What exactly defines American whiskey?
That question guided a recent masterclass hosted by Heaven Hill Distillery at Bedrinks Ibiza and presented by Salvador Blanco Romeu, Managing Director Global Travel Retail.
The session explored the origins of bourbon and rye whiskey, the regulations that define the category, and the role different grains continue to play in shaping American whiskey today.
Along the way, several expressions demonstrated how broad the category can be — from approachable house bourbons to high-proof rye whiskeys built for enthusiasts.
American Whiskey Beyond Bourbon
The presentation began with a look at the origins of whiskey production in the United States.
While bourbon has become the country’s most recognizable whiskey style, rye played a significant role in the early development of American distilling. In many regions, rye was simply the grain most readily available to settlers and farmers.
Kentucky’s abundance of corn eventually helped define bourbon as we know it today, creating one of the world’s most influential whiskey categories.
Several legal distinctions were also discussed throughout the session.
Among them:
— Bourbon must be produced in the United States.
— Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn.
— Distillation cannot exceed 80% ABV.
— Bourbon must mature in new charred oak barrels.
— Tennessee Whiskey follows similar production rules but includes charcoal filtration.
— Rye Whiskey must contain at least 51% rye.
One particularly interesting discussion centered on the 80% ABV distillation limit. Salvador reflected on how lower distillation strength helps preserve grain character and aromatic complexity, allowing more of the grain’s original identity to remain in the finished whiskey.
The Tasting
Evan Williams
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
- Proof: 86 Proof
- Notable Details: Founded in Kentucky in 1783 and widely regarded as one of the benchmark value bourbons in the American market.
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel and oak.
- Palate: Toffee, toasted corn and roasted nuts.
- Finish: Soft, approachable and lightly sweet.
- TLB Take: After using countless bottles throughout my hospitality career, Evan Williams remains one of the strongest house bourbon options available. Reliable, versatile and affordable, it delivers everything most bartenders need from a working bourbon. It performs beautifully in cocktails and mixed drinks while maintaining the recognizable character guests expect from the category. A bourbon that rarely disappoints behind the bar.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
- Proof: 94 Proof
- Notable Details: Named after Elijah Craig, a historical figure frequently associated with the development of charred barrel maturation in bourbon production.
- Nose: Oak, vanilla and sweet fruit.
- Palate: Nutmeg, baking spices and gentle warmth.
- Finish: Long, toasted and balanced.
- TLB Take: A more refined expression of Kentucky bourbon. While it preserves the familiar sweetness associated with the category, Elijah Craig feels more structured, elegant and composed. Less confectionary than many comparable bourbons, it rewards slower drinking and works exceptionally well neat.
Rittenhouse Rye
- Style: Straight Rye Whiskey
- Mash Bill: Minimum 51% Rye
- Proof: 100 Proof
- Notable Details: A Bottled-In-Bond expression rooted in the historic rye whiskey traditions of Pennsylvania.
- Nose: Baking spices, cinnamon and grain.
- Palate: Dry, expressive and spice-driven.
- Finish: Persistent and warming.
- TLB Take: Rye has always been my preferred whiskey style and Rittenhouse demonstrates why. The whiskey offers spice, structure and personality without becoming aggressive. Cinnamon and nut notes remain present throughout, creating a profile that feels both dynamic and balanced. A bottle equally comfortable in a Manhattan as it is in a tasting glass.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
- Proof: 120.2 Proof
- ABV: 60.1%
- Notable Details: Uncut and non-chill filtered, bottled directly from the barrel.
- Nose: Concentrated oak, caramel and dark spice.
- Palate: Rich, powerful and remarkably integrated.
- Finish: Long, intense and dry.
- TLB Take: One of the standout whiskeys of the tasting. Despite its considerable strength, the whiskey remains remarkably balanced. The elevated proof amplifies texture, depth and persistence without overwhelming the palate. Powerful, structured and deeply satisfying.
Heaven Hill Grain To Glass Rye
- Style: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
- Mash Bill: 63% Rye, 24% Corn, 13% Malted Barley
- Proof: 123.2 Proof
- ABV: 61.6%
- Notable Details: A limited-edition Grain-to-Glass release designed to showcase transparency from grain source to bottle.
- Nose: Spice, grain and subtle oak.
- Palate: Velvety, layered and beautifully textured.
- Finish: Long, elegant and remarkably persistent.
- TLB Take: The true discovery of the tasting. A whiskey that combines intensity with extraordinary balance. Despite its high proof, it never feels aggressive. Instead, it delivers texture, depth and complexity in equal measure. The bottle that stayed with me long after the final pour.
Final Thoughts
American whiskey is often reduced to bourbon, yet the category is far broader and more nuanced than many consumers realize.
From approachable house bourbons to sophisticated high-proof rye whiskeys, these expressions demonstrated how grain selection, production choices and regional traditions continue to shape distinct identities within American whiskey culture.
More importantly, the tasting served as a reminder that whiskey remains one of the clearest expressions of place, agriculture and craftsmanship — a spirit category where history and innovation continue to coexist in every glass.