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!
Hello to all our spirited friends out there! Here at Lukas Liquor Superstore, we’re more than just a liquor warehouse brimming with your favorite drinks. We’re also a treasury of tales and traditions, and today, we’re pouring out the story of whisky, the amber-hued delight that has journeyed from the Scottish Highlands to shelves around the world.
The tale of whisky begins in Scotland. Historians believe monks introduced the art of distillation from Ireland in the early centuries, crafting the earliest versions of what we now cherish as Scotch. It was more than just a drink; it was a testament to the artistry and dedication of its makers.
Fast forward a few centuries and Scottish immigrants took the art of whisky-making with them. As they explored new lands, their cherished recipes took root, evolving to create American bourbon, Japanese whisky, and other global variations, each with its unique charm and flavor.
While Scotland primarily utilized malted barley, the world of whisky expanded to encompass other grains. From the corn-driven mash of bourbon to the spicy notes of rye whisky, this spirit truly showcased its versatility, echoing the diverse landscapes and cultures it touched.
Our spirits store isn’t just a place of transaction—it’s a bridge to history. Each bottle on our shelves, especially in our discount liquor section, is a chapter from the annals of whisky, waiting for you to savor and discover.
Next time you’re searching for the perfect bottle, remember the journey behind it. From the misty landscapes of Scotland to our bustling liquor superstore, whisky remains a testament to craftsmanship, tradition, and passion. So, here’s our invitation: wander our aisles, let the tales unfold, and let Lukas Liquor Superstore be your gateway to the world of whisky. Cheers!
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