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Whisk(e)y 101: Other American Whiskey

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Other American Whiskey

In contrast to Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey must be made in Tennessee, and at present, only Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel produce it. These producers utilize the sour mash technique detailed above, and also filter the spirits through maple charcoal prior to aging (which strips color and harsher flavors from the whiskey). The resulting spirit tends to have more sweet maple flavors and has less individual character than Bourbon.

Straight Whiskey (which includes most Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey) indicates that the mash bill contains a minimum of 51% of a given grain, and that it is aged for at least two years in the appropriate vessel. Examples of this include Rye Whiskey (min. 51% rye, aged in charred new barrels) and Corn Whiskey (min. 80% corn, which may be unaged, or aged in used or new uncharred barrels). Both of these are produced throughout the US.

Notable Rye Brands:

  • Sazerac 6 Year [Buffalo Trace] (45% ABV): Flinty, intense, spicy
  • Smooth Ambler 7 Year [West VA]: Blended from barrels curated from across the US; smooth
  • Whistlepig 10 Year [Vermont] (45% ABV): Spicy yet mellow and complex