What's the difference between sour mash whiskey and bourbon whiskey?

A whiskey maker makes sour mash whiskey by adding a portion of still-fermenting mash to the new batch of spirits. On the other hand, bourbon uses all new ingredients for each batch. It gives the bourbon a sweeter flavor profile. As a result, bourbon typically has richer color and deeper flavor than sour mash whiskey.

Is Jack Daniels bourbon or sour mash?

Many people believe that Jack Daniels is an American bourbon. While it has ingredients similar to those found bourbon, it actually is Tennessee sour mash whiskey.

Is most bourbon sour mash?

It's also worth noting that virtually all major bourbon and Tennessee whiskey distillers use the sour mash technique, even though only a portion of them actively market their whiskeys as “sour mash.”

Why is bourbon called sour mash?

Why Is Bourbon Called Sour Mash? Michter's Original Sour Mash stands out for its unique taste whereas the “Sour Mash” name originated from the same whiskey production process, in which previously fermented mash is used as the starter for new mashes to be fermented.

Whats the difference between sour mash and whiskey?

“Sour Mash Whiskey” is simply whiskey made using the sour mash process. A mash, of course, is a solution of ground up grain and water, prepared to make grain starch available for conversion to sugar and then, through fermentation, into alcohol.

Types of Alcohol : The Difference Between Bourbon Whiskey

Is bourbon the same as sour mash?

“Sour mash” refers to a specific process used by some distillers to add a distinct flavor to their whiskey. A sour mash whiskey can actually be classified as bourbon since both types of whiskey are made under the same restrictions (51% corn in the mash, aged in new charred oak barrels, etc).

Is Maker's Mark a sour mash whiskey?

Most bourbon distillers, including Maker's Mark use a sour mash process. This refers to what the distillers call 'set back' being added to the mash. 'Set back' is the undistilled residue that remains from the previous distillation. The term 'sour mash' is a reference to this acidic, sour tasting set back.

Is Jim Beam a sour mash?

In contrast to Jim Beam, Jack Daniels is a sour mash whiskey, often referred to as a Tennessee whisky. Jim Beam is a type of bourbon, while Jack Daniels is a bourbon.

What is the difference between Tennessee whiskey and bourbon?

Both whiskeys require the same corn percentage in the mashbill and must be aged in new charred oak barrels. The primary difference is that Tennessee whiskey must go through a charcoal filtering process, which mellows the whiskey's character. For that reason, bourbon is often bolder and has a more robust flavor.

What is the difference between Kentucky bourbon and Kentucky whiskey?

According to the Kentucky Distillers' Association, approximately 95 percent of the world's supply of bourbon comes from Kentucky. But really, the only difference between Kentucky bourbon and any other type of American bourbon is that Kentucky bourbon is distilled and bottled in Kentucky.

What is the point of a sour mash?

Sour mash (or sourmash) is a process used in the distilling industry that uses material from an older batch of mash to start the fermentation of a new batch, analogous to the making of sourdough bread with a starter.

What type of whiskey is Jack Daniels?

There you have it – Jack Daniel's is bourbon. It's not a matter of my personal opinion. It is the combination of the rules and industry behavior that indicate that Jack Daniels is bourbon. That said, they can still can call it Tennessee Whiskey and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that because it's also correct.

Is Jack Daniels bourbon whiskey?

Is Jack Daniel's Bourbon? Yes. And no. Jack Daniel's chooses not to call itself bourbon, but the historic brand applies for federal label approval under the class of bourbon and Tennessee whiskey is listed as straight bourbon in the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Is Tennessee whiskey a bourbon?

“Making it in Tennessee and using the Lincoln County Process makes it a Tennessee version of bourbon. It is its own thing and it is also bourbon. Both can be true... Tennessee whisky is a regional distinction of bourbon.

Is Southern Comfort a bourbon?

Is Southern Comfort A Bourbon Or Whiskey? There is no whiskey known as Southern Comfort. This original spirit, created in 1874 by New Orleans bartender Martin Wilkes Heron, combines fruits, spices, and low-quality whiskey for a smooth, sweet taste.

What is the difference between a bourbon and a whiskey?

Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from grains like corn and rye and aged in wooden barrels. Bourbon is a type of whiskey, and there are strict rules in place to ensure its quality. Bourbon must be made in the US, distilled from at least 51% corn, and aged in new oak-charred barrels.

Is Kentucky or Tennessee whiskey better?

Taste. Tennessee whiskey is sweeter and smoother in texture as a result of the Lincoln County filtration process. Its taste is more refined than that of bourbon. Bourbon however holds the caramel taste from corn and the vanilla, oaky taste from the charred oaks.

What is the difference between bourbon and Kentucky bourbon?

You may have heard that in order to be a bourbon, the whiskey has to be from Kentucky. That's not quite true—bourbon can be made outside that state. But to be designated a "Kentucky bourbon," the spirit has to be both distilled and aged in Kentucky.

What is the difference between Jim Beam and Jack Daniels?

Jim Beam has a brandy flavor, as if it is mixed with brandy. Jim Beam is classed as bourbon while Jack Daniels is a whiskey and although bourbons can be whiskeys, not all are. Jim Beam is far cheaper compared to Jack Daniels. Jim Beam tastes more alcoholic and fruity while Jack Daniels tastes mellower and smoother.

Why is Jack Daniels called sour mash?

The “sour mash” label means that some of the material from a previous distillation (called “backset”) is added to the mash to increase the acidity of the liquid (hence sour), which helps fermentation and reduces the likelihood that bacteria will ruin the whiskey.

Is Crown Royal a whiskey or bourbon?

Specifically, Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky, and even though this technically uses a bourbon mashbill (64% corn, 31.5% rye, 4.5% malted barley), bourbon can only be made in America. Though the TTB originally approved the label, they reversed their decision and forced the brand to stop using the name 'Bourbon Mash'.

What qualifies as a bourbon?

For a whiskey to be considered Bourbon, its mash – the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled – must contain at least 51% corn. The rest of the mash is usually filled out with rye or wheat, and malted barley.

What is the difference between sour mash and rye whiskey?

What'S The Difference Between Rye Whiskey And Sour Mash? In addition, it uses the sour mash process, where the mash is fermented with yeast as well as part of a fermentation that has already occurred. Rye whiskey can only be called rye whiskey if it is at least 51 percent rye.

What is better than makers mark?

If you like Maker's Mark, try Old Weller Antique 107

While you could jump from the most recognizable wheated bourbon, Maker's, to the most coveted wheated bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle, there are other options in between (both in terms of taste and price).

What is the difference between moonshine and bourbon?

Moonshine is most similar to bourbon in flavor but is rougher and less complex as it hasn't been aged. The two drinks are very different and are not meant to be mixed together. Even though many people compare moonshine and vodka, they are very different drinks.