In 1830, Aeneas Coffey patented an eponymously named column still that was significantly more efficient than traditional pot stills. In addition to increased efficiency, column stills were also capable of producing a lighter style of whiskey in comparison to the traditional pot stills.
Blended whiskeys exploded in popularity in Scotland and Ireland when merchants began blending heavier pot still whiskeys with lighter column still whiskeys. There was a similar practice in the US, but it quickly devolved into merchants or rectifiers buying straight bourbon or rye whiskey, blending them with neutral spirits, and then adulterating them with additives, sometimes toxic. In response, the US Government created a broad legal definition for blended whiskey, making it safe to drink while still allowing a broad range of flavor profiles.
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.