American Whiskey History - Part 1: From the 1600s to the 1700s

The long and illustrious history of American whiskey begins in the country's colonial era. American culture, the economy, and even politics owe a great deal to whiskey. American whiskey has an interesting history, from being the first thing taxed in the United States to the notorious Whiskey Rebellion, which drove many people west to escape paying taxes. While bourbon has gained popularity in recent decades, rye whiskey has a longer history in the United States and may rightfully claim to be the country's first native spirit.

American whiskey production dates back to the 1600s, when European settlers introduced distillation technology to the New World. An Englishman named George Thorpe distilled a corn-based liquor in what is now Virginia in 1640, marking the first time whiskey was made in the Americas. But it wasn't until the late 1700s that America's whiskey industry really took off.

One of the first whiskeys produced in the United States was rye whiskey, named for the grain from which it was distilled. The temperature and soil of the American colonies were great for growing rye, making it a perfect crop for distilling whiskey. By the middle of the 1700s, rye whiskey had surpassed all other types of whiskey in the American colonies in terms of popularity. Early American whiskey drinkers favored rye because of its distinctively robust and peppery flavor.

Whiskey distilling throughout the 1600s and 1700s was crude in comparison to today. Grains like rye, corn, and barley would be fermented to make a mash, and the vapors of alcohol would be released when the mash was cooked. Whiskey was made by collecting and condensing these fumes. The resulting whiskey was frequently extremely potent because it was raw and had not been matured.

The first tax in the United States was levied on whiskey, marking a significant moment in the development of the industry in the United States. To help fund the fledgling nation, the federal government slapped a tax on whiskey in 1791, with Alexander Hamilton at the helm. In the western sections of the country, where whiskey production was a significant source of revenue for many farmers, the Excise Whiskey Tax was received with strong resistance.

As a direct attack on their rights and means of subsistence, whiskey producers and drinkers alike reacted angrily to the implementation of the levy. The Whiskey Rebellion was a violent revolt that erupted when the federal government attempted to impose a tax on whiskey.

Farmers and distillers in western Pennsylvania staged the alcohol Rebellion in 1794 when they refused to pay the levy on alcohol. President George Washington dispatched federal forces to put down the revolt, which cemented the federal government's ability to collect taxes on bourbon. The whiskey industry and American culture as a whole were both profoundly affected by the revolt. Due to the fact that many distillers and consumers of whiskey were either unable or unwilling to pay the levy, they relocated west of the Mississippi.


From 1791 to 1794, the Whiskey Rebellion occurred, marking the first time the federal government used military force to put down a domestic rebellion. Even though the uprising was put down, it had far-reaching effects. Many distillers of whiskey were punished for their involvement in the uprising by being imprisoned, fined, or having their assets seized. As a result, many whiskey distillers began to dislike the federal government and express their discontent openly.

Many distillers of alcoholic beverages headed west after the Whiskey Rebellion as a means of avoiding the tax and the control of the federal government. The production of whiskey, notably bourbon and rye, expanded westward as a result, especially in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio, where the production of whiskey flourished on the lush fields of the newly opened frontier. As distilleries moved west, they laid the groundwork for what would become the modern American whiskey industry.
Bourbon became the most popular type of American whiskey once distilleries moved west in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Kentucky's rich soil and plentiful water supply made it a perfect location for growing corn, the main ingredient in bourbon. Quickly replacing rye as America's favorite whiskey, bourbon's softer and sweeter flavor profile helped it gain widespread acceptance.

The word "bourbon" has an intriguing past of its own. Bourbon County, Kentucky was a major hub of whiskey manufacturing in the late 18th century, and it is usually thought that here is where the term originated. The legal requirements for bourbon production include using at least 51% corn, aging the spirit in new charred oak barrels, and distilling it to no more than 160 proof before bottling it at a minimum of 80 proof. However, bourbon can be produced anywhere in the United States.

Technology, transportation, and shifting consumer tastes all played roles in Bourbon's meteoric rise to fame in the 19th century. The distillation process was greatly improved in the early 19th century with the development of the steam engine and the column still. Because of this, there was a greater supply of whiskey, particularly bourbon, which was aged for longer, resulting in a higher quality, more refined end product.

The growth of the American whiskey industry was also aided by technological advancements in transportation, such as the steamboat and the train. It facilitated the spread of bourbon and other American whiskies from their respective regions of production to new consumer markets across the country.

Consumer tastes shifted, helping bourbon become the most popular American alcohol. Bourbon's gentler and sweeter flavor profile earned a dedicated following as consumer taste preferences shifted, particularly in the South. Bourbon's rising popularity can also be attributed to the proliferation of cocktails throughout the 19th century, many of which prominently incorporated the spirit.

Rye whiskey was still made and drunk in the United States even as bourbon became more popular. A number of causes, notably the effects of Prohibition, which outlawed the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933, contributed to its downfall in the early 20th century. The American whiskey industry, notably rye whiskey, took a major hit during Prohibition. Many distilleries had to close or diversify their operations in order to survive.

However, the American whiskey industry steadily began to revive when Prohibition was repealed, and by the middle of the twentieth century, bourbon had established itself as the preeminent American native spirit. On the other hand, rye whiskey never quite recovered to its previous splendor and instead remained a niche product.

A increasing appreciation for its robust and spicy flavor character and a renaissance in interest in traditional and handmade spirits have contributed to rye whiskey's current popularity comeback. There has been a recent uptick in the number of distilleries producing artisanal, high-quality rye whiskeys that pay attention to the spirit's long history in the United States.

The United States Congress formally acknowledged rye whiskey as America's first native spirit in 2007, recognizing its historical and cultural significance; nonetheless, bourbon continues to be commonly recognized as America's native spirit. This acknowledgement has aided in reviving interest in rye whiskey by drawing attention to the pivotal part it has played in the history of American whiskey.

The evolution of American whiskey over the years is intriguing, and its history dates back to the 1600s. Even though bourbon has come to be associated with the United States, rye whiskey has a longer history in the country. Beginning as a crude liquor distilled by European settlers, American whiskey went on to play a pivotal part in the Whiskey Rebellion and the westward development of the United States. Although bourbon has gained popularity in recent years and is often referred to as "America's native spirit," the history of rye distillation in the United States predates that of bourbon. American whiskey's rich flavors, skilled production, and historic legacy continue to win over fans today. American whiskey is a typical representation of the American pioneering spirit and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of classic cocktails.