Whiskey Basics
Bottled in Bond Whiskey: What the Label Means
Bottled-in-bond whiskey comes from one distiller at one distillery during one distilling season, uses the same kind of spirit and class of materials,…
Whiskey Basics
Whiskey vocabulary can make a simple bottle sound like it requires a minor in barrel law. This section translates the real production rules and separates regulated terms from loose marketing language. Start with bourbon, rye, mash bills, and age statements, then use those definitions to read labels with fewer guesses and considerably less squinting.
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 uses a mash containing at least 80% corn and does not have to be aged. If it is stored under the U.S.
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 whiskey age statement identifies the youngest whiskey represented by the statement, not the average age. U.S.
Whiskey Basics
Whiskey Mash Bills: How Grain Recipes Work
A whiskey mash bill is the percentage recipe of grains fermented before distillation.