The history of whiskey and bourbon dates back nearly 500 years. Both have their roots in Scotland where they were distilled, often illegally, by monks. Whiskey is made from a mash of barley or rye grains while bourbon is made mostly from corn. They are distilled to about 80 proof and aged in oak barrels.
Today, less than 5% of the revenues from bourbon sales are actually American-made, making Germany the largest exporter of bourbon to the US.
Whiskey and bourbon are not the same things as vodka or rum. They're all grain alcohols, so they all taste similar when made in large amounts. But whiskey and bourbon differ greatly because they are distilled at varying temperatures for certain lengths of time which makes them taste different. Whiskey and bourbon are both made from grains; bourbon is made from at least 51% corn. Originally, bourbon was made entirely in Bourbon County, Kentucky. But now, it's used to label any whiskey that is made in the US.
Bourbon and whiskey are both similar in many ways; after all, they're both distilled grain alcohols. But they are not the same.
Bourbon
Bourbon must be made in the United States. It must consist of at least 51% corn. The other ingredients are malted barley and rye. Bourbon must age in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years to be called bourbon (much like Scotch whisky).
Whiskey
Any whiskey has to be made from grain, aged a certain amount of time (usually no less than 3 years), and distilled to no more than 160 proof. The grain can be rye or corn. This makes molasses used in many whiskeys illegal – they're called "black" whiskeys (like Tennessee whiskey) and are aged outside the United States. These whiskeys are not made in the United States and aren't called bourbon or scotch whiskey because they're from other countries.
How should you drink bourbon and whiskey?
When you're drinking bourbon or whiskey, it's best to drink them straight. The flavor change that occurs when water is mixed with bourbon or whiskey is generally an unwanted effect. Some people like the flavor of adding water, but these people are usually trying to cover up the taste of cheap liquor. It should be noted that some bourbons and whiskeys are aged for as many as 7 years and it's sometimes necessary to add water to open up the flavors.
Once you've decided to drink bourbon or whiskey, you could really mix it with anything. You could pour it into a glass of club soda, juice, or even vodka. Adding ice at the end is preferred.
For the most part, people prefer straight whiskey or bourbon over mixed drinks. You might like to take a shot or two of bourbon or whiskey with some ginger ale. However, it's best to only shoot about one-half shot at a time; the burn is sure to hit you if you shoot more. Some bartenders will mix bourbon with coke and put an orange wedge in it. This is a very popular drink called the "Mint Julep". It's also great for beginners who don't have much experience drinking whiskey straight.
Some people enjoy green, white, or red wine with whiskey. It's a good drink to try out; it's also good to experiment with different kinds of wine and different sorts of whiskey. You could even try combinations like bourbon with vodka.
What companies sell the highest quality bourbon and whiskey?
Obviously, the quality of booze depends on the distiller's experience and recipe. The highest quality whiskeys and bourbons are made in Kentucky by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, and Maker's Mark. Some great scotch whiskey distillers in Scotland make some excellent varieties.
How often can you drink bourbon and whiskey?
In general, it's best to avoid drinking bourbon or whiskey every day. In some cases, people can drink bourbon or whiskey every day. Some people will drink whiskey and bourbons in the morning while they're getting ready for work. But it's best to avoid drinking this stuff if you're going out with your friends for a night out. Beer is usually the most preferred drink when you're out drinking with your friends. But if you really want to knock back some scotch or bourbon, don't do it in the morning.
When drinking bourbon or whiskey, it's important that you take your time; over-indulging can lead to a painful hangover. The longer you let bourbon or whiskey sit in your glass, the more watered down it will become (if you have ice in the glass). So it's a good idea to only let it sit for about 15 minutes before drinking it.
Some people drink whiskey or bourbon straight, but some people like to mix them with soda, fruit juices, cream soda, root beer, ginger beer, and even coffee. There are many different ways in which whiskey can be mixed with other drinks; this will help you decide what actually works out best for you.
Whiskey and bourbon are not for everyone. Some people can't get past the taste of the alcohol and most people agree that it is best to drink them straight. There are, however, a small group of people who prefer to mix their bourbons or whiskey. If you're into drinking these liquors, you should find out what makes them enjoyable to you rather than what others enjoy about them.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.