Exploring American Whiskeys: A Guide for New Enthusiasts
Whiskey, a spirit celebrated worldwide, boasts a rich tapestry of flavors, aromas, and histories. At New Dawn Distilling, we pride ourselves on crafting premium American whiskeys that honor these traditions while delivering unparalleled quality and taste. Let's break down some of the most popular types and discover how our offerings stand out.
New Dawn’s Award Winning Bourbon
Bourbon: America's Native Spirit
Bourbon, America's indigenous whiskey, must adhere to strict legal requirements: made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, aged in new, charred oak barrels, and produced in the United States. Kentucky is the spiritual home of bourbon, though it can be made anywhere in the U.S.
Unique Qualities: Bourbon typically offers a sweeter profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, often accompanied by a spicy kick. The charred barrels contribute significantly to its color and flavor, imparting a deep amber hue and toasted nuances.
New Dawn Distilling's Offering: Our NY 6-Year Bourbon is a prime example of a classic American bourbon done right. Its carefully selected corn-rich mash bill and meticulous aging process, two years at high heat and then subject to Mother Nature’s whims, results in a remarkably smooth and full-bodied whiskey. Its rich velvet mouth feel showcases flavors of apricot, almonds, and baking spices, offering a smooth, versatile bourbon whether sipped neat or in your favorite cocktail.
Rye Whiskey: The Spicy Contender
Rye whiskey, as its name suggests, is made from a mash bill of at least 51% rye grain. Once the dominant American whiskey, it saw a decline but has experienced a strong resurgence in popularity.
Unique Qualities: Rye whiskey is known for its distinct spiciness, often described as peppery or herbaceous. It can also exhibit notes of dill, mint, and a dry finish, making it a favorite for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
New Dawn Distilling's Offering: Coming in 2026, New Dawn Distilling’s California Rye embraces the bold character of traditional rye with a little tropical twist. Like any true California girl, it delivers a vibrant explosion of spice, balanced by underlying notes of pineapple and citrus with a remarkably clean finish. It's a whiskey that commands attention and elevates any occasion.
New Dawn’s Award-winning Wheated Whiskey
Wheated Whiskey: The Softer Side
Wheated whiskey replaces corn with wheat in the mash bill. This substitution leads to a distinctly different flavor profile compared to its rye and bourbon counterparts.
Unique Qualities: Wheated whiskeys are celebrated for their softer, smoother, and often sweeter characteristics. The wheat contributes a more mellow mouthfeel and can bring out notes of baked bread, honey, and subtle fruit, making them incredibly approachable.
New Dawn Distilling's Offering: Our NY 10-year Wheated is crafted for the sexy grown folks in the room. Its smooth, warming profile with flavors of ginger, orange, apricot, and hints of rosemary and clove is sophisticated while being approachable whether served neat or on the rocks. It's a testament to the versatility of whiskey and a perfect choice for those seeking a bold and rewarding experience.
American Single Malt Whiskey: A Spirit of Innovation
American Single Malt Whiskey is a new distinctive category in the United States, defined by its production from 100% malted barley at a single distillery and must be mashed, distilled, and aged in the US. While inspired by global traditions, it stands out for its broad spectrum of styles, from unaged and clear to richly aged in new charred oak barrels, showcasing the innovative spirit of American distillers.
Unique Qualities: American Single Malt Whiskey often offers a softer, sweeter profile than its international counterparts, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted nuts, particularly when aged in new oak. Unaged expressions can highlight the raw grain’s character, presenting lighter, fruitier notes.
New Dawn Distilling's Offering: We don’t have a single malt whiskey…yet! American Single Malt is a relatively new category and there is so much exploration and experimentation happening as American distillers work to really define this category. As always we’ll be looking for partners using the most sustainable methods when it comes to any smoking of barley grains pre-distillation and as well as innovative distillation methods to really showcase the diversity of this expression.
At New Dawn Distilling, our commitment to quality and craftsmanship shines through in every bottle. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just beginning your journey, our diverse range of premium options ensures there's a perfect pour waiting to tantalize your palate. Discover your new favorite today and experience the New Dawn difference.