Buy American Whisky Online in NZ

You'll find Jim Beam and Jack Daniel's for everyday pours, Woodford Reserve and Maker's Mark for richer sipping, and Wild Turkey and Buffalo Trace for bolder bourbon.

Types of American Whisky

  • Bourbon Whisky: made mostly from corn for a sweet, full style.
  • Rye Whisky: built on rye grain for a drier, peppery whiskey that shines in a Manhattan.
  • Tennessee whiskey: filtered through maple charcoal before ageing. Jack Daniel's is the classic example.
  • American malt whiskey: a newer style made from malted barley, such as Woodford Reserve Malt.

How to Choose American Whisky

For bourbon and cola or a highball, a standard Jim Beam or Jack Daniel's does the job. For sipping or an Old Fashioned, step up to something with more age or proof, like Eagle Rare 10 Year Old or Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

American Whisky FAQs

What is Tennessee whiskey?

Tennessee whiskey is American whiskey made in Tennessee and filtered through sugar maple charcoal before it goes into the barrel. This step, called the Lincoln County Process, mellows the spirit. Otherwise it is made much like bourbon, from a mostly corn mash aged in new charred oak.

Is Jack Daniel's a bourbon?

Jack Daniel's is sold as Tennessee whiskey rather than bourbon. It meets most of the rules for bourbon, including a corn-led mash and new charred oak barrels, but its charcoal filtering step and Tennessee origin set it apart, and the distillery chooses the Tennessee label.

What does straight whiskey mean?

Straight whiskey is American whiskey aged at least two years in new charred oak with nothing added except water. Under four years old, it must also carry an age statement. You will see the term on many labels, such as straight bourbon and straight rye.

What is the difference between bourbon and rye?

Bourbon is made from at least 51% corn, while rye whiskey uses at least 51% rye grain. Corn gives bourbon a rounder, sweeter taste, and rye brings dry spice, pepper and a crisper finish. Both are aged in new charred oak barrels.