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Made from grains like corn, rye, barley, or wheat. It is distilled from a fermented mash of the
grain, then aged in oak barrels. At this stage it is a water-colored liquid. During the aging period, it
gradually attains its amber color, flavor and aroma. It is bottled and sold at 80 proof. Whiskey of
each country is distinct from that of the others because of the local grain characteristics,
distillation techniques and formulas. Scotland, Ireland, the U.S. and Canada are major producers.
American Whiskey
The U.S. produces more than thirty three distinct types of whiskey. American Blended Light
Whiskey, another category of American Whiskey, contains 20% straight whiskey and 80% light
whiskey.
Blended Whiskey
Combines straight whiskey with neutral grain spirits. Straight whiskey dominates the mix by 20%.
Sold at 80 proof.
Bottled-In-Bond Whiskey
Straight whiskey, usually bourbon or rye, produced under government control and supervision.
Bonded whiskey must be at least four years old, bottled at 100 proof and produced in one
distilling by the same distiller. It must be sorted and bottled at a bonding warehouse under
government supervision.
Canadian Whiskey
A blended whiskey, which is distilled from rye, corn, and barley. Produced only in Canada under
government control. The Canadian whiskey sold in the U.S. is at least four years old. Lighter than
American whiskey, it is sold at 80 proof.
Corn Whiskey
A whiskey made from a mash of at least 80% corn. May or may not be aged.
Irish Whiskey
A blend that contains barley malt whiskeys and grain whiskeys. The malt is dried in coal-fired
kilns. The aroma of the fires does not influence the malt. Irish whiskey is heavier than Scotch and
is usually 86 proof. It is produced only in Ireland.
Kentucky Whiskey
A blend of straight bottled whiskeys. Distilled in Kentucky.
Light Whiskey
A type of American whiskey produced at 160 to 190 proof, stored at least four years in used,
charred oak containers. Light in flavor and smooth tasting, the color of light whiskey ranges from
amber to clear.
Rye Whiskey
Distilled from a grain mash of 80% corn. It is usually aged in reused, charred oak barrels.
Scotch Whiskey
Blended whiskeys from native barley grain and Scottish pot stills. All Scotch blends contain malt
whiskey. The smoky flavor comes from drying malted barley over peat fires. Produced only in
Scotland. Exported Scotch is at least four years old and is usually 80 to 86 proof.
Sour Mash Whiskey
A broad category of whiskey whereby a portion of old mash is mixed with new to help advance
the character & smoothness of the flavor.
Straight Whiskey
A whiskey that is distilled from grain but not blended with neutral grain spirits or any other
whiskey and aged in a charred oak barrel for at least two years.
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