When browsing our vast aisles at Lukas Wine & Spirit Superstore, you may run into two similar-looking styles of alcohol — Whiskey and Bourbon. You might be wondering what the differences between these two alcohols are. The first thing to note is that bourbon is a type of whiskey. In essence, all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. In the following read, your local experts in Lone Tree will break down the main differences between whiskey and bourbon so that you can make the best choice for your taste! Visit our store today for the best alcohol variety in Colorado.

What Is Bourbon?

Bourbon is an American-style whiskey distilled from a mash made primarily from corn. Distillers can only label a spirit bourbon when made with at least 51 percent corn and are allowed to age in new charred oak barrels. As bourbon is aged in barrels, the mash must be distilled at 160 proof (80 percent alcohol by volume) or less and aged until it is no more than 125 proof (62.5 percent alcohol per volume). Once filtered and diluted, bourbon must be no less than 80 proof (40 percent alcohol per volume) to meet requirements.

What Is Whiskey?

Whiskey is a spirit distilled from a fermented mix of grains including barley, corn, rye, or wheat. Unlike bourbon which is American-made, whiskey is produced all over the world, most notably in Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and Canada. Whiskey can be aged or unaged but is often better when aged in wooden barrels, which darkens its color and improves the flavor. ABV marks differ depending on the style of whiskey, so it is best to check the bottle to know what you are drinking! 

Main Differences 

The main differences between bourbon and whiskey are the grains used and where the spirit is made. Some other differences include:

  • Bourbon is American-made and must contain at least 51% corn
  • Bourbon must be aged in charred oak barrels
  • Whiskey can be made anywhere in the world
  • Whiskey is made from various grains 

Taste

Bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels that give it notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Some other ways the taste is often described include baking species, black pepper, cocoa, and fruity. Bourbon tends to be the smoother option, with a softer taste that makes it a great entry-level sipper. Whiskey taste depends on the style, but it tends to have a woody or oaky flavor with added notes of spice, fruit, nuts, vanilla, or caramel. 

Now that you know the difference between bourbon and whiskey, we hope that you are better prepared to make your choice when visiting us at Lukas Wine & Spirit Superstore. As a local Lone Tree liquor store, we have everything you need to succeed! Visit us today. 

Unless you are a whiskey enthusiast, you may not know exactly why most whiskies sit in barrels before being sold. After all, what big of a difference could it make for a whiskey to stay in a barrel instead of being bottled right up? Well, it makes all the difference in the world, as barrels are what often make whiskey, whiskey. Your local Lone Tree experts at Lukas Wine & Spirit Superstore are here to teach you why the whiskey barrel matters, and how it helps make the liquor you love! 

Aging

One of the main reasons whiskey sits in barrels for years is because the aging process provides its wonderful taste. The longer a whiskey sits inside a barrel, the more likely it is to taste great. As the barrel of whiskey ages, the wood allows vapor to pass outside the barrel while integrating oxygen into the aging process. Also, the wood barrels are often charred before use, which leaves a charcoal coating that acts as a filter, removing flavors that are not good on the palette.

Flavor

Wood barrels, which are often toasted and charred, give whiskey many of its well-known flavors. Alcohol content within whiskey acts as a solvent, which breaks down the compounds found in the wood. As this process occurs, the whiskey draws out naturally-occurring vanillins (oils), which alter the flavor profile of the liquor. This is what provides whiskey with its delicious oaky and smoky flavor notes. 

Color

Fun fact, all of a whiskey’s color comes from sitting inside a wooden barrel. As whiskey ages for years on end, it grows into a rich and dark color, which is one of the most notable aspects of this type of liquor. Seasonal changes affect the way whiskey interacts with the barrel, as changing temperatures and pressure moves the whisky in and out of the wood. The more of this that occurs, the darker a whiskey is likely to turn out. 

Factors that Affect the Barrel

There are many factors that affect the way in which a barrel will interact with whiskey, which include

  • The type of wood 
  • The barrel size
  • Toasting and charring 
  • Number of previous uses
  • Storage
  • Weather and temperature

Now that you know a bit more about whiskey, it’s time to give various types a try to find the best option for you! At Lukas Wine & Spirit Superstore, we have all of the whiskies you need for any occasion, whether you are looking for bourbon, Scotch, Japanese whiskey, Irish whiskey, or anything else. Visit us today! 

Four Great Tequila Cocktails for Any Occasion

Date

Are you ready to elevate your cocktail game with the vibrant and versatile spirit known as tequila? Look no further than Lukas Liquor in Lonetree, CO, your premier specialty liquor store for all your wine and spirits needs. Tequila, with its rich heritage and distinctive flavors, offers a world of possibilities for creating delicious cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply unwinding after a long day, join us as we explore four amazing tequila cocktail recipes that will leave your taste buds craving more.

1. Coppa Cocktails — Tequila Sunrise

Step into the treasure trove of tequila wonders at Lukas Liquor where you’ll find a gem known as the Coppa Cocktail Tequila Sunrise. This unique offering combines the finest tequila with a classic cocktail blend, resulting in a delightful and refreshing experience. You can even add an orange slice for a garnish! Visit our specialty liquor store and discover this masterpiece that will transport you to sun-kissed shores.

2. Classic Margarita

Indulge in the timeless elegance of a Classic Margarita. This iconic cocktail is a delightful blend of tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz of tequila
  • .5 oz of triple sec
  • 1 oz of lime juice
  • Salt (for the rim of the glass)
  • Lime wedge (garnish)

Instruction

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec
  2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds
  3. Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass filled with ice
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge

3. Paloma Cocktail

Immerse yourself in a sparkling fiesta with the Paloma Cocktail. This refreshing delight combines tequila, grapefruit soda, and fresh lime juice. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients

  • 2 oz of tequila
  • 3 oz grapefruit soda
  • .5 oz of lime juice
  • Salt (for the rim of the glass)
  • Grapefruit slice (garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill the salt-rimmed glass with ice cubes
  2. Add tequila and lime juice
  3. Top it off with grapefruit soda and stir gently
  4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit

4. Tequila Mojito

Unleash the refreshing twist of a Tequila Mojito. This delightful concoction combines the flavors of tequila, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and club soda. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

  • 2 oz of tequila
  • 1 oz of lime juice
  • 1 oz of simple syrup
  • 6-8 fresh mint leaves
  • Club soda
  • Lime wedge (garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup
  2. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add tequila
  3. Top it off with club soda and stir gently
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge

Elevate your cocktail game and unlock a world of tequila-infused wonders with Lukas Liquor, your trusted specialty liquor store near you. Stop by and visit our liquid warehouse to find the best tequila to enhance your tequila cocktail experience!

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