What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
Now, we all enjoy a good drink from time to time, and with the vast array of beverages available, it can be hard to know what exactly you’re consuming. One of the most common questions asked is, “What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?”. Well, fear not, my friends, as I’m here to take you on a journey through the world of bourbon and whiskey and help you distinguish between the two.
Firstly, it’s important to note that all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is uniquely American and must be made in the United States to carry the name of “bourbon.” In addition to being made in the U.S., there are a few other requirements that must be met for a whiskey to be considered bourbon.
To be considered bourbon, the whiskey must be made from a mash that is comprised of at least 51% corn. This is one of the most important requirements and is what gives bourbon its sweet and distinctive taste. The remaining grains used in the mash can include rye, wheat, and barley.
Furthermore, the whiskey must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, and it must be aged for a minimum of two years. The charring of the oak barrels is what gives bourbon its signature color and imparts flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spice. The longer it’s aged in the barrel, the darker and richer the color and flavor become.
In terms of flavor, bourbon is often described as having a sweet, smooth, and oaky taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. It’s typically quite bold and strong in flavor, making it the perfect drink for sipping on the rocks or enjoying neat.
So, what about whiskey? Well, whiskey is a broad category that includes various types of distilled spirits. As previously mentioned, bourbon is a type of whiskey, but it’s not the only one. Other types of whiskey include Scotch, Irish whiskey, rye whiskey, and Canadian whiskey, just to name a few.
One of the main differences between whiskey and bourbon is the mash bill. While bourbon must be made from a mash that is at least 51% corn, other types of whiskey have different requirements. For example, Scottish whiskies (also known as Scotch) must be made using only malted barley, whereas Irish whiskey must be made using a mash that can include malted and unmalted barley, as well as other grains such as corn or rye.
Another difference between whiskey and bourbon is the type of barrel used in the aging process. While bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, other types of whiskey may be aged in previously used barrels. This can affect the flavor and color of the whiskey, with previously used barrels imparting less oak flavor but more complex flavors from the previous contents of the barrel.
In terms of flavor, whiskey can vary greatly depending on the type and region in which it’s made. Scotch, for example, is known for its smoky and peaty flavor, while rye whiskey is known for its spicy and peppery notes.
Now that we’ve covered the differences between bourbon and whiskey, you may be wondering how to best enjoy these delicious spirits. As mentioned earlier, bourbon is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Some people may prefer their bourbon with a splash of water to help open up the flavors and aromas.
Whiskey, on the other hand, can be enjoyed in many ways. Some people prefer their whiskey neat or on the rocks, while others may enjoy a Whiskey Sour or Old Fashioned cocktail. It all comes down to personal preference and the type of whiskey being consumed.
In conclusion, the main difference between bourbon and whiskey is that bourbon is a type of whiskey that must be made using a mash that is at least 51% corn and must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Other types of whiskey have different requirements and can vary greatly in terms of flavor and complexity. Whether you prefer bourbon or whiskey, both are excellent choices for sipping and enjoying with friends or family. Cheers!
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