Livin’ the American Dram Vol. 3

Whiskey's U.S. history is as old as the country itself. In fact, barrels and bottles were once currency during the Revolutionary War. The United States just might have been founded on booze… and maaaaybe a strong distaste for tyrannical rule and taxes.

But since those early heady days, the spirit has taken on new life in America, even spawning its very own variety: Bourbon. In fact, bourbon is so prized in the States, that there are laws governing how and where it’s made. 

The whiskey train doesn’t just stop at bourbon. Rye Whiskey is equally respected—just ask bartenders and mixologists. And the American Blended Whiskey, bringing together the best of Americana in one.

First, we saddle up with Frey Ranch Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey from the great state of Nevada. Made with 100% estate-grown winter rye, this bottle is rye-diculously smooth with just the right amount of spice to jazz up any Sazerac or Manhattan. Prefer it neat? It’s got the chops for that too. Several international awards prove this Rye’s as golden as a desert sunset.

Then we’re off to Texas with BENDT No. 5 American Blended Whiskey. This five-piece rockstar blend of hand-crafted whiskeys—Bourbon, Rye, Malt, Wheat, and Light Whiskey—hits all the high notes, from malty richness to rye’s peppery kick and sweet wheat. Whether you sip it neat or mix it in a killer cocktail, BENDT backs it up with rock-solid flavor and proven international recognition.

Finally, we're hitching a ride to Kentucky with Yellowstone Select Bourbon. Blending four hand-picked Kentucky Bourbons aged between four and seven years, it's like a melting pot of whiskey, harmonizing tastes and balance in a bottle that's as award-winning as it is delicious. Bottled at 46.5% ABV, it’s a sip of America's heartland with every taste.

Each of these star-spangled samples is a testament to the American spirit — resilient, diverse, and unapologetically bold.

 

SMARTASS CORNER

1. The Whiskey Rebellion, or Whiskey Insurrection, was a tax protest in the United States beginning in 1791, during the presidency of George Washington. The resistance came to a climax in July 1794, when a U.S. marshal arrived in western Pennsylvania to serve writs to distillers who had not paid the excise.

2. Rye whiskey is made from mash that is at least 51% rye. The grain gives rye whiskey its spicy, sometimes peppery, and bitter flavor. Rye was a big seller before the Prohibition. After decades in obscurity, it’s fashionable again. George Washington distilled rye whiskey at Mount Vernon. 

3. Frey Ranch Distillery is rooted in 165 years of family farming in Nevada, growing 100% of its grains onsite. From seed to spirit, their "ground-to-glass" whiskey is a sustainable masterpiece!

4. American Blended Whiskey must contain at least 20% straight whiskey, with the rest typically neutral spirits. Invented in the 19th century, it was a way to stretch whiskey supplies during tough times.

5. Once dismissed as "too bland," American blended whiskey is seeing a resurgence! Modern distillers are bypassing neutral spirits and crafting rich blends of bourbon, rye, and malt whiskeys to create unique, flavorful profiles.

6. BENDT Distilling Co. began in Dallas with the DeHarts and friends tinkering with homebrews and rum recipes. A chance Marine buddy visit sparked whiskey-fueled dreams, leading to their first handcrafted still. Fast forward, it’s now a Texas whiskey powerhouse with award-winning blends!

7. The Bourbon set of rules refer to the manufacturing method rather than location. It must be matured in new and charred casks of American white oak. No coloring or flavoring of any type is allowed. It must be matured for at least 2 years, if a bottle does not bear an age it is at least 4 years old. The mash bill must contain at least 51% corn. 

8. The original Yellowstone Whiskey was distilled in a log-still. It was basically a hallowed-out log filled with copper pipe that was used for primary distillation.

9. One of the most pervasive myths about bourbon is that it has to be made in Kentucky. While Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s bourbon, there are no regulations that prevent it from being made anywhere else in the United States.