Bourbon? Whiskey? Both?
What’s the difference?
| Bourbon | Whiskey | Rye | |
| The Mash | MUST be at least 51% corn Malted barley, wheat and rye make up the rest | Fermented grain (most often rye, wheat, corn, barley or rice) | MUST be at least 51% rye Malted barley, wheat and corn make up the rest |
| Additives Allowed | Water ONLY (but note that the charred barrels add flavors of vanilla, toffee, oak and others) | Flavoring, coloring and other additives allowed Note the explosion in the number of flavored whiskeys | Is allowed to have colorings and flavorings if not designated as “straight” |
| Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | 160 Proof max at distillation 125 Proof max at barrel aging 80 Proof minimum in the bottle | 80 Proof minimum in the bottle | 160 Proof max at distillation 125 Proof max at barrel aging 80 Proof minimum in the bottle |
| Aging | Only in NEW charred White Oak barrels Must be matured If age is less than 4 years, must be stated on bottle Age statement is for the youngest whiskey in the bottle | Type of wood isn’t mandated, but generally oak due to the wood’s beneficial properties Barrels are toasted and charred to release flavors (e.g. vanilla, toffee, oak) | Only in NEW charred oak barrels Must be matured If age is less than 4 years, must be stated on bottle Age statement is for the youngest whiskey in the bottle |
| Char vs Toast | Barrels are toasted to release flavors Barrels MUST be charred (applies also to Tennessee whiskey) Char Intensity 1 – 4 with 4 being most-charred “Alligator” | Barrels are toasted to release flavors Toasting also releases color to the whiskey | Barrels are toasted to release flavors Barrels MUST be charred (applies also to Tennessee whiskey) Char Intensity 1 – 4 with 4 being most-charred “Alligator” |
| “Straight” Designation | Minimum 2 years aging | Minimum 2 years aging May not contain any flavors or colors All the whiskey in the bottle must be distilled in same state | |
| Source | MUST be produced in the United States | Can be produced anywhere | Can be produced anywhere |
https://www.tastingtable.com/drinks/national/difference-between-bourbon-rye-whiskey
https://www.whisky.com/information/knowledge/production/background-knowledge/barrel-production.html
The Macadoodles liquor experience surrounds you the minute you enter our stores. We pride ourselves on providing one of the largest selections of spirits, mixers and accompaniments available.
From top-shelf to house brands, we have the essentials to stock your home bar or fuel your next gathering or event. Our expert staff can help you find a treasured favorite or recommend something new and exotic. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, just ask and we’ll have it special ordered, if it’s available. We’re here to meet your needs when it comes to mixed drinks, smooth sipping liquors or liqueurs. If you’re short on time, we offer a convenient drive-through window.
If mixed drinks are your passion, Macadoodles carries a wide variety of sodas, juices, mixes and ready-to-drink favorites like margaritas, Mai Tais and cosmos. Many of our pre-made cocktails are available in non-alcoholic versions as well. The perfect cocktail is often complemented by the perfect garnish. We have lemons, limes, oranges and gourmet olives for just the right finishing touch.
We believe the more you understand about the spirits you drink, the more fun you’ll have experimenting with different mixers, garnishes and other combinations. Our staff is here to answer any questions you have about the proper way to mix a cocktail or enjoy a sipping liqueur, so you can be your own mixologist. The world, and history, of liquor is fascinating—from its composition to distilling methods and ways different flavors are infused or enhanced.
Bourbon—A Uniquely American Spirit
This American whiskey variety is typically made from corn and barrel aged for a distinctive smoky, earthy flavor. Standards dictate that bourbon is at least 51 percent corn, aged in charred oak barrels for no less than two years and manufactured in the United States. Macadoodles carries a variety of distilleries including Jim Beam, W.L. Weller, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey. We also have Jack Daniels, which is actually a Tennessee whiskey.
Brandy and Cognac
What’s the difference you ask? Cognac is from the Cognac region of France. A brandy can be made anywhere in the world. Regardless of the origin, these fermented fruit juices are often made from grapes, but today, you’ll find an assortment of other fruit bases such as apples, pears, peaches, oranges and other sweet fruits. Nothing complements a good brandy or cognac like a fine cigar and Macadoodles offers more than 80 different varieties in our Wine Cellar.
Gin—For What Ails You
This grain-based alcohol has been around for more than 400 years and its origins are in the treatment of malaria. It was the most popular spirit made during Prohibition and honey was often used to offset the harsh flavor of bathtub gin. It’s definitely smoother today and we carry some of the most recognized brands including Tanqueray, Bombay and Seagram’s.
Rum—Light, Dark and Spicy
Macadoodles offers a wide range of light, gold, spiced and dark rums including Captain Morgan, Bacardi, Parrot Bay and Cruzan. The lighter rums (white, blanco or silver) are milder in flavor, while the darker varieties have been distilled for longer periods of time and have caramel or molasses undertones. Spiced rums continue to grow in popularity thanks to infusions of cinnamon, anise, rosemary, nutmeg, cherries and almonds, among others.
Scotch—A Whisky By Any Other Name
Made from malt or grain this whisky is not only spelled differently than American whiskey, it has a distinctive smoky flavor. Single malt or blended, Macadoodles stocks only the best and rarest drams including Chivas Regal and Johnnie Walker specialty scotches and the rarest Blue Label King George V. We carry more than 40 types of single-malt scotches for any size budget.
In addition to these popular spirits, our expansive offering of liquors includes blue-agave tequilas, including Patron, Jose Cuervo, Cazadores and Montezuma; premium-to-bargain vodkas, including flavored varieties from Grey Goose, Belvedere, Ketel One and Pinnacle; as well as Irish and Canadian Whiskeys.