What Is the Comparison Between Bourbon and Whiskey?

 

Many people are curious about the differences between whiskey and Bourbon. This is a time to clarify the differences between these delicious drinks.

The Irish phrase “Water of Life” inspired the term “whisky.” It’s one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world. Many types of whiskey are available, including Tennessee whiskey, Scotch whiskey, and Irish whiskey. Despite many similarities, there is a fundamental difference between Scotch, whiskey, and Bourbon.

 

What’s Whiskey?

Whiskey can be described as a distilled alcoholic beverage made from a fermented grain mash that has aged for a while in oak barrels. There are many options for the mash, including barley, wheat, rye or rye. This allows for a lot more creativity, experimentation, and artistic expression.

An easier explanation is to view whiskey as an umbrella category of liquor, similar to wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, is distinct from Chardonnay, but both can be classified as wine. The same principle applies to whiskey. The differences between Scotch whiskey and Bourbon are quite distinct, but both are listed under the whiskey label.

The bottom line is that every whiskey is not scotch, but all whiskeys are scotch. Similar to the above, not all whiskeys are bourbons. We have compared Scotch, Bourbon, and other whiskeys to help you find the differences between these two types of whiskey.

 

Types Of Whiskey

• BOURBON

Only the USA can produce Bourbon whiskey. Federal liquor regulations require that it has to be made from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn. It must also be aged in new charred oak barrels. There are no time limits for aged Bourbon. However, all varieties under 4 years old must have their age printed on the label. Straight Bourbon must be aged at least two years before bottling.

• SCOTCH

Scotch whisky must be made in Scotland, as its name implies. Scotch whisky is mostly made from malted Barley. There are two main types: single malt and one-grain scotch. Single malt Scotch is made at one distillery, using water and malted Barley. A single distillery can also produce single grain Scotch. Scotch must be aged in oak barrels for at least 3 years before being distilled and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.

 

Whiskey vs. Bourbon vs. Scotch — Country of Origin

Although they can be classified as whiskeys, there is a vast difference between whiskeys and bourbons. Scotch Whisky Act 1988 states that an alcoholic beverage cannot be called “Scotch” unless produced entirely in Scotland. The Scotch Whisky Act of 1988 stipulates that whiskey must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years before being bottled in Scotland.

Similar laws govern Bourbon. They are found in the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits. These rules were created to preserve the distinctive taste of Bourbon. Because it is an Australian native spirit, the guidelines for earning the bourbon mark require that the whiskey be made in the USA. It is possible to make Bourbon anywhere in America, even though 95% of the world’s supply comes from Kentucky. The limestone content of Kentucky’s water filters away metallic impurities making it a great place to start a bourbon distillery.

 

Whiskey vs. Bourbon vs. Scotch — Ingredients

The fermentation process they go through makes Bourbon and whisky different. Any fermented grain can be used to make whiskey, including Barley, wheat, corn, rye and rye. The whisky is usually aged in oak barrels to develop its distinctive brown colour and flavour. Single malt Scotch must be made from 100% malted barley grain mashing, while grain Scotch can be made from malt and unmalted wheat mixtures.

The American Whiskey or Bourbon variety must contain at least 51% corn in the mash bill. A mixture of wheat, rye or Barley will make up the remainder of the basic recipe. Corn is chosen as the main ingredient due to its high availability in the USA. The bourbons made with corn are sweeter than those made from rye, which has a distinct spicier taste.

All whiskey is aged in oak barrels made of charred wood, but Bourbon must always be matured in new oak barrels. Scotch Whisky Act also states that spirit must not contain any additional substances, except water and plain caramel colouring, to be eligible for the official scotch whisky label. However, Bourbon cannot be added to anything except water.

 

Whiskey vs. Bourbon vs. Scotch — Flavor

In general, whisky doesn’t have one style. A Speyside, for example, has very little in common with Islay’s powerful and peaty Islay. Scotch whiskies have a variety of flavours, including barrel type, maturation time, and peating levels.

Because Bourbon contains a higher concentration of corn in its mash bills, the flavour differences between Irish whiskey and Bourbon are more noticeable. It often has a variety of flavours, including vanilla, cinnamon and toffee, depending on the wood barrel used for maturation. Bourbon’s sugary character makes it great for cooking and mixed spirit to make cocktails. It works well with beers, cola, coffee and Cointreau.

 

Whiskey vs. Bourbon vs. Scotch — ABV Essentials

This will help you to understand the differences between whiskey and Bourbon. As per the Scotch Whisky Act guidelines, whiskey must be distilled at lower alcohol by volume (ABV), with a strength of 94.8%, and have a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume to qualify as a scotch. American liquor standards dictate that any bourbon containing more than 125 proof should not be allowed to mature in barrels. Anything below 80 proof (40% ABV) cannot be bottled as Bourbon.

 

We hope you find this article helpful in answering the age-old question, “What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon?” Are you looking any other type of liquor? Boozehouse is the buy liquor online and can deliver right to your door!