When I named the business Belle of the Barrel Whiskey Tasting Experiences, some people said, “wait, I thought you focused on bourbon?” I do, yes. But I was very deliberate not to want to limit myself to only one type of whiskey when there are so many amazing expressions out there from both the United States and around the world.
So what’s the difference?
There is a saying in the industry: “All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon”.
All bourbon is, in fact, whiskey, but it is a specific type of American whiskey– signed into federal law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on May 4, 1964, after it was deemed by Congress to be a “distinctive product of the United States”. It has certain requirements that make it markedly bourbon. This is no joke, and the terms are very specific to have the name bourbon of a label. It cannot be used frivolously because someone likes the term bourbon better than regular old whiskey.
The terms, determined by law, are:
- Bourbon must contain a minimum of 51% corn in the mash bill (the grain recipe from which the product is distilled)
- It must be aged in new, charred, oak containers
- The mash must also be distilled at no higher than 160 proof
- It must be put in the barrel at no higher than 125 proof
- Bourbon must be bottled at no lower than 80 proof
- It can be made anywhere in the United States
There are additional requirements for other labels on a bourbon such as single barrel, Bottled-in-Bond, Kentucky Straight, etc., but we will save those for future topics to explore together.
Bourbon will always be my first love. It’s what got me into whiskey and enjoying the experience of understanding the art, craft, and science of the product. The flavors are unique, classic, and really something to behold.
But dare I say, there are other great expressions of whiskey that are made around the world, and I want to be able to explore them with my clients. Whiskies made in Canada, Japan, Scotland, India, Ireland, France, and even whiskey made in the US that falls outside of the bourbon laws are all worth tasting and exploring, and I wanted to leave room for all of that in the experiences that Belle of the Barrel offers.
Perhaps you want to explore Irish whiskeys to celebrate heritage closer to St. Patrick’s Day (or any time of year, really). Or maybe you want to customize a flight of whiskeys that include bourbon and other expressions? Do you want to travel around the world in an evening sampling whiskey made in different locations? Belle of the Barrel Whiskey Tasting Experiences can make this all possible.
But we also will never turn down the opportunity for a classic bourbon tasting either. All of it is good. While all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon—any combination makes for a great night with friends and family discovering unique flavors.
What do you want to dream up for your own whiskey tasting experience? Contact us today to get started!
