Discover our exceptional collection of American Whiskey, featuring the finest bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey from the United States' most celebrated distilleries. From the historic bourbon trail of Kentucky to Tennessee's charcoal-mellowed traditions, explore the rich diversity and heritage of American whiskey-making.
What is American Whiskey?
American whiskey encompasses several distinct styles, each governed by strict regulations. Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn and be aged in new charred oak barrels, delivering sweet vanilla and caramel notes. Rye whiskey requires a minimum 51% rye grain, producing spicy, peppery flavours with hints of cinnamon and clove. Tennessee whiskey follows bourbon's rules but undergoes the Lincoln County Process—charcoal filtering before ageing—creating a distinctively smooth, mellow character.
Kentucky Bourbon: The Heart of American Whiskey
Kentucky produces 95% of the world's bourbon, thanks to its limestone-filtered water, ideal climate, and centuries of distilling expertise. The state's dramatic seasonal temperature swings—hot, humid summers and cold winters—accelerate barrel ageing, forcing the spirit deep into the charred oak where it extracts rich colour, vanilla, and caramel notes.
Our collection features legendary Kentucky distilleries including Jim Beam, America's best-selling bourbon since 1795, and Wild Turkey, renowned for its high-proof, full-flavoured expressions. 1792 Bourbon, crafted at the historic Barton 1792 Distillery, honours Kentucky's year of statehood with small-batch, hand-selected barrels that showcase traditional bourbon craftsmanship.
Tennessee Whiskey: Charcoal-Mellowed Excellence
Tennessee whiskey's defining characteristic is the Lincoln County Process, where new-make spirit slowly filters through sugar maple charcoal before barrel ageing. This labour-intensive step removes harsh congeners and imparts a distinctive smoothness. The state's humid climate and limestone spring water mirror Kentucky's advantages, whilst the charcoal mellowing creates a softer, more approachable flavour profile with notes of maple, smoke, and gentle spice.
Award-Winning Distilleries & Recognition
Jim Beam: With over 225 years of distilling heritage, Jim Beam has earned countless accolades including multiple Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Their Master Distillers have been inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and expressions like Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam Devil's Cut consistently receive 90+ ratings from Whisky Advocate.
Wild Turkey: Under the legendary stewardship of Master Distiller Jimmy Russell (over 65 years at the distillery), Wild Turkey has become synonymous with bold, high-proof bourbon. Wild Turkey 101 earned a Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, whilst Wild Turkey Rare Breed received the prestigious Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
1792 Bourbon: Named Whisky of the Year by multiple publications, 1792's small-batch expressions have dominated awards ceremonies. The 1792 Full Proof earned 96 points from Wine Enthusiast, whilst 1792 Single Barrel received Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named Best Small Batch Bourbon at the World Whiskies Awards.
American Whiskey Varieties & Styles
Straight Bourbon: Aged minimum two years in new charred oak, featuring sweet corn, vanilla, oak, and caramel notes. Classic examples include Jim Beam White Label and Wild Turkey 101.
Small Batch Bourbon: Blended from select barrels for consistency and complexity. 1792 Small Batch exemplifies this style with hand-selected barrels creating layered flavour profiles.
Single Barrel Bourbon: Bottled from individual barrels, each offering unique characteristics. These premium expressions showcase the distiller's art and barrel selection expertise.
High-Rye Bourbon: Contains higher rye percentages in the mash bill, adding spicy complexity to bourbon's sweetness. Popular amongst cocktail enthusiasts and those seeking bolder flavours.
Straight Rye Whiskey: Minimum 51% rye grain, aged at least two years. Delivers pronounced spice, pepper, and herbal notes. Essential for classic cocktails like the Manhattan and Sazerac.
Tennessee Whiskey: Charcoal-mellowed for exceptional smoothness, with balanced sweetness, gentle smoke, and maple undertones.
Climate, Terroir & the Bourbon Belt
The 'Bourbon Belt' stretching across Kentucky and Tennessee benefits from a unique combination of geological and climatic factors. Limestone bedrock naturally filters groundwater, removing iron whilst adding calcium and magnesium—essential for fermentation and flavour development. The region's continental climate creates extreme seasonal temperature variations: summer temperatures exceeding 35°C force whiskey deep into barrel wood, extracting colour and flavour compounds, whilst winter cold causes contraction, allowing integration and mellowing.
This natural ageing cycle, combined with Kentucky's 60-70% humidity levels, creates the 'angel's share'—approximately 4-5% evaporation annually—whilst concentrating flavours and developing the rich, complex character that defines premium American whiskey.
The History of American Whiskey
American whiskey's story begins in the late 18th century when Scottish and Irish immigrants brought distilling knowledge to the New World. The abundance of corn in Kentucky and Tennessee led to bourbon's creation, whilst Pennsylvania and Maryland became rye whiskey centres. The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 established quality standards, ensuring authenticity and consumer protection.
Prohibition (1920-1933) devastated the industry, with only six distilleries surviving by producing 'medicinal whiskey'. Post-Prohibition recovery was slow, but the late 20th century bourbon renaissance, driven by premium small-batch releases and craft distilling, has elevated American whiskey to global prominence. Today, bourbon exports exceed $2 billion annually, with international demand driving innovation whilst honouring traditional methods.
Perfect for Cocktails & Sipping
American whiskey's versatility makes it indispensable for both cocktail enthusiasts and neat-pour aficionados. Bourbon's sweetness balances citrus in an Old Fashioned, whilst rye's spice cuts through vermouth in a perfect Manhattan. Tennessee whiskey's smoothness shines in a Whiskey Sour, and high-proof expressions like Wild Turkey 101 stand up beautifully to ice and mixers without losing character.
For contemplative sipping, explore single barrel and small-batch expressions that showcase the distiller's craft, terroir, and barrel selection expertise.
Shop our premium American whiskey collection with confidence. We offer secure online ordering and Australia-wide delivery, bringing Kentucky's finest bourbon, Tennessee's smoothest whiskey, and America's boldest rye directly to your door.
