- As a general term, "whiskey" refers to spirits or hard liquor that is distilled from fermented grain. Scotch, bourbon and rye are all different varieties of whiskey. Wheat, barley, corn and rye are the most common grains used in making whiskey.
- Strictly speaking, "whiskey" and "whisky" are alternate spellings of the same word. In common practice, however, "whiskey" is a spelling usually associated with the United States and Ireland, while "whisky" is the common way to spell the word in Scotland and Canada.
- Bourbon is the most common style of American whiskey. It is distinct from other whiskeys in that at least 51 percent of the mash used during its distillation must come from corn and by law it must be aged in new oak barrels.
- Since the 1940s U.S. law has recognized Tennessee whiskey as a style distinct from Bourbon. Unlike bourbon, Tennessee whiskey such as Jack Daniels is filtered through charcoals, and the barrels in which it is aged may be reused.
- Bourbon whiskey takes its name from Bourbon County, Ky., where it has been manufactured in various forms since the 1700s.
