The first records of distilled grains spirits appeared in Ireland and Scotland in the 1400’s. Over time, these spirits became known as whiskey, which is the anglicized version of the Gaelic word uisce beatha (Ish-ca Baa-ha) which means water of life. English colonization spread whiskey making it to both Canada and the United States and the types of whiskey they made evolved based on the grains that grew well in those climates and soils. Before the 1800’s, whiskey was largely stored in barrels simply for transportation. But, around the turn of the 19th century, people noticed that whiskey stored in barrels had a better flavor and aroma and so began purposefully aging whiskey before selling it. As distilling technology improved, it expanded the variety of whiskey styles that could be made to match the preferences of the drinking public.
Blended whiskeys can be made in the US.
Blended whiskeys allow the largest number of different production processes, which in turn creates the widest array of flavors for brands to draw on. For many years, blended whiskeys were primarily designed to be light, easy to drink, and mix well with soft drinks or simple cocktails. However, since 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of blended straight whiskeys and blended bourbons that are full of flavor and designed to drink neat, on the rocks, or in craft cocktails. These whiskeys are starting to draw people’s attention to the skill that is required by great blenders to take different types of whiskey and create something new, interesting, and enjoyable to drink.
Whiskey fermented from a mash of grains, distilled to less than 80% ABV, and stored in charred new oak barrels at or below 62.5% ABV for a minimum of two years.
A mixture of at least 20% straight whiskey plus another type of whiskey and/or in combination with neutral spirits. May contain coloring, flavoring, blending materials.
A mixture of at least 51% straight bourbon/rye/wheat etc. whiskey in combination with another type of whiskey and/or neutral spirits. May contain coloring, flavoring, blending materials.
A mixture of different types of straight whiskeys such as bourbon, rye, wheat, malt etc. It cannot include any neutral spirit but may contain coloring, flavoring, or blending materials.