Cruising through the world of whiskey is quite a ride. You’ll find quite a few styles, and they’re so unique that you can tell them apart with some practice.

The only thing whiskeys worldwide have in common is that they’re spirits made from grain and aged in barrels. Other than that, the sky’s the limit!

When talking about whiskey, Scotch, Irish and Japanese versions come to mind, they’re all awesome and have a large fan base, but the American whiskey is a whole other beast, and it’s more complex than you think. Here are the American Whisky styles explained, and why you’ll want to try them all!

Bourbon

Bourbon is the most famous American whiskey, and it’s been around as we know it since 1820. Settlers distilled the grains available, mostly corn, in small distilling pots for their enjoyment and trade. What makes it so special? The charred oak barrels in which the spirit evolves.

BY 1880, reliable bottles, made by machine rather than mouth-blown, were available, and by the turn of the century, the government established the rules for making authentic Bourbon setting aside lower quality spirits. Distillers must use at least 51% corn in the grain bill, and they must age the spirit in new, charred white oak containers.

Did you know? Straight Bourbon is of the highest quality. It must be aged for at least two years, but the law encourages a minimum of four. Kentucky Straight Bourbon follows the same rules of Straight Bourbon but must be distilled and aged for at least one year in Kentucky.

Bourbon Whiskey to Try: Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark.

Malt Whiskey

Malt whiskey takes inspiration in Scotch. Producers must craft their spirits with at least 51% malted barley, but it’s infused with the American enthusiasm by aging it in charred new oak containers.

Although barley is the quintessential whiskey grain, the European grain took a long time in adapting to American soils compared to rye, so it took some time to gain devotees.

Singles malts represent the best in the category and are distilled from 100% percent malted barley by a single distillery within the US.

Did you know? To make malted barley, you must germinate the grains and quickly dry them as soon as they sprout. This releases the sugars that become alcohol. The dried sprouted barley grains are then powdered and used in the mash.

Single Malt Whiskey to Try: Wheatfish, Driftless Glen, Cloudsplitter, Glen Fargo.

Rye Whiskey

If you’ve been following along, you know rye whiskey must be made with at least 51% rye, and the rest is either corn or malted barley. Producers must age their whiskey in American oak casks, too.

In the early days, Bourbon was to the west what Rye Whiskey was to the east, including Maryland and Pennsylvania, and can be traced back to the 1810s. Rye whiskey gained popularity and was the most prevalent style up to the prohibition. Now the style takes the back seat, and Bourbon dominates the market.

Did you know? Rye has a peppery, spicy taste. We could say it’s savory compared to the sweet corn-based Bourbon. Rye whiskey is an American classic together with its Kentucky counterpart.

Rye Whiskey to Try: Wild Turkey Rye, Knob Creek, Old Overholt, Rittenhouse.

Tennessee Whiskey

Tennessee whiskey has its origins in Bourbon and follows almost the same rules with a critical exception. Distillers filter the spirit through sugar maple charcoal before aging; this is the “Lincoln County Process.” And although it was developed in 1825, it was only in 2013 that the law deemed the charcoal filtering process necessary for the Tennessee whiskey style.

Tennessee whiskey has a smooth finish and an unmatched clear profile, which makes it a favorite both for fans and serious connoisseurs.

Did you know? To make Blended Whiskey, you can use any combination of grains. Producers can add neutral spirits, flavor additives and colorants to these whiskeys, so you’re better off avoiding them.

Tennessee Whiskey to try: Jack Daniel’s Old No.7, George Dickel Barrel Select, Uncle Nearest 1856, Prichard’s Tennessee Whiskey.

And We’re Just Getting Started

The American whiskey scene is thriving. Although big companies produce almost 99% of the golden spirit, micro-distilleries and craft whiskeys are popping out in every state, and that’s exciting!

Of course, we could mention several other styles, including corn whiskey, wheat whiskey and rye malt whiskey, but you’ve got the big picture. American whiskey is larger than life, and there’s one for every palate, so explore the world of whiskey one glass at a time, and you’ll be an expert in no time!