American Whisky was one of the earliest spirits to be produced in America, and is now a point of pride and heritage across the country. Thanks to its unmatched versatility, American whisky can be taken neat or in a variety of cocktails, with drink masters creating new and exciting renditions on the regular.
Here we’ll discuss the history of American whisky, its main types, and the many ways you can enjoy it.
While whisky has been distilled in various forms throughout Europe–primarily Britain–since the Middle Ages, most historians agree that the amber elixir hit American shores in the 18th century, with Irish settlers producing the earliest varieties in Kentucky and Tennessee. By 1791 the distribution of rye whisky was widespread among the eastern states, prompting the president to levy new taxes on the brewing and sale of the product, which in turn led to the infamous Whisky Rebellion.
By 1870 whisky had become an American staple, with many previous US presidents such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln holding liquor licenses of their own. While laws were put into place to ward off counterfeiters and illicit trading, sealed and labeled bottles were the only way to ensure a product’s authenticity. The “Bottled in Bond” act was instated in 1897, under which all distillery-produced whiskies had to follow a seasonal schedule of production, contain 50& alcohol by volume, and be stored in a federally bonded warehouse under government supervision for a minimum of four years.
The onset of prohibition, while certainly wreaking havoc amongst law enforcers, did little to quell the consumption of whisky. When the repeal was passed in 1933, many distillers looking to reenter the business found themselves with limited supplies and spirit reserves, thus inspiring the whisky blending tradition still practiced today.
By 1964 whisky, specifically bourbon, was regarded as an all-American spirit and point of pride. Since the Bottled in Bond act, countless regulations have been updated and passed to ensure the quality of grain, ageing, and proofing.
Early American settlers were met with all the raw materials they needed for whisky distillation: an abundance of corn, clean lime-rich water, and wood for barrel ageing. Bourbon and sour mash would go on to become the two defining types of American Whisky, with the latter still primarily produced in Tennessee.
1. BOURBON WHISKY
Arguably the most prevalent of American whiskies, Bourbon gets its name from Kentucky’s Bourbon County, in honour of the French royal family who helped America win the war of independence against England. `
While bourbon doesn’t strictly have to be produced in Kentucky, let alone Bourbon County, U.S. regulation states that bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn. Other grains can consist of wheat or rye, rye being the more favoured, with a small amount of malted barley typically added to assist with fermentation.
2. TENNESSEE WHISKY
Similar in many ways to bourbon, Tennessee whisky differs slightly in flavor and colouring due to its sugar-maple charcoal filtration. In order to carry the name, Tennessee Whisky must consist of at least 51% corn and be produced in the state of Tennessee.
3. RYE WHISKY
As with bourbon and Tennessee whisky, rye whiskey must contain a minimum of 51% rye, with the remainder usually consisting of malted barley, wheat, or corn. While rye whisky can be produced anywhere in the world, only rye whisky distilled in America can join the class of American whiskies.
4. BLENDED WHISKY
Ablended whisky refers to the blending of several different types of whiskies, usually from differing distilleries, along with neutral grain spirits, flavours, and colours, into a single whisky product. Usually one or more high-quality single malt whisky is blended with a less expensive variety.
1. Bulleit
Bulleit has been making life-changing whisky for over three decades. Founded in 1987, Bulleit has held from the beginning that good whisky speaks for itself. Their growth has been an extension of that philosophy — most of its growth is thanks to bartenders, whisky lovers, and cultural partners adopting Bulleit whisky and sharing it with others.
Recommended whiskies：Bulleit Bourbon、Bulleit Rye
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2. Maker’s Mark
This brand of bourbon whisky is produced in Loretto, Kentucky, by Beam Suntory. It is bottled at 90-proof and has a distinctive red wax seal. Maker’s Mark is one of the bestselling bourbons in the world. If you’re a fan of bourbon whisky, this is definitely a brand you should try.
Recommended whiskies：Maker’s Mark、Maker’s Mark 46
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3. Four Roses
Four Roses is a unique distillery in that it creates all of its bourbons from up to 10 recipes. The distillery takes two separate mash bills and uses up to five yeast strains to create its recipes. Those recipes then take the juice through the aging process and are blended into the Four Roses Bourbon, or into the Single Barrel, Small Batch, or Small Batch Select bourbons.
Recommended whiskies：Four Roses、Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
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4. Buffalo Trace
The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky could be the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States. The distillery is a giant, majestic place, which has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The base bourbon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whisky, is perhaps one of the best bang-for-your-buck bourbons on the market.
Buffalo Trace’s portfolio includes incredible expressions like Col. E. H. Taylor, W.L. Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve.
Recommended whiskies：Buffalo Trace
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5. Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey is produced in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, by the Campari Group. It comes with proof levels of 101, 81, and 71, among others. The intense flavor and high proof of Wild Turkey are well known. Those who enjoy strong whisky will love this bourbon. Some may find it too harsh, but others find it delicious. But, no matter what, it definitely packs a punch.
Recommended whiskies：Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon、Wild Turkey
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6. Jack Daniel’s
Another famous American whisky, Jack Daniel’s, is produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee. It is a Tennessee whisky that is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before being aged in barrels. Jack Daniel’s is also bottled at 100-proof. This whiskey is known for its square bottles and black label. Most people interested in trying American whisky have probably already tried this brand.
Recommended whiskies：Jack Daniel’s Legacy Edition Sour Mash、Jack Daniels
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7. Jim Beam
Beam Suntory produces this bourbon whisky in Clermont, Kentucky. It is bottled at 90-proof and is one of the most popular bourbons in the world. This brand also produces a variety of other whiskies, including rye, bourbon, and Tennessee whisky. Many love Jim Beam for its smooth taste.
Recommended whiskies：Jim Beam Black Extra Aged、Jim Beam Original
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