Whiskey 101: The Complete Guide to Bourbon and Whisky

Bourbon and whisky? These two drinks have different histories and meanings that many people assume must be other things. So what's the truth about bourbon and whisky, and what's the difference? You may have noticed a specific taste pattern if you've been drinking whiskey or bourbon. You'll have your favourites, of course, but you'll also find that many whiskies or bourbons will leave you slightly undecided about what you just tasted. This article will explore the differences between whisky, bourbon, and other similar drinks and explain why some whiskies taste the way they do.

What is bourbon?

Bourbon is a distilled alcoholic beverage made in the US. Bourbon is generally made from corn and fermented with yeast, but it can also be made from other grains like wheat, rye or barley. Bourbon gets its distinctive flavour from the process in which it is made. It's not just bourbon if aged for at least two years and is produced in America. As mentioned, bourbon is traditionally made of corn, but it can also be made of up to 20% wheat, rye, or barley. The mash is then distilled only once – most of the time – which gives bourbon its distinctively sweet corn flavours. Bourbons are aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels before being sold; most bourbons are aged for four to eight years. In contrast to scotch whisky, bourbon doesn't contain any peat-smoked malted barley; instead, it relies on a sweet corn flavour with hints of vanilla and caramel derived from the barrel aging process.

What is whisky?

Whisky, or whisky distilled from fermented grain mash, is one of the most popular spirits in the world. The word "whisky" comes from an old Celtic language meaning "water of life." Whisky is made by distilling a fermented grain mash. This can be rye, corn, barley, wheat, or other cereal grains. These grains are fermented in water before being distilled with yeast and other flavourings to make a spirit that is then aged in barrels. Bourbon is one of the most popular types of whisky, and it must be made in America. Bourbon has many similarities to scotch , but there are also some noticeable differences. Bourbon must be made with at least 51% corn as its main ingredient and must be aged for at least two years in new oak barrels. Bourbon also has a sweeter taste than scotch due to the lack of peat smoke flavouring and contains no malt whisky mixers as scotch does.

Why do people drink bourbon?

Bourbon is an American spirit made primarily from corn. Bourbon must be at least 51% corn and can be as high as 80%. It must also be aged in charred American oak barrels for no less than two years, with most bourbons being aged for four to ten years. The bourbon starts as a clear liquid and gets its amber colour after it's placed in the barrels. The oak barrels provide bourbon with a distinctive smokiness and pull some of the excess water out of the liquid. This process gives bourbon its distinctively dry flavour.

What is rye whiskey?

Rye whiskey is a type of American whiskey that has a spicy flavour. This makes it quite different from bourbon, which is typically sweeter and mellow. Rye whiskey is distilled with a mash of rye instead of corn, meaning it's peppery on the tongue and has a distinctive, slightly sharp taste. It's not as sweet as bourbon and has fewer caramel flavours than other whiskies. If you love bold, spicy flavours, you might like to try some rye whisky. It's one of the most unusual types of whisky out there!

Other differences between bourbon and whisky

Bourbon is made with at least 51% corn, and whisky is made with at least 51% malted barley. Bourbon is aged in new white oak barrels, while whisky can be aged in various vessels. Tennessee whiskey is a type of bourbon, but not all bourbons are Tennessee whiskies. Scotch whisky must be made in Scotland, but bourbon or Tennessee whiskey can be made anywhere in the United States. Scotch Whisky has to be distilled to no more than 94.8% alcohol, whereas bourbon and Tennessee whiskey's alcohol level varies depending on the producer's recipe. Bourbon and Tennessee whisky is distilled twice, while Scotch whisky and Irish Whiskey are distilled three times.

Why does bourbon taste the way it does?

Bourbon is often the drink of choice for Americans, but it's not technically a bourbon unless it meets specific criteria. Bourbon is made from at least 51 per cent corn and distilled at no higher than 160 proofs (80% ABV). It must also be aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels. Different bourbons have different flavour profiles depending on where they're distilled. Bourbons that are aged in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee will take on more woody flavours because of all the oak used to age them. However, Bourbons aged in places like New York or Colorado will take on a sweeter profile due to those regions' terroir (or regional factors). Look at the label or bottle if you want to know which type of bourbon you're drinking. You should see a seal or a resolution stating what type it is. For example, "Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey" or "Aussie Whiskey 10-Year-Old Bourbon."

Final Whisky Takeaway

Bourbon is one of the most popular spirits in the world. It's also one of the most misunderstood. Whether you're a bourbon novice or expert, this guide will help you navigate the vast world of bourbon and whisky. You'll learn about the fundamental differences between bourbon and whisky, why people drink bourbon, and why it tastes the way it does. You'll also get answers to some of the most pressing questions about bourbon, like why it has to be made in America? Plus, you'll learn about the history of bourbon, some of the best bourbons on the market, and how to pick a good bottle at BARREL & BATCH. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in!