Whiskey and bourbon are each distilled spirits that may be made from a big selection of grains. The selection of grains used within the mash invoice (the combination of grains used to supply the whiskey) performs a big role in determining the flavor profile of the final product. Here are some common grains used in whiskey and bourbon manufacturing:
Common Grains in Whiskey and Bourbon:
Corn: Corn is a main ingredient in bourbon, contributing a candy and full-bodied flavor. For a whiskey to be legally labeled as bourbon within the United States, it must have a mash invoice that contains a minimal of 51% corn.
Barley: Barley is usually used in whiskey manufacturing and is a key ingredient in lots of Scotch whiskies. It adds a malty flavor and can contribute to the overall complexity of the spirit. Bourbon recipes usually include a smaller proportion of barley.
Rye: Rye is a grain that imparts a spiciness to the whiskey. Rye whiskey, by definition, will must have a mash invoice with at least 51% rye. High-rye bourbons include a higher proportion of rye than traditional bourbons, giving them a spicier character.
Wheat: Wheat is thought for its easy and mellow characteristics. Wheated bourbons, like these produced by some well-known manufacturers, have a softer and sweeter taste profile due to a better percentage of wheat in the mash bill.
Types of Whiskey Based on Grains:
Bourbon: Bourbon is a type of American whiskey with specific legal requirements. It have to be made from a mash invoice containing a minimum of 51% corn, distilled to no extra than a hundred and sixty proof, and aged in new charred oak barrels. The use of the time period "straight bourbon" implies that the whiskey has been aged for at least 4 years.
Rye Whiskey: Rye whiskey, whether American or Canadian, should have a mash bill with no much less than 51% rye. It tends to have a spicier and more robust taste compared to bourbon.
Scotch Whisky: Scotch whisky is primarily made from malted barley and aged in oak barrels in Scotland. Single malt Scotch is made from one hundred pc malted barley at a single distillery, while blended Scotch combines single malt and grain whiskies from totally different distilleries.
Whiskey storage impact : Irish whiskey may be created from a mix of malted and unmalted barley and other grains. It tends to be triple-distilled for smoothness and may have a various flavor profile.
These are general pointers, and the specific grains and proportions used can vary between completely different brands and expressions inside each category. The alternative of grains, together with different elements like fermentation, distillation, and aging processes, contributes to the unique traits of each whiskey or bourbon..