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What’s the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey?
If you like to drink spirits, you may have wondered about the difference between bourbon and whiskey. Are they the same thing, or are there subtle or significant distinctions between them? To answer these questions, we need to explore the history, geography, ingredients, production methods, and regulations of bourbon and whiskey. Don’t worry, though, we’ll try to keep it fun and relevant, and use examples and images to illustrate our points. Ready to become a whiskey expert? Let’s go!
First, let’s clarify some basic categories of spirits. Whiskey (or whisky, depending on the country) is a broad term that encompasses several styles of distilled beverage made from fermented grains such as malted barley, rye, wheat, or corn, or blends of them. The most common types of whiskey are Scotch (from Scotland), Irish (from Ireland), American (from the United States), and Canadian (from Canada), but there are also Japanese, Indian, Australian, and other whiskeys from around the world. Each type has its own traditions, flavors, and regulations that reflect its local culture and resources. For example, Scotch is often aged in used oak barrels that previously held sherry or bourbon, while Irish is known for its smoothness and triple distillation, and Canadian often blends rye and corn to balance sweetness and spice.
Now, let’s focus on American whiskey, which is a type of whiskey that is made in the United States and can be further divided into subcategories such as bourbon, rye, Tennessee, and others. Bourbon, however, is arguably the most famous and iconic type of American whiskey, with a rich history and loyal following. But what makes bourbon different from other whiskeys, and what are the rules that define its identity? Let’s check them out.
1. Location: To be called bourbon, a whiskey must be made in the United States, with at least 51% corn as its main grain. This means that bourbons can be made in any state, not just Kentucky, which is often associated with bourbon due to its history and concentration of distilleries. However, Kentucky is still the birthplace and spiritual home of bourbon, and many of the best-known brands and tours are based there. If you visit Kentucky, you can follow the Bourbon Trail, a scenic route that links several distilleries and attractions, or explore the Urban Bourbon Trail, a city-centric tour of bars and restaurants that offer a wide range of bourbons and cocktails.
2. Ingredients: Besides corn, bourbon also typically includes other grains such as rye and malted barley, which can influence its flavor profile. Rye is known for its spicy and bold character, while malted barley adds sweetness and complexity. Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (ABV), and aged in new charred oak barrels, which can impart flavors of caramel, vanilla, oak, and smoke. The size, shape, and age of the barrel can also affect the final taste of bourbon. Most bourbons are aged for at least two years, although some can be aged for many more, and some are blended from different barrels to create a consistent flavor.
3. Method: Bourbon is made through a process of mashing, fermentation, distillation, and aging, which can vary slightly from distillery to distillery. The grain is first milled and mixed with hot water to extract its starch, which is then converted into sugar by the addition of enzymes or malted barley. The resulting sweet liquid, called mash, is cooled and fermented with yeast, which converts the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The resulting beer-like substance, called distiller’s beer or wash, is then distilled in copper stills to separate the alcohol from the water and other impurities. The resulting clear liquid, called new make or white dog, is then poured into charred oak barrels and aged for at least two years, during which it gains color, flavor, and complexity from the wood and the environment. Once the bourbon is deemed ready, it is bottled and labeled, often with information about its age, proof, mash bill, and other relevant details.
4. Regulations: To be called bourbon, a whiskey must comply with several regulations that are enforced by the federal government through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). These regulations include:
– The whiskey must be made in the United States.
– The whiskey must be made from at least 51% corn, and the other grains must be malted barley, rye, wheat, or a blend thereof.
– The mash must be fermented to no more than 12% ABV.
– The distillate must be aged in new charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV).
– The whiskey must enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV).
– The whiskey must be bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV).
– The whiskey must not contain any additives, except water to reduce the proof to bottling strength.
– The whiskey must have the name of the distillery where it was made, the state of origin, and the term “bourbon” on its label.
These regulations help define the unique character and quality of bourbon, and ensure that consumers can trust the authenticity and identity of the whiskey they buy. They also create a competitive and innovative environment for distillers, who can experiment with different types of corn, yeast, barrels, and techniques to create new expressions of bourbon that appeal to different tastes and trends. For example, some bourbons are now made with heirloom or specialty corn varieties, or finished in barrels that previously held wine, rum, or other spirits, to add complexity and nuance.
So, to summarize: bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and regulated by several federal rules. Bourbon can be made in any state of the United States, but is often associated with Kentucky due to its history and fame. Bourbon can vary in taste and style depending on its mash bill, barrel size, shape, and age, and production methods, but is generally known for its sweetness, caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors, as well as its smoothness and complexity.
In contrast, other types of American whiskey such as rye, Tennessee, or blended whiskeys, have their own traditions, rules, and flavors that distinguish them from bourbon and each other. Rye whiskey, for example, must be made from at least 51% rye, and is known for its spicy, grainy, and bold taste, while Tennessee whiskey must be made in Tennessee and often undergoes a charcoal filtering process called the Lincoln County Process, which can add smokiness and smoothness.
To conclude, the difference between bourbon and whiskey lies in their specific identities and regulations. While all bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon, and knowing the difference can help you appreciate the diversity and complexity of American spirits. Whether you prefer bourbon neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, or with a BBQ brisket, now you can impress your friends with your knowledge and taste. Cheers!
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If you want to learn more about bourbon and whiskey, here are some links to check out:
– The Bourbon Review: a magazine and website dedicated to bourbon culture, news, and reviews.
– The Whiskey Wash: a blog and podcast that covers all kinds of whiskey from around the world.
– Whiskey Advocate: a magazine and online forum that offers expert ratings, tastings, and education on whiskey.
– The Kentucky Bourbon Trail: a website that features interactive maps, tours, and information about the distilleries and attractions along the Bourbon Trail.
– The Urban Bourbon Trail: a website that lists the participating bars and restaurants in Louisville that offer a diverse selection of bourbons and cocktails.
– The Tasting Table: a website that curates food and drink recommendations, including bourbon-based recipes and pairings.
Hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Cheers again!
Image Credit: Pexels