White whiskey refers to an unaged whiskey made with corn mash that has a minimum of 80 proof and a maximum of 160 proof. White whiskey is more of a corn alcohol than whiskey, tasting incredibly alcoholic and harsh.
Many liken white whiskey to moonshine. That said, white whiskey isn’t just an overly alcoholic byproduct of whiskey distillation but a bonafide type of whiskey that many brands sell.
Below, you can read about the white whiskey brands that whiskey-lovers like best.
Buffalo Trace White Dog
Buffalo Trace is a longstanding Kentucky whiskey and bourbon distiller that’s been operating continuously for over 200 years. Their unaged, crystal clear white dog white whiskey has been a delicious offer in their repertoire since the beginning of their operations.
It has a subtly sweet corn aroma with an intense palate of corn and vanilla with a fiery finish.
Death’s Door White Whiskey
This super alcoholic white whiskey lives up to its name. Unlike most white whiskey brands, Death’s Door White Whiskey uses a combination of red wheat and barley mixed with champagne yeast to create a 160-proof whiskey.
It then goes through a second distillation process to reach a more palatable 80-proof.
Death’s Door White Whiskey ages very briefly in oak barrels to give it a distinct whiskey flavor you will love, with notes of vanilla, dark cherry, and dried fruit.
Troy & Sons Platinum White Whiskey
A product of the Ashville Distilling Company, Troy and Sons Platinum White Whiskey is the distillers’ ode to the moonshine traditions of its native Appalachia.
It uses local and all-natural heirloom white corn and Appalachian spring water to create a product that Ashville Brewing is proud to call the “world’s best moonshine.”
Popcorn Sutton White Whiskey
Named for the famed early 20th-century Appalachian moonshiner, Popcorn Sutton White Whiskey uses a century-old family recipe to create a classic moonshine with a uniquely smooth finish.
Popcorn Sutton White Whiskey is a small-batch whiskey product that offers an 88-proof clear whiskey with corn flavor palate and a finish that won’t burn your throat on the way down.
George Dickel No. 1 White Corn Whiskey
George Dickel and Co. is a Tennessee-based distillery that opened in the 1850s and has since produced a wide range of bourbons, whiskeys, and ryes. Their No. 1 white corn whiskey uses old-fashioned charcoal filtering to smooth the finish on this normally harsh raw distillate.
It has a strong corn aroma with a flavor palate of raspberry, vanilla, pie, and corn with a smooth finish.
High West Silver Whiskey
High Wes Distillery is a Utah whiskey producer and a relatively new distillery to the whiskey scene, opening in 2009. Their white whiskey, known as Silver Whiskey, stands out because it's an oat whiskey.
It's a clear 80-proof white whiskey with a fruity smell and a sweet cereal and fruit palate.
Pinckney Bend American Corn Whiskey
A historic 19th-century distillery that started out making moonshine, Pinckney Bend American Corn Whiskey remains true to its Missouri Ozarks roots with this classic white corn whiskey.
It's made in small batches and has a classic corn palate, harsh aroma, and surprisingly smooth finish. It's a versatile whiskey that mixes well into cocktails.
Hudson New York Corn Whiskey
As the name implies, Hudson New York whiskey distillery is a New York-based whiskey and bourbon producer, using 100% local ingredients to make award-winning products.
Their corn whiskey sources its corn from New York state. It is a pure-tasting whiskey that smells like fresh corn fields and has a light mouthfeel.
Slow Hand White Whiskey
Slow Hand White Whiskey is another unique blend of oats, malt, and spelt from the California-based Slow Hand Distillery. It is an organic white whiskey with a delightfully fruity, slightly sweet palate with a uniquely nutty finish.
You can taste the alcohol, but the complex flavors and nutty finish make for a refined spirit.
Ole Smoky Mountain
Ole Smoky is a Tennessee whiskey producer with an entire line of moonshines. Its original, clear moonshine has one of the highest alcohol content of any white whiskey brand at 100-proof.
It comes from a century-old recipe that uses corn distillate to create a classic flavor profile. They're one company that is proud of the fiery finish as a mark of authenticity.
Cheers!
White whiskey is a historical staple of American whiskey distilleries, offering a highly alcoholic unaged spirit.
My list of white whiskey brands runs the gamut from classic corn mash moonshine to organic oat whiskeys. I’d love to hear which white whiskey brand you liked most in the comments below.
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