Straight whiskey prior to its bottling. American straight whiskey must be aged in charred new oak barrels and must be put into the barrels for aging at a concentration not exceeding 62.5% abv. When bottled, only water to reduce proof may be added. This is the definition established for production of American whiskey for consumption within the United States as per the U.S federal "Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits". (The regulations do not necessarily apply to American whiskey made for export.) Alternatively, straight can also refer to a way of requesting and/or serving a drink of whiskey—pouring the spirit without any
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