#Rules for bourbon vs whiskey free

There are lower-proof markets out there, such as Australia, but this happens for tax purposes.

Bourbon must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. If it’s under four, the label must state its age. To be labeled “straight,” however, bourbon must be at least two years old. It can literally be in there for a minute or two, a couple of days, or much longer. This mixture must be distilled to no more than 80% ABV, and “proofed down” (or diluted) with water to enter the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV.īourbon has to be aged in a new charred-oak container, but there is no minimum aging requirement. The rest of the mash can be any other type of cereal grain, but some combination of malted barley, rye, or wheat would be most common. This means that cooked grains are mixed with yeast which consists of at least 51% corn. Bourbon must be made from a fermented mash. territories like Puerto Rico (although no one has done that yet). It can be made anywhere in the United States, including U.S. Contrary to what whiskey-tasting know-it-alls may tell you, bourbon does not have to be made in Kentucky. Here is what we think you should know about the two major American whiskey styles, and how they are both different and similar. Presented in a flask or decanter, they are impossible to tell apart on sight alone.īut alas, there are significant differences between bourbon and rye that impact their flavor and, ultimately, how a drinker might want to enjoy them. You can use them both interchangeably in many classic and modern cocktails. Realistically, they are two brown liquids that usually smell and taste pretty similar. The bourbon must state its age on the label if the maturation time is less than four years.Those that may be new to the whiskey world often wonder what distinguishes rye from bourbon.The bourbon is flavored by nothing other than water-this means the Jack Daniel’s is not a bourbon!.The bourbon is bottled at no less than 40% abv.The bourbon enters new charred white oak casks for aging at no higher than 62.5% abv.The bourbon leaves the still at no higher than 80% alcohol by volume.Old Rip Van Winkle, or Pappy Van WinkleĪ bourbon is also distinct from a whiskey in other ways:.Wheat adds elegance and a soft, smooth character, often with hints of nuts and cinnamon. Examples of Bourbons with high rye content include Rye is the second grain used in Bourbon, it adds dry, spicy, peppery flavors to the character of the whiskey. Only whiskey produced in the State of Kentucky can be called labeled Kentucky Straight Whiskey. Location – Bourbon can be made anywhere in the US. Only water may be used to lower the proof of the alcohol. Proof - Bourbon is bottled at between 80 and 125 proof. Nothing is added that might enhance flavor, add sweetness or alter color. Brands determine the varying levels of char for their barrels from 1 to 4.įlavor – By law nothing can be added at bottling except water. The Barrel - Bourbon must be aged in brand new barrels which are made of white oak and have been charred on the inside. Many premium bourbons on the market are aged between 5 -12, with some as long as 27 years. Length of Aging - Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years. Other grains such as rye, malted barley and wheat are considered the “flavor” grain. For most bourbons, the average is about 70%. The “mash bill” must have a minimum of 51% corn. The Recipe - Bourbon is distilled from a fermented mash of grain, yeast and water. The process is much like that of starting a sourdough bread. It is taken from a previous batch of mash (crushed grain going through the fermentation process), set out to sour overnight, and then added to a new batch. The Process - Most bourbon starts with sour mash. There are specific guidelines that distiller's must follow in order to put the word bourbon on the label. The type of grain used will affect the style and flavors of the whiskey.

#Rules for bourbon vs whiskey free

Typically, distillers use approximately 70% corn content and are free to choose other grains for the remainder of the mashbill. What Is Bourbon?Īccording to US Trade Legislation, a “bourbon” is a type of whiskey where the “mashbill”-which is the recipe of grains used to produce the whiskey- consists of 51% - 80% corn. Bourbon is an American Whiskey produced mainly in the southern part of Kentucky State.