The Reason Fireball Isn't Considered Whiskey

Over the years, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has undeniably carved out its space in dive bars and college parties, but it doesn't technically meet the requirements to be called whisky.

All whisky-producing countries enforce strict regulations defining what qualifies as whisky, with most mandating that a whisky must have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of at least 40%.

Per the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations, to be considered a Canadian whisky, a spirit must be made in Canada and "contain not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume."

While Fireball does contain Canadian whisky, it is "down-proofed" and includes sweeteners and cinnamon spice. As a result, it has an ABV of just 33% or 66 proof.

Hence, despite falling into the liqueur category, Fireball isn’t whisky. None of the two types of Fireball — Fireball Cinnamon and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky — can claim the title.

The non-whisky kind is even less deserving of the label, as it is a malt-based drink with added imitation flavor but contains no actual whisky and has an ABV of 16.5%.