For any alcoholic drink enthusiast, whiskies and bourbons are popular choices for celebrations or family gatherings. However, both bourbon and whisky often spark debates among enthusiasts about whether they are the same.
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While both alcoholic drinks are loved by drinkers worldwide, their production processes, ingredients, and flavour profiles set them apart. Moreover, understanding the differences between bourbon and whisky can help clear up confusion, allowing you to better appreciate both. In this article, let's explore what makes bourbon and whisky unique, focussing on their origins, ingredients, barrel selection, and how these aspects shape their distinct flavours.
What Is Bourbon?
Bourbon is an American-made spirit, primarily produced in Kentucky, although it can technically be made anywhere in the US. Bourbon is a type of whisky, but not all whisky is bourbon. It has specific rules that set it apart from other whiskies. Additionally, according to the law, for a whisky to be legally labelled as bourbon, it must contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill. This high corn content gives bourbon a sweet, full-bodied taste with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
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What Is Whisky?
Whisky is a broad category of spirits that can be produced anywhere in the world. It includes different varieties like Irish whisky, scotch, Canadian whisky, and more. The grains used in making whisky are corn, barley, rye, or wheat. The flavour of whisky is more diverse than bourbon, with notes of spice, smoke, fruit, and even peat, depending on the type of whisky. For example, Scotch whisky often has a smoky, peaty flavour, while Irish whisky, on the other hand, is typically lighter and smoother.
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Aspects Of Differentiation
Country Of Origin
One of the key differences between bourbon and whisky is their geographical origins. Bourbon is closely tied to the United States, particularly Kentucky. In fact, 95% of the world’s Bourbon is produced in Kentucky.
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Whisky, on the other hand, is made all over the world. Different countries have their own rules and traditions regarding whisky production. For example, Scotch whisky must be made in Scotland, and Irish whisky must be produced in Ireland.
Ingredients And Flavours
The key ingredients used to make bourbon and whisky differ, and this leads to distinct flavours Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, giving it a naturally sweeter and fuller flavour. The rest of the mashing may include grains like rye, barley, or wheat. Whisky, however, can be made from various grains, including barley, rye, wheat, and corn. Different types of whisky have varying grain compositions, which influence the flavour.
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Barrel Selection
When discussing the barrels used for ageing these alcoholic drinks, Bourbon needs to be aged in new, charred oak barrels. This gives it its signature amber colour and enhances the distinct oaky flavours now associated with urbon. Meanwhile, whisky can be aged in a variety of barrels, often ones previously used for other alcohols like sherry, which give them completely unique flavour profiles.