Light Whiskey

The first batches of light whiskey appeared on liquor store shelves in July of 1972. Light whiskey was approved by the U.S. government in 1968 and aged the required four years before hitting the shelves in ’72. The idea behind light whiskey was simple. Light whiskey was designed to be a lighter version of standard bourbon or rye. Light whiskey has a milder flavor, less alcohol, and goes down more smoothly.

Light Whiskey Production

In 1968 a change in U.S. law allowed domestic production of light whiskey. Prior to 1968, domestic distilleries often complained that antiquated government regulations were driving up production costs and causing most of the nations whiskey drinkers to turn to foreign imports. In an effort to encourage whiskey enthusiasts to buy domestic, the U.S. updated laws that required distilleries to distill whiskey at less than 160 proof, and to distill in specific, taste harming, barrels. New whiskey laws allowed distilleries to do almost anything they wanted, and this newfound freedom led to domestic production of light whiskey.

To be considered light whiskey, as defined by the government, the whiskey must adhere to certain guidelines. First, it must be produced in the United States. Second, it must have been distilled at more than 160 proof. Third, it must have been produced on or after the 26th of January, 1968. Fourth, it must be stored in uncharred new oak containers or used oak containers. Finally, if a whiskey that meets these qualifications is mixed with less than twenty percent straight whiskeys it must be called blended light whiskey.

Light Whiskey Proof, Taste and Color

Light whiskey has a color that is slightly darker than Scotch whiskey, but noticeably paler than bourbon. Light whiskey is merely a diluted high proof whiskey. It is typically sold at 80 to 86 proof. The result is a lower alcohol content and a very smooth taste. Usually, whiskey distilleries take a very high proof whiskey and dilute the whiskey to around 80 proof. Since whiskeys distilled at higher proofs have less taste, the distilled high proof whiskey is quite smooth.

Because light whiskey is diluted high proof whiskey, it is relatively inexpensive as well. Whiskey producers hoped this would be light whiskey’s strongest selling point. Light whiskey was designed to provide a light whiskey flavor at a very affordable price. Light whiskey is ideal for producing mild cocktails or for drinking straight.

Light Whiskey Popularity

Although light whiskey has been around for some time, it has never really caught on amongst serious whiskey enthusiasts. Light whiskey is certainly a strong drink, and decent spirit, but serious whiskey drinkers looking for whiskey’s signature kick may be a bit turned off by light whiskey’s diluted flavor. Light whiskey does serve a purpose in the whiskey market though, and many drinkers appreciate the extra smooth flavor, light aroma and color, and very affordable price. Light whiskey occupies an important place in the history of American whiskey and is most definitely a worthy addition to any whiskey enthusiast’s collection.