Distinctive features

American whiskey is different from Scottish and Irish whiskey. The recipe for the drink was brought to the United States by immigrants from Europe, but it has undergone many changes over time. Almost all of them occurred by accident or due to some peculiarities.

The biggest difference in taste comes from the original raw material. The rest of the world mostly makes whiskey from malted barley. In America they replaced it with corn. It was not because of a desire to be different, there were problems with the “right” grain on the continent. The chosen product enriched the taste of the drink, so the producers are not planning to give it up even now, when there are more opportunities.

In addition, many distilleries age the drink in charred oak casks rather than the usual ones. Curiously enough, this peculiarity also came about by accident. Once there was a fire in a large cellar. Tanks were damaged and there was no way to replace them. Whisky was kept in partially charred barrels. It turned out to be a good influence on the drink’s taste. So now the containers are specially smoked by fire.

What’s the right way: bourbon or whiskey?

The main difference between bourbon and whiskey is the peculiarities of making the drink described above. The American drink also differs from the European one in its pleasant golden color. Its taste is softer, slightly sweet. American whiskey and bourbon are synonymous. Both versions of the drink’s name are correct. If you say “bourbon,” you don’t need to add the definition of “American” – it’s clear by default.

Visually, the name of alcohol from the U.S. is not always different from European alcohol. Bottles of American bourbon often carry the words “whiskey. However, many companies still prefer “bourbon,” because the former is usually associated with Ireland. The Scottish variant (whisky), on the other hand, is only available in the country of origin, so you don’t see it in the United States.
It is believed that bourbon got its name in honor of the village of the same name, located in Kentucky. It was there that the best drink in the country was brewed. Today, the lion’s share of American whiskey is still produced in Kentucky.

Classification

Every bourbon is American. But not every whiskey made in the U.S. can be labeled with bourbon. It is worth understanding these nuances in order to choose a worthy alcohol. The basic classification divides the drink into two large groups:

– Straight is a real bourbon with at least 51% corn. Aged for more than 2 years, no extraneous additives are allowed.

– Blended – a blend of straight, neutral alcohols and colorants.

The first type of bourbon meets the standards enshrined in U.S. law. It is called “fair” bourbon. After distillation it is bottled in special barrels at 62.5% or less. The manufacturer himself decides how many degrees bourbon gets when bottling – most importantly, not less than 40%. If the ageing period of the alcohol does not exceed 4 years, the information about the youth of the drink must be written on the label.
The blended type of American whiskey is considered second-rate. It does not refer to bourbons and is not regulated by standards.

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Milk and Honey

On the window of the building at this address, you may notice a small sign that reads M&H, Tailors, Alterations. The iron door right next to the sign is the right entrance.

Milk & Honey Bar opened in 2002 in two cities at once – New York (Soho area) and London. The institution has a club system, so if you are not a member of the club, you need to make a reservation in advance to visit the bar. However, the entrance is allowed only until 11 p.m.

Cocktails from the bar are made only from natural ingredients: freshly squeezed juices, handmade syrups and natural flavorings. Besides cocktails, the bar offers wide wine list, rich choice of champagne, whiskey, armagnacs. Gaming room, designed for private parties, is situated on the second floor of the bar. Poker, chess, a special menu of drinks, the possibility of ordering music – all this is waiting for the company of guests from 25 people.

Little Branch

“The Twig is located in the West Village neighborhood. To get to this bar, you must find an iron door with no sign on it. The only indication that you have come to the right address is the guard at the entrance. After climbing a long staircase, the visitor enters a classic American bar from the 1920s. Even the bar staff are dressed accordingly. The institution offers guests a cozy atmosphere, light semi-darkness, masterfully created cocktails. Also the bartender will be happy to prepare an individual cocktail – just name your preferred flavors and alcohol, and then watch the creation of a personal drink. Often the bar hosts jazz evenings and live music concerts, which makes this place even more attractive for guests. It is worth noting that in the bar you can pay only in cash.

The Raines Law Room

The semi-dark, lively, and loud atmosphere of the bar called the Raines Law Room makes the visitor feel like they are entering a private party in someone’s living room. Upon arriving at the right address, one must find a staircase leading down to a black wooden door. All one has to do is ring the bell and the bar doors will be open.

Pre-booking is highly desirable, otherwise there simply may not be any free space in the bar. To make a reservation you need to send an email with the exact date, time and number of guests.

Often visitors to the bar are amazed that the cocktail list in the bar is too large, so it is sometimes very difficult to make a choice. There is also a wide range of spirits on the menu: rum, whiskey, vodka and gin.

Death & Co

During Prohibition it was believed that people who drank alcohol lived under the shadow of death. The name of the bar “Death and Company” comes from this belief. The establishment offers guests the simple pleasures of life – good wine, quality cocktails, expertly prepared food.

The bar does not offer reservations, so sometimes you have to wait your turn to enjoy the interiors and atmosphere. To find the entrance to the bar, you have to walk to the store, which has wooden panels instead of windows. A metal sign with the name Death & Co. on the sidewalk will let you know you’re in the right place. If you’re lucky and the bar is vacant (which is unlikely), the security guard will let you in right away. Otherwise, you’ll need to leave your phone number, which you’ll be called when seats are available. Usually the wait is about 20-30 minutes.

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The most notable of these phenomena are the secret bars, which used to be the only way to get around the law and get into a real bar with alcohol, now they have turned into entertainment for tourists and just places “for their own”, where there is always a special atmosphere.

The principle of these bars is very simple: on the outside they are an ordinary cafe, a barbershop or just any store. This exterior space is usually small and not particularly popular. Everyone who walks in here in the evening heads straight for the completely unremarkable back door, behind which is a spacious bar room with the lively ambience of 1920s America. Rarely do you see small signs or mentions of bars on the buildings.

Despite the veil of mystery, finding a secret bar is not that difficult, the main thing is knowing where to look. Many of these bars are particularly popular because they offer guests not only a specific atmosphere, but also regularly hold performances, live jazz concerts and other entertainment events. In some venues it is not so easy to get a seat in the evening. Below is a list of seven secret bars in New York City that even tourists can get into if they want to.

PDT – Please, do not tell

“Please Don’t Tell” is how the name of one of the most famous secret bars (as strange as it may sound) translates. This place is located in the East Village neighborhood and is incredibly popular. You can get in here only by making an appointment by phone, listed on the website. Make sure to call after 3 p.m., before that time there is simply no one at the bar. The bar is in the back of the Crif Dogs diner (you can get there by going through a vintage phone booth), so look for this sign.

The menu will welcome you with classic cocktails that are prepared according to the original recipe and using the highest quality ingredients. The choice of wine and beer will please you. Also at the bar there is a kitchen where the guests are offered hot dishes and snacks.

Facility’s interior can be described in two words – simplicity and style. Wooden planks, brick walls, animal heads, leather upholstery of chairs and sofas – all this creates the right atmosphere and allows you to feel most comfortable.

Bathtub Gin

Another popular bar is The Gin Bath, located in the Chelsea neighborhood. This establishment hides behind one of the interior doors of an ordinary, unremarkable coffee shop where you can buy pastries and have a cup of coffee. However, if you head to the white door at the back, they will open it for you and take you to a noisy and crowded bar. No reservations are required here. The bar is famous for its performances, live music concerts, and a bathtub that stands right in the middle of the room.

During Prohibition, gin was one of the most popular and affordable drinks, but due to the prohibition of alcohol sales, its quality often left much to be desired. To make it more or less palatable, barmen added other ingredients to the gin, and the first cocktails were born out of it. Now the bar offers cocktails based on high quality gin, as well as a number of other alcoholic drinks and a small menu of appetizers.

Employees Only

A red neon Tarot card fortune-telling sign will serve as a landmark for the entrance to the bar called “Employees Only. On lively evenings you can meet a security guard at the entrance, who will lead you inside the place. Just this fact alone sets the atmosphere of mystery, and the interior of the bar only complements it.

Besides tasty and high quality cocktails, the bar offers a full menu for all tastes. Here you will find dishes from fried chicken to dried clams. The bar offers options for both dinner and appetizers for cocktails and other drinks. The place is popular on weekends, so it’s advisable to arrive early to grab a seat at a table or bar.

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