What Is The Difference Between Bourbon And Whiskey

What Is The Difference Between Bourbon And Whiskey?

When most people think of whiskey, they think of bourbon. And when most people think of bourbon, they think of…

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Andrew Ansley
July 7, 2023

When most people think of whiskey, they think of bourbon. And when most people think of bourbon, they think of Kentucky. But what is the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

Whiskey is a broad category that includes both bourbon and Scotch. Bourbon must be made in the United States from a grain mix of at least 51% corn. Scotch must be made in Scotland from malted barley. The main difference between the two is that bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, while scotch can be aged in used barrels. 

What Is The Difference Between Bourbon And Whiskey?

Whiskey is a spirit that is made from fermented grain mash. The type of whiskey that is produced will be determined by the type of grain that is used in the fermentation process. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made from corn. 

What Are the Various Types of Bourbon?

There are a few different types of bourbon. The first and most common type is wheat bourbon. This bourbon is made with wheat instead of rye, which gives it a smoother flavor. The second type is bourbon made with rye. This bourbon has a spicier flavor and is more popular in the Midwest. The third type is malt bourbon. This bourbon is made with a high percentage of malted barley, which gives it a sweet, toasty flavor. 

What Are The Different Types Of Whiskey?

There are many different types of whiskey, some of which include bourbon, rye, and Scotch. Each type has its own unique flavor and characteristics that make it stand out from the rest. 

How Is Bourbon Made?

The mash that is used to make bourbon is typically around 70% corn, with the rest being made up of rye and barley. The mixture is then heated and stirred until it has a thick, porridge-like consistency. This mixture is then allowed to cool, at which point yeast is added in order to start the alcohol that has been distilled and stored in oak barrels for several years to give it a unique flavor. the fermentation process. The fermented mash is then distilled, usually twice, to get rid of any water and make a spirit with high proof. This spirit is then aged in oak barrels for anywhere from two to twelve years, depending on the brand and the desired flavor profile. 

How Is Whiskey Made?

The first step in making whiskey is to create a malt mash. This is done by steeping barley in hot water until it softens, then allowing it to germinate. Germination releases enzymes that convert the starches into sugar. The malt mash is then boiled with more hot water to get the sugars and flavorings out. The next step is to add yeast to the mash and let it ferment for several days. The yeast converts the sugars into alcohol, and the mixture is then distilled to separate the alcohol from the water.  

What Is The Difference Between Single Malt And Blended Whiskey?

The difference between single malt and blended whiskey is that single malt whiskey is made from a mash of 100% malted barley, while blended whiskey is made from a mix of different grains. 

What Is The Difference Between Rye And Bourbon Whiskey?

Bourbon is made primarily with corn, while rye is made with rye. This results in a different flavor profile for each spirit. Bourbon is typically sweeter and smoother than rye whiskey. 

Can You Make Bourbon At Home?

What Is The Difference Between Bourbon And Whiskey
What Is The Difference Between Bourbon And Whiskey

The answer to this question is yes, you can make bourbon at home. However, it is a process that takes time and patience, and it is not as easy as simply pouring some alcohol and water into a container and waiting for it to be ready. There are a few key things you need to do in order to make bourbon at home.

 1. Select the appropriate grains. The main grain used in bourbon production is corn, so you will need to start with some quality cornmeal. 

2. Grind the grains. This involves soaking the cornmeal in hot water and then stirring it until it forms a thick paste. 

3. Allow the mash to ferment. This involves adding yeast and allowing the mixture to ferment for several days. 

4. Refine the mash. This step is essential in order to produce bourbon that is of high quality. You will need to use a still to distill the mash into pure alcohol. 

5. Allow the bourbon to age. Finally, you will need to let the bourbon age in oak barrels for a period of time (usually several years). 

Where Do Whiskeys Come From?

There are many different types of whiskey, all of which come from different places. Scotch whiskey is made in Scotland, bourbon is made in the United States, and Irish whiskey is made in Ireland. There are also many other types of whiskey that come from all over the world. 

Conclusion

Even though both bourbon and whiskey are brown spirits distilled from grains, there are important distinctions between the two. Malted barley must account for at least 51% of the grain mash in the production of whiskey. On the other hand, bourbon must be made from a mash of grains that has at least 51% corn in it. While whiskey spirits can be aged in any type of barrel, bourbon must be aged in brand-new, charred oak barrels.

Finally, whiskey can have as little as 20% alcohol, while bourbon must have at least 40%. How does this change the taste of whiskey and bourbon? Corn added to the mash makes for a sweeter bourbon. It has a stronger and smoother flavor than whiskey. Whiskey’s complex taste comes from the wide range of grains that go into making its mash. It’s stronger and drier than bourbon as well