What’s the Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon?
If you’ve ever been to a bar, then you might’ve noticed that whiskey and bourbon are both commonly ordered. But what exactly is the difference between the two? Many people assume that all whiskey is bourbon, but that’s not the case. So, in this blog post, we’re going to dive into the differences between whiskey and bourbon and what makes each one unique.
First, we’ll start off with some brief history about both whiskey and bourbon:
Whiskey: The Origin
Whiskey has been around since the Middle Ages. It was first distilled in Scotland, and at the time, it was known as “uisce beatha” or “water of life.” Over time, the drink evolved, and different countries began to produce their own version. Today, countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and the United States are leaders in whiskey production.
Bourbon: The Origin
Bourbon, on the other hand, is a uniquely American beverage. It was first produced in Kentucky during the late 18th century and remains popular to this day. The name bourbon originated from Bourbon County, which was a part of Kentucky when it was first produced. It’s now known as Bourbon County, and the drink has become a staple of American culture.
Now that we’ve covered the history of both drinks let’s dig into the difference between whiskey and bourbon.
Ingredients
The ingredients used in whiskey and bourbon are quite similar. Both are made from a fermented mash of grain, water, and yeast. However, the difference comes in the percentage of corn used in the distilling process. Bourbon is required to have at least 51% corn, while whiskey does not have any regulations on the percentage of grains that need to be used.
That means that whiskey can be made from a variety of grains such as barley, wheat, or rye. Whereas bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, making it sweeter than whiskey. In addition to corn, bourbon must also contain malt, rye, or wheat.
Distilling Process
Another difference between whiskey and bourbon lies in the distilling process. While both drinks are distilled, the process used in making bourbon is unique to the drink.
Bourbon is distilled at a lower proof than whiskey. Which means that it has a less concentrated alcohol content when it comes out of the still. It’s then aged in charred oak barrels, becoming richer in color and flavor as it sits in the barrel. During the aging process, bourbon also absorbs flavors from the wood barrels, leading to its signature taste.
Whiskey, on the other hand, is distilled at a higher proof than bourbon. This is because it’s typically aged in used barrels that don’t impart as much flavor.
Geographical Location
Lastly, the difference between whiskey and bourbon can also be defined by geographical location. While whiskey can be made in any country, bourbon must be made in the United States.
The US Government has strict regulations regarding the production process of bourbon. In order to be labeled as bourbon, the whiskey must be produced in America, made from a fermented mash of grain, aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. In addition to that, bourbon must not have any additives such as coloring or flavoring.
Conclusion
To sum it up, bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made in America and is required to have at least 51% corn in its mash. Bourbon is also distilled at a lower proof than whiskey and aged in charred oak barrels. Whereas whiskey can be made anywhere in the world and has no regulations on the percentage of grains used in the distilling process.
Now that you know the difference between whiskey and bourbon, you can serve up your next order of either beverage with confidence! Whether it’s a sweet, smooth bourbon or a complex whiskey, it’s all about finding the one you love and enjoying it in good company.
So go ahead and try both types of whiskey, and figure out if you prefer the sweeter taste of bourbon or the more complex flavors of whiskey. After all, it’s all about personal preference when it comes to choosing the perfect drink.
We hope this blog post has been helpful in clearing up any confusion about the difference between whiskey and bourbon. Cheers to a good drink!
Image Credit: Pexels