Many people wonder what the difference is between whiskey and bourbon. Wonder no more because we're here to set the record straight and keep it simple!
Are all whiskeys considered bourbon?
NO.
Are all bourbons considered whiskey?
YES. In other words, bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey.
WHAT IS WHISKEY?
Whiskey is distilled from a fermented blend of grains, commonly corn, barley, rye, and wheat – that blend is what distillers call a mash bill. Depending on what ratio of grains comprises the mash bill is part of how the resulting liquid is either categorized whiskey or bourbon.
WHAT IS BOURBON?
For a whiskey to be called a bourbon, it must be made in the U.S.A. and, by law, has to have a mash bill with at least 51 percent corn. Depending on how much of the remaining bill is wheat or rye is the reason why we have wheated bourbon (typically mellower and softer) and rye bourbon (a spicier taste). The mash must also be distilled at 160 proof or less, put into the barrel at 125 proof or less. After the mash bill criteria is met, next is the the barrel aging process.
Additionally, by law, bourbon has to be aged for at least 2 years in a charred white oak barrell, and a new one at that. This stipulation caused problems for many major distillers during the bourbon boom of the past 10+ years when there was a massive shortage of new barrels for the unexpected increased demand. The last criteria for bourbon: it must never contain additives, like color or flavor.
3 Incredible Whiskeys to Try
Gentleman Jack Whiskey
Charcoal mellowing is at the heart of what separates Tennessee Whiskey from bourbons. Jack insisted that every drop of whiskey should be slowly trickled through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal, a process which takes three to five days to complete. The charcoal acts as a filter, removing impurities and bitterness, mellowing the whiskey so its natural flavor shines.
For Gentleman Jack, a second charcoal-mellowing process after maturation known as double mellowing, is meant to hone the whiskey into a subtly-sophisticated offering. The result of this double-mellowing is the exceptionally smooth, well-balanced and refined whiskey of Gentleman Jack.
TASTE: nuttiness with hints of pepper, brown sugar, maple, cinnamon and a light fruitiness
Angel’s Envy Bourbon
Angel’s Envy is a “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels.” So what does that mean?
A “straight” bourbon must be aged for at least 2 years, and must have an age statement on the label if it’s aged less than 4 years. The whiskey is typically aged between 4 to 6 years in new, charred 53-gallon American white oak barrels. Next, the bourbon is blended to meet our ideal flavor profile.
DOUBLE MATURATION, OR “FINISHING”: Aging in two different types of barrels is called double maturation. In the final stage of production, the bourbon sits for up to six additional months in 60-gallon Port barrels from Portugal. It’s blended again in batches of 8 – 12 barrels at a time. There’s no set time for this final finishing process.
TASTE: Vanilla, ripe fruit, maple syrup, toast and bitter chocolate
Eagle Rare Bourbon
In 2013, Buffalo Trace Distillery added its most cherished distinction yet – National Historic Landmark. After taking more than 200 years to achieve, the Distillery joined this elite group of the most influential places in North America. This award, more important than any others, is for the Distillery, its people, its builders, its visionaries, its preservers and its protectors.
Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey is masterfully crafted and carefully aged for no less than ten years. Every barrel of this Kentucky bourbon is discriminately selected to offer consistent flavor but with a seemingly individual personality. Eagle Rare is a bourbon that lives up to its name with its lofty, distinctive taste experience.
TASTE: bold, dry and delicate with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa
BOURBON VS RYE
Curious about rye whiskey? Check out Sagamore Spirits!