I have always wondered what’s the difference between Bourbon, Scotch, and Whiskey…
….They are all similar in color and although many may argue, most have similar textures and tastes.
I walked into many liquor stores and asked but not too many were able to answer my question.
After finally getting all the right answers at TheLiquorStore.com in Brooklyn, I can finally share them with you.
Bourbon (whiskey)
Made mostly in the U.S. from a mash that is fermented and contains at least 51% corn. It must contain no more than 160 proof and be aged in new charred oak barrels for at least 2 years. Kentucky is known to make great bourbon due to the water which is hard and contains limestone.(examples: Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Old Grandad) Named Bourbon from the area it's created. (Bourbon Kentucky)
Scotch (single malt)
Originated in Scotland. Single Malts are made from malted barley and are the product of a single distillery. Scotch is fermented from a mash of malted barley. In Scotland they call it Whisky unlike in Ireland they consider it Whiskey.
Blended scotch (whiskey)
are a mixture of several different malt whiskies (blend of grains), or known as a sour mash plus grain alcohol.
Whiskey (Tennessee)
Made in Tennessee from a mash containing at least 51% corn, then filtered through charcoal before aging. The charcoal makes the whiskey smooth (examples: Jack Daniel's, Dickel)
Canadian Whiskey
Made with large quantities of rye and considered smoother.
Irish Whiskey
Is distilled continuously from malted and un-malted barley and other grains. Grain whiskey is lighter, smoother and neutral compared to Irish single malts. Irish single malts are distilled in a pot still and are made from 100% barley. Irish whiskey is one of the earliest distilled drinks made in Europe.
The key to making a great whiskey is in the water. Kentucky and Tennessee have great hard limestone water which helps in the fermenting process where once the grain and the water reach their boiling point, the sugars are released and the alcohol turns to vapor to be distilled back into liquid form which is the spirit needed to create the whiskey.
Usually clear until added to the barrel where the spirit absorbs a lot of the flavors in the wood which add a caramel, vanilla and other hints of flavors which texture the spirit and turn it into America’s favorite drink. Please check out City Wine Cellar for their great prices and great customer service. Well until next time ,this is Billy Wineheart wishing you good food, good company and good spirits for life.
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