Whiskey Vs Bourbon Vs Scotch Ingredients
A significant difference between bourbon and whiskey lies in the fermentation process they undergo. Whiskey can be distilled from any fermented grain such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat or a mixture. It is generally stored to mature in wooden oak barrels, imparting the distinctive brown color and taste profile. Single malt scotch must be prepared from a 100% malted barley grain mash, while grain scotch can be fermented from malt and unmalted barley and wheat mixture.
On the other hand, the American Whiskey variety or bourbon must have at least 51% corn in its mash bill, with a mixture of rye, wheat, or barley making up the remaining portion of the basic recipe. The reason behind choosing corn as the primary ingredient is its historically high availability in the USA. Also, the higher the corn content, the sweeter the bourbon produced, whereas rye-based bourbons have a distinctively spicier note.
Although all whiskey is aged in charred wooden oak barrels, bourbon must be matured in a brand new oak barrel every time. Also, to get the official scotch label, the Scotch Whisky Act states that the spirit must be noticeably devoid of any added substances except water or plain caramel coloring. Bourbon, however, cannot have anything added to it except for water.
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Thinking About Getting Into Bourbon
There is no time like the present.
While its true that prices have gone up for coveted bottles, the bourbon community has grown substantially.
And in my opinion, its much more fun now that so many more people are into bourbon than in previous years.
So, if youre looking to explore the wonderful world of bourbon, I recommend starting with this article on the best bourbons under $30.
Any of these bottles would be a great starting point.
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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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.
Whiskey & Bourbon Compared
Whiskeys are distilled spirits originating from grains, corn, barley, rye, or wheat. From these grains, various whiskeys are made. We have Scotch, rye whiskey, and American whiskey. There is also Tennessee whiskey, Irish whiskey, Japanese, Canadian, Blended, and bourbon whiskey.
Bourbon whiskey, as mentioned, is a type of whiskey commonly made in Kentucky. However, the difference between bourbon and regular whiskey lies mostly in the production process. Also, bourbon has that distinctive sweet flavor along with a somewhat raw taste attributed to aging.
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Choose Bourbon Whiskey If:
- You want sweeter notes to your drink.
- You want to save money on a whiskey bottle.
- You want a smooth or hard finish in your drink.
Scotch vs whiskey vs bourbon is quite hard to differentiate at first. However, once you get right into the drinks nitty-gritty, youll be able to identify them from each other.
Let us know in the comment section which characteristic of scotch and bourbon is a dead giveaway for you.
Bourbon Must Be Aged In New Charred Oak Barrels
Okay, so its not just about the corn. One interesting point of criteria is that all juice must be aged in new charred oak barrels. Mark that as your second bourbon clue.
Bourbon also must be aged in new charred oak barrels, and cannot include any additives or colorings. Other whiskeys can be aged in barrels previously used to age other spirits, and they dont necessarily need to be whiskey barrelsport, sherry, and rum casks are used in the aging process for non-bourbon whiskeys, . To be designated straight bourbon whiskey, bourbon has to have been aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
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Why Do Bourbons And Whiskeys Taste Different
The reason bourbons or whiskeys taste different from one another has to do with sourcing of the ingredients inside the bottle, not the label on the front. A spirit made from distilled corn will taste different from one made from distilled rye. After all, it’s a different recipe.
And at Jack Daniel Distillery, for example, they inoculate their fermentation using a yeast strain that they can date back to Prohibition. “It’s still grown fresh from the mother culture in our lab every day,” Fletcher explains. “That yeast is a massive source of flavor for our whiskey and if we use a different yeast than the next distillery, that’s a major flavor difference.”
Kerri Richardson, president of the Bourbon Women’s Association located in Louisville, Kentucky, says female bourbon drinkers frequently choose higher proof bourbon as their favorites, and she has medical and anecdotal data to back it up. Sensory studies done in the 1990s demonstrated that women have a genetic predisposition to picking up scents and flavors thanks to larger olfactory centers in the brain.
“When you have a very high proof whiskey, there’s usually a lot of interesting things happening in that bottle and really tend to go for that,” she says. “We had a blind tasting a year ago of Heaven Hill products and I knew what would be in that lineup. I didn’t know which was which, but I knew the one we would pick as our favorite the highest proof and I was right.”
Bourbon Vs Whiskey What Is It
Whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash, including various grains like wheat, rye, barley, and corn. Its then aged in wooden barrels or casks. Whiskey can be made worldwide, and there are many popular styles, including American Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Scotch Whisky, and Irish Whiskey. Scotland is the original home of whisky, and its been produced there for hundreds of years- though youll find various tales of who produced it for the first time. We may never know the true story, but its fun to hear all the legends that have evolved over time. If youre curious about the details on how to make whiskey, check out our blog on the techniques, ingredients, and process that goes into producing it.Bourbon, made of grain, yeast, and water, is the namesake of its birthplace- Bourbon County, Kentucky, in the 1700s. It was produced in Kentucky and shipped down the Mississippi River to Louisiana, making its way to Bourbon Street. By tradition, true bourbon comes from distilleries in Old Bourbon County, but new laws allow the bourbon to be made anywhere in the US. However, the limestone water in Kentucky and the climate are two primary factors in determining the flavors. In honor of the tradition of real bourbon, most distilleries outside of Kentucky wont use the term bourbon in their whiskeys. If youre looking for a premium sipping bourbon, weve got you covered in our Bourbon of the Month Club.
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What Whiskey Is The Smoothest
- Scotch Whisky. Laphroaig 10 Year Old is considered by many to be Best Single Malt Whisky in the World. It has a smokey-smooth taste, without being too overpowering. …
- American Bourbon Whiskey. American Bourbon is not as simple as you might think. …
- Canadian Whisky. …
- Best for Sipping: Widow Jane 10 Year. …
- Best Kentucky Bourbon: Evan Williams Single Barrel. …
- Best Tennessee Bourbon: Heaven’s Door. …
- Best Under $50: Four Roses Single Barrel. …
- Best Under $100: Willett Noah’s Mill.
A Tale Of Two Countries
There are other countries that have prestigious whiskey-making histories, such as Japan and Ireland and newer regions that enjoy a growing reputation, such as Sweden and Taiwan, but by and far the largest, most well known, and historical whiskey producing nations are Scotland and America, or to be more specific, the five historic whisky regions in Scotland, and Kentucky in America.
And whilst there are grain whiskies in Scotland, and rye in Kentucky, as well as Tennessee whiskey, most notably Jack Daniels, the majority of the output of these two countries, has fallen under the two classic styles, Scottish Single Malt Whisky or Scotch as its more commonly referred to, and Kentucky Bourbon. And both these labels have very specific and tightly adhered to regulations.
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Popular Bourbon And Whiskey Cocktails
Now, the fun part is mixing these spirits into cocktails! Of course, bourbon cocktails are whiskey cocktails. But not all whiskey cocktails are bourbon cocktails. In other words, some whiskey cocktails call for bourbon specifically. Other whiskey cocktails you can use any style of whiskey, including bourbon. Usually Irish whiskey cocktails and Scotch cocktails are specific to that type of whiskey, so dont substitute bourbon.
Is It Whiskey Or Whisky
The answer to this question is purely a matter of preference. Both are technically correct. American and Irish brands will most often use the âWhiskeyâ spelling, while Scotland, Canada, and a large portion of the EU tend to use the âWhiskyâ spelling.
We prefer to use the Whisky spelling to refer to both our own and the entire spirit category unless we are speaking about specific brands that call themselves whiskey.
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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!
Can Bourbon Be Made Outside Of America
No. The federal standards governing the identity of bourbon dictate that it is a distinctive product of the United States and that the word bourbon shall not be used to describe any whisky or whisky-based distilled spirits not produced in the United States.According to Swati Sharma, Co-Founder, The Dram Club, sweetness is what marks bourbon from the other varieties of whisky. Since bourbons are made of copious amount of corn they have a delightful sweetness with pronounced notes of vanilla that cant be found in most barley and rye-based whiskies, she clarifies. They also tend to be a bit smoky due to the charred oak. But it takes years of practice of nosing and tasting even for experts to tell the difference between the vast styles of whiskies. The best way to keep getting better at it is to try a mix of both Bourbon and Scotch/other styles and make notes of the difference you can perceive in the nose and on the palate.
Since bourbons are made of copious amount of corn they have a delightful sweetness with pronounced notes of vanilla
Gandhi sums it up best when he says, The best whisky is the one enjoyed with friends and family over lots of banter and fun. Sláinte!
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How To Choose The Right Drink
When deciding between whiskey versus bourbon, there are a few things to consider. Whiskey is often a popular choice for those making mixed drinks, with all of the different types giving the drink plenty of versatility. Any number of classic drinks use whiskey as the key ingredient that makes them so special.
While bourbon also is used for a number of signature drinks, it is also often enjoyed on its own due to the high standards of quality bourbon has to be made to by law. The distilling process also imparts bourbon with a sweet note that fans of the drink love. The lack of any additives lets you enjoy the flavor of the bourbon without anything getting in the way.
Gluten Carbs & Calories In Bourbon
Despite its sweet flavour, bourbon whiskey should contain no sugar. In fact, the use of any additives, including caramel colouring, is prohibited in straight bourbon whiskey.
Although bourbon is made from grain that contains gluten, the distillation process should separate the protein from the resulting whiskey. In mild cases of gluten intolerance, it should be fine.
However, some people with more severe conditions like Celiacs disease do, albeit occasionally, report some complaints. Generally speaking, though, any distilled spirit should be gluten-free.
Otherwise, bourbon whiskey contains no carbs and is very light in calories. Dont expect more than 70 calories in a single 1 Oz shot.
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Similar Drinks & Bourbon Substitutes
As weve already explored, there several varieties of American whiskey that have a lot in common with bourbon. Its closest relative will be corn whiskey and its high use of corn results in a very sweet-tasting beverage.
Alternatively, you can consider rye and wheat whiskey, which both taste slightly different as we already explained above. Meanwhile, there are other whiskeys that you can consider from around the world. Most, however, will be produced using other ingredients.
Scotch whisky, for instance, uses malted barley. As a result, its a much more buttery and savoury beverage. Similarly, some regions will smoke the malted barley with peat, which results in a unique flavour often associated with Hebridean territories like Islay and Skye.
That said, Scotch whisky is aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Since the barrels have been used, they dont impart as much flavour, but there is still a noticeable influence.
Otherwise, Irish whiskey may bear a closer resemblance to bourbon in that it is lighter and more floral. Since its usually triple-distilled, the barley is less noticeable with the wood playing a greater role.
Interestingly, though, Mexico has a few corn whiskeys given its strong maize agriculture. Theyre certainly worth checking out as a unique
Whiskey Wisdom: The Difference Between Whiskey And Bourbon
This piece originally appeared as Bourbon vs. Whiskey on Purewow.
Theres nothing better on a cold winters eve than curling up in your buffalo-checked onesie in front of a fire and sipping a nice glass of bourbon. Or is it whiskey? Is there really a difference? Does it matter?
In short, all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. And now that we know these essential distinctions, we can really taste the difference.
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Whiskey Vs Bourbon: Which Tastes Better
This is completely subjectivethe reason there are so many different types of whiskey is because everyone has different flavor preferences.
Scotch lovers make fun of bourbon lovers because they cant handle the peaty flavor and opt for a sweeter liquor.
People from Europe will try Jack Daniels and think its disgusting.
And bourbon lovers will make fun of scotch lovers because their whiskey tastes like a soggy marsh.
But what I can tell you is that if you tend to like things on the sweet side, bourbon is for you.
If not, youll probably like a different whiskey like scotch better.
What Is The Difference Between Bourbon And Whiskey
One of the main challenges of learning about whiskey for the first time is getting your head around the different types of whiskey that are available. There are many varieties including Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, Bourbon whiskey, and Rye whiskey.
Each whiskey variety differs in terms of its ingredients, how it is distilled, where it is made, and how it is blended. There are even rules and regulations which determine how a whiskey must be made to be labeled a certain way.
To help you better understand whiskey in all of its forms, this post will answer the very common question What Is The Difference Between Bourbon And Whiskey?
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