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.
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.
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!
The main differences between bourbon and whiskey are the grains used and where the spirit is made. Some other differences include:
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!
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.
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.
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.
There are many factors that affect the way in which a barrel will interact with whiskey, which include
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!
Ah, autumn! At Lukas Liquor Superstore, as the air turns crisp and the days shorter, we’re reminded of another transformative process: the magic and science of barrel aging. Just as leaves change hues and fall presents its mosaic of colors, spirits evolve inside barrels, taking on flavors and nuances that make each sip a celebration of the season.
At the heart of aging lies the barrel – primarily made of oak. Its charred interior and tight grain release flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spices. Think of sipping a spirit imbued with such flavors while nestled by a crackling fire. It’s nature’s way of blending art with craftsmanship.
Like waiting for the perfect fall moment, or anticipating the first leaf to drop, aging liquor requires patience. Over years, sometimes decades, the spirit interacts with the wood, extracting compounds that add depth, richness, and character. This dance between spirit and wood ensures that each fall evening becomes a memorable experience.
Barrels breathe, and as they do, they’re influenced by their environment. The changing temperatures and humidity levels of the seasons, especially autumn’s cool embrace, play a pivotal role in the aging journey. It’s a testament to how nature imprints its signature, making each barrel-aged spirit unique.
Amid our vast wine & spirits selection in our liquor warehouse, lies the magic of barrel-aged wonders. As the season of golden hues, rustling leaves, and cool breezes approaches, let us guide you to the perfect bottle that embodies fall’s essence and charm.
Embrace the magic of fall with barrel-aged spirits that capture the essence of the season. Visit us at Lukas Liquor Superstore, where every bottle narrates a tale of time, transformation, tradition, and the beauty of autumn.
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