What’s the Difference between Bourbon and Whiskey?
Welcome to this enlightening blog post, where we are going to explore the differences between bourbon and whiskey. Are you an avid drink enthusiast or a bartender seeking to add another twist to your menu? One fundamental concept that you ought to understand is the variance between bourbon and whiskey. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. So, let’s unpack these two popular spirits.
Whiskey
Whiskey is distilled from fermented grains. It is one of the earliest distilled spirits and it originated in Ireland during the early 15th century. Over time, the spirit has evolved into one of the most popular alcoholic beverages around the world.
Whiskey is made from malted barley, rye, wheat, and corn-ingredients that are mashed together and then distilled twice into a purer alcohol that is then stored in oak barrels. The longer the whiskey remains in the oak barrels, the more flavorful and mellow it becomes. The taste of whiskey is complex, with various notes of sweetness and spice depending on the ingredients.
Whiskey is a broad term that encompasses several different types, including Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskey, Canadian whiskey, and American whiskey.
Bourbon
Bourbon is a type of whiskey made from at least 51% corn. The remaining percentage is usually made up of rye, wheat, or barley. Bourbon is made exclusively in the United States, with Kentucky being the epicenter of bourbon production.
To be classified as bourbon, the spirit must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (ABV) and stored in charred new oak barrels for at least two years. Additionally, bourbon cannot contain any additives, such as coloring or flavoring, except for water.
The name bourbon comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky, where the drink was first produced. The county was named after the French royal family, the House of Bourbon, and became the birthplace of the drink we know and love today.
The Difference
So, what’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey? Bourbon is a type of whiskey, but whiskey is not always bourbon.
One of the most significant differences is where the spirit is made. Whiskey can be made in any country, but bourbon is a strictly American product. Unlike whiskey, bourbon also has strict requirements that it must meet before it can be called bourbon. For example, it must be aged for at least two years in charred oak barrels and contain at least 51% corn.
Another difference is the mash bill, which is the combination of grains used to make the spirit. Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, and the remaining percentage can consist of rye, wheat, or barley. Whiskey, on the other hand, can be made from any combination of grains.
The aging process also differs between bourbon and whiskey. Bourbon must be aged in new oak barrels that have been charred. These barrels can only be used once to age bourbon. Whiskey, on the other hand, can be aged in any type of oak barrel, and the barrels can be reused.
Lastly, the taste of bourbon and whiskey varies due to the differences in the aging process and the mash bill. Bourbon tends to be sweeter with notes of vanilla and caramel, while whiskey has a wider range of flavors depending on the ingredients used.
Why does it matter?
At the end of the day, the difference between bourbon and whiskey may not matter to the casual drinker. However, for bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts, understanding the differences can help you choose the right spirit for a particular cocktail or occasion.
For example, because bourbon is sweeter, it may work better in cocktails that call for a sweeter flavor profile. Whiskey, on the other hand, has a wider range of flavors that can work well in many different cocktails.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bourbon is a type of whiskey, but whiskey is not always bourbon. The main differences between the two spirits are where they are made, the mash bill, and the aging process. While it may not matter to the casual drinker, understanding these differences can help you choose the right spirit for any occasion. So, next time you’re at a bar or liquor store, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of the differences between bourbon and whiskey. Cheers!
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