The Ultimate Guide to Best American Whiskey

Best American whiskey is as diverse as the country itself. It has something for every kind of whiskey lover. Whether you’re a novice in the world of whiskey or an old timer this guide will take you through American whiskey’s essentials from its rich history to the different types and top brands to try. So, let us go into this great land of American whiskey and discover new flavours, craftsmanship, and backgrounds behind some of the nation’s favourite bottles.

A Brief History of American Whiskey

Whiskey, one product always attached to American history, must indeed owe its starting point from the settlers and methods of distillation they brought over from Europe; however, it will surely be styled and characterised to have a distinct, American style with the kind of grains they are able to locally source or have regional influences over.

Best American Whiskey​ spread across the country at an incredible speed during the 18th century, especially in Kentucky and Tennessee, where limestone-rich water and ideal climatic conditions made for the perfect setting for distilleries. Presently, it is more of a trademark of tradition and innovation in the form of a wide array of flavours and expressions that signify the tastes of whiskey enthusiasts around the globe.

Types of Best American Whiskey

American whiskey is not something specific but rather a category. The category contains several distinct types of whiskeys with unique production methods, flavour profiles, and regulations. There are mainly the following types of American whiskey:

2. Bourbon

Bourbon is probably the quintessential American whiskey style and perhaps the most associated with Kentucky. According to U.S. law, bourbon must be made from a mash that contains at least 51% corn, aged in new, charred oak barrels, and distilled to no more than 160 proof. Bourbon tastes rich and full-bodied, with a flavour profile complete of vanilla, caramel, and oak.

Most Popular Bourbon Brands:

Buffalo Trace – Characterized by a smooth texture and deep flavours.

Maker’s Mark is famous for being sweeter and having a smoother finish since it is made with red winter wheat instead of rye.

Woodford Reserve – A premium bourbon with layers of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.

2. Rye Whiskey

The final quintessential American style is rye whiskey, which must contain at least 51% rye grain to give it the spicier, more robust flavour profile that bourbon cannot deliver. Rye whiskey gained tremendous popularity in the Northeast U.S. and is making a remarkable comeback today.

Popular Brands of Rye Whiskey

WhistlePig – This company is famous for its full-bodied, spicy flavours and top-shelf rye expressions.

Bulleit Rye – A classic for its balanced spice and smooth finish, often used in cocktails.

High West – A craft distillery that blends rye whiskeys to create rich, flavorful expressions.

3. Tennessee Whiskey

Tennessee whiskey is similar to bourbon but undergoes an extra step called the Lincoln County Process, where the whiskey is filtered through charcoal before ageing. This imparts a smoother mellower flavor. Jack Daniel’s is the most famous brand of Tennessee whiskey, which has earned worldwide acclaim.

Popular Tennessee Whiskey Brands:

Jack Daniel’s – The iconic whiskey known for its smooth, mellow flavour, often served neat or mixed in cocktails.

George Dickel – A smooth, easy-drinking option with a bit more complexity than other Tennessee whiskeys.

4. American Single Malt Whiskey

American single malt whiskey is a relatively new category but has gained popularity among whiskey enthusiasts. Distillers make it from 100% malted barley and distill it in a single distillery. This style is known for its rich flavours, ranging from sweet and fruity to smoky and complex.

Popular American Single Malt Brands:

Westland – A Seattle-based distillery renowned for innovative American single malts with unique flavours.

Balcones – A Texas distillery that produces small-batch, high-quality American single malts.

What’s Special About American Whiskey?

There are many reasons why American whiskey is the favourite of so many whiskey lovers worldwide:

Diverse Flavor Profiles: American whiskey offers a wide range of flavours from the smooth sweetness of bourbon to the spicy kick of rye whiskey. Using different grains, production methods, and ageing processes results in whiskeys with unique tastes that can cater to any palate.

Innovation and Craftsmanship: American distillers deeply root whiskey production in tradition while constantly experimenting with new techniques, barrel finishes, and blends to create exciting new expressions. Craft distilleries across the country produce exceptional, small-batch whiskeys that challenge the status quo.

Rich History: America’s whiskey tale is closely bound to its historical development. From distilling by settlers to the modern proliferation of America’s iconic brands, such as Maker’s Mark and Jack Daniel’s, it tells the American story of evolving culture and the economy.

Regulations and Standards: The U.S. has strict rules governing whiskey production, ensuring that your drinking is high quality. For example, distillers must make bourbon from at least 51% corn and age whiskey in new charred oak barrels.

Top American Whiskey Brands to Try

For whiskey lovers looking to explore some of the finest American whiskeys, here are a few brands to consider:

Buffalo Trace – Renowned for fine craftsmanship and full, rich flavor profiles, Buffalo Trace distillery creates some of the finest bourbons and rye whiskeys available.

Woodford Reserve – A high-end bourbon that’s rich, smooth, and wonderful to sip over ice or mixed into cocktails.

Bulleit Bourbon – Spicy, full-bodied bourbon with a high rye percentage, great for the enthusiast and behind the bar.

Jack Daniel’s – The ultimate Tennessee whiskey for smoothness, versatility, and sipping or mixing.

WhistlePig – A luxury rye whiskey brand that sets itself apart from the rest by its complexity and robust flavours; ideal for enthusiasts.

How to Enjoy American Whiskey

American whiskey is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways according to your preferences. Here are a few of the most popular options:

Neat: The purest way to enjoy whiskey’s flavour is to sip it neat. Pour it into a glass, let it breathe briefly, and savour the aromas and tastes.

On the Rocks: Adding ice can mellow the flavours and open new whiskey notes. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer a cooler, diluted drink.

Cocktails: Most American whiskeys, bourbon and rye in particular, are great base spirits for some of the classic cocktails, like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour.

Conclusion

American whiskey is an exciting and diverse world for any whiskey lover. Be it the sweet richness of bourbon, the bold spiciness of rye, or the smoothness of Tennessee whiskey, there’s something for every taste and occasion. From household names like Jack Daniel’s to craft distilleries such as WhistlePig, Balcones, and many more, American whiskey continues pushing the flavour envelopes of American craftsmanship. Pour yourself a glass, sit back, and enjoy the richness of American whiskey. Cheers!