Other Types Of Whiskey
Of course, bourbon isn’t the only type of whiskey. “Bourbon is whiskey. Scotch is whiskey. They may spell the word ‘whiskey’ differently, but they’re all whiskey,” says Gustafson. Every region and style has unique recipes along with its own fermenting, distilling, and aging standards that ultimately lead to notably distinct flavor profiles.
How To Enjoy Whiskey
Whiskey is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in many ways.
Most people drink whiskey straight or neat, which means by itself. Its typically recommended to drink whiskey this way at first to get a better idea of its flavor and aroma.
That said, adding a splash of water can help bring out its more subtle flavours. Additionally, you can drink whiskey with ice, commonly known as on the rocks.
If you dont like whiskeys taste by itself, you can try it in a cocktail.
Here are some popular whiskey cocktails:
- Old Fashioned. This cocktail is made from a combination of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water.
- Manhattan. Made from a combination of rye or bourbon whiskey, bitters, and sweet vermouth , a Manhattan is typically served with cherries.
- Classic highball. This drink is made from any style of whiskey, ice cubes, and ginger ale.
- Mint julep. Typically served at derbies, a mint julep is made from a combination of bourbon whiskey, sugar , mint leaves, and crushed ice.
- Whiskey sour. This cocktail is made from a combination of bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Its commonly served with ice and cherries.
- John Collins. Made similarly to a whiskey sour, this drink also contains club soda.
Keep in mind that many of these drinks contain added sugars and can pack a lot of calories. Like any alcoholic or sweetened beverage, its best to enjoy these drinks sparingly.
What Percent Alcohol Is Moonshine
Moonshine typically has an alcohol by volume of 40 percent, although it can sometimes have an ABV of 60 percent to 80 percent. The percentage of alcohol in a drink may be converted to proof by multiplying it by two. As a result, 40% ABV is equal to 80 proof. The distillation process is critical in determining the amount of alcohol present in a spirit.
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Where Did Whiskey Originate
By 1494, whiskey distillation in Scotland was fully underway. A record in the Exchequer of 1494 indicates that King James IV of Scotland granted a large amount of malt to make aquavitae, an archaic name for the concentrated aqueous solution of ethanol. When King Henry VIII of England dissolved the monasteries in 1536, a large number of monks turned to distillation to make a living. This propelled the production of whiskey, creating enough supply to make the product available to the general public. As European colonists began arriving in America, the practice of distillation also traveled to the New World, and whiskey consumption spread widely. It was even used as a currency during the American Revolutionary War.
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It Doesn’t Need To Come From Kentucky
You may have heard that in order to be a bourbon, the whiskey has to be from Kentucky. That’s not quite truebourbon can be made outside that state. But to be designated a “Kentucky bourbon,” the spirit has to be both distilled and aged in Kentucky. The name “bourbon” even comes from old Bourbon, what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky. Most bourbon is made in Kentucky, but not all, so it has become synonymous with the spirit, much as the Champagne region in France is synonymous with champagne, even though sparkling wine using similar methods is produced elsewhere. So next time you order a bourbon, you know that what you’ll be getting in your glass isn’t just a whiskey, but a specific kind of whiskey.
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Tennessee Whiskey Vs Bourbon: Summary
In a nutshell, Tennessee whiskey is different from bourbon. It is smoother and sweeter and weve seen the scientific explanation. That does not mean the bourbon you have been taking is bad, far from it. It only means that on your next visit to the liquor store, you can try out smooth Tennessee Whiskeys and who knows you might find it to be your new catch of favorite whiskeys.
Whiskey Vs Bourbon Vs Scotch Abv Essentials
If you still cant understand what the difference between whiskey and bourbon is, this should help. The good old Scotch Whisky Act guidelines state that a whiskey must be distilled at an alcohol by volume strength of less than 94.8% and have a minimum alcoholic concentration of 40% by volume to be considered a scotch. By American liquor standards, any bourbon higher than 125 proof shouldnt enter the barrel for maturation, and anything under 80 proof cant be bottled as bourbon.
We hope this article answers the age-old question, Whats the difference between bourbon and whiskey? to your satisfaction. Looking for a place to get Marsala or any other type of liquor you could possibly desire? Check out Arrow Liquormart, the nearest liquor store that can deliver straight to your doorstep!
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Must Be Aged In Charred Oak Barrels
In order for bourbon to be sold and exported as bourbon, it also needs to be aged oak barrels that have been charred on the inside.
There are no set rules on how long bourbon should be aged for inside the barrel, but its common practice for most bourbons to age for a minimum of two years. Most experts agree that the longer the bourbon is left to age in the barrel, the mellower it is to drink.
For a bourbon to be sold as straight bourbon whisky it needs to have been aged inside a charred oak barrel for a minimum of two years.
Whiskies, on the other hand, can be aged in barrels that were once used to age other spirits, and they dont need to be whisky barrels either rum or port casks are incredibly popular when ageing non-bourbon whiskies.
Main Differences Between Bourbon And Whiskey
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Bourbon Is Made With At Least 51 Percent Corn
What makes bourbon distinct from other whiskeys is the way it is manufactured and aged. All whiskey is spirit made from fermented grain and then aged in barrels. But the kind of grain and the kind of barrels determines the variety of whiskey. Per the American Bourbon Association, in order to be classified as bourbon, a whiskey needs to be distilled from a mixture of grains, or mash, that’s at least 51 percent corn. That corn gives bourbon its distinctive sweet flavor.
Differences Between Scotch Whiskey And Bourbon
Karen is a wine, cocktails, and food enthusiast. She holds a California Wine Appellation Specialist certificate from the San Francisco wine school and a Bar Smarts mixology certificate and bartends for charitable events.
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When considering spirits, some people struggle to understand the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch. While there are basic similarities in scotch, bourbon, and whiskey, each has characteristics and manufacturing practices that make them unique.
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Difference Between Tennessee Whiskey And Bourbon
Categorized under Objects | Difference Between Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon
Picking the right kind of whiskey is no mean feat. Whiskeys come in different variants depending on the regional differences that make each whiskey unique. It can be Canadian, Australian, Japanese, Ireland, American whiskey and so on that are unique to their regions and then there are variables within these to choose from. But what makes such similar-like products different? In this article, we look at American whiskeys. Tennessee whiskeys and bourbons are very similar yet very different though they hail from neighboring states in the same region.
So, what makes these two different? Lets find out.
Bourbon Vs Tennessee Whiskey: Which Is Better
There isnt a one-size-fits-all answer here.
The true answer depends on your taste preferences.
If you want an easy-to-drink whiskey with a modest flavor profile, go with Tennessee Whiskey.
You can enjoy it neat or mix it with whatever soda is nearby for an excellent drink.
If youre a whiskey connoisseur who loves tasting the complexity in their drink, go with bourbon and drink it neat.
If this describes you, I have a bunch of resources for you that will help you find the best bourbons for your budget and taste preferences.
I highly recommend checking out these articles:
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How Are Scotch And Rye Different
The other two main types of whiskeys are scotch and rye, each with their own distinct flavor profiles and qualifications. To qualify as a scotch, the spirit must be made from malted barley. Often, barley, water, and yeast are the only ingredients used. The alcohol by volume must be between 40 and 94.8 percent, and it must be made 100 percent in Scotland. Rye is a bit more complicated to define. American ryes only need to consist of 51 percent rye grain, while Canadian versions can be labeled rye if it has some rye in it.
What Category Is Bourbon
Bourbon Is Made With At Least 51 Percent Corn Per the American Bourbon Association, in order to be classified as bourbon, a whiskey needs to be distilled from a mixture of grains, or mash, thats at least 51 percent corn. That corn gives bourbon its distinctive sweet flavor.
Is bourbon a regional?
Bourbon is the most popular type of whiskey in the U.S. It was traditionally distilled in and around present-day Bourbon County, Kentucky. While bourbon whiskey has its roots in Kentucky, and continues to be primarily produced there, it is now manufactured in distilleries all over the United States.
What is the difference in bourbon and blended whiskey?
Bourbon is aged for two or more years in oak barrels. Whiskey is an alcoholic spirit made from distilled grain or corn that have aged in oak barrels. Blended whiskey is often regarded as being of lower quality than bourbon, although some drinkers find the flavors are similar.
Can Straight bourbon be blended?
Blends of straight bourbon whiskey are produced today by High West Distilling, and 2020 saw the launch of Fistful of Bourbon, a blend of straight bourbon whiskey with five separate components.
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Bourbon Has To Hit Certain Abv Marks
When bourbon is barreled, it also has to hit a certain proof, or alcohol content in the spirit. The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less, and aged in barrels until it is no more than 125 proof or less. Before bottling, bourbon is filtered and diluted down to no less than 80 proof . Other whiskeys have different ABV standards for barreling and distilling. The minimum bottling strength for Scotch whiskey, for example, is also 80 proof or 40 percent ABV, but there is no maximum or minimum ABV for the distillate.
A Definition Of Whiskey
Technically, whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage produced from fermented grain mash. The grain mash is then aged in a wooden container, which gives its distinct brown color and taste. Whiskeys are usually distinguished by their place of origin, grains used, and the ageing process. While each whiskey is unique in its own way, they are generally described as warm, spicy, sweet, toasty or caramelly.
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There Are A Lot Of Traditions Techniques And Culture Shared Between Bourbon Scotch And Whisky But What Are Their Characteristic Differences
You may have heard the phrase, âAll bourbon and Scotch are whiskies but not all whiskies are bourbon or Scotch.â But what does that mean? And is it âWhiskeyâ or âWhiskyâ?
If you donât know the answers to these questions, youâre not alone. Many people struggle to understand the difference between these three distinct distilled grain spirits. And while they are related, there is a wealth of history, geography and processes that make them quite different.
Whats The Difference Between Scotch Whiskey And Bourbon
This might be common knowledge for some, but it’s worth a refresher before you go out and buy a bottle. Let’s start with a burning question we answered back in 2008: what makes a whiskey bourbon?
The law. While knocking back a dram of bourbon is a decidedly carefree exercise, making it is exceedingly technical and requires that the whiskey meet a rigid set of criteria. The Federal Standards of Identity for Bourbon stipulate what is and what isnât bourbon. For a whiskey to call itself bourbon, its mash, the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled, must contain at least 51% corn. The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less, put into the barrel at 125 proof or less, and it must not contain any additives. The distillate must be aged in a new charred oak barrel. If you distill a whiskey in your kitchen that meets all of these standards, congrats, youâve made bourbon. Also, youâve broken the law the ATF is probably outside your house right now.
The main difference between scotch and whiskey is geographic, but also ingredients and spellings. Scotch is whisky made in Scotland, while bourbon is whiskey made in the U.S.A, generally Kentucky. Scotch is made mostly from malted barley, while bourbon is distilled from corn. If youâre in England and ask for a whisky, youâll get Scotch. But in Ireland, youâll get Irish whiskey .
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Bourbon Vs Scotch Aging Process
The aging process is probably the most important factor that will determine the overall flavor of your selected bourbon or scotch whisky choice. Both bourbon and scotch use very different aging processes which add to their overall unique flavors and undertones.
Many manufacturers who make regular bourbon have no required aging limit in order to produce bourbon. However, if a company wants their bourbon to be classified as straight bourbon they must age the bourbon for no less than 2yrs and it cannot contain any added spirits, flavors, or colors.
Scotch, on the other hand, must be aged for a minimum of 3yrs however there are still various scotch classifications similar to bourbon classifications that are out there. A great example of this would be single malt scotch which is a scotch whisky that is made using malted barley in pot stills in a single distillery.
Blended scotch whisky is produced by combining various malts with whiskey varieties in column stills. The location in which the alcohol is being fermented will also play a huge factor in determining how long it should be aged and what process should be used during the aging process.
What Does Bourbon Taste Like Vs Whiskey
Because bourbon is aged in new, charred-oak barrels, its typically described as having notes of caramel, vanilla and oak. Bourbon can also have tasting notes such as baking spices, black pepper, cocoa and fruit. Bourbon tends to be smoother than whiskey, with a softer mouthfeel and an overall sweet-presenting flavor, making it a good entry-level sipper for those new to whiskey. Wheated bourbons have a mash bill with a high concentration of wheat, which creates an even sweeter taste.
The taste of whiskey varies depending on the style. Whiskey tends to have a woody or oaky flavor profile with notes of spice, fruit, nuts, vanilla or caramel. Although some of whiskeys flavor notes overlap with bourbon, whiskey tends to have a grainier, sharper mouthfeel than bourbon. Rye whiskey, which has a mash that contains at least 51 percent rye, tends to have a spicier flavor profile than bourbon and some other whiskeys.
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Scotch Vs Bourbon Taste & Flavor Differences
The most notable difference that you will find in any bourbon or scotch variety is going to be the flavor.
Flavors between bourbons and scotch alcohol varieties will vary significantly depending on the type of ingredients such as grains and other products used during the fermentation and cultivation process.
Both bourbon and scotch are known to have very charred and Smokey flavors to them however the method in which these flavors are accomplished differs dramatically.
Bourbon typically has a very oaky vanilla taste to it that is largely derived from the barrels in which the alcohol is fermented, stored, aged, and produced.
Scotch alcohol on the other hand largely gets its flavor and taste from the peat which is burned during the barley malting process involved with making scotch alcohol.
Flavors can vary when it comes to scotch whisky because not all regions use pear during the barley malting process, so its important to keep this in mind if you plan on enjoying a glass of scotch whisky anytime soon.
Whats The History Of Whiskey
Whiskey has a very long history. It originated in Scotland and Ireland over 1,000 years ago after traveling monks brought distillation to the area. Because Scottish and Irish monasteries didnt have vineyards wine wasnt an option. So they began fermenting grain mash, which created the first of modern day whiskey. Hundred of years later , it was all over Scotland, but now being distilled independently.
When colonists came to America, they brought distilling with them and the beginnings of modern day American whiskey. As time continued, Americans began seeing whiskeys value, so much so that it was used as currency in the Revolutionary War. After the war a tax was put on whiskey to help recover the debt of the war. This turned into what was known as the whiskey tax which led to a violent resistance by citizens called the Whiskey Rebellion. The government was able to suppress the rebellion, though they still found it difficult to collect the tax.
Over the next 100 years, whiskey as we know it began to be made. A small town grocer, John Walker , in the Scottish burgh of Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire, began distilling and distributing his brand of scotch whisky. His process of sour mashing led to the creation of bourbon.
Fun Whiskey Facts:
- Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland holds the title of Oldest Licensed Whiskey Distiller in the world .
- The first commercial distillery in Kentucky was the Evans Williams Distillery located in Louisville .
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