The Best American Whiskey
What makes good American whiskey? The answer is as complex as the spirit itself. Fine American whiskey is a symphony of elements, each playing a crucial role in crafting the final masterpiece.
A lot of the time, we go to a liquor store and get the first whiskey we see or the one that looks more “luxurious,” but we don’t even stop to think about what makes it good.
All the complexities that truly set bourbons and whiskey apart from one another start with a well-crafted blend, a proper aging process, and quality materials. It is not all just about a pretty bottle.
It’s Not All About Marketing
Picture this scenario: you go to your favorite liquor store and come across a Harrison Ford-branded Whiskey; as the big fan you are, you take it home, and it turns out to be awful. Will you repurchase it?
A good American whiskey tells a story with its flavor and has taken the time to perfect its flavors, not just a pretty label attached to a fancy or famous name.
Whether it’s a tale of tradition handed down through generations or an innovative approach pushing the boundaries of what whiskey can be, every bottle has a narrative. It’s this story that connects us to the spirit, sparking intrigue and adding depth to the drinking experience.
The Importance of an Excellent Glass for Drinking the Best American Whisky
Now that you know the importance of good whiskey, let’s talk about quality whiskey glass, which is more than mere aesthetics. Of course, drinking in a fancy glass will make you feel elegant, but it goes beyond that.
Let’s begin with the science of taste. The shape of a whiskey glass can significantly influence our perception of the spirit’s aroma, which is linked to how we experience flavor.
A well-designed whiskey glass will have a narrower top than the bottom. This shape helps to concentrate the aromas, allowing them to rise to the nose and providing a fuller sensory experience.
The right glass can also affect the temperature of your whiskey. As connoisseurs will know, the warmth of a whiskey can unlock different flavors, revealing the spirit’s complexity. A glass designed with a stem or handle keeps the heat of your hand away from the whiskey, maintaining its optimal temperature.
The Process of The Best American Whiskey
The journey of a good whiskey from grain to glass is complex, each step requiring time, expertise, and dedication to excellence.
Blending Process
This is the stage where the backbone of the whiskey’s character is formed. The blend of grains will determine the flavor profile of the whiskey. Corn lends sweetness, and rye adds spice. The proportions used can create endless variations, making each whiskey unique.
Crafting also involves fermentation, where yeast is added to the mash to convert sugars into alcohol.
Aging Process
Then comes the maturation process. The spirit is aged in oak barrels, where it slowly takes on color and flavor. The charred interior of the barrel imparts rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and smoke.
The length of aging can greatly influence the final product, with longer periods resulting in a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Labeling and Bottling Process
Bottling is the next stage. As we stated before, this is not merely a matter of transferring the whiskey from barrel to bottle. It may involve filtering the whiskey to remove any solids and reduce cloudiness. The whiskey may also be diluted to the desired strength before bottling.
Here is when marketing can influence the process by adding graphics that make it more eye-catching to the consumer. But this must not affect the whiskey flavor.
Lastly, labeling is about more than just identification. A whiskey’s label is its calling card, providing vital information such as the type of whiskey, its age, the distillery where it was made, and its alcohol content.
The label’s design also plays a role in attracting consumers and conveying the brand’s identity.
Distribution
Finally, distributing the whiskey requires careful planning and logistics. Whiskeys must be stored and transported under conditions that preserve their quality. Different countries and states may also have specific regulations governing the sale and distribution of alcohol.
Storage and transportation play a significant role in this process. Whiskey, like many alcoholic beverages, has specific storage requirements to maintain its flavor profile and overall quality. It needs to be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and drastic temperature changes.
Enjoying The Best American Whiskey
Drinking American whiskey is not just about quenching a thirst but about savoring an experience. It’s about taking the time to appreciate the aroma, the color, and the way the liquid coats the glass. It’s about anticipating that first sip and how the flavors unfold on your palate.
So, the next time you pour yourself a glass of your best American whiskey, remember that you’re not just enjoying a drink – you’re partaking in a rich tapestry of tradition, innovation, skill, and passion.
If you are still looking for the perfect liquor flavor, don´t hesitate to try our blends, made with the best techniques in the Midwest.