The Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey: Explained
When it comes to alcohol, many people get confused about the difference between bourbon and whiskey. Both of these drinks might appear similar on the surface with their amber color, but they have subtle differences that you should be aware of. In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between bourbon and whiskey, and why they matter.
What is Whiskey?
First things first, whiskey is a distilled alcoholic drink that is made from fermented grain mash. Whiskey is produced in different parts of the world, including Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the United States. The grain used to make whiskey depends on the region it is produced in, and it could be anything from barley, corn, or wheat.
Whiskey is aged in wooden barrels, often made from oak, which can give it that classic amber color. Other types of whiskey production could add flavors such as peat smoke or caramel.
What is Bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made specifically in the United States. To be considered bourbon, it must be made from at least 51% corn as its base grain, and it must be stored in new, charred oak barrels.
While whiskey can be made in different parts of the world using various grains, bourbon is linked to the United States and has its own somewhat strict rules in terms of ingredients and production process.
What Are The Key Differences?
The legal definition and production processes are the key differences. All bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbon. Bourbon is produced entirely in the United States, while whiskey is produced worldwide.
Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn and must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, while there are no such requirements for traditional whiskies. These two rules together give bourbon its unique flavor.
Another critical difference that some people might notice is its flavor. Bourbon has a sweeter flavor compared to whiskey, which is primarily due to the high corn content. However, this can vary depending on the type of wooden barrel used, as bourbon is aged in different barrels than whiskies in Scotland or Ireland.
Wrap Up
In summary, bourbon is one specific type of whiskey made from primarily corn, produced exclusively in America, and stored in new, charred oak barrels with varying flavors depending on the type of wooden barrel it’s aged in. Whiskey, on the other hand, can be made around the world using a range of different grains and production methods.
Whether you prefer one over the other or you’ve never had a chance to taste them yourself, it’s good to know the key differences between whiskey and bourbon the next time you’re pouring yourself a glass.
Table difference between bourbon and whiskey
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The main difference between bourbon and whiskey is that bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, while whiskey can be made from a variety of grains and aged in different types of barrels. Bourbon is also required to be made in the United States. Additionally, bourbon has a distinct sweet, vanilla, and caramel flavor profile, while other kinds of whiskey may have different flavor profiles depending on their ingredients and aging process.