Canadian whisky can be aged in either used or unused, charred or uncharred casks. It doesnt have to meet strict aging requirements, but bourbon must be aged in specific ways to be considered bourbon. When you talk about a sour mash whiskey, in contrast, youre always using a starter from the prior batch. Canadian whisky must be produced, distilled, and matured in Canada. Bourbon, a whiskey that was first produced in Kentucky, U.S., uses at least 51 percent mash from corn in its production. (image via District Made Spirits) Vital Stats: 100 proof (50% ABV), What's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey? - Food & Wine Jump to Review. Four Gate Whiskey Company. Once the pH level has increased, the yeast can do what it needs to without competing with other elements. While other whiskeys may be made with other types of grain, bourbon must be made with at least 51% corn in order to be classified as such. Sour mash is a term thrown around in the whiskey world more often than a football gets thrown by Tom Brady. Theres a saying whiskey aficionados love to tote, and its that all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. You end up with a lot of gray areas as far as one batch to the next, to the next, to the next. You can drink it neat (without ice), on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like an Old-Fashioned or Manhattan. Weller Line. Whiskey Vs Bourbon To use the sweet mash method, a distiller needs to cook the grains, add the yeast, and let them ferment. Do Canadian Whisky and Bourbon Have Similarities? Sour mashes are made with a unique step in the distilling process that distinguishes them from bourbon and other whiskies, and its rightly referred to as the sour mashing process. When you say a sour mash note, can you explain that as a flavor profile? Finally, bourbon must be made in the United States, while whiskey can be made anywhere in the world. WebTypes of Whiskey: Bourbon Whiskey. He got a job, fresh out of college, shoveling gravel from the warehouse shell that would become the new home of Kentucky Peerless Distilling on the far west end of Louisvilles famed Whiskey Row. Others prefer to add a small amount of water or ice to the whiskey to help enhance its flavors. Bourbon How Is Bourbon Made The main difference between scotch whisky and other types of whisky most notably American bourbon and rye whiskey, Canadian whiskey and Irish whiskey is the special role malted barley plays in the production of the spirit. Wheat Whiskey & Wheated Bourbon Explained Theyre both close to the same strength with a minimum of 40% ABV and both matured in oak barrels. Tennessee Whiskey. Whiskey Drinks Whats the Difference Between Whiskey, Scotch, Bourbon, and Rye? Alcohol: 40%. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Its usually a difference in the mash used. WebThe History: Whiskey vs Bourbon vs Scotch The history behind the three types of whiskey goes back to the 18th century. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I still remember the first two-year-old rye you dropped, made with a sweet mash, which kind of came out of nowhere and was phenomenal like blew the lid off of things twice, three times, four times as old. vs Sour Mash vs Bourbon: Whats the Difference? Understanding the difference between bourbon and whiskey can enhance your appreciation for these spirits. The biggest thing I would say as advocacy for rye is be willing to understand that there are new horizons or different flavor profiles and different people making different whiskeys that are still very much rye. And its not that the barrels bad, its just that it hasnt had time to mature. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Bourbon gets its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky, where its believed to have originated in the late 18th century. Lets dive right into the specifics of these two beverages. These two types of whiskey have a lot in common, but there is one very distinct difference that separates them. Bourbon is made from a mash bill of at least 51 percent corn and aged in new charred oak containers (virtually always barrels). And some bourbons even call themselves sour mash whiskey (like Michters Original Sour Mash). The grain components could be adjusted depending on the desired flavor: more wheat means the spirit will take on a fluffy, bread-like flavor, more rye is equal to a spicier bourbon, and more malted barley results in a peaty profile. Difference Between Canadian Whisky & Bourbon Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! The pH levels will rise from an average level of 5.2 to 5.6. Bourbon: Whats The Difference? Whiskey. This is the standard identity throughout history for bourbon. Whiskey is a dark distilled spirit that is made from a variety of grains, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Its the required foundation of bourbon and the defacto foundation of much moonshine. WebWhile he was still employed at MGP, Metze created Old Elks high malted barley bourbon mash bill and many of the famous mash bills that MGP still uses today. 118. Yes, sir. No, bourbon can be made in any of the 50 states. 12 are identical as far as we could determine. A sour mash whiskey can actually be classified as bourbon since both types of whiskey are made under the same restrictions (51% corn in the mash, aged in new charred oak barrels, etc). Was it the focus on the ingredients? Thats not a philosophy we ascribe to. Like Jack Daniels and many traditional bourbons from Kentucky, George Dickel is a sour mash whiskey, which means that a portion of terminal beer is used to set the upcoming mash. Tennessee and Kentucky is where they create most bourbons using the sour mash method, but only a few distilleries include the terminology in their marketing. WebFor a whiskey to be considered Bourbon, its mash the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled must contain at least 51% corn. Easy Guide To Distillation, Brewing & Fermentation. If youre at a facility processing thousands and thousands of barrels you may be able to do that. The two mash bills at Four Roses are 20% and 35% rye, respectively. Proof: 125+ Average Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Heath Bar, cinnamon candy, roasted vanilla This bourbon won Whisky Advocates whiskey of the year, and Minnick was on the tasting panel. To be able to craft our own space among the greats and come out with what we feel is a really high-quality whiskey, its equally as rewarding. By law, to be bourbon it has to be at least 51 percent corn; the remainder of that can be any grain we choose. Well, the thing I love about making rye is the end result. Whiskey What You Need to Know. Bourbon: What You Need to Know, What to Mix with Whiskey? There are some other things that are characteristic of a bourbon. When the bourbon goes in the barrel, it must be no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume or ABV) then bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV). In sourdough, the starteris fermented dough that naturally contains wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria, which are thebacteria that make the bread rise. If youre a fan of distilled spirits, youve likely come across the terms bourbon and whiskey at some point. American whiskey, for the most part, has to adhere to the 51-percent rule in the mash bill to called that specific spirit, plus its got strict barrelling regulations. Its fermentation process begins by mixing mash from an already fermenting batch, a process known as sour mash, which was developed by Dr. James C. Crow in 1823. Canadian whisky is less regulated. Its very dark, herbal, and fun. The big daddy of American grains, corn was first inducted into whiskey-making some time in the mid 1700s in the soon-to-be-United States. Sour Mash [wtd], The freshest news from the food world every day. The process is continued, adding an older batch of sour mash Notify Me When This Item is Back in Stock, Bourbon vs. Mash: Chemistry 101 Some distilleries prefer to use the sweet mash method because it allows for greater control, although it's a much more manual process. Sour Mash vs Bourbon: Whats the Difference? Which is better for beginners, bourbon or whiskey? Susan (she/her) is the recipe editor at Good Housekeeping, where she pitches ideas, parses words, and produces food content. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Midpalate, its full-bodied and chewy, with oak and baked apple joining the caramel. No additional flavor is needed to be called a whiskey; all of the taste must originate from the barrel in which the whiskey is aged. Distillers also dont use any other pH adjustments when using a sweet mash recipe. Larger distilleries generally make sour mash bourbon because it's easier to produce in largequantities with little risk of anything going wrong. Bourbon must be produced in the U.S. and contain at least 51 percent corn in the mash bill (thats distiller lingo for "mix of grains"); the rest can be other grains, such as rye, wheat and/or malted barley. In general, whiskeys are an Bourbon and Scotch are tightly regulated, and bourbon makers must adhere to a specific formula when adding the mash. Whether youre throwing a huge house party or a laidback social gathering, people will want to have a drink or two. vs For Canadian whisky, wheat, corn, barley and rye are fermented separately and then added to the distillation only when the liquid flavor is at its peak. Whiskey WebRum vs. Its easier for distillers this way because they can provide a consistent flavor and protect their batches from potential bacterial contamination. Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where youll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. If you do certain things like you dont give it enough time in the barrel, it can be off-putting. I think you see the pattern here. Bourbon and whiskey are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two. Although authentic bourbon doesnt have to be produced in Kentucky, it must originate from the U.S. and meet the TTBs specific legal requirements. Conversely, if its origin country does not have an E in its name (Japan, Scotland, or Canada), it would be spelled whisky. 20. This aging process gives bourbon its distinct flavor and aroma. Other grains are optional. Bourbon An American whiskey made with a corn-dominant mash bill and aged in new American oak. The regions of scotch. Whiskey can vary in flavor depending on how long its has been aged, where it comes from, and how it is made, and can range from oaky and dry to a full-bodied Before diving into which type I think is better lets start by laying out the facts for both. Some are made using a sweet mash recipe where they use all new ingredients to produce new and unique flavors. Beyond that, distillers are free to experiment with different barrel types and recipes, and they can Ryes mash must contain a minimum of 51% rye. A high pH level can be a breeding place for bacteria, which, of course, isdetrimental to any beverage- or food-making process. While whiskey can come from any country, bourbon must be made in America and follow stringent guidelines. Yes, you can substitute Canadian whisky for bourbon. When it comes to taste, bourbons tend to have a sweeter flavor profile, while whiskeys can be smokier, peatier or spicier. If youre new to whiskey, several brands and varieties are worth trying. One of 27 rack houses for maturing Jim Beam bourbon whiskey located in Clermont, Kentucky. But the kind of grain and the kind of barrels determines the variety of whiskey, (Food and Wine). Mash can be made from a variety of grains or even fruits, but bourbon is strictly made with 51% corn mash. In the Rochester, NY area? Whats the Difference Between Whiskey, Scotch, Bourbon, and Rye? The term can also be used as the name of the type of mash used in such a process, and a bourbon made using this process can be referred to as a The rest of the mash bill can be any grain the distiller prefers. We were very fortunate that prediction has turned out to be the case. Whats The Difference Between Bourbon and Sour Mash? (2023) We use our sweet mash, we use our low barrel entry proof, and, at the end of the day, we have been coined a bourbon drinkers rye. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Although there isnt a minimum aging requirement for a spirit to be considered whiskey, there are some general aging requirements within the whiskey category. Whiskey is also a popular ingredient in cocktails, such as theclassic old fashionedor thewhiskey sour. Back to Encyclopedia Britannica: Scotch is a whisky (no e) that gets its distinctive smoky flavor from the process in which it is made: the grain, primarily barley, is malted and then heated over a peat fire. When you look at our rickhouses, both are only single-story rickhouses, so its not something where there are massive different climates at the bottom of the facility versus the top the way you would see in a seven- or six-story warehouse. Simply that distillers used part of the fermented mash (a mixture of grain, yeast, and water) from the previous batch to create the new batch. They first started to distill the spirit in the 18th century, brought upon by the Scots, Scots-Irish, and other immigrants. Kentucky sweet mash bourbon is unusual, and that stands apart as a sellable point of contrast for consumers. While many are made in Kentucky, you can find excellent bourbon from Texas, Colorado, New York and beyond. Your email address will not be published. One of the most important steps when making sour mash bourbonis loweringthe pH levels after crushing the grains. You can enjoy bourbon in many of the same ways as whiskey, but a few tips can help you fully appreciate its unique flavors and characteristics. Just like the Wild West saloons where bourbon was a staple, its no holds barred when it comes to this all-American spirit. Whats the Difference Between Beer Pong and Beirut? Another wayof creating bourbon is using the sweet mashmethod. Which then becomes a very sweet, very floral distillate. In the rest of the industry, 12% to 15% rye is standard for most rye-recipe bourbons. November 9, 2021. Bourbon Vs. Whiskey: Theyre Not Necessarily The Same - Saucey Vs Whiskey: What's The Difference Benchmark Bourbon Review [In Depth WebFew Rye. wiratgasem/Getty Images Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from grains like corn and rye and aged in wooden barrels. Bourbon vs. If they dont like it, which is more predominant, they just write off the whole category saying, Ah, thats not for me. It makes for very loyal rye fans and it scares a lot of people off. This Is the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey. Bourbon is a whiskey that is made from a mash that is at least 51% corn. Best Wheated Bourbons to Drink in Bourbon vs. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? - Food WebFor a whiskey to call itself bourbon, its mash (the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled) must contain at least 51 per cent corn. The world of whiskey (or whisky) can be confusing because of its different requirements and classifications. George Dickel vs Jack Daniels Taste & Top Bottles Compared 6 Wheat, Corn, and Malt Whiskey. Heck, shoot it with a pickle brine chaser you do you! Those aged for at least four years do not require an age statement on the bottle. 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Whiskey What's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey? - Greatist 10% ryeEvan Williams Black Straight Bourbon84 points, $15 13% ryeWild Turkey 81 Proof Bourbon82 points, $21 18% ryeWoodford Reserve Straight Bourbon89 points, However, the title single malt is not reserved exclusively for Scotland. Most bourbons are made using the sour mash process. Check out our list of 20 best whiskey brands, which includes our favorite affordable bourbons, ryes, Scotches and more. There's no mixing of prior batches using the sweet mash method. Bourbon Terms Every Man Should Corn whiskey Made with a mash containing at least 80% corn. Kentucky sweet mash bourbon is unusual, and that stands apart as a sellable point of contrast for consumers. Bourbon must be made from at least 51 percent corn. The other grains in a bourbon can vary, but may include rye, wheat, or barley. Lets talk about some practicals of shifting from making rye to making bourbon. Whisky The other part thats going to change is when were actually tasting the product. Kilburn started on the ground floor of Kentucky Peerless Distilling back in 2014 literally. Bourbon vs Also, bourbon must age in new, charred oak barrels. Bourbon is a type of primarily corn-based whiskey that is made in the United States and aged in new charred-oak barrels. Whiskey vs Bourbon vs Bourbon is a type of whiskey, and there are The difference between rye whiskey and bourbon whisky is in the mix of grains used in fermentation, known as the mash bill. In 1801, John Molson purchased a copper pot still and partnered with James Morton to open a distillery in Montreal. The 50 Best Whiskeys in the World. Thanks to the abundance of corn in the mash bill, bourbon has a sweeter profile than its whiskey cousins (such as rye, which has a spicy bite).