Before bottling, bourbon is filtered and diluted down to no less than 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Most Canadian whiskies are multi-grain blends, primarily with a high percentage of corn mash. Should You Be Jumping on TikToks Flavored Water Trend? Theyve had to expand their facilities and build new ones all over America. Whiskeys flavor will vary depending on what type of whiskeyIrish, Japanese and so onso its tough to provide exact tasting notes for whiskey. Bourbon and whiskeyusedifferent grains. To be designated "straight bourbon whiskey," bourbon has to have been aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. While they share some commonalities, each one has its own set of unique features that make them different. Most bourbons are made in Kentucky because of the limestone-rich soil, which imparts unique flavors and minerals to the grain and water [1]. They are both usually made in column stills, although thats not a requirement. Bottles that used to collect dust on the shelves and cost $40 like Weller 12 are now hundreds of dollars and nearly impossible to find. Choose the correct word (bourbon or whiskey) to fill in the blank in the following sentences: _____ is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Distillers cannot add flavor or color to a bourbon, so it becomes crucial to extract the best characteristics of the oak. The essential thing to remember with this classic cocktail is to use high-quality bourbon. The people want to know: will you have hallucinations if you drink absinthe? This is because bourbon must be made with a mash bill of at least 51 percent corn, which is already naturally sweet. Tennessee whiskey follows most of the production methods used for bourbon, such as using no less than 51 percent corn in the grain mixture, aged in new, charred oak barrels, distilled at no more than 160 proof, and bottled at no less than 80 proof. Lastly, to be considered bourbon, it must not contain any additives. How is Bourbon made? The most well-known whiskey cocktails, the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan, can be made with either bourbon or rye whiskey, according to the drinkers preference, as can the Whiskey Sour, the Hot Toddy, and the Boulevardier and its cousin, the Old Pal. Mash Bill 5. Bourbon is closely associated with the American South, most notably Kentucky. Bourbon aged for a minimum of two years will probably still have the original flavor of the cereal grains. Newcomers to whiskey often wonder what distinguishes a bourbon from a rye. Because though they seem to share many similarities, bourbon and whiskey are actually very different drinks. It adheres to all the requirements of bourbon, with the added step of being filtered through sugar-maple charcoal prior to barrelingand, of course, it must be made and aged in Tennessee. The Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey The big difference is what happens before a Tennessee whiskey goes in the barrel, called the Lincoln County Process. All rights reserved. To be called "Bourbon" it has to meet a few criteria: Bourbon is to be made with at least 51% corn in the mashbill. Single Malt and Blended Whisky What's the Difference? You'll also see some whiskeys labeled single-malt or blended. To be considered a rye whiskey, the mash must contain at least 51 percent rye (the same ingredient used in rye bread). However, many distillers age their bourbon for at least 4 years to instill smoothness and enhance quality. The patois of bourbon has developed over centuries. Here are our classic bourbon cocktails to warm you up on any occasion. But what is it that makes bourbon such an enduring and desirable beverage? On the other hand, those aged in new, charred oak barrels longer will take on much of that smoky, bourbon-y goodness from the wood. There are five recognized regions: The Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, Campbeltown, and Speyside. That corn gives bourbon its distinctive sweet flavor. Then, the mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less and placed in the barrel at 125 proof or less. Tennessee whiskey follows most of the production methods used for bourbon, 15 Snacks For Bourbon Tasting: Answered (2023 Updated), Salted Caramel Crown Royal Recipes (2023 Updated), 15 Simple Mixed Drinks To Order At A Bar Today (2023), Purple Gatorade Shot Recipe: How To Make It (2023 Updated), What To Mix With Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon? And if you are a fan of bourbon, you may want to try this Dr Pepper bourbon. Know your wine: A beginner's guide to the most common types of wine, 10 common beer styles all drinkers should try, from pilsners to porters, How to make a Manhattan and all its variations, How to make the perfect martini and customize it to your taste. "There's a common confusion about what they are. Every region and style has unique recipes along with its own fermenting, distilling, and aging standards that ultimately lead to notably distinct flavor profiles. Required fields are marked *, 108 Bogue Commercial Drive You'll find some important differences when comparing, The good news is that Ive been invited to several events recently. The mash must be distilled at 160 proof (or 80% alcohol by volume) or less, and aged in barrels until it is no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume) or less. Therefore, the primary difference between scotch and whisky is the locationwhereitis made, while other factors such as ingredients and spelling play a part. And within the category of bourbon, you have lots of producers to choose from. The minimum bottling strength for Scotch whiskey, for example, is also 80 proof or 40% ABV, but there is no maximum or minimum ABV for the distillate. Freezing Strawberries Is Actually So Easy, Power Out? Bourbon and whiskey are both popular spirits among mixologists and home bartenders alike. Food Networks resident sommelier weighs in. What we do know is that the word bourbon originated from Bourbon County, Kentucky. Most distillers use new white oak barrels for aging. Comparing Bourbon vs Whiskey - Rabbit Hole Distillery Bourbon vs Whiskey: What are the rules for bourbon? If you like a Negroni, the Boulevardier is one of its manyspinoffs, made with equal parts bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Bourbon must be made in the US, distilled from at least 51% corn, and aged in new oak-charred barrels. A bartender at the Vendme Club created the drink but named it after the nearby Brown Derby restaurant. wiratgasem/Getty Images Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from grains like corn and rye and aged in wooden barrels. To be classified as bourbon, the spirit must also be produced in the United States and aged in new white oak barrels. Classic whiskey cocktails include the Old Fashioned (often made with bourbon but sometimes with rye whiskey), the rye-based Sazerac (pictured above) and the Scotch-centric Rob Roy. For more information on bourbon, check out our What is Bourbon? Makers Mark is a popular example. Whiskey is a spirit distilled from grainssome combination of wheat, corn, barley and/or ryeand aged in barrels. Thats like ordering fish at a restaurant and expecting salmon every time. Bourbon and rye whiskey share many things in common, such as maximum distillation proof and aging in new charred-oak barrels. But the kind of grain and the kind of barrels determines the variety of whiskey. The main differences between bourbon and whiskey are the kind of grain used and where the spirit is produced. It is an American-made whiskey distilled from between 51-79% corn, with the rest of the mix made up of wheat, rye, or malted barley. All bourbons are whiskeys but not all whiskeys are bourbon. Simply put, whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grains and then aged in wooden barrels. A 1.5-ounce shot of whiskeyor bourbon has 97 calories and 14 grams of alcohol. Bourbon Vs Whiskey: What's the Difference? - WhiskeyBon Itconsists of only three ingredients bourbon or whiskey, honey, and grapefruit. To be labeled straight, however, a bourbon must be at least two years old. Or just whiskey?' Scotch is a whiskey thats produced and bottled in Scotland (here its spelled whisky, without the e). All bourbons are whiskeys but not all whiskeys are bourbon. Regulations require bourbon to age in brand-new barrels only. First things first: Contrary to what whiskey-tasting know-it-alls may tell you, bourbon does not have to be made in Kentucky. Best Growing Old Recipe: How to Make the Rule-Breaking Cocktail - Robb Whiskey tends to have a woody or oaky flavor profile with notes of spice, fruit, nuts, vanilla or caramel. Must be aged aged at least 4 years, up to 20 years. Typically, these barrels are white oak barrels due to the sturdy wood and porous nature. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. You can try one of many whiskey or bourbon cocktailoptions. Scotch lovers make fun of bourbon lovers because they cant handle the peaty flavor and opt for a sweeter liquor. The purpose of charcoal filtering is to help remove harsh flavors, resulting in a smoother whiskey. Bourbon has important distinctions that differentiate it from whiskey: it has to be made in the United States from at least 51% corn, be aged in new, charred American white oak barrels, and the finished product must be at least 80 proof. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Bourbon vs. Japan may not have the same lengthy history in whiskey production as Ireland or Scotland, but they have quickly made a name for themselves. The Boulevardier has some bartenders divided on bourbon vs. whiskey as the main spirit. All the whiskey in the bottle must have been distilled in the same calendar year, at the same distillery, Must state they type of whiskey and with ___ flavorings or finished in ____ etc. Bourbon must be aged for at least two years inside new, charred oak barrels and made with a grain mixture of at least 51 percent corn before it can be called straight bourbon. The Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon - Whiskey Culture Yes, the spirit can be called bourbon even though it isnt made in Kentucky. That means it's corn whiskey, malt whiskey, rye whiskey, or wheat whiskey. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. According to the Code of Federal Regulations, only whiskey produced in the United States can be, Bourbon must be distilled at no higher than 160 proof and put inside the barrel to age at no higher than 125 proof. Read on. Bourbon originated in the mid-1800s and is closely associated with the South. If you want a smooth bourbon cocktail, try an Old Fashioned. In blends, the bourbon must state the age of the youngest whiskey. Otherwise, it won't taste very good, because an Old Fashioned is simply bourbon, sugar, bitters, and water. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Prosecco is a naturally sparkling wine with a second fermentation similar to Champagne. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. This Costco-Themed Birthday Cake Is So Dang Cute, Mustard Skittles Will Take You on a Confusing-Yet-Somehow-Makes-Perfect-Sense Flavor Journey, Burger King Thailand Released a Cheeseburger That Was Simply a Stack of 20 Cheese Slices Between Two Buns, Pineapple Pepsi Is Coming Back But You Can Get Only Get It at One Pizza Chain, 6 Black-Owned Spirits Brands You Need To Know, 5 Best Splatter Guards, According to a Professional Chef, 6 Best Ceramic Cookware Sets, According to Food Network Kitchen, 5 Best Quesadilla Makers of 2023, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, The Best Buys from the MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale, Enter Daily for Your Chance to Win $10,000. While these brown liquors might look the same in the bottle, they each possess unique characteristics. If a bottle says "straight" whiskey in the United States, it has one particular grain type. Malted barley must be the primary grain in the mash. Straight rye cannot have any additives, but if the rye isnt labeled as straight, or if its a blend of straight ryes, up to 2.5% of the volume can be harmless coloring/flavoring/blending materials. Since these additives do not have to be disclosed, its impossible to tell which ryes might include them, although Templeton Rye is a well-known example.