Tuesday, April 23, 2024

What Is The Difference Between Bourbon And Whisky

Bourbon Is Made With At Least 51 Percent Corn

Irish People Try American Bourbon Vs Irish Whiskey

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.

The Differences Between Tennessee Whiskey And Bourbon

The key difference between the two types of whiskey is that Tennessee Whiskey must be filtered through maple charcoal before being put into the barrel for aging. This is called the Lincoln County Process and it was developed in the late 1800s.

Its used to remove impurities from whiskey. The process involves filtering the whiskey through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal. This removes impurities and gives Tennessee Whiskey its smooth, mellow flavor.

Bourbon is also filtered before being put into the barrel, but most distillers use chill filtration. This is a form of carbon filtration where activated charcoal is added to the whiskey to remove oils and other unwanted compounds. Then, the whiskey is filtered through a paper filter that removes the charcoal.

Another obvious difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey is where theyre originated. Tennessee whiskey is obviously made in Tennesseebourbon is normally made in Kentucky.

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.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Smoothest Vodka

Bourbon Versus Scotch Versus Rye

Bourbon is a U.S.-made whiskey with extra steps added to its fermentation, distillation and aging process in agreement with the U.S. Congress. Distillers can label a spirit bourbon only when it has at least 51% corn in its mash and has been aged in a new charred oak barrel. Bourbon usually is described as tasting smooth with notes of caramel, vanilla and oak due to the aging process.

Whiskey is defined as a spirit distilled from a fermented mash of grains that has been aged in barrels. For more info, check out our story Bourbon vs. Whiskey.

Scotch is whisky made from a mash of malted barley. It can be aged in a used barrel and must be aged for at least 3 years. For an in depth look at malted barley, check out What Is Malt? where youll learn a lot about malt and Scotch.

Rye whiskey is made with a mash that must be at least 51% rye, the same rye that is used in rye bread. The resulting whiskey has a spicier flavor than bourbon.

The Most Expensive Whiskey Ever Sold

Whiskey vs Bourbon: Know the Difference The major differences with ...

The Macallan 1926, bottle number 5 of 12. Sold for £848,750 via Bonhams .

Whiskey is one of the most expensive spirits on the market. There are many factors that determine a bottles price tag, which include age, rarity, and uniqueness. The most expensive whiskey ever sold is the Macallan Valerio Adami 1926.

Bottled in 1986, this 60-year-old whiskey sold at Bonhams in October 2018 for a record price of £848,750. The previous record, also set by Bonhams in May 2018, was a similar whiskey that sold for £814,081. Macallan, a single malt Scotch whisky distillery in Craigellachie, Moray, commissioned two prominent Pop artists, Valeron Adami and Peter Blake, to design labels for a limited edition of 24 bottles. Aside from the exclusivity, The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926 is elegantly presented in a specially commissioned cabinet, which also contributes to its lofty price tag.

Whiskey is an expansive collecting category that encompasses a wide range of dark spirits with similar characteristics. While all are derived from mashes of fermented grains and are aged in wooden barrels, each variety is individually nuanced. Bourbon is one of the United States best-known whiskeys, and whiskey enthusiasts worldwide revel in its flavor. Today, decadent bottles of bourbon, packaged in stunning decanters, are sought after by seasoned whiskey collectors for their flavor, rarity, and uniqueness.

Recommended Reading: What Mixes Well With Peanut Butter Whiskey

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 Main Difference Between Scotch And Bourbon

“The main difference between scotch and bourbon is that scotch is made in Scotland and bourbon is made in the USA,” explains Polise. “Both scotch and bourbon are whiskeys. Scotch whisky is spelled without an ‘e’, while bourbon whiskey has an ‘e’ between the ‘k’ and ‘y.'”

Polise adds that scotch is generally made from malted barley, whereas bourbon is made largely from corn. Here are some of the qualifications whiskey must meet in order to be classified as bourbon.

  • Must be made of a grain mixture of at least 51 percent corn.
  • Must be aged in new charred oak barrels.
  • Only whiskey produced in the United States can be called bourbon.
  • It must be distilled no more than 160 proof .
  • It may not enter into a barrel higher than 125 proof .
  • To be called straight bourbon it must have aged for at least two years and not have any flavors or color added.
  • Recommended Reading: Cayman Jack Cuban Mojito Calories

    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.

    < ! CTA HERE >

    You May Like: Best Thing To Mix With Titos Vodka

    Which Whisky Is Suitable For Whisky Sour

    What is the difference between Rum, Whiskey, Vodka, Beer, Brandy, Wine and Champagne?

    A good Whisky Sour lives from the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and the aroma of good whisky. The quality of the ingredients plays a central role. Tastes vary, but a bad whisky can be recognized quite quickly. If the whisky tastes sharp, smells like bad vanilla and reminds you of solvents, you should not even try to mix a good Whisky Sour cocktail with it. Most of the cheapest whiskies from discounters are not suitable for this. But it does not have to be the most expensive drop. For about 20-30⬠a bottle you can often get good quality whiskies, with which you can get good results. Basically, many whisky types are suitable for Whisky Sour, but the American original is most often prepared with Bourbon.

    Bourbon is made from a mash that must consist of at least 51% corn. The remaining 49% can consist of different types of grain. Usually this is barley, rye or corn.

    Read Also: How To Mix Tequila Sunrise

    Whisky Sour Without Egg White Or With Egg White

    Some who hear about a cocktail with raw protein for the first time are sceptical at first. You can’t blame them, because salmonella can actually multiply in raw eggs and can lead to a salmonella infection when consumed. Therefore, it is very important: Only use eggs that are as fresh as possible and stored in a cool place! Then the least can happen. If you still have concerns, you should prepare the Whisky Sour with the recipe without protein. Personally, I have never had any problems with salmonella from the many Whisky Sours I have drunk so far.

    If you use super fresh eggs, the egg white will give you a rounder taste and combines the flavours of the other ingredients nicely. In addition, shaking with egg white gives a nice head of foam, which enhances the cocktail visually. I personally like the Whisky Sour with egg white best.

    Bourbon Must Be Produced In The Us

    Another answer for the question: What is the difference between whisky and bourbon? relies on the production country, as explained on the paragraphs above. However, theres a common misconception that bourbon has to be made in Kentucky. And, thats not quite true. While its true that Kentucky accounts for around 90% of the worlds bourbon, by legal definition it only has to be produced in the US.

    Most bourbon makers from Kentucky, however, would disagree with this statement, stating that Kentucky boasts the perfect climate and conditions for making the perfect bourbon.

    Interested in getting to know more about Bourbons history? Check out this article:

    Also Check: 16 Oz Can Of Beer

    What About Tennessee Whiskey

    Tennessee whiskey presents a unique case. By law, Tennessee whiskey must be produced within the state. No surprise there. But it must also undergo a special filtering process with sugar-maple charcoal, which is the step that makes Tennessee whiskey so smooth according to its fans. Despite the fact that Tennessee Whiskey has been legally defined as bourbon in various international trade agreements, most Tennessee whiskey manufacturers do not refer to their goods as bourbon.

    What Is The Difference Between Early Times And Regular Bourbon

    WHAT

    They have different mash-bills. The Early Times recipe uses more corn , and less rye . This creates a sweeter, milder, and less spicy whiskey, which became the preferred style after World War II. It also costs less to make. By 1953, Early Times was the best-selling bourbon in America. Thats right, bourbon.

    Read Also: What Is The Cleanest Vodka

    Difference Between Bourbon And Rye

    Depending on the brand, you may hear notes of oak, smoke, and fruit. The flavor of rye is typically milder than that of bourbon. Bourbon whiskey typically has a sweeter, more mellow flavor than rye whiskey, with notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel. Why is Jack Daniels whiskey bourbon and not Daniels original?

    A mash should contain 51 percent actual rye grain and 49 percent corn, wheat, or barley. If Straight rye is to be used in this process, it cannot be mixed with any other spirits. Because there are no rules in Canada, the name whisky refers to an alcoholic beverage that has not been governed by them. Because rye grain accounts for the vast majority of its malt bill, the flavor is unmistakable. You will notice that some are more difficult to swallow, but thin enough to dry after swallowing them. Those with a slower burn will come in smooth and gradually more complex. In Good Spirits Month, well be exploring what separates aperitifs and digestifs behind the bar.

    Rye is a significant ingredient in a plethora of cocktail flavors, including Manhattans and Old-fashionededs. This cocktail can also be flavored with bourbon, making it appear stronger and julep-like. The aroma of rye whiskey is peppery and grassy, with a hint of spicy spice.

    Bourbon Vs Whiskey: Whats The Difference

    All bourbons are whiskeys but not all whiskeys are bourbon.

    David Crockett/Getty Images

    Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network.

    Bourbon and whiskey are both popular spirits among mixologists and home bartenders alike. While these brown liquors might look the same in the bottle, they each possess unique characteristics. Whether you like to sip whiskey or bourbon, mix them into cocktails or simply want to quench your curiosity, it pays to know which spirit youre imbibing and discussing. Here, we break down the differences between bourbon and whiskey. Hint: all bourbons are whiskeys but not all whiskeys are bourbon.

    Recommended Reading: What Is Good Mixed With Rum

    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.

    What Is The Difference Between Whisky And Bourbon

    Irish People Try American Bourbon Vs Scotch Whisky

    If youre not someone who drinks a lot of whisky, the difference between whisky and bourbon might not be noticeable. After all, they are both dark spirits that are aged in barrels, right? Wrong! Although the two drinks have a lot in common, they are worlds apart, which well cover off in this blog post.

    So, what is the difference between whisky and bourbon? The first thing you should know is that, just like champagne is a type of wine, bourbon is also a type of whisky. So, all bourbon is whisky, but not all whisky is bourbon. Confused? Continue reading to discover all diferences.

    Read Also: Where To Buy Swedish Fish Vodka

    Are Bourbon Whiskey And Scotch The Same

    No, bourbon, whiskey, and scotch are not the same. However, some types do overlap a bit, but well get into that later. Basically whiskey is the original version of the spirit. Bourbon and scotch are types of whiskies with different regulations and rules that make them different from whiskey. Each spirit is made from a specific grain mash that might include corn, barley, rye, and wheat. They are all distilled the same way with a couple of exceptions.

    What Makes Bourbon Different From Whiskey

    Bourbon is always whiskey, but whiskey is not always bourbon. Bourbon has important distinctions that differentiate it from whiskey: it has to be made in the United States from at least 51% corn, be aged in new, charred American white oak barrels, and the finished product must be at least 80 proof.

    Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky

    Don’t Miss: H By Hine Vsop Cognac

    Bourbon Vs Whiskey Whats The Difference

    Bourbon vs whiskey what are they, and whats the difference between them? You might be interested to know that each of these popular spirits originated from opposite sides of the world during two different centuries. It seems people have had an affinity to ferment grains for hundreds of years, and today, we get to sip the benefits. So lets explore these two spirits, what makes them different and similar, and the best way to enjoy them.

    What Makes It Bourbon

    Bourbon &  Whiskey: What

    U.S. laws regulate what manufacturers can label as bourbon.

    • The mash used must contain at least 51% corn.
    • The only additive allowed outside of the mash and the yeast is water. No other additives may be used.
    • It must be 160 proof or less.
    • It can only be produced in the United States.
    • It must be aged for at least two years.
    • Aging takes place in new white oak barrels that have been charred.
    • While the main grain in bourbon is corn, other grains may include rye, barley, or malt.
    • Enjoy it in a classic mint julep.

    Read Also: What Is The Best Tequila To Drink Straight

    Is Rye Smoother Than Bourbon

    Grass, pepper, oak, smoke, and fruit are some of the notes heard in it. Most people agree that bourbon has a sweeter taste than rye, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The flavor of Bourbon is lighter and smoother than that of rye. Is the Makers Mark for rye whiskey real?

    Why Tennessee Whiskey Is Taking Over The Us Market

    The corn and malt mixture used to make Jack Daniels Whiskey, like other Tennessee whiskey brands, is 51% corn and 49% malt. The flavor is enhanced by the addition of charcoal, which is filtered through the charcoal filter. Tennessee whiskey is gaining popularity among those who prefer something more distinctive than bourbon, despite its status as the most well-known type of whiskey. In addition to being a popular choice, it is also a relatively inexpensive alternative to bourbon for those looking for a less expensive option. A strong aroma of rice is unmistakable.

    Popular Articles
    Related news