Buzz
While this might be familiar to some, it's worth revisiting the fundamentals before you pick up a bottle. Let's break it down.
What makes a whiskey bourbon?
The simple answer lies in the regulations. Crafting bourbon is a highly precise process, governed by strict standards. The Federal Standards for Bourbon define what qualifies as bourbon. To be considered bourbon, a whiskey's mash—the blend of grains used for distillation—must consist of at least 51 percent corn, with the remainder typically being malted barley and either rye or wheat.
To create bourbon, the mash must be distilled at a maximum of 160 proof and placed in a barrel at 125 proof or lower. Additionally, no additives can be included. The distillate is required to age in a newly charred oak barrel. If you craft a whiskey at home following these criteria, congratulations—you've made bourbon. However, you've also violated the law. The ATF will likely be arriving soon.
How does scotch differ from whiskey?
The primary distinction between scotch and whiskey is geographical, but it also involves different ingredients and spellings. Scotch, spelled without an 'e,' is produced in Scotland, while bourbon is made in the U.S., typically in Kentucky. While scotch is largely crafted from malted barley, bourbon is made from corn. If you're in England and order a whisky, you'll receive scotch, whereas in Ireland, you'd get Irish whiskey—spelled with an 'e'.
Is Tennessee whiskey a type of bourbon?
The answer is both yes and no. Tennessee whiskey, such as Jack Daniel's, shares similarities with bourbon but undergoes an additional step. After distillation, it is filtered through sugar maple charcoal, a process known as the Lincoln County Process. This filtration sets Tennessee whiskey apart from regular bourbon, like Jim Beam. Interestingly, the term 'bourbon' originates from Old Bourbon, a region now part of Bourbon County, Kentucky.
In addition to the different whiskey varieties, we also have rye whiskey. This can either refer to American rye whiskey, which must contain at least 51 percent rye in its distillation process, or to Canadian whisky, which may not necessarily include any rye in its production process.
