Bourbon Vs. Whiskey

Bourbon and Whiskey- like distant relatives at a family gathering, and it’s easy to get them mixed up. Both are brown liquids and technically it’s okay to call bourbon “whiskey”. But the bottom line is: Every Bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon!

You may ask what sets bourbon apart? The answer is strict guidelines that ensure bourbon consistently tastes great. Whiskey is made from grains that ferment and then age in barrels, But bourbon has its own unique requirements. To earn the “title” of bourbon, it must contain at least 51% corn. Corn is what gives bourbon its sweet flavor.

Now, let’s look at the mash bills of two top-notch bourbons. Four Roses Bourbon boasts a unique blend of ten different bourbon recipes, each with its own grain mix and yeast strain. It’s 80 proof and ages for a minimum of 5 years. On the flip side, Woodford Reserve sticks to a more traditional recipe, with a hefty 72% corn, complemented by 18% rye and 10% malted barley.

Another requirement for bourbon is its barrels- they must be new and charred oak, and there are no additives or artificial colors allowed. Other whiskeys have a more relaxed approach, often using barrels that once held other spirits like rum or Sherry. For instance, you’ve got Angel’s Envy Bourbon, which gets a delightful finish in port wine casks, Glenfiddich 21Yr Reserva, with its four-month rum cask finishing, and Dewar’s Caribbean Rum Cask Finish Scotch, aged for 8 years and double-aged in Caribbean rum casks. Bourbon, however, insists on a fresh start, maturing in new barrels for at least two years to earn the “straight bourbon whiskey” label.

Now let’s talk about “proof”. Proof simply means the alcohol strength. Bourbon starts off strong, distilled at 160 proof (80% ABV) or less. If then mellows in barrels until it reaches around 125 proof (62.5% ABV) or less. Before bottling, it’s diluted to at least 80 proof (40% ABV). Different whiskeys have their own proof standards- each one has its own unique story.

Oh, and the classic Kentucky myth- bourbon can actually be crafted outside of Kentucky. But if it wants the “Kentucky bourbon” title, it has to be both distilled and aged in the state.

Simply put, it’s all about the corn, new barrels, and the proof. Enjoy your next sip of this remarkable spirit- it’s a true standout in the world of whiskey, cheers!

Shop Bourbons