Real sommeliers and true gourmets know exactly what the difference between whiskey and bourbon is. Ordinary consumers often confuse these two drinks and often pass them one by one. To identify the differences, it is worth diving into the intricacies of the preparation of this alcohol.
Structure
The main difference between whiskey and bourbon is their composition. The main ingredient of the latter is corn. Its share in the drink should be at least fifty percent relative to other products used to make bourbon. Ready alcohol has a bright amber color, and its strength varies from forty to fifty degrees, ideally this is a 43-degree drink. For whiskey, the main raw material is barley, as well as crops such as rye and wheat; it can contain corn in its composition, but not more than ten percent.
Production
Often, consumers do not see the difference between whiskey and bourbon, because in fact it is one and the same alcoholic beverage, different in technology and place of origin. Bourbon remains a large subgroup of whiskey from America, each stage of production of which has its own nuances. Processing of corn raw materials by grinding and subsequent welding begins, and then barley malt is added . Special yeast is added for fermentation, after which the drink is distilled.
What are the differences between bourbon and whiskey at this stage of production? In that, for whiskey, the grain is malted, that is, cereals are germinated first, then dried and peeled. This is done so that enzymes are formed, which, in turn, naturally break down starch into sugar.
Storage
It is customary to use only new barrels to infuse bourbon. Masters follow ancient traditions and make containers only from oak, without using either nails or glue, previously burning the tree from the inside. But adhesive tape, on the contrary, is poured into already used barrels in which sherry, cognac or madeira could be infused. What is the difference between whiskey, scotch tape, bourbon, so is the shelf life. Bourbon insist from two to four years. The youngest Scotch is three-year-old Scotch whiskey. Irish whiskey is insisted for 5 years, but Canadian whiskey is aged for six years, which makes it a more respected drink.
Taste
The difference between bourbon and whiskey is noticeable in the taste characteristics of these drinks. Bourbon was previously considered alcohol for the lower strata of the population, since the raw materials for its preparation were cheap, it resembled American moonshine. Only with time, after the development of industry and improvement of production technology, this drink became no less interesting than whiskey. Bourbon due to corn in its composition has a sweetish taste, whiskey is, on the contrary, more bitter. If you try alcohol from different manufacturers, each will have its own flavor. Drinks made in Europe or Japan can have notes of citrus, chocolate or cinnamon. Bourbon producer Jim Beam has produced experimental varieties that have gained popularity among fans of this drink. So, you can find apple, honey bourbon or a double-aged drink.
In turn, a manufacturer such as Jack Daniels has developed its own technology in which filtering takes place through maple charcoal, which gives alcohol its taste and aroma. Scotch will taste more tart.
Terms of use
To make a difference, whiskey and bourbon should be drunk correctly. For such noble drinks, a whole culture of drinking this alcohol has been created. It is considered disrespectful for a drink to drink it from a factory container; alcohol is poured into glasses of the thinnest glass to evaluate its color and age, directing it to the light.
Bourbon is drunk from glasses made of glass with a thick bottom. The shape of the glasses is preferably taken like rox and tumblers. Before drinking whiskey, a glass is warmed a little in the palm of your hand so that he opens his bouquet. Bourbon is drunk slowly, in small sips, to appreciate the taste and aroma. If you add a few ice cubes to alcohol, the aroma of the drink will be divided into several components, which also has its advantage, especially among refined varieties. For the preparation of cocktails, young bourbon is used and mixed with non-alcoholic components. When diluted with other drinks, bourbon and whiskey, the difference will be less noticeable.
Reviews
Many connoisseurs of spirits have long argued about which bourbon can be called real. Some argue that any alcohol prepared according to technology has the right to be called real. Others believe that not only compliance with production, but also the place of origin affects. According to them, true bourbon can only be made in the bourbon district of America of the same name located in Kansas. In this country, a law has even been passed banning the staining of bourbon, while whiskey can add sugar color to a drink with a beautiful caramel color.
Interesting Facts
It is noteworthy that more than five thousand drinks are called “whiskey”. The very variety of this alcohol is considered purely English, since its main production is located in Scotland. Scotch whiskey takes up ninety percent of the world's supply of this drink, that is, about thirty bottles are bought every second in the world.
Insisting bourbon for at least two years has become not only a tradition, but also a protected law of America. Whiskey that does not meet the deadline is considered a fake, and its sale is a crime.
Not only the age of the drink is protected by law, but also the composition. A prerequisite for this bourbon is the content of corn alcohol in it, which should be at least half of all the ingredients.
Today there are such varieties of whiskey as classic, apple and, more recently, maple variety of this noble drink.
When insisting on drinking in oak barrels, a small percentage of alcohol settles in the pores of the tree. Masters call it "the share of angels." A well-known bourbon company, Jim Beam, has developed a technology that produces alcohol that has been absorbed from wood for years. Such a drink was called no less a flashy name - "the share of the devil."
So, to summarize, what is the difference. Whiskey and bourbon are really different.
The peculiarity of whiskey fermentation is the use of special yeast, while for bourbon ferment is used, obtained from a previously prepared drink.
In order for whiskey to acquire its beautiful color, caramel is added to it. It is forbidden to add any coloring substances to the bourbon according to the law, it acquires its color thanks to barrels burnt by ancient technologies from the inside.
Bourbon is considered American alcohol, whiskey is also associated with Britain, and its origin belongs to it.