American Whisky

From under $6 to exclusive bottles, Perth’s Liberty Liquors Claremont, has the best range of American Whiskey in Western Australia. Australia is one of the leading outposts for American whiskey abroad. More and more excellent examples are becoming available to Australian consumers every year and Australian whiskey enthusiasts are becoming more passionate about it as they become more knowledgeable. Another distinction is that virtually all American whiskey is straight whiskey, while the industry in every other country is dominated by blends. Scotland and scotch fans, of course, prize single malts, but singles (which are roughly equivalent to American straights) represent a tiny percentage of all scotch sold. The same is true in Ireland, Japan, and the rest of the whiskey-making world. America makes blended whiskey too, but it is a minor part of the overall market, like Scotland in reverse. What are American Whiskies made from? Most American whiskey is made from corn/wheat/malted barley and rye in varying amounts. Other grains can and have been used, like quinoa and millet for example but the vast majority use some combination of corn/wheat/malted barley or rye. What other kinds of American Whiskey are there? Besides Bourbon, America produces a lot of differing styles of whiskey, including but not limited to; Corn Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Wheat Whiskey, Malt Whiskey, Rye Malt Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, Kentucky Bourbon, Maple Whiskey and Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Bourbon The most famous type of American Whiskey is probably Bourbon, named after the Bourbon County in Kentucky. This county got its name in honour of the French royal family, because Louis XVI helped the Americans during the wars of independence against England. According to law Bourbon Whiskey must be made of at least 51% corn, which provides its typical sweet taste. The other grains used are rye, which is very spicy, mild wheat and barley, which is essential for the fermentation process. American Whiskey is mainly distilled in column stills. According to American law, Bourbon must mature in fresh, charred oak casks. The alcohol content of Bourbon must not exceed 80% at the time of distillation and must not exceed 62.5% at the beginning of the maturation. Bourbon is bottled at a minimum of 40%, as spirits with a lower alcohol content may not be declared as Whisky or Whiskey. In theory, Bourbon can come from anywhere in the USA, but most of the Bourbon distilleries are located in the US state of Kentucky. Bourbon is probably the most famous of the American made whiskies. Often associated with Kentucky, Bourbon can in fact be made anywhere in the US. The major restrictions (paraphrased) are: It must be made in America. It must be made of a grain mixture of at least 51% corn. Aged in virgin (brand new) charred oak containers. Distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV) during distillation. Filled into a barrel at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV). Bottled at no LESS than 80 proof (40% ABV). Tastes like whiskey (the hard one). Is all American Whiskey Bourbon? No - but this is important - Bourbon is a protected Geographical Indication and as such, officially, ‘Bourbon’ can only be made in the United States. Similar to Champagne really, where the same kind of product can actually be made elsewhere but must be marketed as a sparkling white wine or something else as Champagne can only be used on the label when produced in that region. Major Brands The Good Stuff. Some suggestions for novices who want to get straight into ‘the good stuff’ are Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Bulleit. Standard representations of the type are Jim Beam white label, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, Wild Turkey, and Cougar. Order and collect your American Whiskey or have it delivered right to your door. Free local Perth shipping for orders over $100.