When it comes to the composition of Seagram’s 7 Crown whiskey, there are some important facts to consider. During its peak in popularity in the late 1970s, Seagram’s 7 Crown was a significant player in the American whiskey market. At that time, blended American and Canadian whiskeys dominated the industry, and Seagram’s 7 Crown was no exception.
Blended whiskeys, including Seagram’s 7 Crown, typically contain a combination of whiskey and other spirits. In the case of 7 Crown, an astonishing 75% of the blend is made up of something known as “grain neutral spirits.” In simpler terms, that means vodka plays a significant role in the composition of Seagram’s 7 Crown.
Having a high percentage of grain neutral spirits raises some eyebrows among whiskey enthusiasts, as it deviates from the traditional definition of whiskey. According to the regulations of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the United States, whiskey must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume) and aged in oak barrels. The addition of grain neutral spirits to Seagram’s 7 Crown pushes the limits of this definition.
Despite the inclusion of vodka-like spirits, Seagram’s 7 Crown maintains its classification as a whiskey due to the percentage of true whiskey it contains. The remaining 25% of the blend is made up of American and Canadian whiskeys, lending some legitimacy to its whiskey categorization.
It’s critical to note that the use of grain neutral spirits in blended whiskeys is not unique to Seagram’s 7 Crown. In fact, it was quite common during the time when blended American and Canadian whiskeys reigned supreme in the market. Many consumers of that era came to appreciate the smoothness and mellow characteristics that grain neutral spirits brought to the blend.
While purists may argue that Seagram’s 7 Crown is mostly vodka due to its high grain neutral spirit content, it is essential to understand that whiskey production evolves over time. The blending of different spirits was a strategic move by Seagram’s to capture a wide consumer base and cater to changing taste preferences.
Ultimately, whether or not you consider Seagram’s 7 Crown to be mostly vodka depends on your perspective. From a technical standpoint, the high percentage of grain neutral spirits certainly sets it apart from traditional whiskeys. However, its enduring popularity suggests that many consumers appreciate its unique flavor profile and smoothness.
It’s worth noting that Seagram’s 7 Crown has continued to evolve, and its current formulation may have changed since its peak in the 1970s. To ascertain the precise composition of the whiskey today, it is advisable to refer to the product’s official documentation or reach out to the manufacturer for accurate information.
In conclusion, while Seagram’s 7 Crown does contain a significant amount of grain neutral spirits or vodka-like spirits, it is still classified as a whiskey due to the percentage of true whiskey within the blend. The usage of such spirits was a common practice during the era when blended whiskeys dominated the market. Whether you perceive Seagram’s 7 Crown as mostly vodka or a unique whiskey blend is subjective and influenced by personal taste preferences.
