The drink that comes in great variety and gives you the high you need, we’re sure you have heard the word “bourbon” thrown around. People often confuse bourbon with common whiskey but it’s absolutely not true, and is practically an insult. We’re here to help you get your alcohol facts right. Read on to know the difference between bourbon and whiskey and be the wise one among your lot!
What Is Whiskey?
Whiskey is what you drink when there’s money in your pocket and the desire for experience in your life. Jokes aside, to put it simply, whiskey is classified as an alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented grain and aged in wooden casks. In India, whiskey is largely considered a ‘grown-up’ drink because of its high ABV.
How To Distinguish Bourbon From Whiskey
Let’s address the elephant in the room – bourbon is indeed a type of whiskey. You can’t exactly find the difference between bourbon and whiskey because bourbon falls under the category of whiskey. Now that we have established that bourbon is a type of whiskey, let us tell you about everything that comes together to make a bourbon.
Origin
Origin plays a very significant role in the classification of whiskeys. While some whiskey names give away their origin (yes, we’re looking at you, Scotch), some like to keep the mystery alive. The latter is the case with bourbon which comes to you straight from the USA. Americans are famous for borrowing stuff. Keeping the tradition alive, even the name “Bourbon” was borrowed from the French dynasty named Bourbon. Whiskeys can be made anywhere but for it to be a bourbon, it has to come from America.
Fun Fact: Bourbon is a distinct product of the USA and 95% of Bourbon is claimed to be made only in Kentucky.
Aging Process
The most important part of a bourbon’s aging process is the fact that it must be aged in a bourbon barrel. A bourbon barrel is an oak container that can only be used once. The mash of ingredients must also be distilled at no higher than 160 proof (80% ABV) and it shouldn’t be higher than 125 proof (62.5% ABV) when put into the barrels.
Age might not matter in love but age truly matters when it comes to the love of alcohol. We’re sure you know how significant the aging process is when it comes to any spirit and it is true in the case of bourbon too. In order for a whiskey to be classified as a bourbon, it must be aged for a minimum of two years.
Ingredients
Whiskey is made of fermented grains and the type of grain often defines the type of whiskey. In the case of bourbon, the grain in question has to be corn. For a whiskey to fall under the category of bourbon, the mash must have at least 51% corn. There should not be any additives in bourbon, and it should be further distilled from yeast and water. If a bourbon contains another grain such as rye or wheat, they’re considered “flavor grains”.
Taste
As we mentioned earlier, bourbon is made of corn which makes for its unique taste. The taste of bourbon is generally sweeter as compared to other whiskeys. You’ll also notice a certain smokiness in its taste because of oak barrels. If you don’t enjoy the bitterness of alcohol, you might enjoy the slightly sweet taste of bourbon.
Famous Examples of Bourbon
- Four Roses
- Jim Beam
- Jack Daniels
- Buffalo Trace
- Elijah Craig Small Batch
- Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select
Summing Up
Now that you have read our article we’re sure you have wisened up. Go and share your knowledge with the world and let the amateurs know what makes a bourbon different from a whiskey.
FAQs
Is Jack Daniels A Whiskey Or A Bourbon?
Jack Daniel’s is a type of whiskey that can be classified as a bourbon because it fits all the criteria. It is made in Tennessee, which comes under the United States. The distillation process of JD involves oak barrels that haven’t been used before, a category that is a must for bourbon. Jack Daniel has 51% corn and maximum distillation is not higher than 160 proof, which, as mentioned, is a must for a drink to be classified as a bourbon.
Is Bourbon Better Than Whiskey?
Bourbon has a sweeter taste as compared to other whiskeys. If you enjoy a hint of sweetness along with a rich taste, you’ll enjoy bourbon better.
Which Is Healthier Bourbon Or Whiskey?
If you are curious to know which is healthier out of the two, it definitely is bourbon. It has a low-calorie count as compared to many other whiskeys and alcohol drinks. Because of its distillation process, it is also pretty low in sugar and carbs.
How is Bourbon Different From Whiskey?
The difference between bourbon and whiskey lies in the type of grain used to make these spirits and the place of their production. For instance, bourbon whiskey has a requirement of having at least 51% corn mash and its aging process takes place in new charred oak barrels.
Which Is Better, Bourbon Or Whiskey?
Bourbon and whiskey both have sweet and caramel-like flavors. However, bourbon can have a sweet and smoky flavor compared to the bitter and hoppy flavors of whiskey. Both are made from different grains and produced in different places. Like mentioned above, bourbon has around 51% corn mash. So, depending on your taste preferences, you can choose to enjoy bourbon or whiskey.
What Type Of Whiskey Is The Smoothest?
For those who are looking for the smoothest whiskey, blended whiskey can be a good choice. It’s usually made by blending malt and grain whiskies and the final result is a smooth spirit that many people enjoy.
What Is A Top Shelf Whiskey?
The term ‘top shelf whiskey’ is used for whiskey brands that use high and top quality ingredients to produce the spirit. These ingredients can be rare and expensive. So, top shelf whiskies are generally placed at the top shelf in a bar.
Is Hennessy A Bourbon?
Hennessy is a spirit which is produced by distilling fermented fruit juices from fruits like apples. So Hennessy is not really bourbon, it’s a type of brandy.
