Whiskey Basics
American Single Malt Whiskey: Read the Label
American single malt whiskey is a U.S. whiskey made from a fermented mash of 100 percent malted barley, distilled at no more than 160 proof at one U.S.
Whiskey Basics
Separate regulated terms from optional marketing language, then read class, age, proof, producer, and other label details together rather than treating one phrase as the whole story. Definitions and requirements depend on the named jurisdiction and current rule. Every precise production or label claim should link to the authoritative source that supports it.
Whiskey Basics
Blended Whiskey vs Blended Straight Whiskey
Blended whiskey contains at least 20 percent straight whiskey on a proof-gallon basis; the rest may be whiskey, neutral spirits, or both, with neutral…
Whiskey Basics
Bottled in Bond Whiskey: What the Label Means
Bottled-in-bond whiskey must be the same kind of spirit from the same class of materials, made by one distiller at one distillery in one distilling…
Whiskey Basics
Bourbon vs Whiskey: The Difference Made Simple
Whiskey is the broad family; bourbon is a regulated American type within it.
Whiskey Basics
Cask Strength Whiskey: Proof Terms Explained
Cask-strength or barrel-proof whiskey is bottled at a proof no more than two degrees below its proof when dumped from the barrels.
Whiskey Basics
Corn Whiskey vs Bourbon: What Changes?
Corn whiskey requires at least 80% corn and need not be stored. If age is claimed, it uses used oak or uncharred new oak.
Whiskey Basics
Light Whiskey Meaning: A Label Reader's Guide
Light whiskey is a regulated U.S. whiskey type distilled from a fermented grain mash at more than 160 proof but less than 190 proof, then stored in used…
Whiskey Basics
Rye vs Bourbon: Grain Rules and Flavor Clues
Rye whiskey must use at least 51% rye in its mash, while bourbon must use at least 51% corn. Under U.S.
Whiskey Basics
Small Batch vs Single Barrel Whiskey
Single-barrel whiskey is presented as coming from one barrel, making barrel-to-barrel variation part of the experience.
Whiskey Basics
Straight Whiskey Meaning: What the Label Guarantees
For named U.S. types such as bourbon and rye, straight whiskey must meet the type's recipe and production rules, age at least two years in the required…
Whiskey Basics
What Is Bourbon? The Rules Behind the Name
Bourbon is American whiskey made from at least 51% corn, distilled at no more than 160 proof, entered into charred new oak barrels at no more than 125…
Whiskey Basics
Whiskey Age Statements: How to Read the Number
A U.S. whiskey age statement is a minimum: when the product contains no neutral spirits, one stated age identifies the youngest whiskey, not the average.
Whiskey Basics
Whiskey Mash Bills: How Grain Recipes Work
A whiskey mash bill is the percentage recipe of grains fermented before distillation.