American whiskey
Encyclopedia
American whiskey is a distilled beverage produced in the United States
from a fermented mash of cereal grain.
The production and labeling of American whiskey are governed by Title 27 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.
Outside of the United States, various other countries recognize certain types of American whiskey, such as Bourbon
and Tennessee Whiskey
, as indigenous products of the United States that must be produced (although not necessarily bottled) in the United States. When sold in another country, American whiskey may also be required to conform to other local product requirements that apply to whiskey in general when sold in that country, which may in some aspects involve stricter standards than the U.S. law.
Canadian
law also requires that products labeled as Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey must satisfy the laws of the United States that regulate its manufacture “for consumption in the United States”. Some other countries do not specify this requirement. This distinction can be important, as the U.S. regulations include substantial exemptions for products that are made for export rather than for consumption within the United States (C.F.R. Title 27, § 5.1).
Some key types listed in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations are:
Unless the whiskey is labelled as blended, to be labelled as one of the types listed above, the whiskey must be distilled to not more than 80 percent alcohol
by volume, and the addition of coloring, caramel
and flavoring is prohibited. All of these except corn whiskey must be aged (at least briefly, although no minimum aging period is specified) in charred new oak containers. These restrictions do not exist for some similarly named products in some other countries, such as Canada
. American corn whiskey does not have to be aged at all – but, if it is aged, it must be aged in used or uncharred new oak containers and not subjected in any manner to
treatment with charred wood. In practice, if corn whiskey is aged it usually is aged in used bourbon barrels.
If the aging for one of these types of whiskey reaches 2 years or beyond, and the whiskey has not been blended with any other spirits, colorings, or additives, the whiskey may additionally be called "Straight
" – e.g. "straight rye whiskey".
Other types of American whiskey that are defined by federal regulations include the following:
However, it is important to note that these various labeling requirements and "standards of identity" do not apply to products for export from the U.S. (under C.F.R. Title 27, § 5.1). Thus, exported American whiskey may not meet the same labeling standards when sold in some markets.
Another important American whiskey labeling is Tennessee whiskey
. There are only four brands of Tennessee whiskey that are currently bottled – Jack Daniel's
, George Dickel
, Benjamin Prichard's, and Collier and McKeel. Tennessee whiskey is a recognized name defined under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
, at least one other international trade agreement, and the law of Canada as a Straight
Bourbon Whiskey
lawfully produced in the state of Tennessee
. Three of the four brands of currently produced Tennessee whiskey use a production process that involves a filtering stage called the Lincoln County Process
, in which the whiskey is filtered through a thick layer of maple charcoal before it is put into casks for aging. Aside from the treaty definitions, Tennessee whiskey is not otherwise officially recognized as a type of whiskey in the U.S. federal regulations, and it has no other strict legal definition.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
from a fermented mash of cereal grain.
The production and labeling of American whiskey are governed by Title 27 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations.
Outside of the United States, various other countries recognize certain types of American whiskey, such as Bourbon
Bourbon whiskey
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
and Tennessee Whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey is Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced in the state of Tennessee. This definition is legally established under the North American Free Trade Agreement and at least one other international trade agreement that require that Tennessee whiskey be "a straight Bourbon Whiskey authorized...
, as indigenous products of the United States that must be produced (although not necessarily bottled) in the United States. When sold in another country, American whiskey may also be required to conform to other local product requirements that apply to whiskey in general when sold in that country, which may in some aspects involve stricter standards than the U.S. law.
Canadian
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
law also requires that products labeled as Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey must satisfy the laws of the United States that regulate its manufacture “for consumption in the United States”. Some other countries do not specify this requirement. This distinction can be important, as the U.S. regulations include substantial exemptions for products that are made for export rather than for consumption within the United States (C.F.R. Title 27, § 5.1).
Types
- Rye whiskey, made from mash that consists of at least 51% ryeRyeRye is a grass grown extensively as a grain and as a forage crop. It is a member of the wheat tribe and is closely related to barley and wheat. Rye grain is used for flour, rye bread, rye beer, some whiskeys, some vodkas, and animal fodder...
. - Rye malt whiskey, made from mash that consists of at least 51% malted rye.
- Malt whiskey, made from mash that consists of at least 51% malted barleyBarleyBarley is a major cereal grain, a member of the grass family. It serves as a major animal fodder, as a base malt for beer and certain distilled beverages, and as a component of various health foods...
. - Wheat whiskey, made from mash that consists of at least 51% wheat.
- Bourbon whiskeyBourbon whiskeyBourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
, made from mashMashingIn brewing and distilling, mashing is the process of combining a mix of milled grain , known as the "grain bill", and water, known as "liquor", and heating this mixture...
that consists of at least 51% corn (maizeMaizeMaize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
). - Corn whiskeyCorn whiskeyCorn whiskey is an American liquor made from a mash made of at least 80 percent corn.The whiskey is typically run off to high proof and cut to not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume. It does not have to be aged; but if so, it is aged in new uncharred oak barrels or in barrels previously used...
, made from mash that consists of at least 80% corn (maizeMaizeMaize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
).
Unless the whiskey is labelled as blended, to be labelled as one of the types listed above, the whiskey must be distilled to not more than 80 percent alcohol
Alcohol
In chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
by volume, and the addition of coloring, caramel
Caramel
Caramel is a beige to dark-brown confection made by heating any of a variety of sugars. It is used as a flavoring in puddings and desserts, as a filling in bonbons, and as a topping for ice cream, custard and coffee....
and flavoring is prohibited. All of these except corn whiskey must be aged (at least briefly, although no minimum aging period is specified) in charred new oak containers. These restrictions do not exist for some similarly named products in some other countries, such as Canada
Canadian whisky
Canadian whisky is a type of whisky produced in Canada. Most Canadian whiskies are blended multi-grain liquors containing a large percentage of corn spirits, and are typically lighter and smoother than other whisky styles...
. American corn whiskey does not have to be aged at all – but, if it is aged, it must be aged in used or uncharred new oak containers and not subjected in any manner to
treatment with charred wood. In practice, if corn whiskey is aged it usually is aged in used bourbon barrels.
If the aging for one of these types of whiskey reaches 2 years or beyond, and the whiskey has not been blended with any other spirits, colorings, or additives, the whiskey may additionally be called "Straight
Straight whiskey
Straight whiskey is whisky created by distilling a fermented cereal grain mash to create a spirit not exceeding 80% alcohol content by volume and then aging the spirit for at least two years at an abv concentration not exceeding 62.5% at the start of the aging process.Filtering and dilution...
" – e.g. "straight rye whiskey".
Other types of American whiskey that are defined by federal regulations include the following:
- Straight whiskeyStraight whiskeyStraight whiskey is whisky created by distilling a fermented cereal grain mash to create a spirit not exceeding 80% alcohol content by volume and then aging the spirit for at least two years at an abv concentration not exceeding 62.5% at the start of the aging process.Filtering and dilution...
, (without reference to any particular grain) is a whiskey aged in charred new oak containers for 2 years or more, distilled at not more than 80 percent alcoholAlcoholIn chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
by volume, with no addition of coloring, caramel, or flavoring, and derived from less than 51% of any one grain. - Blended whiskeyBlended whiskeyA blended whisky is the product of blending different types of whiskies and often also neutral and near-neutral spirits, coloring, and flavorings...
, is a mixture which contains straight whiskey or a blend of straight whiskeys at not less than 20 percent on a proof gallon basis, and, separately or in combination, other whiskey or neutral spirits. The 80 percent of the content that is not straight whiskey may include un-aged grain distillates, grain neutral spirits, flavorings, and colorings. - Light whisky, which is produced in the United States at more than 80% alcoholAlcoholIn chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
by volume and stored in used or uncharred new oak containers. - Spirit whisky, which is a mixture of neutral spirits and at least 5% of certain stricter categories of whisky.
However, it is important to note that these various labeling requirements and "standards of identity" do not apply to products for export from the U.S. (under C.F.R. Title 27, § 5.1). Thus, exported American whiskey may not meet the same labeling standards when sold in some markets.
Another important American whiskey labeling is Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey is Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced in the state of Tennessee. This definition is legally established under the North American Free Trade Agreement and at least one other international trade agreement that require that Tennessee whiskey be "a straight Bourbon Whiskey authorized...
. There are only four brands of Tennessee whiskey that are currently bottled – Jack Daniel's
Jack Daniel's
Jack Daniel's is a brand of sour mash Tennessee whiskey that is among the world's best-selling liquors. It is known for its square bottles and black label. As of November, 2007, one blogger was claiming that it was the best-selling whiskey in the world. It is produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee by...
, George Dickel
George Dickel
George Dickel is the name of a brand of Tennessee whisky distilled and aged in Cascade Hollow, Tennessee, near Tullahoma and bottled in Stamford, Connecticut and Canada. The brand is now owned by Diageo PLC. Four whiskies are produced at the George Dickel Distillery: George Dickel Cascade Hollow,...
, Benjamin Prichard's, and Collier and McKeel. Tennessee whiskey is a recognized name defined under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
North American Free Trade Agreement
The North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA is an agreement signed by the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America. The agreement came into force on January 1, 1994. It superseded the Canada – United States Free Trade Agreement...
, at least one other international trade agreement, and the law of Canada as a Straight
Straight whiskey
Straight whiskey is whisky created by distilling a fermented cereal grain mash to create a spirit not exceeding 80% alcohol content by volume and then aging the spirit for at least two years at an abv concentration not exceeding 62.5% at the start of the aging process.Filtering and dilution...
Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon whiskey
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
lawfully produced in the state of Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
. Three of the four brands of currently produced Tennessee whiskey use a production process that involves a filtering stage called the Lincoln County Process
Lincoln County Process
The Lincoln County Process is a process used in making some Tennessee whiskeys such as Jack Daniel's and George Dickel. The whiskey is filtered through a column of charcoal chips before going into the casks for aging...
, in which the whiskey is filtered through a thick layer of maple charcoal before it is put into casks for aging. Aside from the treaty definitions, Tennessee whiskey is not otherwise officially recognized as a type of whiskey in the U.S. federal regulations, and it has no other strict legal definition.
See also
- WhiskyWhiskyWhisky or whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Different grains are used for different varieties, including barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, and corn...
- Bourbon whiskeyBourbon whiskeyBourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
- Tennessee whiskeyTennessee whiskeyTennessee whiskey is Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced in the state of Tennessee. This definition is legally established under the North American Free Trade Agreement and at least one other international trade agreement that require that Tennessee whiskey be "a straight Bourbon Whiskey authorized...
- Corn whiskeyCorn whiskeyCorn whiskey is an American liquor made from a mash made of at least 80 percent corn.The whiskey is typically run off to high proof and cut to not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume. It does not have to be aged; but if so, it is aged in new uncharred oak barrels or in barrels previously used...
- Rye whiskey
- Whiskey RebellionWhiskey RebellionThe Whiskey Rebellion, or Whiskey Insurrection, was a tax protest in the United States in the 1790s, during the presidency of George Washington. Farmers who sold their corn in the form of whiskey had to pay a new tax which they strongly resented...
- American Whiskey TrailAmerican Whiskey TrailThe American Whiskey Trail is an initiative of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States that promotes the history and cultural heritage of distilled beverages in the United States.-History of whiskey in the United States:...
- MoonshineMoonshineMoonshine is an illegally produced distilled beverage...
(home-distilled alcohol) - List of cocktails made with whisky
- List of whisky brands
- Bottled in bondBottled in bondBottled in bond refers to American-made spirit that has been aged and bottled according to a set of legal regulations contained in the United States government's Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits Bottled in bond refers to American-made spirit that has been aged and bottled according to a...