What is proof?
The relative strength of an alcoholic liquor, proof refers to the arbitrary standard for proof spirit, with a maximum of 200 proof. The term's origin comes from “gunpowder proofing”. Bourbon and gunpowder were mixed in equal proportions in a small container and ignited. If the flame burned yellow the liquor was too strong, if it burned blue the proof was correct. A yellow proofed liquor was mellowed with spring water until it burned blue. The proof of a blue flame spirit was about 100, or 50 percent alcohol by volume.

What is sour mash whiskey?
Sour mash uses spent distiller's beer (alcohol-free fermented mash wort from a previous fermentation batch) to condition each new fermentation batch. This is also referred to as “backset”. In some recipes as much as 25% is added to each new fermentation. This promotes consistency from batch to batch. Sweet mash means using a fresh yeast mixture for each new batch, and no spent beer.

What is mashing and brewing?
Grist is loaded into the 'mash tun' where it is combined with a carefully measured quantity of hot water. This converts starch into sugar and produces a fermentable solution called 'wort' or 'worts'. The worts are held in a container called an 'underback'. Then it must be cooled to allow yeast to be added. The cooled worts are then injected with yeast. Finally, approximately thirty-six hours of fermentation produces a weak, alcoholic, clear liquid called 'wash', which can now be distilled.

What does straight whiskey mean?
Whiskey that has not been blended with other alcohols other than whiskey.

How many calories are in a shot of whiskey?
About 100 calories.

What is “ponying” a barrel?
The practice of putting a few gallons of water into an empty, used whiskey barrel and rolling it around for a couple of days is called "ponying" a barrel. This technique is done to extract alcohol and flavor from the barrel in order to get some whiskey-like liqueur.

Does Whiskey contain caffeine?
No.

Is old whiskey still good?
Whiskey doesn't age or change in the bottle, so that old Rebel Yell Bourbon is just as good today as when it was bottled unless it has become contaminated.

What is the best glass to use for whiskey drinking?
Many people use a snifter when they drink whiskey straight. The shape of the glass tends to concentrate the aroma and keep it in the glass adding to the nose of the whiskey. It is not appropriate to use a snifter with ice. Use a tumbler with ice or when mixing.

Can I make whiskey at home?
No. Unlicensed distillation of alcohol is a felony
in the United States. It’s not like home brewing
beer or making wine. It is a regulated,
complicated process.