What is the best characteristics of a bourbon?

The best bourbons are usually neither too sweet nor too sharp. The very best bourbons often have a prominent and rich flavor, such as vanilla or caramel, with complementary hints of various spices, chocolate, cherry, oak, tobacco, or leather.

What defines bourbon?

Bourbon Is Made With At Least 51 Percent Corn

Per the American Bourbon Association, in order to be classified as bourbon, a whiskey needs to be distilled from a mixture of grains, or mash, that’s at least 51 percent corn. That corn gives bourbon its distinctive sweet flavor.

What makes bourbon different than whiskey?

The main differences between bourbon and whiskey are the kind of grain used and where the spirit is produced. Bourbon is an American made whiskey that must contain at least 51 percent corn in its mash and be aged in new, charred-oak barrels.

What is the most important element of bourbon?

Kentucky boasts some of the richest, most fertile soil in the country, ideal for growing the major ingredient in bourbon: corn. Bourbon must contain at least 51 percent corn, and Kentucky is up to the task. The state has been corn country since its earliest days in the late 1700s.

What makes bourbon a true bourbon?

For a whiskey to be considered Bourbon, its mash – the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled – must contain at least 51% corn. The rest of the mash is usually filled out with rye or wheat, and malted barley.

Why is bourbon so good?

Drinkability. Smoother and more approachable than other whiskies, bourbon has inherent flavors of vanilla, oak, fruit, spice and honey. This depth of flavor is subtle and complex, but not overpowering, making bourbon easy to enjoy.

Why is Jack Daniels not bourbon?

Jack Daniel’s whiskey brand is a whiskey mainly because it is produced in the State of Tennessee, one of the requirements of strict laws of the Federal government about labeling products as Tennessee whiskey. Almost identical to bourbon, it uses a special charcoal filtering that bourbons don’t have.

What is bourbon classified?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey, but it comes with different distinctions and rules. To be classified as bourbon, a whiskey must be made from at least 51% corn, be made in the United States (many whiskeys are made in Scotland or Ireland), be aged in new, charred American white oak barrels, and be at least 80 proof.

What’s the bourbon capital of the world?

Bardstown
Kentucky is known for its bourbon, and probably nowhere in the state is there more of it than in Bardstown, the self-described Bourbon Capital of the World. There are 11 bourbon distilleries within 16 miles of downtown Bardstown, located about 55 miles southwest of Frankfort, the capital.

What are the rules to be called bourbon?

Bourbon must be made of a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn. Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume). Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. Bourbon may not be introduced to the barrel at higher than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).

Why is Jack Daniels not bourbon?

Jack Daniel’s whiskey brand is a whiskey mainly because it is produced in the State of Tennessee, one of the requirements of strict laws of the Federal government about labeling products as Tennessee whiskey. Almost identical to bourbon, it uses a special charcoal filtering that bourbons don’t have.

What is the difference between straight bourbon and Bourbon whiskey?

The primary requirement that defines bourbon as straight is if the distillate has spent a minimum of two years stored in new charred oak barrels. The only exception to this rule is corn whiskey, which is aged in uncharred or used oak barrels. During the aging process, Bourbon oxidizes and penetrates the wood.

Is Jack Daniels whiskey or bourbon?

Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey, so it absolutely is whiskey as well. It’s even in the name. Whiskey is just the broadest term for distilled grain that’s aged in oak barrels, regardless of factors such as the grains used (e.g., corn, rye, wheat, barley, rice), where it’s made, the barrels used, and more.

Is Crown Royal a bourbon?

Crown Royal is confused as a bourbon, but it is a Canadian whisky. The production process does not fit the qualification of being a bourbon, but whether a whiskey or a bourbon, one thing is for sure, Crown Royal is good whiskey made for the Royals.

Is Southern Comfort a bourbon?

Southern Comfort is not a bourbon. It’s actually a whiskey-based liqueur infused with fruits and spices.