American Blended Whiskey

A historical style of American whiskey that initially gained popularity in the 19th century, when the invention of the column still made it possible to produce neutral grain spirits with relative ease. Blended whiskies must contain at least 20% 'straight whiskey', but in reality the proportion is usually much higher. While the style is quite loosely defined, blended whiskies tend to be lighter in character than their unblended cousins, although some producers are pushing the boundaries, producing exciting spirits that don't fit the traditional American categories of 'Bourbon' or 'Rye'.