Rye whiskey Rye whiskey Rye whiskey can refer to two different, but related, types of whiskey: In the United States, "rye whiskey" is, by law, made from a mash of at least 51 percent rye. (The other ingredients in the mash are usually corn and malted barley.) It is distilled to no more than 160 U.S. proof (80% abv) and aged in charred, new oak barrels. The whiskey must be put in the barrels at no more than 125 proof (62.5% abv). Rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years and has not been blended with other spirits may
Corn whiskey Corn whiskey Corn whiskey is an American liquor made from a mash of at least 80 percent corn and distilled to a maximum strength of 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume). Distinct from the stereotypical American moonshine, corn whiskey uses a traditional mash process and is subject to the tax and identity laws for alcohol under federal law. Several commercial distillers, such as Heaven Hill, produce unaged corn whiskeys for retail sale. Unlike other American whiskey styles, corn whiskey does not need wood aging at all. If aged, it must be in uncharred or previously used oak barrels and must