Jack Daniel’s is a whisky, not a bourbon. It is produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee, making it a Tennessee whiskey. However, Jack Daniel’s can be classified as a bourbon whiskey, although technically it is not a bourbon.
It has the same flavor profile of bourbon and is made using the same ingredients, but is aged differently than a bourbon. Jack Daniel’s whisky is barrel-aged, but not in new charred oak barrels – the standard for bourbon.
Instead, Jack Daniel’s whiskey is aged in re-charred barrels that are already highly aromatic. This affects the flavor, contributing to the distinct notes of this whisky.
What is the difference between Jack Daniels whiskey and bourbon?
Jack Daniels whiskey is a popular American whiskey distilled and aged in Lynchburg, Tennessee and regulated by the Lincoln County Process, which is a law requiring whiskey produced in the county to be filtered through charcoal chips.
While Jack Daniels is considered a whiskey, it is also a type of bourbon due to its production process.
The main difference between Jack Daniels whiskey and other bourbons is its unique charcoal mellowing process that mellows the whiskey before aging it in new, charred American white oak barrels. This process gives Jack Daniels whiskey a unique flavor and aroma that is distinct from other bourbons.
Additionally, Jack Daniels whiskey is made with 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye, while mostbourbons are made with at least 51% corn, a higher proportion than Jack Daniels whiskey. Finally, Jack Daniels whiskey has a much higher alcohol content than mostbourbons at 40-50%, whereas most bourbons have an ABV of 40%.
Are whiskey and bourbon the same?
No, whiskey and bourbon are not the same. The main difference between whiskey and bourbon is that whiskey is a type of spirit distilled all over the world, including Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Canada and the United States, whereas bourbon is an American style of whiskey made from at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels.
Whiskey can be made from a variety of grains, including wheat, rye, and barley, and there are many sub-types of whiskey, including Scotch, Irish, and Canadian whiskey, as well as blended and single malt whiskey.
Bourbon, on the other hand, is aged for a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels and bottled at 80 proof or higher. It must be made in the United States, and can have no additives, such as coloring or flavoring.
Another key difference between whiskey and bourbon is that bourbon has a much sweeter flavor, due to the higher levels of corn used in its production.
Why is it called bourbon and not whiskey?
Bourbon is a kind of whiskey, but it is made in a specific way and with specific ingredients that give it its own unique flavor and characteristics. The term “bourbon” is derived from a county in the state of Kentucky, the place where bourbon originated.
Bourbon must follow the rules of the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in order to be called bourbon and be legally sold as one. These rules state that bourbon must be: 1) made with at least 51% corn, 2) aged in new, charred oak barrels, 3) distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume or ABV), 4) contain no additives or coloring and 5) bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV).
These stringent laws concerning the production of bourbon are what separate it from all other types of whiskey. The majority of American and Canadian Whiskey are made from a combination of corn, wheat, barley, and rye, and is usually aged in used barrels.
This combination gives them their distinctive flavor but also prevents them from being classified as a true bourbon. The new charred barrels and the absence of any added ingredients (such as coloring) give bourbon its distinct color, taste and aroma.
While some whiskey producers do unofficially label their products as ‘bourbon-style’, they still cannot legally classify their whiskey as true bourbon without following the TTB rules.
Does Jack Daniels and bourbon taste the same?
No, Jack Daniels and bourbon do not taste the same. They are both types of whiskey, but bourbon must adhere to certain legal standards in order to be labeled as bourbon. According to the US Department of Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, be aged in charred new oak barrels, and be distilled at no higher than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume).
Jack Daniels is not required to adhere to these requirements and is instead classified as a Tennessee whiskey, which is made in practically the same way as bourbon, but it must be filtered through maple charcoal before it goes into the barrel.
Because of this extra step, Jack Daniels has a smoother, sweeter taste than traditional bourbons.
What is so special about Jack Daniels whiskey?
Jack Daniels whiskey is one of the few American whiskeys that are made in the traditional charcoal mellowing process, which is also a key factor in giving the whiskey its unique flavor. The whiskey is produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee and made with carefully selected grains, iron-free cave spring water, and key ingredients other whiskeys don’t include.
Jack Daniels is also the only distillery located in a dry county, meaning the sale of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited. This lends to the exclusive nature of Jack Daniels.
The charcoal mellowing process is what gives Jack Daniels whiskey its signature taste. The whiskey is filtered through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal giving it its unique flavor. The charcoal filtering adds a slightly sweet taste with hints of caramel, nut and vanilla.
This process is what sets Jack Daniels whiskey apart from other whiskeys.
In addition to the unique taste of Jack Daniels whiskey, its traditionally square shape bottle and the distinctive black label have become almost a cultural icon among whiskey drinkers. This iconic shape has become a symbol of the quality and craftsmanship of the Tennessee whiskey.
The bottle even bears the signature of the Master Distiller himself, which adds to the exclusivity and desirability of the drink.
Jack Daniels whiskey is something special that has stayed with the world for over 150 years. Its unique flavor and its iconic bottle have made it a household name. It is the perfect whiskey to sip, to enjoy with friends, to savor, and to celebrate special occasions with.
Why is Gentleman Jack not a bourbon?
Gentleman Jack is not a bourbon because it is a type of Tennessee whiskey, which is distinct from bourbon whiskey. Tennessee whiskey is required by law to be produced in the state of Tennessee and filtered through maple charcoal before aging.
This charcoal filtration process is known as the “Lincoln County Process,” and it is what makes Tennessee whiskey different from bourbon whiskey. Besides the distillation and charcoal filtration processes, Tennessee whiskey must be aged in new charred-oak barrels, made of oak grown in Tennessee, and matured for at least two years.
While bourbons are typically aged for a minimum of two years, they do not require a specific type of filtration or oak aging. As such, Gentleman Jack is not a bourbon.
Can any whiskey be called bourbon?
No, not all whiskey can be called bourbon. In order for a whiskey to be legally declared as bourbon, the product must meet certain legal requirements. These include the following:
1) It must be made in the United States
2) The whiskey must be made from a mash that is composed of at least 51% corn
3) The whiskey must be distilled at a maximum of 80% alcohol by volume
4) The whiskey must be aged in a charred, new white oak barrel at a maximum of 62.5% alcohol by volume
5) Finally, the whiskey must not contain any additional coloring or flavoring.
These are the official requirements for whiskey to be legally called bourbon. Thus, to be referred to as bourbon, the whiskey must meet all of these criteria.
Is Maker’s Mark a bourbon?
Yes, Maker’s Mark is a bourbon. Maker’s Mark is a beloved Kentucky bourbon brand, first established by the Samuels family in the 1950s. It is a wheated bourbon, meaning it uses wheat in the mash bill instead of rye.
Maker’s Mark is known for its mellow flavor and waxy-red seal on the label. It is also bottled in a very distinct and recognizable bottle due to its squat shape and label wrapped around the neck of the bottle.
Maker’s Mark is aged for at least six years in charred oak barrels and bottled at 90 proof, 45% ABV. It is one of the most widely recognized brands of bourbon and popular among whiskey drinkers.