If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, you wish to know the Difference between Tennessee whiskey and Bourbon. While both are forms of American whiskey, the key distinction is that Tennessee Whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal after distillation, a process known as the Lincoln County Whiskey Process. In this blog post, we will explore their differences to help you make an informed decision about which one to choose for your next drink.
This difference is known as the Lincoln County Whiskey Process, which is a filtration using sugar maple charcoal after distillation. In this blog post, we will explore their differences in detail.
Comparison Table “Bourbon Vs. Whiskey”
| Terminology: | Classification of international distilled alcoholic drinks. | American-made distilled alcoholic beverage (as per the international agreement). |
| Uniqueness: | Using sugar maple charcoal, Tennessee Whiskey is filtered. Irish whiskey often contains unpeated malt. Barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, and maize are all used in the production of Japanese whiskey, which is aged in kilns heated with a touch of peat. | In comparison to other whiskies, Bourbon is amber in color and has a somewhat sweeter flavor and a heavier mouthfeel. |
| Grains used: | White oak that has been charred. | At least 51% of corn is used to make Bourbon. The remainder is often made up of malted barley, rye, and wheat. |
| Maturation | Classification of international distilled alcoholic drinks. | All-Brand-New Charred Oak Storage Bins. Commonly used barrels are made of white oak. |
Main Difference Between Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon
Tennessee Whiskey is filtered using sugar maple charcoal after distillation, in contrast to Bourbon. What sets Tennessee Whiskey different from standard Bourbon is this filtration, known as the Lincoln County Whiskey Process.
Tennessee Whiskey Vs. Bourbon
Now we check the difference Between Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon by understanding both terms separately.
Tennessee Whiskey
A lighter form of Bourbon is how Tennessee Whiskey is often characterized. Some of the harshness (or aggressiveness) of the whiskey is removed by the mellow charcoal. There is a trace of charcoal or charred wood among the more typical Whiskey flavors of toasted oak, caramel, and vanilla.
People enjoy Tennessee Whiskey in a variety of ways. Some like to drink it straight, while others like it on the rocks. High-proof whiskies may be made more accessible by adding a little water.
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There are a lot of different shooter recipes that call for straight shots, and they’re quite popular. Simple, tall, and refreshing mixed cocktails are by far the most common use. A shot of Tennessee Whiskey topped with cola is a favorite—most usually ordered in bars as a Jack and Coke. For lighter sodas like citrus and ginger ale, as well as lemonade, it makes a fantastic background Whiskey.
Lynchburg lemonade is famous, no doubt about it, but the original recipe is typically watered down. Any brand of Tennessee Whiskey may be used to make any Whiskey cocktail.
Bourdon
American Whiskey, known as Bourbon, is produced from a maize mash. Popular as it is, though, not everyone understands what exactly the spirit is.
The American spirit is bourbon Whiskey. It’s highly controlled, can only be made in the USA, and has a few other unique qualities. The most well-liked kind of whiskey in the world is Bourbon, which is by far the most popular type of American whiskey.
There are a plethora of brands and varieties of Bourbon available. To really enjoy Bourbon, one should be familiar with the characteristics that set it apart from other whiskies, the process that goes into making it, and how all of that connects to the whiskey you are now sipping.
Every Whiskey connoisseur has to know about a few of the most well-known bourbon cocktails. Because they do not dominate the whiskey, these cocktails are perfect for different sampling types. Instead, they play up the Bourbon’s natural taste just enough to bring forth its best qualities.
Difference Between Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon in Detail
At first glance, Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon seem to be identical due to the production process. Both must be matured in charred new oak barrels and be distilled from at least 51% maize.
The filtration procedure is where the difference is made. According to the Lincoln County Whiskey Process, Tennessee Whiskey must first be filtered with maple charcoal before being barreled. A smoother spirit is left behind after the process removes most of the harsh Whiskey taste. Does it have a softer flavor than Bourbon? We’ll let you decide for yourself.
Finally, it’s important to remember that different distilleries use different filtering methods, which results in unique taste profiles for Tennessee Whiskey.
Geographical Region
Tennessee whiskey is a type of American whiskey that must be produced in the state of Tennessee. Bourbon, however, is a type of American whiskey that is made in any of the United States. Even though Tennessee and Kentucky share similar climates and geography, it is important to distinguish between the two types of whiskey. Tennessee whiskey has specific regulations that must be adhered to for it to be considered true Tennessee whiskey.
The most famous of Tennessee whiskeys are Jack Daniels, which has been made since 1866 in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Although it is the most well-known, there are other brands of Tennessee whiskey, such as George Dickel, Collier & McKeel, and Prichard’s. All of these brands adhere to the same regulations that make Tennessee whiskey so distinct from Bourbon.
Invention
Tennessee whiskey was first invented in the early 1800s by a man named Jack Daniel. He was born in Tennessee, which is why the spirit became known as Tennessee Whiskey. At the time, there were no laws governing the production of spirits in the United States, so the process for creating Tennessee Whiskey was never officially standardized. However, the basic ingredients used to create the spirit have remained largely unchanged over the centuries. These include corn, rye, barley, and wheat, which are all distilled and then filtered through sugar maple charcoal. This filtration process, known as the Lincoln County Whiskey Process, is what sets Tennessee Whiskey apart from traditional Bourbon.
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The Lincoln County Whiskey Process was created by Jack Daniel himself, who wanted to ensure that his whiskey had a distinctive flavor that could be replicated year after year. This process involves filtering the spirit through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal before aging it in charred barrels. The result is a smooth and mellow Whiskey with a unique flavor profile that cannot be found in any other type of whiskey.
In addition to this unique filtration process, Tennessee Whiskey also has a distinct aging process. Unlike Bourbon, which must be aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels, Tennessee Whiskey must be aged for at least four years in barrels that have been previously used for Whiskey production. This means that Tennessee Whiskey often has a smoother taste than its counterparts due to the additional aging period.
The Lincoln County Whiskey Process
The Lincoln County Whiskey Process is a method of filtering whiskey that was first invented in Tennessee, which is why it has become so closely associated with Tennessee whiskey. After distillation, the whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal, a process that was once common in the area but is now only found in Tennessee Whiskey.
This filtration process helps to remove impurities from the whiskey, giving it a smoother taste. This filtering also adds a light smokiness to the whiskey while also reducing its proof and the amount of alcohol it contains. This gives Tennessee whiskey a distinct flavor that sets it apart from standard Bourbon.
The Lincoln County Whiskey Process is believed to have been created by a German immigrant named Jacob Fritz around 1825, who supposedly stumbled upon the idea by accident when he mixed sugar maple charcoal with some of his own whiskey. This process of filtration has since become an integral part of Tennessee Whiskey production and has helped to make it distinct from other bourbons.
Aging
When it comes to aging, Tennessee whiskey follows the same standards as Bourbon. It must be aged in charred, new oak barrels for a minimum of two years. However, some distilleries age Tennessee whiskey for far longer. This extended aging period gives the whiskey a more complex flavor profile, which can include notes of caramel, vanilla, and even oak. The taste of the whiskey is determined by the type of oak barrel used and how long it is aged.
The difference between Tennessee whiskey and Bourbon comes in the filtration process after the aging process. Tennessee whiskey is filtered using sugar maple charcoal, known as the Lincoln County Whiskey Process. This filtration process removes impurities from the whiskey and leaves behind a smooth and mellow flavor. While this process is often credited with giving Tennessee whiskey its distinct taste, the exact effects are still debated.
Taste
When it comes to the taste of Tennessee whiskey versus Bourbon, there are some subtle differences. Tennessee whiskey has a slightly sweeter and smoother taste than standard Bourbon. This sweetness comes from the sugar maple charcoal filtering that is used in the Lincoln County Whiskey Process. Additionally, Tennessee whiskey has a more mellow and creamy texture with notes of caramel and vanilla. On the other hand, Bourbon tends to have a bit more of a kick with hints of oak, smoke, and spices. Both types of whiskey are best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but Tennessee whiskey might be better for sipping. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when deciding between these two drinks.
Flavor
When it comes to taste, Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon differ in a few ways. Tennessee Whiskey has a sweeter flavor due to the sugar maple charcoal filtration, while Bourbon has a more pronounced oak flavor. Tennessee Whiskey also has less of a ‘burn’ than Bourbon, making it a more mellow drink.
However, both whiskies have many similar notes, such as caramel, vanilla, and oak. Bourbon will generally have more spice and smokiness due to its long aging process, while Tennessee Whiskey will often have a hint of sweetness and lightness that comes from charcoal filtration.
It is important to note that the flavor of any whiskey will depend heavily on the distillation and aging process, so there can be significant differences between different brands and types of whiskey. Ultimately, trying different types of whiskey is the best way to find out which flavor you prefer!
Uses
Tennessee whiskey is commonly used in mixed drinks, cocktails, and other beverages. It is often featured as the main spirit in Tennessee-style drinks such as the Jack Daniels Old Fashioned and Tennessee Mule. It can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Some Tennessee whiskeys are even used to make classic Kentucky bourbon cocktails like the Mint Julep or Manhattan. The smokiness of Tennessee whiskey pairs particularly well with sweeter ingredients like syrups, juices, and liqueurs. For example, the smoky flavor of a whiskey sour made with Tennessee whiskey is truly unforgettable. Additionally, it is also often used for cooking and baking, as it adds a unique smoky flavor to dishes.
Similarities Whiskey from Tennessee and Bourbon: A Perfect Match
Both Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon must be matured in brand-new, charred oak barrels and include at least 51% maize in the mash. Despite the fact that their filtering methods are different, this means that their flavor profiles are comparable.
FAQs
The Final Thought
The production of whiskey does not stop in the United States. Briefly said, Tennessee Whiskey is not the same thing as Bourbon. There is a scientific rationale for why it is smoother and sweeter. That does not imply the Bourbon you have been taking is terrible, far from it. This simply means that you may sample smooth Tennessee Whiskeys on your next trip to the liquor shop, and who knows, you could discover that they become your new go-to whiskies. So, now you know the difference between Tennessee whiskey and Bourbon.
