Is Jack Daniels Whiskey or Bourbon?!
Is Jack Daniels Whiskey or Bourbon?
Please could a few of you clear this matter up for me as it's been bugging me all day.
Answers:
All bourbons are technically whiskey - just a specific type. Although bourbon got it's name from the county in Kentucky, geography has nothing to do with what is classified as a bourbon. To be classified as a "Bourbon Whiskey" you have to meet certain requirements. The mash must be made of at least 50% corn, but cannot be made of more than 75% corn. Also, the whiskey must be aged for at least 2 years (most distillers age for 4 years) in new charred-oak barrels. Finally, bourbon's cannot be stronger than 160 proof (80% alcohol).
Jack Daniels is whiskey but not bourbon because it is filtered through maple charcoal prior to being aged in oak barrels. This is done to give Jack Daniels a smoother finish and distinct taste, but it also disqualifies it from being a "bourbon".