Whiskey vs. Bourbon

Understanding the difference so you can be a professional bourbonist

When we first considered the idea of opening a bar inside The Postmark, we spent a lot of time deciding what kind of bar we wanted it to be and what style would best benefit Chillicothe. We wanted it to be unique, appealing, and a point of connection for the city. 

Bourbon won for a number of reasons.

One, there wasn’t another place in Chillicothe that had a similar focus. Two, it’s a great conversation starter. Three, we like bourbon. In our quest to create a great bourbon bar, we first had to learn more about bourbon and what makes it great. We wanted to become bourbon experts. The first thing we learned, and the focus of this article, is the difference between whiskey and bourbon.

All bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. Whiskeys are made from a blend of fermented grain mash. Usually, they are a combination of corn, rye, barley, or wheat, but it doesn’t matter how much of any particular grain. In order to be bourbon, the grain mash must be at least 51% corn. The corn adds a sweet flavor to the liquid, but the longer it ages, the less corn flavor it will have. The corn is significant because it allows other flavors to be showcased in the bourbon. This also allows for many variations in the flavors of bourbons that can be produced, making it an art for the distiller as well as the tasting connoisseur. 

Bourbon must also be aged in a cask type such as new charred oak barrels. Most barrels are made from American white oak or European oak. American oak leaves a sweet taste with notes of vanilla and caramel, while the European oak is most commonly used to age wine and cognac and adds notes of vanilla and pepper. Bourbon being aged in different cask types, for different lengths of time changes the tasting notes— from the first flavor you might have which is called on the nose to the lasting flavor after you try it on your pallet. 

Bourbon is most often associated with Kentucky because most bourbons are made there but it’s not a requirement to be called a bourbon. Some popular Kentucky distilleries are Buffalo Trace Distillery, Evan Williams and Angel’s Envy. Outside of Kentucky, Watershed Distillery is very popular. 

As we’ve built our bourbon inventory, we’ve especially enjoyed hunting for rare bourbons to offer our guests. Some of our favorites are Blanton’s, Woodford Reserve, Blade & Bow, and Buffalo Trace. We also offer several bourbons flights for guests to taste test these rare bourbons side by side to compare the differences. 

We often bring in bourbon enthusiasts to tell our guests about the bourbons we feature. It’s fun for you to learn as you taste as well as meet your neighbors who also love bourbon.

Check out the calendar for details on our Whiskey Of The World Bourbon Tasting, Friday, October 14, 2022, at 7 pm. We will have Pete Wagner, otherwise known as “Whiskey Pete” a brand ambassador for Brown Foreman there to talk through some amazing selections such as Benriach 10, Glendronach 12, Slane Irish, Coopers Craft 100, and Jack Daniel’s Bonded.

A favorite “fall” inspired bourbon cocktail at Prohibition, inside The Postmark is called the Peach Cobbler Mule. Trust us when we say it’s dangerously good. Or better yet, come try it yourself and you be the judge

It’s made with our made-from-scratch peach simple syrup, Buffalo Trace Bourbon (or your choice!), a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar (also on the rim), poured over ice, and topped with ginger beer.

We look forward to seeing you at Prohibition soon. We hope you’ll think of us the next time you’re able to share your new bourbon knowledge with friends and co-workers. 

FUN FACT: If you’re shopping for Blantons, notice the unique stylized tops. They each have a letter to spell out Blanton's, and also each depicts 8 different moments from the beginning to the end of a horse race.