You may wonder, is bourbon whiskey? Or is it vise versa? Bourbon is a classic American spirit made of corn, rye, and malted barley, while whiskey is made from fermented grain, aged in oak casks, and distilled. Bourbon has its own rules and regulations set out by the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, making it as “America’s native spirit.” Elijah Craig. George Washington. Jacob Spears. August Bourbon–sounds familiar? If you are a Bourbon expert, we are confident that you will learn at least one thing from this post.
The Definition Is Not Essential to Anyone
There are a few criteria that must be met for a spirit to be legally called Bourbon. It must contain at least 51% corn, be made in America, and not exceed 80 degrees per liter. You can do whatever you want. These laws only apply in the United States. What is sold abroad is not subject to these laws. More than that, it’s ridiculous. You can make a completely different drink by adding a little less corn and a little more rye.
A good Tennessee whiskey like George Dickel Select Barrel has more in common with a good Bourbon than any swill called Bourbon.
Older Is Not Always the Better
Bourbon has to be aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Unlike Scotch whisky, which uses barrels that have previously had other spirits, bourbon must be aged in virgin oak, a regulation that no doubt keeps cooperage in business. Aged whiskey rests for years in a charred oak barrel, where the wood lets it breathe through the seasons. Some of the older Bourbons seem too woody to me – Parker 27 years or Pappy 23 years. It might be different for you, but would you pay three or four times as much for an excellent 12 or 15-year-old Bourbon? You may be right.
It Can Be Made Anywhere in the United States
Bourbon can only be produced in the United States; it cannot be called Bourbon if not made in the USA. Limeburners of Albany, Western Australia, makes a bourbon whiskey that they call Tiger Snake. Whipper Snapper Distillery in Perth has a bourbon-style spirit that is currently maturing. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, America’s most popular distillation route, has some Kentucky advantages, such as being the only limestone-filtered water that facilitates bourbon production in this southern state.
Still, bourbon can only be certified if the liquor was made in the United States. Currently, more than 90 percent of bourbon is produced in Kentucky. The state also accounts for more than two-thirds of the spirits exported to the country.
All Bourbon Is Whiskey, but Not All Whiskey Is Bourbon
Whiskey can be any spirit made from grain that has been aged in open barrels and bottled at over 80 proof. While Bourbon can meet these standards, the whiskey must also contain 51% corn mashing and be aged in oak barrels. Bourbon can be made anywhere, but Kentucky is home to many of the oldest. There are some stricter rules for making Bourbon. It must be made in the United States and be at least 51% corn. (whiskey, on the other hand, is made with malted barley.) ) In addition, the whiskey must be matured in new, charred oak barrels. The addition of additives is strictly prohibited, and the whiskey must be distilled at 160%. It is put in the cask at 125% or less.
