
● It is put into an oak container
● It is distilled below 190 proof
● It is bottled at a minimum of 80 proof

Bourbon
● Must be produced in the United States
● Must be made from 51% corn
● It is distilled at 160 proof or below
● It is put into a new, charred oak container
● It is placed into a container at 125 proof or below
● May contain no added substances other than water

Kentucky Bourbon
● Same as bourbon
● Must be produced and aged in Kentucky for at least one year

Straight Bourbon
● Same as bourbon
● Must be aged for a minimum of two years. If it is aged less than four years, it must have an age statement on the label

Tennessee Whiskey
● Nearly the same as bourbon!
● It is made in Tennessee
● Must be made from 51% corn
● It is distilled at 160 proof or below
● It is placed into a barrel at 125 proof or below
● Filtered through maple wood charcoal before barreling
● It is put into a new, charred oak barrel

Wheat/Rye/Malt
● Must be made from 51% of the grain on the label
● It is distilled at 160 proof or below
● It is placed into a container at 125 proof or below
● It is put into a new, charred oak container

Moonshine
● There are no legal definitions for moonshine! This demarcation is really just used as a catch-all for spirits that fall into the “Distilled Spirits Speciality” category as defined by the U.S. government. Moonshine can be made from grains, fruit, molasses, or just about anything else you can find that produces sugar!

Tasting Notes & Popular Expressions

American whiskey is a pretty large category and the tasting notes are just as varied depending on what style you are drinking. Depending on the grains, aging process, barrel style, level of char added to the barrel.. well, you get the picture. As a whole, you’ll notice some common flavors - baking spices, vanilla, caramel, toffee, oak, maple syrup, chocolate, tropical fruits, breakfast cereals, and black pepper.

We fully recognize that American whiskey is a hugely debated subject right now and some like to take a strong stance of what their favorites are. Remember, when we chose our favorite brands, that they are just that - our favorites. We’re truly lucky that we have so many great products to choose from these days as we live in the golden age of whiskey production. Take the time to taste through multiple styles and pick your favorites too!

Bourbon - Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Four Roses, Russel’s Reserve 10 Year, Elijah Craig,
Buffalo Trace & Old Grandad 114

Tennessee Whiskey - Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select, George Dickel B.I.B., & Uncle Nearest 1856

Rye - Rittenhouse Rye B.I.B., Old Overholt B.I.B., Leopold Brothers Maryland Style Rye,
& Wild Turkey 101 Rye

Wheat - Weller Special Reserve Wheated Bourbon, Wyoming Whiskey Wheated Bourbon,
& Redemption Wheated Bourbon

Specialty Spirits - Angel’s Envy Bourbon, High West Silver Oat Whiskey, High West Midwinter’s Night Dram, & Belle Meade Bourbon Sherry Cask Finish

Suggested Cocktails - Old Fashioned, Sazerac, Manhattan, Hot Toddy, Brown Derby, Mint Julep, Boulevardier, and Vieux Carre