American whiskey labeled as one of these types, the whiskey must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (160 U.S. proof) to ensure the flavor of the original mash is adequately retained, and the addition of coloring, caramel, or other flavoring additives is prohibited. All of these, except corn whiskey, must be aged at least briefly (although no minimum aging period is specified) in charred new oak containers. These restrictions do not exist for some similarly named products in some other countries, such as Canada. American corn whiskey does not have to be aged at all – but, if
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