Difference Between Bourbon And Tennessee Whiskey |
Posted: December 27, 2021 |
Americans love Bourbon whiskey. But Jack Daniel’s, arguably the most popular whiskey in America, happens to be a Tennessee whiskey. Wondered what’s this fuss about Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey? Our Liquor Store tells you more. While the basic difference between the favorite liquors is not much, the subtleties are enough to get your head swinging. And, if you’re looking to try a new brand or get your favorite one delivered, visit https://ourliquorstore.com/ and we’ll get the bottle delivered at your doorstep. Your nearest liquor store may not actually be near, but we are just one (or maybe three) click away. Tennessee whiskey and Bourbon whiskey are nearly identical. Both are distilled spirits produced in the United States and are subject to production standards. To be labeled bourbon, the whiskey must be at least 51 percent maize in the mash bill (the recipe for the cereals and grains used for the initial fermentation). Now, that doesn’t mean it can all be corn, rest is the mixture of other grains such as rye, wheat and barley. The aging process comes next. Bourbon must be matured in a brand new, freshly charred American oak barrel for at least two years (ideally). It cannot be termed bourbon if the distillate has been matured in anything other than new American oak. Finally, the spirit must meet precise alcohol by volume (ABV) specifications in order to be termed bourbon. The initial process remains pretty much the same in both the whiskeys. In fact, most Tennessee whiskeys meet the requirements of bourbon whiskey. However, the two fundamental differences are that Bourbon can be made anywhere in the US as long as it fits the aforementioned criteria. It doesn't really matter whether it's made in Kentucky; although most bourbon production takes place in Kentucky. On the other hand, Tennessee whiskey, as the name suggests, belongs specifically to Tennessee. The other major distinction is that Tennessee whiskey must be filtered through sugar maple charcoal after distillation – a filtration process called the Lincoln County Process. The Lincoln County Process involves filtering new distillate from stills through maple charcoal chips. The proto-whiskey is gravity fed or pumped through the charcoal bed in a big vat, which takes a few days, before being aged in a barrel. This process is what mellows down the Tennessee whiskey as compared to bourbon. The whiskey's aggressiveness is reduced by the charcoal filtration. It still features the same toasted oak, caramel, and vanilla flavors as other whiskeys but with a trace of charcoal and is usually sweet. One pro tip: A whiskey, despite being manufactured in Tennessee, cannot be labeled Tennessee whiskey unless it goes through the Lincoln County Process. So who makes better whiskey, Kentucky or Tennessee? Well that has always been debatable. We suggest you choose a bottle according to your palate and find out for yourself. If you're not sure then we invite you to explore the wide range of Tennessee and Bourbon whiskeys and a variety of other spirits at Our Liquor Store (https://ourliquorstore.com/). For starters, Jack Daniel’s, George Dickel and Nelson’s Green Brier are some well known Tennessee whiskeys. Or you can get your hands on Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Four Roses, if Bourbon is what you're looking for.
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