Bourbon is a corn-based, aged spirit that, while legally can be produced anywhere in the U.S., is Kentucky’s signature liquor. In fact, Kentucky distilleries make 95% of the world’s bourbon.
Because of the liquor’s aging process variation, bourbon’s colors range from light amber to dark caramel and each bottle must contain at least 40% ABV.
Bourbon can only be called bourbon if it’s aged in an oak barrel; barrels must be new and are pre-charred to help the liquid extract as much flavor as possible from the wood.
The difference between bourbon and whiskey
Bourbon is a whiskey — but because of the stricter standards set for bourbon distillers, most whiskies are not considered bourbons.
While both whiskey and bourbon are made from the same base ingredients (a predominantly corn mash, yeast and water), a spirit can only be called bourbon if it’s crafted in the United States, surpasses a minimum 40% ABV and is aged in new, charred, white oak barrels.
Bourbons are generally on the younger side of the whiskey family (compared to older whiskies like scotch) and thus deliver a sweeter profile.
A “barrel proof bourbon” means no added water to lower the proof or dilute the flavor after it’s been distilled.
References:
- https://drizly.com/liquor/whiskey/bourbon/wild-turkey-rare-breed/p5417
- https://www.wildturkeybourbon.com/products/rare-breed/