What's the difference between bourbon and whiskey? Is there a difference? We've got the facts for you to know - so next time you order a bourbon neat, you'll know exactly what you're getting.
Whiskey
Whiskey is an amber-colored liquor made from a blend of fermented grains - usually corn, rye, barley, and wheat, sometimes even rice (keep a look out!). The variations of these grains are what give the whiskey its distinctive taste, and where the different flavors are born.
Bourbon
Boubon, on the other hand, is a specific type of whiskey. In order to be deemed a bourbon, the whiskey must match all of the following critieria:
- Must be made in the United States.
- Must be made in new, charred, white oak barrels.
- Must be at least 51 percent corn.
- Must be distilled at less than 160 proof and 80% alcohol by volume.
- Must be entered into a barrel at below 125 proof.
While whiskey has a little more lenient process, bourbon has these strict guidelines so that its waters aren't muddied up too much. The next time you order a glass of bourbon, you'll know it went through a good amount of love and care to get it in the glass ready to be sipped.