American whiskey is a distilled beverage made from fermented cereal grain. It is produced in the United States and typically has a strength of at least 40% alcohol by volume. The most common types include bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey.
How it is made
American whiskey is produced by fermenting a mash of cereal grain and then distilling it. The specific grain composition determines the type of whiskey. For example, bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, while rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye. Most American whiskeys, with the exception of corn whiskey, are aged in new charred oak barrels, which contributes to their flavor and color.
History
Whiskey distillation began in colonial America in the 1600s, with rye whiskey being particularly common in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. By the late 1700s, large-scale production began in frontier regions like Kentucky and Tennessee, where bourbon whiskey developed. The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 was a significant event resulting from the first federal whiskey tax. Prohibition in the 1920s forced many distilleries to close, but production resumed in 1933. Since then, the industry has grown, with a recent resurgence of craft distilleries and experimentation with new styles.
Types and styles
American whiskey includes several types defined by federal regulations. Straight whiskey is aged for at least two years and contains no additives. Specific types include bourbon (at least 51% corn), rye (at least 51% rye), wheat (at least 51% wheat), and malt (at least 51% malted barley). Tennessee whiskey is similar to bourbon but includes an additional charcoal filtering step. Other styles include blended whiskey, which contains at least 20% straight whiskey, and light whiskey, which is distilled at a higher proof and stored in used or uncharred oak barrels.
How it is served
American whiskey is served in various ways. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Popular cocktails that use American whiskey include the Whisky Sour, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Sazerac. Other notable cocktails are the Mint Julep, Boulevardier, and Paper Plane. American whiskey is also sometimes used in punches like the Milk Punch and Lynchburg Lemonade.
Kinds of American whiskey
- Bourbon whiskey (114 cocktails)
- Bottled in bond
Well-known brands
- Early Times (United States)