American Light Whiskey, a lesser-known category in the whiskey world, has a unique story rooted in innovation and adaptation. Emerging in the late 20th century, this style was officially recognized by the U.S. government in 1968 as a response to changing consumer tastes and competition from lighter spirits like vodka and gin. Distillers sought to create a whiskey that appealed to those craving a smoother, less intense profile while retaining the spirit’s core character.

So, what exactly is Light Whiskey? Defined by U.S. regulations, it’s distilled at a higher proof (between 161 and 189.9 proof) than traditional whiskeys, resulting in a spirit with fewer compounds that contribute to the in-your-face, bold flavors, known to come from typical bourbons. It’s typically aged in used or uncharred oak barrels, unlike the new, charred barrels used for bourbon, which imparts a lighter, more neutral taste. The mash bill often leans heavily on corn, giving it a subtle sweetness, though it can include other grains. Think of it as whiskey’s answer to a crisp, clean canvas—versatile for sipping or mixing.

Traditionalists, who prize the bold, complex profiles of bourbon or rye, may view it as underwhelming, lacking the depth of oak and spice they cherish. However, some craft distilleries are experimenting to elevate the category with unique aging techniques or grain blends that produce a very smooth, yet flavorful profile that any whiskey enthusiast will find appealing.

While not a headliner like single malt or bourbon, American Light Whiskey is finding its footing as a versatile, under-the-radar option. For enthusiasts willing to explore beyond the heavy hitters, it offers a refreshing twist on traditional whiskey’s legacy.

We’re thrilled to share one of the most exciting milestones in Whiskey Bonded’s journey: our very first single barrel selection at Redwood Empire Whiskey’s stunning new distillery on Mare Island in Vallejo, CA!!! This unforgettable experience marks a pinnacle moment for us, and we’re eager to tell you all about it!

Redwood Empire has taken a bold step forward by acquiring the former Savage & Cooke Distillery, located on the historic Mare Island, a former naval base. The new facility, housed in two beautifully preserved brick buildings, not only boosts their production capacity but also creates a welcoming destination for whiskey enthusiasts. The move is a testament to Redwood Empire’s growth and vision, and we were honored to be part of this exciting chapter. We’re officially cemented in their history as the first group to pick in this new location!

Our day began with an exclusive tour of the distillery, led by Redwood Empire’s Master Blender Lauren Patz, Master Distiller Jeff Duckhorn, and Marketing Director Elliot. Their hospitality was unmatched, as they guided us through the facility and shared their passion for crafting exceptional whiskey, setting the stage for the main event: selecting our single barrel.

We were presented with five remarkable barrels—two ryes (Rocket Top), two 4-grain bourbons (Grizzly Beast) and one high-rye 4-grain bourbon (Devil’s Tower.) After careful tasting and deliberation, we chose a barrel that perfectly captures the quality and character we love about Redwood Empire.

This moment was especially meaningful because it built on a relationship that began when Whiskey Bonded first launched on social media. We’re already looking forward to future collaborations as Redwood Empire continues to grow and innovate.

A huge thank you to the group of patrons who joined us for this unforgettable experience—it wouldn’t have been the same without you!

Here’s to more barrels, more memories, and our continued journey with Redwood Empire Whiskey!

We recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas to meet with some of our dedicated patrons for a special single barrel selection at Liquor Lineup. Thanks to the incredible hospitality of Sal, the owner of Liquor Lineup, we had the privilege of using his venue for this exciting event. Joined by Pete from Rare Character, we dove into an extraordinary tasting experience that made this single barrel selection one for the books.

The day was filled with camaraderie and whiskey exploration. Sal’s generosity knew no bounds—he opened some truly unique bottles, including a standout from Rare Character’s Exceptional Series. We sampled five distinct single barrels: three bourbons, two ryes, and two groundbreaking 20-year American light whiskeys from Rare Character. After lively discussion and tasting, we unanimously selected a remarkable “hazmat” American light whiskey that offers exceptional quality at an unbeatable price that will only be available at BondedBottleShop.com.

But the surprises didn’t end there! Thanks to Sal’s infectious enthusiasm and warm hospitality, we’re thrilled to announce a collaborative pick between Whiskey Bonded and Liquor Lineup. This second bottle, a high-corn-content rye, is sure to delight any whiskey collector. Both selections will be available in the coming three to four months, and our rye barrel will be available at both BondedBottleShop.com and Liquor Lineup in Las Vegas.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the patrons who joined us in Vegas, and a special shoutout to Sal and Pete for their generosity and making this event so memorable. Want to be part of our next single barrel selection? Become a paid Patreon member and keep an eye on our Patreon posts for your chance to join the fun. At Whiskey Bonded, our patrons are always at the heart of our single barrel selection process.

Why TikTok Is Tightening the Reins on Alcohol-Related Content Creators?

In recent months, TikTok has made headlines with its increasingly stringent policies targeting alcohol-related content, leaving many creators in the adult beverage space feeling the squeeze. From bartenders showcasing cocktail recipes to influencers, like us, promoting spirited lifestyles, the platform’s evolving guidelines have sparked a wave of account restrictions, shadowbans, and outright removals. But why is TikTok taking such a hard stance on alcohol-related content creators? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this shift and what it means for the future of “DrinkTok.”

TikTok’s user base is notably young, with approximately 63% of its users under the age of 29 and 28% under 18 as of June 2022. This demographic reality has placed the platform under intense scrutiny to ensure content is appropriate for younger audiences. Alcohol, as a regulated substance, is a lightning rod for public health concerns, especially given evidence linking early exposure to alcohol marketing with increased drinking initiation among youth. TikTok’s Community Guidelines explicitly prohibit content that promotes or enables alcohol consumption by minors, and the platform has doubled down on enforcement to avoid any perception of leniency.

The platform’s algorithm appears to be throttling or outright banning content that even hints at promoting alcohol, particularly if it’s perceived as branded content or involves creators under 25. TikTok’s updated advertising policies, rolled out in August 2024, reflect a cautious approach to alcohol. While the platform now allows limited alcohol ads in certain countries, these come with heavy restrictions: ads must target users 25 and older, comply with local laws, and avoid depicting excessive drinking or incentivizing consumption. Branded content promoting alcohol, such as influencer partnerships, is largely prohibited, and brands are advised to disable comments to prevent underage engagement.

For individual creators, the rules are even murkier. TikTok’s guidelines allow some organic alcohol-related content, like cocktail recipes, but the algorithm often penalizes posts that appear to promote alcohol brands or excessive consumption. Creators have reported significant drops in views following policy updates, with some claiming inconsistent enforcement. The platform’s lack of transparency about what triggers a ban—coupled with its inability to verify commenter ages—has led to a chilling effect, where creators self-censor or pivot away from alcohol-related content to avoid algorithmic punishment.

TikTok’s crackdown aligns with broader public health concerns about alcohol marketing on social media. However, the vague nature of TikTok’s guidelines means even innocuous posts, like sipping wine in a livestream, can lead to bans or shadowbans.

For creators, the path forward involves adapting to stricter guidelines, focusing on non-branded content, or migrating to platforms like YouTube or Instagram, where alcohol policies are slightly less restrictive. TikTok’s crackdown on alcohol-related content creators may feel like a buzzkill, but it’s a sign of the platform’s growing pains as it grapples with its influence and social responsibility. For now, creators in the alcohol space must navigate this foggy landscape with caution, creativity, and a keen eye on the horizon.