American whiskey is a broad category of alcohol, which includes several sub-types such as Tennessee, corn, rye, bourbon and more. Usually, American whiskey contains a mix of several grains like corn, rye, barley or wheat. It's aged in burnt oak casks. Specific varieties have stringent requirements that lend them their own unique tastes.

Bourbon is by far the most popular style of American whiskey. Most bourbon whiskey comes from Kentucky in the U.S. It must contain 40% alcohol and at least 51% corn to qualify as bourbon. Aged in new oak barrels, this liquor has a strong flavor of vanilla, oak and caramel.

Tennessee whiskey is another renowned variety that's almost like bourbon, but there's an extra step involved in the production process. Slow filtration through sugar-maple charcoal post-distillation results in a smooth whiskey with a sweet flavor.

Corn and rye whiskeys are other styles of American liquors, each having a unique flavor. Under U.S. regulations, blended whiskey contains at least 20% straight whiskey in addition to neutral spirits, coloring or flavoring agents.

Bourbon is synonymous with American whiskey, and this liquor comes from the South. Southern foods that feature bold flavors, such as sweet, smoky or spicy, mesh well with the rich flavors of this alcohol. Smoked meats like bacon and ham also pair well with bourbon.

A full-bodied American whiskey, such as rye, marries well with rich and fatty dishes like meatloaf or smoked salmon. Traditional American desserts, such as an apple crumble or apple pie, enhances the caramel notes of bourbon, making it a fabulous food pairing.

Bring home your favorite variety of American whiskey using Drizly, or see if we've made it to your city. Click these links to search for Drizly in your city, and look for liquor stores on Drizly near you.