The United States produces many fine things, but I think one of the finest American exports is whiskey. The most popular American whiskies are Tennessee whiskey and Kentucky bourbon.
This page will: (1) explain how bourbon and Tennessee whiskey are different from each other and whisky in general; and (2) provide a list of American whiskies that I have reviewed (or that are 'to be reviewed' - "tbr").
1. What is American whiskey, bourbon and Tennessee whiskey?
Jack Daniel's is a Tennessee whiskey, while Wild Turkey and Jim Beam are Kentucky bourbons. Obviously bourbon can be produced elsewhere in the United States, but it cannot be called "Kentucky" bourbon or "Tennessee" whiskey.
American whiskey, like Irish whiskey, has an “e” in its spelling whereas Scotch is written as "whisky". Tennessee whiskey and bourbon tend to be a little sweeter than Scotch whisky, and this different taste is understandable because they have a different production method prescribed by an international agreement and by law.
All bourbon is whiskey but not all whisky
is bourbon or Tennessee whiskey. Whisky can be made anywhere in the world from
grain which is fermented and dried, mixed with water to which yeast is added.
This is then heated and the evaporated liquid is collected then aged in
barrels. United States law provides for certain requirements to be met before
an alcoholic beverage can be called a bourbon, so you can count on a
difference! Some of these requirements are:
- Bourbon is distinctly American so it is only produced in the United States (its name comes from Bourbon County in Kentucky);
- A bourbon must comprise of at least 51% corn;
- Bourbon must be aged for a minimum period of time, at least 2 years to be called “straight” bourbon;
- Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels;
- Bourbon must not be more than 80% alcohol;
- Tennessee whiskey has special production processes too, and it must be filtered through sugar maple charcoal.
From this, you can see how American whisky can develop quite a distinct taste. I hope to sample some more American whiskies in the future.
2. American whiskey reviews
Jack Daniel's (No 7) - ★★★
Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack - ★★★
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select - ★★★★
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 54.1% - ★★★★★ (new bottle)Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack - ★★★
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select - ★★★★
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