Whiskey Terms & Definitions

Following are a few whiskey terms and definitions that may help in differentiating between types of whiskeys.

Angel's Share: Portion of the whiskey that evaporates from the barrel during the aging process.  Typically around 2% volume per year.

Barrel Proof: Whiskey that is bottled at the proof it comes out of the barrel after aging for a minimum of four years.

Blended Whiskey: A blend of which at least 20 percent is 100 proof straight whiskey. The rest of the blend may include other whiskey and/or grain neutral spirits. A small amount of sherry may also be added.

Bonded Bourbon Whiskey: Bourbon whiskey that has been aged and bottled according to the requirements of the Bottled and Bond Act of 1897. It is Straight Bourbon Whiskey, made at one time (season) and in one location, that has been aged in government-supervised warehouses for at least 4 years, then bottled at 100 proof.

Bourbon Whiskey: Officially proclaimed by Congress in 1964, bourbon whiskey is a distinctive product of the United States made from a fermented mash containing at least 51 percent corn, distilled at no more than 160 proof, aged at no more than 125 proof for at least two years in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at no less than 80 proof.  Often referred to as Kentucky Straight Bourbon (KSB).

Canadian Whisky: The distinctive national whisky of Canada. All Canadian whisky sold in the United States is a blend of several different whiskies. Traditionally, blended Canadian whisky contains a high percentage of rye, as well as barley, corn and wheat.

Corn Whiskey: A whiskey made from a mash containing a minimum of 80 percent corn and, if it is aged at all, it must be aged in used or uncharred oak barrels.

Federal Excise Tax: A tax (FET) computed on the alcohol content of distilled spirit products and levied on the manufacturer or importer, and passed on through the distribution channel to consumers.

Handmade: The same as the traditional definition of small-batch bourbon in that the quantity of bourbon produced determines the batch size and is an indicator of whether production is hand-guided or mechanized. A small distillation has the advantage of allowing the distiller to be very selective in the ingredients he uses while also allowing him to employ a more hands-on approach in nurturing each batch through the various phases of production.

Irish Whiskey: The distinctive national whiskey of Ireland. Most Irish whiskey is a blend of several whiskies of different ages. Malted barley, unmalted barley and other grains such as rye and corn are used.

Mashbill: The grain recipe used to make whiskey.

Mellowing: Filtration, before aging, of Tennessee whiskey through a minimum of ten feet of sugar-maple charcoal. Also known as charcoal mellowing, leaching, or the Lincoln County Process.

Moonshine: Illegally distilled spirits produced in an unlicensed, unregulated still, without payment of taxes, and hence, illegal. Seldom aged, and produced from anything that will ferment, moonshine is often a health hazard.

Neutral Spirits: Any spirit distilled at 190 proof or higher; should contain no noticeable aroma, flavor or color.

Prohibition: National Prohibition in the United States ran from roughly January, 1919 through December, 1933. During that period, beverage alcohol could not be legally produced, transported or sold. Limited exceptions were for medical purposes. Widespread defiance of Prohibition led to the growth and popularity in the United States of Scotch and Canadian Whisky, which were imported illegally.

Proof: A statement of alcohol content. Proof is two times the percentage of alcohol by volume. For example, 100 proof whiskey is 50 percent alcohol by volume.

Rye Whiskey: Made from a fermented mash containing at least 51 percent rye, distilled at no more than 160 proof and aged at no more than 125 proof for at least two years in new charred oak barrels.

Scotch Whisky: The distinctive national whisky of Scotland. Single Malt Scotches are made entirely from malted barley and are the product of a single distillery. Blended Scotch whiskies are a mixture of several different malt whiskies, plus grain alcohol.

Single Barrel: Each bottle contains whiskey from just one barrel. No blending or balancing. No American distillery produces whiskey a single barrel at a time.

Small Batch: A bourbon that is distilled in small quantities of approximately 1,000 gallons or less (20 barrels) from a mashbill of around 200 bushels of grain. Often this also involves marrying together whiskey from a small number of specially selected barrels. Because whiskey ages differently at different locations in the rack house, the marrying together of whiskey from selected barrels assures the consistency of their unique flavor and character.

Sour Mash: A process developed by Dr. James C. Crow around 1835 to provide uniformity in bourbon production. A portion of the previous day’s mash is added to the new mash to ensure consistent quality and character.

Still: An apparatus, usually made of copper, in which the distiller's beer is purified by means of heating the liquid to at least 176 degrees Fahrenheit, but less than 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Because alcohol boils at a temperature lower than water, the alcohol can be evaporated, collected, and condensed.

Straight Whiskey: Straight whiskey distilled from a fermented mash containing at least 51 percent corn, distilled at no more than 160 proof, and aged at no more than 125 proof for at least two years in new charred oak barrels. If the whiskey is aged for less than four years, its age must be stated on the bottle. No coloring or flavoring may be added to any straight whiskey.

Tennessee Whiskey: Straight whiskey distilled in Tennessee from a fermented mash containing at least 51 percent corn, distilled at no more than 160 proof, filtered through a minimum of ten feet of sugar-maple charcoal, and then aged at no more than 125 proof for at least two years in new charred oak barrels.

White Dog: Un-aged distillate, just as it comes from the still, is colorless. Also know as “green whiskey” and “high wine.” This is not “moonshine,” but whiskey in its un-aged form.