Difference between Bourbon and Whiskey
There is a popular term that says "All bourbon is whisky but all whisky is not bourbon". It means that Bourbon is a special type of whisky, more specifically an American whisky. However, that is not the only difference between them. Their distillation methods, content, taste and preparation sites are also different. An important thing to know is that whisky is the name of the Scotch beverage, which has a appellation of origin. If written "whiskey", the beverage might be Irish or American.
Bourbon
Bourbon is an American whisky, it is a barrel-aged distilled liquid that is specifically made from corn. The corn proportion is usually around 51%, but it can also be as high as 70%. Colors and additives are not added to bourbon. However, it is an aromatic and flavourful beverage. Back in the 1900s, bourbon was considered a commodity spirit with a bitter taste and cheap in price. Later, Bill Samuels Sr. created its special recipe, which changed the bourbon landscape for better.
Whisky
It is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented grain mash. The variety of grains include barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Whisky is aged in oak wooden barrels preferably which are charred. Whisky is manufactured all over the world and available in many popular styles including Scotch whisky, Irish whisky, and American whiskey; and their flavor varies from each other.
| Whisky | Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. | An American type of whisky. |
| Content | Grains include barley, corn, rye and wheat. | 51% corn, or in some cases its proportion can be as high as 70%. |
| Additives | Caramel coloring and additives could be added. | No colors or additives are added. |
| Aging | Whisky ages in charred wooden barrels. | Barrels are not charred for aging of Bourbon. |
| Flavor | Whisky flavor varies on its type | Bourbon has notes of vanilla, caramel and oak. |
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