THE DRINK NATION IS A FREE RESOURCE FOR FINDING EVERYTHING AWESOME ABOUT DRINKING IN YOUR LOCATION

Whiskey Wisdom: 4 Whiskey Myths Debunked

by Robert DiGiacomo on Aug 5, 2013 in Liquor
Whiskey Wisdom: 4 Whiskey Myths Debunked

Do you know your whiskey from your whisky?

Fred Minnick, author of Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey, pours forth the facts about the legendary brown stuff.

Myth: Whiskey is spelled with or without the “e” for a reason.
Fact: The spelling rules are arbitrary, and don't necessarily signify whiskey’s country of origin.

Canadian and Scotch distillers generally use the “whisky” spelling, while American and Irish brands typically go with “whiskey,” according to Minnick. However, exceptions abound, including American brands like Maker's Mark and Balcones that use “whisky” in their names.

Myth: Whiskey has always been a spirit favored by men.
Fact: Women have been drinking –– and making whiskey –– for hundreds of years.

Women and their love of whiskey dates back at least 500 years to the time of Queen Elizabeth I, who legend has it enjoyed her liquor, and to more ordinary members of the fairer sex, who started their days with “a piece of meat and a dram,” Minnick says.

In the U.S., whiskey-making until the late 19th and early 20th century was considered women's work, along with churning butter, cooking, sewing and other domestic chores. But when whiskey production became industrialized, men took over their roles.

Myth: Bourbon must be made in Kentucky.
Fact: Bourbon can be produced anywhere in the U.S.

Bourbon, which is defined by federal authorities as “whisky produced in the U.S.,” became geographically protected in 1964 when Congress declared it “America's spirit,” according to Minnick. Before then, Mexican producers marketed a cheaper whiskey as bourbon. Cognac, scotch and champagne are three other examples of geographically-indicated alcoholic beverages.

Myth: Bourbon must be aged in an American oak barrel.
Fact: Bourbon can be made in any shape container with oak from any country, as long it's new, with no aging required.

According to the federal definition, bourbon cannot exceed 80 percent alcohol by volume, or 160 proof; must be produced from a “a fermented mash of not less than 51 percent corn, and stored at not more than 62.5% alcohol by volume (125 proof) in charred new oak containers.”

However, for bourbon to be considered “straight,” it must be aged at least two years, Minnick says. Further, any drink marketed as “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey” must be distilled in the Bluegrass State.

Photos by Danya Henninger

Recent Articles

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

Inside Look: Campari's Stylish North American Headquarters in New York

If you're a frequent Negroni drinker, always order Wild Turkey Bourbon in your old fashioneds, or prefer your ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 9, 2020
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close