North American Spirits

Rum is an alcoholic beverage distilled from fermented sugarcane juice, molasses, syrup, or any other sugarcane by-products, although most of what we know as rum is made from molasses. Nowadays, most rum comes from the Caribbean, and the r... READ MORE

This strong spirit originated in a small city of Tequila and was modeled on mezcal. The highly prized, original tequila varieties are made exclusively from fermented juices of blue Weber agaves, while other categories - known as ... READ MORE

Bourbon is an American whiskey that is primarily made from corn mash, the minimum requirement is 51%, while other options may include rye, barley, or wheat. Although most production is located in Kentucky, bourbon can technically be made ... READ MORE

This smoky Mexican spirit is produced from agaves that are grown throughout the country, but the main territory of mezcal production is in Oaxaca. Mezcal is traditionally prepared with agave hearts that are roasted in earthen pits and are... READ MORE

Tennessee whiskey is a label used for a specific type of whiskey produced in Tennessee that has to meet several quality and production standards. The production process is similar to bourbon, and the mash has to be made with 51% corn. Aft... READ MORE

White, silver, or light rum are all used to describe a colorless type of rum that is often mistakenly thought to be un-aged. However, since rum is produced in numerous countries, the regulations are not clear-cut, and th... READ MORE

Dark rum is probably the most complex and confusing rum category. The term is often differently explained, but it is mostly used to classify longer-aged rum styles with more pronounced flavors. Although the color is primarily attained fro... READ MORE

Reposado is a tequila variety that has been aged for a minimum of two, and a maximum of twelve months, usually in French or American oak. This tequila is characterized by a pale golden color and mellow agave flavor. It is praised for its ... READ MORE

Blanco is a clear tequila variety that is usually not matured, and it is never colored. Soon after distillation, it is diluted to drinking strength, and it is then immediately bottled. This tequila shows a true agave character, especially... READ MORE

Rye whiskey predates bourbon, and it is often dubbed as the original American spirit. It is distilled from a mash that must constitute at least 51% rye, though most producers will opt for higher percentages. The minimum aging period is no... READ MORE

Gold rum is a rum category that falls between light white rums and more complex dark styles. Due to unclear regulations and a significant number of varieties, golden rums often differ in their final character, but they are usually oak-age... READ MORE

Canadian whisky is a complex and somewhat confusing whisky style. Officially, to be labeled Canadian whisky the spirit must be distilled from a mash of cereal grains and aged for a minimum of three years. Most examples are blends, and the... READ MORE

Añejo is a tequila variety that has been matured for at least one year in oak barrels with a maximum capacity of 160 gallons (600 liters). The barrels are occasionally those once used for bourbon or cognac. This r... READ MORE

Sotol is a clear Mexican spirit distilled from a group of plants of the Dasylirion genus. The plants are known as sotol in Spanish, while the most common English term is the desert spoon. Sotol is an ancient Mexican spirit, often dubbed a... READ MORE

Bacanora is a native Mexican spirit exclusively made in the Sonora region. It is made with a specific type of agave called Pacifica (agave Angustifolia). Despite its turbulent history, in 2000, this once outlawed spirit has been awarded a... READ MORE

Extra añejo tequila variety is matured for at least three years in oak barrels that have a maximum capacity of 160 gallons (600 liters). Longer aging time creates a drink of exceptional quality, and ultra-aged tequila varieties are... READ MORE

Corn whiskey is one of the oldest whiskey styles in the United States. It is legally defined as a spirit with a fermented mash of at least 80% corn. Corn whiskey can be bottled without oak maturation, and if aged, the process has to take ... READ MORE

Joven is a tequila variety that is not matured, but it is usually colored with caramel, syrups, or other additives. In its basic form, Joven is a type of Blanco tequila that has been tinted to attain light golden color and to give tequila... READ MORE

Pox (pronounced posh) is a ceremonial, corn-based Mexican drink that originated among the Tzotzil Maya in Chiapas. Originally fermented and made with corn, pox is nowadays often distilled and includes wheat, sugar cane, and because of its... READ MORE

Clairin is a Haitian version of rhum agricole—a clear spirit that is made from sugar cane. The drink is exclusively produced from local sugar cane that is harvested by hand and transported by animals. No artificial yeast is... READ MORE

Often dubbed as the Puerto Rican moonshine, pitorro is a traditional drink that is distilled from sugarcane or molasses. Though the recipes vary, and the drink can be enjoyed as a raw spirit, the base is usually enriched with various ingr... READ MORE

Raicilla is a traditional agave spirit that hails from Jalisco. It is made from a variety of roasted and fermented piñas – hearts of agave plants. Although it is considered a type of mezcal and a close cousin to tequ... READ MORE

Charanda is a centuries-old sugarcane spirit hailing from Michoacán. It is traditionally double-distilled from fermented sugarcane. Sometimes, it may include fresh sugarcane juice or molasses, and some examples can undergo wood-agi... READ MORE

Comiteco is a Mexican spirit distilled from fermented agave sap (aguamiel), sometimes with the addition of sugar. Although it is often compared to mezcal and other agave spirits, comiteco is considerably different because it is n... READ MORE

Applejack is often dubbed as one of the oldest American spirits. Essentially, it is an apple brandy that supposedly originated during colonial times. It is believed that the original version was made as a cider that was fermented and left... READ MORE

Seagram's 7 is an American blended whiskey that was first produced in 1933. This blend was especially popular in the 1970s, and it still remains one of the best-selling brands in the United States. Although Seagram is a Canadian company, ... READ MORE

Old Charter is a type of bourbon produced in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is now owned by Sazerac. This bourbon is not overpowering, and it usually displays light peppery and vanilla notes, along with hints ... READ MORE

Okolehao is the only native Hawaiian spirit. Often dubbed as Hawaiian moonshine, it is distilled from fermented roots of ti plant (also known as oke). The history of the drink is ancient and vague, but it is bel... READ MORE

Aguardiente de Ojén is an anise-flavored spirit that originated in a small village of Ojén in southern Andalusia. The original, which was probably based on a wine distillate, dates from 1830 when Pedro Morales distilled his ... READ MORE