Are Whisky & Bourbon the Same?

Are whisky & bourbon the same?

Whisky and bourbon are two of the most popular types of alcohol in the world. But what exactly is the difference between them? On the surface, they may seem quite similar. Both are made from grain, typically corn, and both are aged in oak barrels. However, there are some key distinctions that set them apart. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between whisky and bourbon. We will also discuss some of the best bourbons to try if you’re a fan of whiskies.

The difference between whisky & bourbon

Whisky and bourbon are two types of distilled alcoholic beverages that are made from different grains. The main difference between the two is that whisky is made from malted barley, while bourbon is made from corn.

Whisky is a type of alcohol that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Scotland, and it was initially used as a currency. Whisky is made by distilling fermented grain mash, and it can be made from any type of grain, including wheat, rye, and corn. The most common type of whisky is Scotch whisky, which is made from malted barley.

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made from at least 51% corn. Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years. It gets its name from Bourbon County in Kentucky, where it was first produced.

The history of whisky & bourbon

Whisky and bourbon are two of the most popular types of alcohol in the world. Both are made from fermented grain, but there are some key differences between the two.

Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, while whisky can be made from any type of grain. Bourbon is also required to be aged in new, charred oak barrels, while whisky can be aged in used barrels.

The history of bourbon dates back to the early 1800s when settlers in Kentucky began distilling corn liquor. The name "bourbon" comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky, where many of these early distilleries were located.

Whisky has a much longer history, with the first recorded reference to it dating back to 1405. The word "whisky" comes from the Gaelic word for water, "uisgebeatha". Whisky was originally made in Scotland, but it is now produced all over the world.

So while there are some key differences between whisky and bourbon, they are both delicious types of alcohol that have a rich history. Cheers!

How to drink whisky & bourbon

Whisky and bourbon are both types of distilled alcoholic beverages made from grain. The main difference between the two is that whisky is typically made in Scotland, while bourbon is made in the United States.

Both whisky and bourbon are made by fermentation of grain, followed by distillation. The type of grain used (usually barley, rye or wheat) as well as the climate in which it is produced will affect the final taste of the drink. Whisky is typically aged in wooden casks, while bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels.

While there are many different ways to enjoy whisky and bourbon, both neat and on the rocks, here are a few tips on how to drink them:
- Start by smelling your drink. Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth before taking a sip. This will help you appreciate all the different aromas in the drink.
- Take small sips at first and let the liquid linger on your tongue to fully taste all the flavours. You can also add a drop or two of water to release more flavours.
- Swallow slowly and pay attention to how long the aftertaste lasts. This can give you an indication of how complex the flavour profile of the drink is. 

Conclusion

Whisky and bourbon are both types of alcohol made from distilled grain, but there are some key differences between the two. Whisky is typically made with malt grain, while bourbon is made with corn. Whisky is also aged in oak barrels, while bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. These subtle distinctions give each drink its own unique flavour profile that you can enjoy on their own or in a mixed drink. So whether you like your whisky neat or your bourbon on the rocks, you can enjoy either one knowing that you're getting a quality beverage. Cheers!