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Whiskey is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world, and its history in the United States is a rich and varied one. From its early days as a colonial drink to its current role as a favorite among “day drinkers,” whiskey has always held a special place in the hearts of Americans. In this post, we’ll take a look at the origins of whiskey in the USA and explore some of its most interesting historical moments. Cheers!
The Origins of Whiskey in the USA
In the Colonial Era (1492-1763), there were no water purification systems. Because of this, water was not healthy to drink…bummer. So, early colonial American’s needed to find a solution to purification. That solution was rum.
As Europeans began arriving to the new world, native Americans were introduced to the use of alcohol. But not like we would imagine. Europeans and Native Americans were not sitting around the campfire, cracking open a Coors light, and sharing stories of the range. Alcohol was not what it is today- and in fact, it was often used for more than buzzes and Brewfest’s.
The term Day Drinking was born.
Being that water was not safe to drink, rum made it’s way into the hands of many. So much so, many Americans would drink rum in the morning, throughout the day, and even into the night. Ya know, for water purification. The term “Day Drinking” could be coined in this time period. Rum was often used as a legal tender due to the nature of its properties, the value, and the cost to produce. Every person in America drank some form of alcohol.
Tobacco too was heavily used as a legal tender as it because such a consumed, addiction to, and staple in the new World Economy. Eventually, as the British seem to do, they cut off the molasses supplies needed to make rum, so the American colonists began making whiskey out of converted grains. Due to the vast amount of grain available, whiskey was relatively inexpensive and easy to make- it was even cheaper than coffee. As result, in colonial America whiskey became the drink of choice and it came with few moral judgements about the use and user-
Whiskey goes Mainstream
Around 1763-1820’s alcohol use was widespread (like actual widespread not CDC definitions of wide-spread) and some of the founding fathers called for some eyes on the “negative side effects”
Dr. Benjamin Rush, founding father and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was one of the first to draw attention to possible negative side effects on the body.
He authored the “moral thermometer” in his book titled: “An Inquiry into the Effects of Spirituous Liquors on the Human Body”. In 1791, alcohol consumption was creeping in so much that in 1791 a whiskey tax was passed. But, like any taxes, it was not so much about curbing the use of alcohol as much as it was about paying off the national debt. But don’t worry- 1801 the tax was repealed.
New Era of Alcohol
From 1919-1933, Prohibition ushered in faster and cheaper manufacturing of alcohol. The amount of grain in the US and ease of making alcohol starting to take shape. World War 1 took the grain needed to make drinks and was directed to support American troops. In 1920, Jan 18th marked the day prohibition became the law of the land.
Prohibition was repealed 13 years later in 1933
Prohibition crushed it-sarcastic of course. New crime rings popped up and entire black market was created for both production and sale of alcohol in the USA. Storefronts became speakeasies, often hiding the backdoor shenanigans by selling cigars and magazines in the front…and drinks in the back. Alcohol stunk during this time. Often referred to as “bathtub gin” because of poor quality of homemade spirits.
Whiskey today
Today, whiskey is enjoyed by people all over the world-some too much and for others, just the right amount in moderation. While mainstream now, whiskey-making is a distinctly American art form with dozens of whiskey distilleries in the USA today. While each distillery has its own unique process, there are four main types of whiskey made in the USA: Bourbon, Rye, Tennessee, and Blended.
The modern day distilleries and how whiskey is made
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Various grains (which may be malted) are used for different varieties, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Whiskey is typically aged in wooden casks, generally made of charred white oak. The making of whiskey involves a number of steps, including fermentation, distillation, and aging. The flavor of whiskey can vary depending on the type of grain used, the length of time it is aged, and the methods used during production. Whether you’re a fan of whiskey or just curious about how it’s made, visiting a modern day distillery is a great way to learn more about this iconic beverage.
- Bourbon whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new oak barrels. Because of its sweetness, bourbon is often used in mixed drinks like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
- Rye whiskey, on the other hand, is made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain and has a spicy flavor that makes it ideal for sipping neat or using in cocktails like the Sazerac.
- Tennessee whiskey is similar to bourbon, but it must be produced in Tennessee and filtered through sugar maple charcoal before being aged in oak barrels. The most famous brand of Tennessee whiskey is Jack Daniel’s.
- Finally, blended whiskey is a mix of two or more different types of whiskey. Blended whiskey is generally lighter and smoother than other types of whiskey, making it a popular choice for mixed drinks.
So next time you enjoy a glass of whiskey, think about the long history and tradition that went into its making. Cheers!
How to Drink Whiskey | Recipes
Whiskey is most commonly consumed neat (straight), on the rocks (with ice), or mixed with other drinks. Whiskey can also be used in a number of classic cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour. Today, there are hundreds of distilleries producing thousands of different whiskeys. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or just getting started, there’s sure to be a whiskey out there that’s perfect for you.
Whiskey cocktails to try at home
When it comes to making whiskey cocktails at home, the sky is the limit. There are countless recipes out there that call for whiskey as the main ingredient. Whether you want something sweet or sour, simple or complex, there’s sure to be a whiskey cocktail that suits your taste. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment and create your own unique recipe? Who knows – you might just come up with the next great whiskey cocktail!
Conclusion
Whiskey is a liquor that has been around for centuries. When enjoying whiskey, it is important to remember that whiskey is a strong liquor, and it is best to drink whiskey in moderation. There are many different brands of whiskey, and each brand has its own history and flavor profile. There are also many different ways to make whiskey, and each distillery has its own process for making whiskey. If you are interested in learning more about whiskey, you can visit a local distillery or take a tour of a whiskey distillery. You can also find many books about whiskey, and there are many websites that provide information about whiskey.
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