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There’s no doubt that Australia has award-winning whisky producers, and the Scottish and the Irish have a long tradition of producing this much-loved spirit. However, the vast range of climates and abundant grain crops in America has led to the creation of an array of unique and world-class varieties Whiskeys.

While Australia is the second largest importer of American Whiskey, many of us are still relatively unaware of the different styles and techniques that make up this unique space, which is why a thoughtfully chosen American Whiskey makes for a perfect gift.

With Thanksgiving next month, and Christmas right around the corner, ‘Cheers! Spirits from the USA’ has partnered with independent specialist liquor shops and bars around the country to make sure you’re able to find a unique American Whiskey you and your loved ones will cherish.

Joel Matticks from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S (DISCUS), which, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, supports the ‘Cheers! Spirits from the USA’ campaign in Australia says, “Thanksgiving is an iconic American holiday that is celebrated on the third Thursday in November (November 28 this year) and is centred around being grateful for the harvest and other blessings of the past year.  However, given how much Australians love whiskey we thought this was the perfect opportunity to showcase a wider range of US distilled spirits than they may have tried before, and make it possible for whiskey afficionados to purchase hard-to-find bottlings.”

For the month of November, three fantastic retailers around the country that will be showcasing a variety of American Whiskeys through free tastings, masterclasses and more are:

  • P&V Wine + Liquor (Sydney with national delivery): their Newtown store in Sydney will be pouring free samples from a range of premium whiskies that are newer to Australia so you can try before you buy, as well as hosting free events with the teams from Sagamore Spirit, High West, and Westward Whiskey each Saturday afternoon for the month. Find out more here. Plus, the also ship nationwide, meaning you can purchase these rare bottles from anywhere in Australia!
  • Sense of Taste (Brisbane with national delivery): one of the leading and most unique bottle stores in QLD will be showcasing even more American whiskies to their already huge variety. Choose from an exclusive Single Barrel of Westward Whiskey, the Kentucky Owl range, and hard-to-find bottles from other American producers. Plus, there will be free tastings throughout the month with the team from Westward Whiskey, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, High West, Belle Meade, and Sagamore Spirit.
  • Farrah’s Liquor Collective (FLC Canberra): FLC is building one of Australia’s most diverse range of small batch and boutique spirits. In addition to the likes of Old Forester and Wild Turkey they will also be adding Sagamore Rye and a few other leading American whiskies to their shelves for this period.

Or if you’d prefer to sit and sip while soaking up the atmosphere and talking to knowledgeable bar staff, these are three leading bars to enjoy American whiskey:

  • Jolene’s in Sydney showcase a huge range of American whiskies including Westward Whiskey and Uncle Nearest, and their cocktail list is extensive and features the likes of Angel’s Envy, Jack Daniels, Old Forester, and many more.
  • Goodwater in Melbourne offer a wide variety of US whiskey producers and whiskey-forward cocktails highlighting the versatility of the likes of Kentucky Owl, Wild Turkey and Westland.
  • The Gresham in Brisbane has over 70 American whiskies on their menu to choose from, including hard to find bottlings from Green River, Maker’s Mark, and Wild Turkey.

What’s the deal with American whiskey?

There are four key categories of American whiskey. Here’s what you need to know:

Bourbon

A classic! Sweet, sweet bourbon has to be distilled from at least 51 percent corn and aged in new oak barrels. Bourbon can produced in any U.S. state, not just Kentucky.  Australia recognizes Bourbon as a distinctive product of the U.S., which ensures that such products sold in Australia are produced in the U.S. in accordance with U.S. laws and regulations.

American Rye Whiskey

Spicier and drier in flavour than a Bourbon, American Rye Whiskey must be distilled from at least 51 percent rye. If it’s aged for two years or more it’s a straight rye.

Tennessee Whiskey

Like Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey has to be made with 51% corn.  Unlike Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey must be made in Tennessee (makes sense!) and filtered through charred maple chips, giving it a distinct flavour profile. Like Bourbon, Australia recognizes Tennessee Whiskey as a distinctive product of the U.S., which ensures that such products sold in Australia are produced in the U.S. in accordance with U.S. laws and regulations.

American Single Malt:

The newest and fast-growing category in American Whiskey, isn’t yet legally defined by U.S. regulators, though it’s on the cusp of it. But, in general, it’s distilled from one hundred percent malted barley that can be aged in new oak casks; it has the most variable, sometimes even eccentric flavour profile of all American whiskies.

So, what are you waiting for? Take Thanksgiving as a great opportunity to discover the quality, diversity and versatility of American whiskeys.

Or, if you’re looking to make some amazing cocktails at home, find a range of delicious recipes that hero American Spirits here: https://cheersspiritsfromtheusa.com/au/cocktail-book/

https://www.distilledspirits.org/news/u-s-spirits-exports-hit-record-high-in-2023-driven-by-american-whiskeys/