As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that Seagram's 7 is a unique blend that falls into the category of whiskey, although it's not your typical whiskey. The blend is made up of approximately 75 percent grain-neutral spirits and 25 percent whiskey.
Now, let's break down what that means. Grain-neutral spirits are essentially high-proof alcohol made from grains, such as corn or wheat. They are often used as a base for liqueurs or mixed drinks because they have a neutral flavor and high alcohol content. In simpler terms, think of grain-neutral spirits like Everclear or vodka. They don't have the same depth of flavor as whiskey, but they provide a strong alcoholic kick.
On the other hand, the remaining 25 percent of Seagram's 7 is actual whiskey. Whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grains and aged in wooden barrels. The aging process imparts unique flavors and characteristics to the whiskey, such as notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice. It's this portion of Seagram's 7 that gives it the whiskey profile and sets it apart from pure grain-neutral spirits.
Now, you might be wondering why Seagram's 7 is blended in this way. The blend of grain-neutral spirits and whiskey allows for a more approachable and mellow flavor profile. The high proportion of grain-neutral spirits keeps the alcohol content high and provides a smooth and clean taste. The addition of whiskey adds complexity and depth to the blend, giving it some of the traditional whiskey flavors.
It's worth noting that this blend is not exclusive to Seagram's 7. Many other blended whiskeys on the market follow a similar formula, using grain-neutral spirits to stretch the volume and keep costs down while still maintaining some whiskey character.
In terms of personal experience, I've had the opportunity to taste Seagram's 7 on multiple occasions. It's a whiskey that often finds its way into mixed drinks or cocktails due to its approachable nature. While it may not have the same complexity as a higher-end whiskey, it can still be enjoyable in the right context. I've found that it works well in simple mixed drinks like a whiskey and ginger ale or even just on the rocks.
To summarize, Seagram's 7 is a blended whiskey that is composed of about 75 percent grain-neutral spirits and 25 percent whiskey. This unique blend provides a smooth and clean taste with some of the traditional flavors of whiskey. While it may not be as complex as other whiskeys, it can still be enjoyed in various mixed drinks or on its own.