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!
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just looking to enjoy a nice evening at home, Lukas Liquor has the perfect wine for you. We carry a wide range of wines from around the world, including reds and whites, dry and sweet varieties, and more. Our selection is sure to have something to please everyone’s palate. And best of all, our prices are highly competitive!
In this blog post, we discuss how to choose whether white or red wine is right for an occasion. The difference between white and red wines is found in the grapes. Our wine store offers a wide selection of both red and white wines from all over the world, so you are sure to find the perfect bottle to pair with your next meal. Learn more about how to determine which type of wine is best for specific occasions, and browse our wide selection of fine wine and spirits today!
Formal Events
If you are attending a formal event, such as a wedding or gala, it is generally appropriate to drink red wine. Red wine is seen as more sophisticated and elegant than white wine, making it the perfect choice for these types of occasions. If you are unsure what type of red wine to choose, we recommend a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. Some of our top picks for red wine include the Xanthos Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Technique Russian River Pinot Noir, and Technique Sonoma Red Blend. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about these and other great red wine options!
Casual Events
White wine is more commonly associated with casual events, such as backyard barbecues or picnics. White wine is usually lighter in body and flavor than red wine, making it more refreshing and easy to drink in warmer weather. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of foods, so you can serve it no matter what mood you’re in. Some of our favorite white wines include the Herogram Russian River Chardonnay, Stoneburn Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and Chateau Paradis Coteaux D’Aix En Provence Rose. Browse our wine store today to find the perfect bottle for your next casual gathering!
Wine Tasting
If you are attending a wine tasting event, it is generally recommended to stick with one type of wine, but there is no specific rule that says you have to drink red wine or white wine. If you are unsure what type of wine to choose, we recommend opting for white wine as it will be easier to pair with the variety of foods that are typically served at these types of events. However, if you’re more interested in trying a specific type of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, then by all means go for it!
Pairing With Food
When it comes to pairing wine with food there are no hard and fast rules. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you make the best choice. For instance, lighter wines pair well with lighter foods, such as fish or salads. Heavier wines pair well with heavier foods, such as steak or pasta dishes. And if you are unsure which wine to choose, a good rule of thumb is to select a wine that is made in the same region as the food you are serving. Our wine store offers a wide selection of both red and white wines from all over the world, so you are sure to find the perfect bottle to pair with your next meal.
As you can see, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to drink red or white wine. In general, red wine is more appropriate for formal occasions while white wine is better suited for casual gatherings. However, ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.
No matter what your occasion, Lukas Liquor has the perfect wine for you. We offer a high-quality selection of white and red wines from around the world, so you can find the perfect wine for your needs. Whether you’re looking for something to pair with a meal or just looking for a wine to enjoy on its own, we have you covered. Browse our wide selection of fine wine and spirits today and find the perfect wine for your next get-together, formal event, or night of casual drinking at home. Our team is also here to answer any questions you may have about our specific wines. Cheers!
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