Can Whiskey be Substituted for Bourbon?
The debate has raged for years: can whiskey be swapped out for bourbon in place of one another? Whiskey drinkers are bound to have their opinions, but the fact of the matter is that there are both significant similarities and distinctions between these two bright and bold types of alcohol. Let’s dive into this question and see what we can uncover.
What is Whiskey, Anyway?
When we talk about whiskey, most people think of bourbon. And that’s certainly a great place to start. But bourbon isn’t the only type of whiskey. Any distilled alcoholic beverage made with grain and aged in an oak barrel is technically a whiskey. This includes Scotch, Canadian whiskey, rye whiskey, and even Irish whiskey! And since there is such a wide range of whiskeys to choose from, the flavors can vary wildly between brands and types.
The Differences
So what makes bourbon different from other types of whiskey? Well, there are two big differences. First, bourbon must be made from a mash bill of 51% corn or more. This means that the drink is at least half corn-based, and the remainder of the mash bill typically contains either malted barley or rye. Secondly, the barrel used must be new, charred oak. This gives the distinct flavor people have come to expect and love from bourbon.
The Similarities
But there are similarities between whiskey and bourbon. Generally speaking, both are aged for at least two years in oak barrels. They’re both usually made from a mash bill containing a combination of grains, and they’re also both slightly sweet, with bold, rich, and complex flavors.
But even with the similarities, the differences still exist. In addition to the fact the bourbon has to be 51% corn or more, whiskey can be made from any combination of grains, while bourbon must follow precise distilling and aging rules in order to qualify as a true bourbon whiskey.
So, Can Whiskey be Substituted for Bourbon?
Yes and no. You can substitute one type of whiskey for another, the flavor profiles just won’t be the same. You most certainly cannot substitute any type of whiskey for bourbon, however, since bourbons are the only whiskey to contain the necessary ingredients and go through the specific aging process to produce the desired taste and flavor. You can use whiskey in place of bourbon in certain recipes, though if you are looking for a true bourbon taste, you should definitely seek out authentic bourbon.
