Can Whiskey Be Clear?
Whiskey has traditionally been associated with a deep bronze and amber hue, and with an unmistakable dark and smokey flavor. But can whiskey be clear?
What Is Whiskey, Exactly?
Whiskey is created by distilling fermented grain mash, primarily barley, rye, wheat, and corn, and aging it in wooden casks. Depending on the type of whiskey, it can be aged for anything from a few months to 30 years or more. This process gives whiskey its dark signature color, as well as its intense and smoky flavor.
What Makes Whiskey Clear?
Clear whiskey may seem like a departure from the classic dark color associated with whiskey, but it’s not a completely unfamiliar concept. There are many types of spirits that are clear in color—vodka, clear rum, and white whiskey are just a few. These are all made with the same grain mash and distillation process, but the difference lies in the type of barrel used for aging. For clear whiskeys, the barrels are uncharred or lightly charred, giving them very light amber or no color at all.
The Pros and Cons of Clear Whiskey
The primary advantage of clear whiskey is that it is lighter on the flavor palette. It won’t overpower the tastebuds with intense smokiness and has a more mellow, approachable flavor. The flip side is that clear whiskey can lack the complexity of traditionally darker whiskeys. While it may not be as intense, it also isn’t as deep or complex in flavor.
Tasting Clear Whiskey
If you’re curious about the taste of clear whiskey, the best way to experience it for yourself is by tasting. Due to the lack of barrel aging, clear whiskey is less expensive than its darker counterpart, so you won’t have to break the bank to give it a fair trial.Light to clear whiskeys are easy to find and can be an interesting and affordable way to experiment with historical flavors and regional specialties.
Brands of Clear Whiskey
Clear whiskey isn’t difficult to find, with a host of top producers offering bottles to meet your palate and price point. Northeast Distillery produces a Rye Whiskey that is light and subtly smoky, while Slane Irish Whiskey is triple distilled in casks of virgin American and European oak. For a truly unique whiskey experience, Wildrye Distilling’s Ridgewood Reserve Whiskey is made with an exclusive blend of barley, rye, wheat, and corn.
The Bottom Line
So can whiskey be clear? Absolutely! Light to clear whiskeys are gaining in popularity, and for good reason. They offer an interesting twist in flavor and experience at a great value. Ready to give clear whiskey a try? Grab a bottle and see if the clear is your new favorite color!
