Whiskey is one of the best things to have ever happened to mankind. In warmer months it can play nicely with additions such as mint, thyme, lemonand cherries. During the winter it can stand alone either neat or on ice, preferable in a lovely glass while you’re sitting near the fireplace.
The whiskey gods are so kind that they’ve even bestowed upon us another variation of whiskey for people who are into lighter spirits: white whiskey. This is not an oxymoron.
White whiskey, or white dog as it’s affectionately called, is unaged whiskey. Traditionally whiskey is made by fermenting and aging grain mash. Grains such as corn, barley, ryeand wheat make up the essential building blocks of all whiskey, even white whiskey.
As part of the aging process, whiskey is often stored in oak barrels, which helpto round out sharper notes and add another element of flavor. This is also how whiskey gets its traditional brown color. Considering the aging process for most whiskies can last years, having a product that is almost immediately available to the masses is appealing to upstart distilleries, and that is where white whiskey comes in.
Is white whiskey just moonshine?
Yes and no. Moonshine — or white lightening — refers to the illegally produced corn-based spirit that took off during the Prohibition era. Infamous for its roots in parts of Kentucky and Appalachia, moonshine is technically whiskey, but the term really refers to an era in which is was against the law to not only produce but consume alcohol. Some manufacturers of white whiskey deliberately market their spirits as “moonshine” — this is more about branding than ingredients or process.
How should I drink it?
Don’t let the color of white whiskey fool you, it packs a high alcohol content and isn’t for the faint of heart. We like to drink white whiskey in simple co*cktails, such as aKentucky Muleor instead of vodka in this berry- and ginger-filled twist on a boozyArnoldPalmer.
White whiskey, meant to be bottled and sold as moonshine or white dog, is made differently. Since it's intended to be enjoyed unaged, it's designed as such. Different yeast is used, and the process of distilling is different as well to create a white whiskey that's sweeter and softer than bourbon.
In the regular whiskey production process, a fermented, grain-based mash is distilled to higher proof (ABV) and aged for varying periods of time in oak barrels. White whiskey skips that last—theoretically essential—aging step and goes right to the bottle.
White Whiskey is the whiskey that's never even seen a barrel. Much less been aged in one. White Whiskey is the young, unaged version of your favorite bourbon or rye. It's a little raw and a little hot, but it's also a little raw and a little hot.
Don't let the color of white whiskey fool you, it packs a high alcohol content and isn't for the faint of heart. We like to drink white whiskey in simple co*cktails, such as a Kentucky Mule or instead of vodka in this berry- and ginger-filled twist on a boozy Arnold Palmer.
Corn whiskey and white whiskey are basically the same thing. They are raw, unaged whiskeys made from a primarily corn mash — at least 80% — and distilled to a maximum of 160 proof. Whether it will be labeled and advertised as a corn whiskey or a white whiskey is up to the manufacturer.
One of the great Kentucky bourbon producers, Buffalo Trace makes this great white whiskey from mostly corn. Make note: It clocks in at a whopping 125 proof.
For example, corn white whiskeys can taste "aggressively" like fresh corn ears, with finishing flashes of vanilla and a faint sweetness from the remaining sugar. On the other hand, oat white whiskey tastes just like oatmeal, from the aroma to the finish.
I first started sipping it with a simple squeeze of fresh lime juice, but this white whiskey works swell in all sorts of co*cktails including a whiskey sour, a Bloody Mary and this Lincoln Margarita.
White whiskey, or moonshine, is essentially just whiskey that hasn't touched a barrel. Whiskey is actually clear, or white, when it comes out of the still. It gets its variations of color (gold, brown) from interacting with wood.
“White” spirits are clear, generally devoid of color, because they have usually not been aged in color-inducing wooden barrels. Sure, some of them are aged in barrels and then filtered so they look clear (like one very famous rum brand).
While whiskies do occasionally contain some char that have escaped the sieve before bottling, the reality is that floating particles or haziness are naturally occurring lipids that have precipitated out due to cold temperatures.
Because whiskey's natural colour after distillation is clear, the pigments in the wood seep into the spirit, causing the amber colouring that makes whiskey's colour so distinctive. The longer the whiskey remains in its barrel, the darker it becomes.
White wine, beer, and even spirits may also have some benefits, but their lower polyphenol content means these benefits are less than in red wine. Artisan ciders may have similar levels of polyphenols to red wines, but more research is needed into their potential health benefits.
As with any other type of alcohol, whiskey is believed by many to have mild to moderately beneficial effects when consumed in moderation. This means drinking no more than 3oz of whiskey per day for men (2 shots of whiskey) and 1.5oz per day for women (1 shot of whiskey), with no additional alcoholic drinks.
Moonshine is illegal liquor. Because it's illegal, there are no standards for making it, so moonshine can be made from anything. Whiskey, even white whiskey, must contain a certain percentage of corn or grain; it must be taxed and regulated; and it is very much legal.
Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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