By S.D. Peters Rating: C As recently as 1995, there were only four American Rye whiskies on the market.  One of them, easily the most recognizable of the four, was Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey. The brand’s history is longer in years than most American states, and at times, storied.  Abraham Overholt (the face of Old Overholt today) began distilling ...

By S.D. Peters It could be the Pennsylvania blood in my veins or a taste for the less popular that made a Rye drinker of me.  American Rye whiskey, that is.  But really, if I’m going by taste, then it’s the distinctly dry, spicy qualities that drew me to this often overlooked style of American whiskey. Or, I should say, ...

Bourbon Whiskey Under American federal law, bourbon must be made from a grain recipe with at least 51% corn and distilled to a strength not greater than 80% alcohol. The latter is at least ten points weaker than what is allowed in Canada, Ireland or Scotland. It must be then aged in new, charred oak barrels and bottled at a ...