If you like bourbon whiskeys, Texas is a major manufacturer. Their whiskeys are primarily distilled from corn. Bourbons have a wide range of flavors. When you have never tried bourbon, you may wonder what brand or flavor you should try first.
Instead of wasting your money on buying different bottles or being turned off completely from bourbon, there are distilleries where you can tour and try different bourbon whiskeys Texas-style.
What Is the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey?
It is important to understand that bourbon is a type of whiskey. There are many restrictions, such as the percentage of corn in the mash to classify a whiskey as bourbon. To create bourbon whiskeys, Texas manufacturers must ensure that the product is distilled from at least 51% percent corn.
Bourbon must also be aged in a new oak-charred barrel. Bourbon’s aging process is shorter than whiskey. Bourbon can be aged anywhere in the United States, but it has to be produced in the United States and is mainly associated with southern states.
Take a Tour
You should take a tour of a distillery such as Balcones Distilling if you are further interested in the distilling process. Distilleries are mainly located in the south and are most popular in Kentucky and Texas.
Tour guides will depict how the grain is mashed and converted into tasty bourbon. They will discuss how they ensure that all bourbons are at least 80% proof and what their quality assurance process consists of. Each distillery company has a slightly different process, making their product unique to the market.