What’s the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey?
If you are a whiskey lover, then you must have come across the terms Bourbon and Whiskey. Although some people might think that these two alcoholic beverages are the same, they are not. There is a considerable difference between Bourbon and Whiskey, and this article will explore what sets them apart.
Whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Typically, whiskey is made from barley, corn, rye, or wheat, and aged in wooden barrels. Whiskey has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century, where it was first produced in Scotland. However, nowadays, whiskey is produced in different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Ireland, and many others.
On the other hand, Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is predominantly made in the United States. Although Bourbon is a type of whiskey, not all whiskey is Bourbon. Bourbon is named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it was first produced by early settlers in the late 18th century. Since then, Bourbon has become an iconic American whiskey that is popular worldwide.
What makes Bourbon different from other types of whiskey?
Bourbon is made from a mixture of at least 51% corn, with the other grains being either rye or barley. The use of corn in Bourbon whiskey gives it a sweet and smooth flavor compared to other types of whiskey. Additionally, Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years. The aging process gives Bourbon its unique flavor and amber color. By law, Bourbon must not contain any additives other than water and must be bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) or higher.
So, if all Bourbon is whiskey, what sets it apart from other types of whiskey?
Bourbon is America’s native spirit, and it has strict production regulations that distinguish it from other types of whiskey. For instance, Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley, while Irish whiskey can be made from a variety of grains. Bourbon, on the other hand, must contain at least 51% corn and be produced in the United States. Additionally, Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. Other types of whiskey are not restricted to this requirement.
Types of Bourbon
There are several types of Bourbon, including:
Straight Bourbon: This is the most popular type of Bourbon whiskey. It must be aged for at least two years and must not contain any added flavors.
Bottled in Bond: This type of Bourbon must be produced in one distilling season, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 50% ABV.
High Rye Bourbon: This is a Bourbon that has a higher percentage of rye than usual. It has a spicier flavor compared to regular Bourbon.
Wheated Bourbon: This type of Bourbon replaces the rye with wheat. It has a softer and smoother flavor compared to other Bourbon whiskey.
Single Barrel Bourbon: This is a Bourbon that is bottled from a single barrel. It has a unique taste, depending on the specific barrel it was aged in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bourbon and Whiskey are two distinct types of alcoholic beverages. Bourbon is classified as a type of whiskey that is predominantly made in the United States, while Whiskey can be produced anywhere in the world. Additionally, Bourbon must be made from a mixture of at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. Other types of whiskey are not restricted to this requirement.
In summary, next time you go out to your favorite bar, you can confidently order your favorite whiskey or Bourbon, knowing the difference between the two. Cheers!
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