A Nice Day for a White Whiskey
The height of summer doesn’t exactly scream out for a boozy Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or even straight sipping Bourbon. So what’s a whiskey lover to do?
Turn to whiskey’s unaged version, white whiskey or bourbon, of course. It can be easy to overlook this sector of the market, as it tends to be overshadowed by its more famous aged counterpart. But especially on hot days, it’s well worth seeking out the versatile, more adaptable white version of whiskey.
Bourbon and whiskey start off as clear, or “white.” Good brown spirits — whether that’s rum, tequila, or whiskey — get their dark color from spending time in wooden barrels to age. (The less good versions sometimes have caramel or other flavoring added.)
But don’t call the clear distillate vodka or grain alcohol — quality producers of white whiskey say they tweak the mash bill, so that it’s not simply the unaged Bourbon or whiskey that you would encounter in their aged versions, but its own, more drinkable thing.
The big bonus for using white whiskey in cocktails is that it’s extremely versa- tile. You can sub it for almost any other white spirit in classic cocktail recipes, like a sour or a Collins, or you easily can put it in summer’s big batch punches. Though the flavor from the grain bill is subtle, you can have fun pulling out the nuances of spicy rye, sweet corn or grainy barley and wheat in your cocktail.
When you’re looking for it in stores, you’ll see white whiskey being sold under a number of names: white dog, moonshine, corn whiskey. Each one is made at different proof levels, so you’re going to want to check the label to understand how much to serve. A standard alcohol tends to come in at around 80 proof (40% ABV), so adjust accordingly, if you’re dealing with a super high-proof version.
Here are some bottles to look out for— and a couple of summer recipes to try once you’ve got one in hand:
Hudson New York Corn Whiskey
One of the leaders in bringing attention to this style of spirit, this craft distillery in upstate New York started making this unaged version of their super popular “Baby Bourbon” and selling it in the same cute, squat bottles.
Death’s Door White Whiskey
This well-respected, Wisconsin-based distillery makes this entry from a mix of hard winter wheat and malted barley.
Ole Smokey Tennessee Moonshine
Made from 100 percent corn grown on Tennessee farms, this whiskey has notes of butter and vanilla, and is sold in a mason jar, nodding to the traditional moonshine experience, which also makes for a cute gift.
Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1
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.
Koval White Whiskey Rye
For something slightly different, check out this entry from a Chicago-based distillery that’s made with 100 percent rye, for a slightly spicy, peppery finish.
WHITE WHISKEY COLLINS
Serves 1
You’ll recognize this simple formula from the more typical gin-based Collins, but the smooth gentle flavor of white whiskey makes for a refreshing summer drink.
• 1 1⁄2 ounces white bourbon or whiskey 3⁄4 ounce lemon juice
• 3⁄4 ounce simple syrup (1:1, sugar:water) Soda water
• Garnish: Lemon wedge
Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until chilled, around 15-20 seconds. Strain over ice into a Collins glass and top with soda water.
WHITE WHISKEY BERRY SMASH
Serves 1
This fruity twist on the traditional whiskey sour allows the white whiskey and mint to enhance the bright flavor of fresh blackberries for the perfect summer day drinking treat.
• 1 1⁄2 ounces white whiskey
• 3⁄4 ounce lime juice
• 3⁄4 ounce simple syrup
• 8 blackberries
• 3-5 mint leaves
Add lime juice, mint leaves and berries to a cocktail shaker. Muddle gently. Add whiskey, simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake until chilled, around 15-20 seconds. Strain over crushed ice into a rocks glass.