Updated May 2026.
“Clear whiskey” is bar English, not a type. New-make whiskey can be colorless. Corn whiskey may be unaged. Straight whiskey needs two years in oak and will not stay water-white. Moonshine is not a TTB class — legal jars are whiskey, cane, or specialty. Typical US 40%. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink.
Related: whiskey types, moonshine taste, malt taste.
Label vs class
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Clear / white whiskey | — |
| Corn whiskey | Read the neck |
| Straight | Read the neck |
| Moonshine | — |
| Typical US bottle | 1.00 |
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.143 / 5.74. Moonshine is not a legal type.
- NIAAA December 2025. Typical 40%.