Unless you’re a fan of rye whiskey, in which case you’ll argue that the real traditional version of each of these is a rye beverage. There are only four: New Midleton, Old Bushmills, Cooley and Kilbeggan. Some date it back to 1000 AD, and the Irish monks who began distilling liquor from barley or oats and used it for medicinal purposes. All rights reserved. Like Irish whiskey, Bourbon has grown steadily over the past two decades. For more expensive Bourbon, the goal is often “maturity”, rather than age, because old Bourbon can negatively affect the taste of Bourbon (making it woody, bitter or unbalanced). However, with regard to aging, such as Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskeys can be aged in a variety of containers: wooden barrels, sherry casks, bourbon casks, rum casks, and so on. All bourbons “bottled in bond” are 100 proof. Unlike Irish whiskey, there is no aging requirement for something to be called Bourbon (although there are requirements for certain types: pure Bourbon, for example, must age for at least two years). The type of distilled alcoholic beverages produced in Ireland. So, we’ve decided to clear the air a little ahead of time so that our readers know exactly what to order this holiday when they’re partaking in the wearin’ o’ the green. Once the mashbill is made and fermented, a process similar to what Irish whiskey goes through across the pond, the bourbon is then aged in new, charred oak barrels, which is what gives it the rich golden color. }], It’s brilliant as is! There is more to distinguish these liqueurs from their geography; however, Irish whiskey and Bourbon are produced with different grains and distilled in diverse ways, making it a unique experience for consumers. It is like Scotch that is called so only if it is made in Scotland. The difference between Tennessee Whiskey, like Jack Daniel’s, for example, and Bourbon is that after the spirit is distilled, Tennessee Whiskey is filtered through sugar-maple charcoal. On another note, if you are making a guest a tailgate party or something like that, it’s a great way to enjoy the tough times in a festive atmosphere. As the name implies, Irish whiskey is the name given to whiskey that has been made in Ireland. Single malt brands are the most expensive and the most complex. An experiment conducted in 2016 by the Louisville Bourbon Craft Distillery suggests that in the days leading up to the usual bottling of whiskey in the distillery, Kentucky Bourbon had developed a superior flavor because it was transported in barrels, always with water transport system whenever practical. What makes a spirit Irish whiskey? Another note: the whiskey was distilled in Ireland before Scotland. Brent Kiehl / The Forum, Whiskey was invented in Ireland, but the Scottish claim they perfected it. Don’t waste the good stuff if you wind up having to prepare it, because you’re just turning great liquor into something that’s cloyingly sweet and slightly minty. First, there’s the traditional mixer of soda. Note that in both beverages, the maturation ceases once its taken out of the cask and bottled, so taking that six-month aged bottle of the cheap stuff and stashing it in your basement for 20 years doesn’t result in something awesome. Like all of the whisky variations, Bourbon is native to one land, the United States. This means that it tastes lighter than American whiskey, but it also forms better with its age. That’s a trait each of these whisky variants will possess. In a more, well, festive spirit, there’s also the Irish car bomb. A Full Guide on the Best Bourbon for Manhattan. In the past, Irish whiskeys were reserved for people who simply did not have such a strong taste, but who now found a new place in cocktails. Bourbon is another kind of whiskey. Most use corn for about 70% of the mashbill, with the rest coming from rye or wheat augmented by malted barley. History of Irish Whiskey The strong presence of sweet notes, like honey and clove, make this the perfect liquor to drink straight up. Blanford says ask a Scotsman and they just might respond, "The Irish might have invented whisky, but the Scottish perfected it." Finally, Irish whiskey is distilled three times. To help you better understand whiskey in all of its forms, this post will … "I find it to be very approachable and a fun thing to drink in the summertime.". Maker’s Mark vs Jack Daniels – The Full Brand Battle! • While, in rye whiskey, rye is the predominant grain in the grain mash to the tune of no less than 51%, this predominance is that of corn in bourbon. If you think the name of the drink might offend, you’re equally right, which is probably why this is something you’d never order in Ireland. You … If you want it weaker, drink it on the rocks or cut it with water. Are you retarded? In the era of globalization and outsourcing, the fact that some items are so much a part of a native country that you cannot make them elsewhere is a beautiful thing. Do not lose good things if you have finished preparing them, because you turn a big glass into something naughty and minty. The cheaper bourbons tend to age relatively early. Irish whiskey is generally considered one of the most delicate styles of whiskey. Whiskey, whose name originates from the Irish-language phrase for "water of life," is among the most popular alcoholic beverages worldwide. Once the mash bill is produced and fermented, a process similar to Irish whiskey in the pond, the Bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels, giving it a vibrant golden color. Bourbon taste: its main characteristic is its softness, but it is also slightly smoked because of charred oak. Irish distilleries use old barrels and leave their whiskeys for at least three years to get the classic flavor. IRISH WHISKEY Some enterprising bars even fire their drinks, although I can tell you from personal experience that it’s ridiculous if you have one or two if you do not want to light up your kitchen. Every spirit has a story, and the Irish whiskey is no different. The resulting transparent spirit, called “white dog”, is placed in new charred oak containers for aging. If you reside in the States, you are in a great place to try a delicious Bourbon. As a check, he brought a lot of the same whiskey that stayed in Louisville during the same period. With Saint Patrick’s Day right around the corner, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at the differences between Irish whiskey and bourbon. But the two are distinct enough that most develop a preference for one over the other. Most Irish whiskey is a smoother, lighter beverage than other drinks in that class. With Saint Patrick’s Day right around the corner, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at the differences between Irish whiskey and bourbon. But at least it’s a fun way to do it. It all depends on the type and brand of whisky. But for those who like alcohol mixed with something else, both offer options, some traditional and some more modern. Unpeated malt is almost always used in Irish whiskey. This is partly because, before the Second World War, good things did not come enough to meet demand and pirated whiskey disappeared, because the genuine article had a negative effect on its reputation. Difference Between Irish whiskey and Scottish Whisky (Scotch), 7. 2 was the United States… but that was shut off as well, thanks to Prohibition, from 1920-1933. Some high strength bottles are marketed as “barrel proof”, which means they have not been diluted or slightly diluted after being removed from the casks. … Much like Irish whiskey is the national spirit of Ireland, bourbon fills that role in the United States. This is in contrast to how the Scots make their own signature spirit, where the malted barley is dried over peat fires and acquires that traditional flavoring, and it’s why a lot of people who don’t like Scotch like Irish whiskey or bourbon instead. They called it uisce beatha, or “blessed water.” The phrase is the origin of the modern word “whiskey,” a good fact to throw out the next time you get ragged on for losing at bar trivia. The Manhattan, the Old Fashioned, the Sazerac, the Whiskey Sour … all are traditionally made with bourbon as the signature spirit. With a more festive spirit, there is also the Irish car bomb. FARGO — It's a silly question to whiskey aficionados. There are even rules and regulations which determine how a whiskey must be made to be labeled a certain way. To learn more about Blanford's whiskey classes, visit 99 Bottles' Facebook page. Some date from the year 1000 AD and Irish monks began distilling barley liquor or oats and used it for medicinal purposes. Although some dispute it, it is widely believed that whiskey was invented in Ireland between 1000 and 1200 when traveling Irish monks brought it back from the Mediterranean. This website is no more. SCOTCH The two can have very different tastes, and some swear by one or the other. In Scotland, whisky has no "e" — and it has a few other differences as well. Irish whisky is very smooth, has a floral scent, and contains a nutty accent. Bourbon cereals used contain at least 51% maize. It ranges in variation according to how it has been distilled, aged, and where this process occurred. There’s less pressure to down it as fast as the Irish car bomb, since it’s not going to curdle, but have some pride and drink it in a hurry anyway. Rye It is a type of whiskey that makes use of a grain mash that contains at least 51% rye while the rest can be malt, barley, or corn. This contrasts with the way Scots creates their characteristic spirit, where Maltese barley dries into peat and gets that traditional flavor. Irish Whiskey and bourbon are both created with different grains and distilled in different ways, making them distinctly unique drinking experiences. 1. What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon? Recommended scotches: Johnnie Walker Black Label, Auchentoshan and Lagavulin. Whiskey can be defined as any alcoholic beverage that is distilled from fermented grain mash. With price tags under $30, these great whiskeys are very affordable, making them perfect for everyone. Enjoy fresh, pre-batched Angel’s Envy distillery cocktails from the comfort of your own home. The fact that Bourbon is so deeply associated with mint julep does not help, because mint and sugar do nothing to improve the quality of the drink. Turns out, the difference is set in stone, legally speaking. As a US native, when I think Bourbon I think of a classic old-fashioned. Just as Irish whiskey is the national spirit of Ireland, Bourbon plays this role in the United States. "That tells you a lot about the Irish people, I guess," he says. Beyond specific age and labeling requirements, those are the legal requirements for making bourbon. In fact, in 1964, Congress adopted a resolution declaring bourbon "America's Native Spirit." To-Go Cocktails It’s sugar, mint, and Bourbon, and if you go to the Kentucky Derby, you’re the drinker. Irish whiskey is made from barley malt, whereas bourbon is distilled from corn. If you think that makes this mainly an excuse for people looking to get drunk, you’re right. There are many different kinds of whiskies popular in different parts of the world such as rye whiskey, bourbon, and Irish whiskey. It uses peat, which contributes to the smoky taste of some scotches. It is a custom that pre-dates back to colonial America, with the best explanation, since one of the first distillers had partially burned pimples and was too economical to buy new ones. Note that to do it right, you have to heat the whiskey and the coffee. "controls": true, Note that to make it properly, you’re supposed to heat the whiskey as well as the coffee. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website, but non-functional cookies can be blocked.