How to Speak Bourbon

Have you ever felt intimidated or lost when you listen to people talk about bourbon?  I’m always amazed at the new information I learn in the bourbon industry.  There are so many words or phrases that bourbon experts use which can leave people wondering what they are talking about.  Then there are the words people use that are more “slang”.  Through my years of drinking bourbon and researching I created a list of “bourbon” terms.  

Here are some common bourbon terms and their definitions:

General Terms:

  • Bourbon – a type of American whiskey made from a grain mash that is at least 51% corn, aged in new, charred oak barrels, and distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (ABV).
  • Mash bill – the mixture of grains used to make the bourbon, which typically includes corn, rye, and/or barley.
  • Barrel – the container in which bourbon is aged, typically made of oak and charred on the inside.
  • Char – the process of burning the inside of the barrel to create a layer of charcoal, which helps filter impurities and add flavor to the bourbon.
  • Angel’s share – the portion of bourbon that is lost to evaporation during the aging process.
  • Proof – the measurement of a whiskey’s alcohol content, which is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV).
  • Small batch – a term used to describe bourbon that is produced in smaller quantities, typically between 100 and 1,000 barrels.
  • Single barrel – bourbon that is bottled from a single, individual barrel, rather than being blended with whiskey from other barrels.
  • Age statement – the number of years that the bourbon has been aged, which must be stated on the label if the bourbon is aged for less than four years.
  • Finish – the final stage of the bourbon-making process, which involves bottling the bourbon after it has been aged and, in some cases, finished in a different type of barrel to add unique flavor notes.

Types of Whiskey:

  • Bourbon – a type of American whiskey that is made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. It is known for its sweet and oaky flavor profile.
  • Rye – a type of American whiskey that is made from at least 51% rye and aged in oak barrels. It is known for its spicy and complex flavor profile.
  • Scotch – a type of whisky that is made in Scotland from malted barley and aged in oak barrels. It is known for its smoky, peaty flavor profile.
  • Irish – a type of whiskey that is made in Ireland from a blend of malted and unmalted barley and aged in oak barrels. It is known for its smooth and mellow flavor profile.
  • Canadian – a type of whiskey that is made in Canada from a blend of different grains and aged in oak barrels. It is known for its light and smooth flavor profile.
  • Japanese – a type of whiskey that is made in Japan from a blend of malted and unmalted barley and aged in oak barrels. It is known for its delicate and complex flavor profile.
  • Tennessee – a type of American whiskey that is similar to bourbon but is filtered through charcoal before aging. It is known for its smooth and mellow flavor profile.
  • Corn – a type of American whiskey that is made from at least 80% corn and aged in oak barrels. It is known for its sweet and smooth flavor profile.
  • These are just a few of the many types of whiskey available, and there are many variations and sub-categories within each type.

Tasting Bourbon Terms:

  • Nose – the aroma of the bourbon.
  • Bouquet – the overall aroma and scent of the bourbon.
  • Palate – the taste of the bourbon.
  • Finish – the aftertaste and lingering flavors of the bourbon.
  • Body – the texture and weight of the bourbon in the mouth.
  • Smooth – a desirable characteristic of bourbon that refers to its lack of harshness or burn when consumed.
  • Sweet – a flavor note in bourbon that is reminiscent of sugar or honey.
  • Spicy – a flavor note in bourbon that is reminiscent of cinnamon, clove, or black pepper.
  • Woody – a flavor note in bourbon that is reminiscent of oak or other wood used in aging.
  • Caramel – a flavor note in bourbon that is reminiscent of caramelized sugar.
  • Vanilla – a flavor note in bourbon that is reminiscent of vanilla beans.
  • Nutty – a flavor note in bourbon that is reminiscent of almonds, pecans, or other nuts.

Descriptive Bourbon Terms:

  • Brown water – a nickname for bourbon, due to its amber color.
  • Juice – another term for bourbon, often used by bartenders.
  • Neat – a term used to order bourbon served at room temperature in a glass, without any ice or mixers.
  • On the rocks – a term used to order bourbon served over ice.
  • High proof – a term used to describe bourbons with a higher alcohol content, typically above 100 proof.
  • Mash – a term used to describe the combination of grains used to make the bourbon.
  • Dusties – vintage or rare bottles of bourbon that have been sitting on a shelf for a long time.
  • Sipper – a term used to describe a bourbon that is meant to be sipped and savored,rather than quickly consumed.
  • Juice bomb – a term used to describe a bourbon that has an intense and complex flavor profile.
  • Pappy – short for Pappy Van Winkle, a highly sought-after and expensive brand of bourbon.
  • Dusty hunting – the act of searching for rare or vintage bottles of bourbon in old liquor stores or other obscure locations.
  • Barrel proof – a term used to describe bourbon that is bottled at the same proof as when it was removed from the barrel, without being diluted with water.
  • Juice bomb – a term used to describe a bourbon that is full of intense, complex flavors.
  • Smoothie – a term used to describe a bourbon that is especially smooth and easy to drink.
  • Backbone – a term used to describe the foundation of a bourbon’s flavor profile, often referring to the mash bill or the wood used in aging.
  • Dusty shelf – a term used to describe a liquor store or bar that has a large selection of rare or vintage bourbons.
  • Bottom shelf – a term used to describe inexpensive, lower-quality bourbons that are often found on the lower shelves of liquor stores.
  • Bourbon trail – a popular tourist route in Kentucky that features several bourbon distilleries and historic sites related to bourbon production.
  • The good stuff – a term used to describe high-quality, premium bourbons.

I hope this information helps you as much as it helped me to understand the bourbon experts better.  

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Cheers!

Brian