Gin is a type of distilled alcoholic drink, usually made from grain or malt that has been steeped in juniper berry-flavored water and then mixed with other flavorings, including the citrus peel. The flavor of gin can vary significantly depending on the type of botanicals that are used. Type of distilled alcoholic beverage made in other parts of the world. "It isn't aged for as long as Scotch" which is another type of whiskey "so it gets most of its flavor from the grains used.". The most notable distinction between Irish whiskies and others is that all Irish whiskies have to be fermented, distilled, and aged on the island of Ireland. Irish whiskies don't command quite as much attention as whiskies from the United States or Scotland, but they can definitely hold their own. The legal requirements for whiskey to be called Tennessee Whiskey are that the whiskey should be: This is the process by which Jack Daniel's is manufactured. 2 whiskey distiller George Dickel, oppose these criteria and are lobbying to have them loosened.[1]. However, to instill smoothness and improve quality, most bourbon is aged for at least four years. Rye whiskies use a minimum of 51% rye grain in their mash, while bourbon requires the mash bill to contain a majority of corn. Diffen.com. In the video below, Rebecca Dunphy of Sniff and Spit discusses how one can differentiate between Scotch, Irish, and Bourbon whiskeys, just by sniffing them. These are just some of the differences between these two types of alcohol, but which one should you drink? Japanese whiskey production is most closely related in method to that of Scotland, with a focus on the production of single-malt whiskies. New, Charred Oak Containers. Dylan is a freelance writer who specializes in cocktails, spirits, and coffee. One unique style of Irish whiskey is single pot still, a distilling method in which malted barley and raw, unmalted barley are combined, along with other grains in the mash. Scotch is whiskey. They're all whiskies. Of course, bourbon isn't the only type of whiskey. Simply put, whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grains and then aged in wooden barrels. Bourbon is a great spirit to drink neat or on the rocks, as its sweet and caramel-like flavors shine that way. Typically malted barley, rye, and wheat make up the balance. Japan excels in creating balanced and drinkable whiskies that taste great alone and in highballs or cocktails. Bourbon is a type of whiskey, and there are strict rules in place to ensure its quality. Unpeated malt is almost always used in an Irish whiskey. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that gets its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it originated. Give them both a try and see which you like the best! "People will come into the whiskey room and say something to the effect of 'Do you have bourbon too? Bourbon barrels are charred before the aging process begins.
But what is it that makes bourbon such an enduring and desirable beverage? Gin typically has a higher alcohol content than bourbon. Bourbon is characteristically sweet and caramel-like with vanilla and toffee flavors. Scotch can display a wide variety of different flavor notes. Walking into a liquor store and picking out a bottle of whiskey can seem like a daunting process. Yes! Eh Taylor Jr. Typically white oak barrels. Barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, and corn. Gin is typically described as a dry, juniper-forward spirit with herbal and citrus notes. Some gins are flavored with citrus fruits, while others are flavored with spices like cardamom or cinnamon. Find out what flavors they have and which one tastes best! < >. So try out a few different types of each spirit and see which one you like the best! You might just find your new favorite spirits. bourbon must be 51 percent made of corn only water can be added , alcohol content must not exceen to more tan 80 percent , must come from the US and must be aged in new charred casks made from american white oak Makers is a solid wheated Bourbon but far from the best. When not writing or enjoying a cocktail, Dylan spends his free time reading obsessively and cooking for himself and his partner. So if youre looking for something new to try, give gin and bourbon a shot! On top of common flavors like caramel and vanilla, Scotch can display unique and sometimes challenging medicinal flavors. Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg/Getty Images, Many drinkers think that bourbon and whiskey are completely distinct. Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from grains like corn and rye and aged in wooden barrels. Historians can trace its origins back to Ireland, where there is evidence of it being distilled in the early 15th century. Tennessee whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal. By international agreement, and as stipulated in law, only the U.S. produces bourbon, while whiskey is produced in many countries. Thats a tough question to answer, as everyones tastes are different. If youre looking for a new spirit to try, gin and bourbon are both great options. Bourbon is made from at least 51% corn. Gin, on the other hand, is often enjoyed in cocktails. Gin is a type of vodka that is distilled with juniper berries and other botanicals. He is a long-time coffee and hospitality professional who has hands-on experience as a barista, tending bar, opening cafes, and working in specialty coffee distribution in Los Angeles. Diffen LLC, n.d. Bourbon is closely associated with the American South, most notably Kentucky. He is also a lifelong musician who has written music reviews, feature stories, and album descriptions for artists and record labels. Vincent20044/Getty Images. What is the difference between gin and bourbon? The main difference between gin and bourbon is that gin is distilled from a mixture of grains, while bourbon is distilled from corn. Bourbon is a liquor distilled from fermented grain mashed from at least 51 percent corn, aged in new white oak barrels for at least two years. But again, its up to your personal preferences. Web. Bourbon is by far the most popular variety of American whiskey. Straight bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years. They may spell the word 'whiskey' differently, but they're all whiskey," says Gustafson. "Bourbon is whiskey. 
Somewhat like champagne isn't champagne unless it's made in Champagne, France, Bourbon is not actually "Bourbon" if it is made outside the USA, even though other whiskeys may adhere to the same recipe and distillation guidelines. So if youre looking for something new to add to your rotation, give gin or bourbon a try! But many excellent whiskies can be found in both categories. Other whiskey producers in the state, including UK-based Diageo that owns Tennessee's No. Some of our favorites include the Old Fashioned, the Mint Julep. And remember, bourbon, Scotch, and rye are all types of whiskey and they're all delicious. Other grains that can be used in bourbon include rye, wheat, and malted barley. Bourbon tends to be amber-colored, and a little sweeter and heavier in texture than other whiskeys. Happy Fizzy Hour features creative recipes from bartenders in different cities around the world, as well as plenty of tips on how to make your own happy hour-appropriate concoctions at home. Bourbon is also made by distilling a fermented mash of grain, but the most important difference between bourbon and other types of whiskey is that bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn. This means rye whiskies tend to be less sweet than bourbon, and are generally said to have more of a spicy or fruity flavor. However, both gin and bourbon are popular spirits for a reason they both offer great flavor profiles that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. Ireland is the ancestral home of whiskey. Gin is made by distilling a fermented mash of grain and botanical ingredients. Japanese whiskey has exploded in popularity in the last 10 years.
The mash needs to be primarily composed of malted barley. Happy Fizzy Hour is a blog about cocktails, wine and other tasty drinks. For a whiskey to qualify as bourbon, it starts with the mash, which has to have a 51-79% corn base, with the other grains being barley and wheat or rye, depending on the distiller's preference. Most people who enjoy the occasional libation have encountered whiskey at some point in their lives. Every region and style has unique recipes along with its own fermenting, distilling, and aging standards that ultimately lead to notably distinct flavor profiles. It must also be at least 80 proof (40% ABV). There are many myths and legends about the origins of bourbon, but it's believed that whiskey has been distilled in the United States since the late 18th century. If you like Makers you should certainly try Larceny it's on par with Makers 46 and about $10 less a bottle. Blending whiskey produces a more consistent spirit from batch to batch.
Because of its historical and geographical significance, there are strict legal guidelines in place to maintain quality standards and ensure that each type of whiskey maintains its unique attributes. Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. Do any cocktails recipes mix both Gin and Bourbon? Nearly all bourbon distillers in the U.S. use American white oak barrels because the wood is sturdy enough for aging up to 12 years, but porous enough to help filter and age the spirit to ensure quality. Gin is better for cocktails, while bourbon is better for sipping neat or on the rocks. To help demystify the relationship between bourbon and other whiskies, we spoke with rare whiskey collector and founder of the Anthology Whiskey Room, David Gustafson. 22 Jul 2022. Oak barrels are used for the aging process, with the insides of the barrels charred to serve as a filter and coloring medium. It's written by Tessa Sobrino, a passionate drinker who loves exploring the world of mixology to find new cocktail recipes for you to try at home. Understanding the nuances and differences between each style can help you find the whiskey that best suits your taste and your intended serving style. Gin also has a more pronounced flavor than bourbon, which is often described as being smooth.. If you read this far, you should follow us: "Bourbon vs Whiskey." "There's a common confusion about what they are. ", Because of its cultural significance in the United States, bourbon is made with very specific criteria to ensure it maintains the qualities that make it unique. That's right bourbon is a type of whiskey. There are a variety of different methods utilized in the production of Irish whiskies, but overall they are known for their more accessible flavor profile than their Scottish counterparts. Bourbon is distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume), and nothing can be added during the distillation process (for flavoring or coloring). There are five recognized regions: The Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, Campbeltown, and Speyside. How to Make Regular Gin Taste More Like Pine Needles. A single-malt whiskey has to come from one individual distillery. Japan may not have the same lengthy history in whiskey production as Ireland or Scotland, but they have quickly made a name for themselves. Both of these spirits are versatile enough to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Because they can't be reused, the barrels are often sold to distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, and Japan, and are even used to age other beverages like beer. Unlike other liquors, there are no aging requirements for bourbon. Bourbon is the most popular type of whiskey in the United States. Know your wine: A beginner's guide to the most common types of wine, 10 common beer styles all drinkers should try, from pilsners to porters, How to make a Manhattan and all its variations, How to make the perfect martini and customize it to your taste. Like bourbon, there are strict requirements for a whiskey to be considered a Scotch. In a julep cup or highball glass with cracked ice, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz simple syrup, 3 sprigs of mint, and a squeeze of lime. Bourbons aged between 2 and 4 years that have no added spirits, flavoring, or coloring are called "straight bourbons," and their aging must be clearly labeled if sold in the U.S. "I think Scotch is much more of an acquired taste than bourbons," Gustafson says.
Although next to impossible to find the best is Pappy Van Winkle. A blended whiskey is taken from a variety of distilleries and combined. Bourbon must be made in the US, distilled from at least 51% corn, and aged in new oak-charred barrels. While there are many different types of bourbon, the most common is straight bourbon, which is made from a mash of at least 51% corn. For example, distilleries use peat smoke to dry the malted barley, which gives the finished Scotch a smoky, earthy flavor. Most importantly, it must be fermented, distilled, and aged in Scotland. Exported straight bourbon only needs to indicate it is bourbon. Several cocktails combine gin and bourbon. Whiskies are blended in order to maintain a more consistent product, while single-malts allow distilleries to get more of the unique attributes of specific whiskies to shine through. To maintain standards across the industry, there is a strict legal definition of what actually constitutes a bourbon: Note: Bourbon must be legally aged with new barrels. But you might not have thought much about what it actually is. In a Japanese whiskey malted barley is dried in kilns fired with a little peat. Scotches are often classified by which region they are distilled in. Which should you drink neat, and which is a cocktail? Whether it's bourbon or any other type of whiskey, there are years of work and centuries of history behind each bottle. Its botanical flavors can be enhanced with complementary ingredients like citrus juice or herbs. Rye, like bourbon, is a type of American whiskey. The company is the largest whiskey producer in Tennessee and wields an outsize influence on liquor laws in the state; they lobbied the state legislature to create such stringent requirements for labeling Tennessee Whiskey. "Bourbon is a younger whiskey," says Gustafson. The most common botanical ingredients used in gin are juniper berries, coriander, and citrus peel. Malting is an important process in which the barley is soaked in water and allowed to germinate before drying and halting the germination. Scotch is aged for a minimum of three years in second-use barrels, usually left over from aging bourbon or brandy. Bourbon is amber colored, and a little sweeter and heavier in texture than other whiskeys. Personally if I could only drink one Bourbon the rest of my life it would be Colonel Or just whiskey?' Type of distilled alcoholic beverage made in US (as per the international agreement). There aren't such strict regulations on production in Japan, so any whiskey made in the country falls under the category of Japanese whiskey. It is often enjoyed on its own, or as part of popular cocktails such as the old fashioned, mint julep, and the Manhattan. Shake well and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Stir well and garnish with a mint sprig. or 'I don't really like whiskey, but I like bourbon,'" Gustafson says. I thought Bourbon could only come out of KY, In order to have the title of Bourbon it had to be produced in Kentucky.
One of the most common distinctions talked about with whiskies is between "single-malt" and "blended" whiskies. In a shaker with cracked ice, combine 2 oz bourbon,1 oz gin 1 tsp simple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters.