Bourbon vs. Tennessee Whiskey: An Ultimate Showdown

Ah, the age-old battle of cousins: Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey. Both boast rich American heritage, are crafted from corn, and age in new charred oak barrels. But under the surface, subtle differences set them apart, waiting to be unearthed by curious whiskey enthusiasts like you. So, saddle up, because we're diving deep into the bourbon vs. Tennessee whiskey showdown:

Origin:

Bourbon: Bourbon, America's native spirit, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It originated in Kentucky, earning the state a reputation as the bourbon capital of the world.

Tennessee Whiskey: Tennessee whiskey, hailing from the state of Tennessee, shares similarities with bourbon but undergoes an additional step known as the Lincoln County Process. This involves filtering the whiskey through sugar maple charcoal before aging.

Grain Bill:

Bourbon: Must contain at least 51% corn, with the remaining grains being a mix of rye, wheat, or barley. This flexibility leads to diverse flavor profiles across brands.

Tennessee Whiskey: Follows the bourbon grain bill but adds a unique twist - the Lincoln County Process. This charcoal filtering step, done before aging, removes impurities and imparts a smooth, mellow character.

Sweetness:

Bourbon: Often exhibits a caramel/vanilla sweetness due to the corn and wheat combination. The specific grain ratio and barrel char level further influence sweetness intensity.

Tennessee Whiskey: The charcoal filtering tends to mute some sweetness, resulting in a slightly drier, smokier flavor profile compared to bourbon.

Flavor Profile:

Bourbon: Diverse, ranging from light and fruity to bold and spicy, depending on the grain bill, mash bill, and aging conditions. You might find notes of oak, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, pepper, or even citrus.

Tennessee Whiskey: Generally smoother and mellower than bourbon, with less prominent sweetness. Charcoal filtering adds a characteristic subtle charcoal/sootiness alongside notes of vanilla, oak, and spice.

Brand Powerhouses:

Bourbon: Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve

Tennessee Whiskey: Jack Daniel's, George Dickel, Heaven's Door, Collier and McKeel

The Verdict:

Both bourbon and Tennessee whiskey offer unique, delicious experiences. Bourbon provides a wider range of flavor profiles, while Tennessee whiskey delivers a consistently smooth, charcoal-filtered character. Ultimately, the "better" choice is subjective and depends on your personal preference.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. So, raise a glass, savor the nuances, and let your taste buds decide which side of the whiskey family wins your heart. Cheers!