Bourbon is a type of whiskey -- but it's not just any whiskey.
Bourbon has its own set of rules and regulations that make it different from other spirits, such as rye or scotch. In this post, we'll tell you all about the history of bourbon and why it has so many unique characteristics!
Unlike whisk(e)y, bourbon is named after a specific geographic place.
Unlike whisk(e)y, bourbon is named after a specific geographic place. Bourbon County is located in central Kentucky and it's from this county that bourbon gets its name. This means that any distilled spirit made in Kentucky can be called "bourbon," but if you're out of state and want to make your own whiskey, you can't call it that unless it was made in Bourbon County!
Bourbon must be made in the United States. This is a key difference between bourbon and whiskey, which can be produced anywhere.
Bourbon must be made by a bourbon distiller. Bourbon must also have an age statement on its label; it cannot simply say "straight whiskey." That said, many bourbons do not have an age statement because they have been aged less than four years (for example, Maker's Mark). The exception here is when they say "young" or "new".
Bourbon must use at least 51 percent corn as its main grain ingredient (corn is often used alongside rye or wheat). It's also important to note that no other grains are permitted in making this type of spirit--for example barley would disqualify any whiskey from being classified as such even if it was distilled in Scotland!
Bourbon can't have any added flavors or colors.
Bourbon can't have any added flavors or colors. It must be aged in new charred oak barrels, each of which has been toasted on the inside (a process called charring) and then filled with whiskey. The barrels are then stored for a minimum of two years, during which time they impart their own unique flavor profiles to each batch of bourbon.
Bourbon must also be made in the United States--and there are some pretty strict rules about how that happens:
- Bourbon must be distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume). This means that most bourbons you drink will come out somewhere between 80% ABV and 125% ABV--but no higher!
- After distilling, this high-proof spirit is diluted down to below 100 proof before being put into its barrel for aging; this dilution process is often referred to as "barreling."
Bourbon must be aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels to get that golden amber color and smoky taste.
Bourbon must be aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels to get that golden amber color and smoky taste. The barrels are charred to remove the sugars in the wood, which is replaced with smoke from peat fires or mesquite stoves. This gives bourbon its signature color and flavor, but it also means that as time passes, each batch becomes darker as more caramelization occurs.
Most of the time, it's made with corn, but some use rye as well.
Bourbon is made with four main grains: corn, rye, wheat and malted barley. Corn is typically used most often as its base grain (72% of the time), but rye comes in second at about 18%. Wheat is also common (usually around 10%) and malted barley makes up 2-4%.
Bourbon has a lot of rules, but it's worth remembering that it's not just whiskey -- it's something special!
You may be wondering why bourbon is called bourbon, and not whiskey. Well, there are a lot of rules! Bourbon has to meet several criteria before it can earn its name:
- It must be made in the United States (sorry, Scotland).
- It must be distilled at less than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume), which means it's pretty strong stuff -- most other types of spirits are closer to 70%.
- It must use new charred oak barrels for aging. This gives bourbon its distinct flavor profile and coloration; rum barrels would make your drink too dark and smoky-tasting; Scotch whisky barrels would give it too much oakiness; vodka or tequila barrels would make your drink taste like nothing at all. In short: There's no one else out there making anything quite like this stuff
Bourbon is a great drink, but it's also important to remember that it's not just whiskey. Bourbon has its own special set of rules and regulations that make it unique. You can enjoy this golden brown beverage in many ways -- on its own, with ice or water, mixed into cocktails -- but no matter how you choose to enjoy your bourbon, always remember that it has been made with care! That’s why at Wood & Barrel we love making whiskey bourbon barrel furniture and décor from this type of wood.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask our family at 54 Hilliard Street in Manchester, CT located in Hartford County. Or give us a call at (860) 643-9191