Jack Daniel’s vs. Bourbon — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 7, 2024
Jack Daniel's is a brand of Tennessee whiskey, while Bourbon is a type of American whiskey with specific legal requirements.
Difference Between Jack Daniel’s and Bourbon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jack Daniel’s is a renowned whiskey brand, originating from Lynchburg, Tennessee. It’s known for its smooth character and unique flavor profile.
Bourbon, by definition, is a type of American whiskey that must be produced in the United States, primarily from corn, and aged in new charred oak barrels.
Jack Daniel’s undergoes a charcoal mellowing process, known as the Lincoln County Process, which gives it a distinctive smoothness compared to many Bourbons.
Bourbon, in contrast, is not required to undergo this charcoal mellowing, focusing instead on its aging process and grain composition for its flavor.
While Jack Daniel’s is often associated with Bourbon due to similarities, it legally identifies itself as Tennessee whiskey, a distinction important to the brand.
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Comparison Chart
Type
Tennessee Whiskey
American Whiskey
Location
Produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee
Must be produced in the United States
Key Process
Lincoln County Process (Charcoal Mellowing)
Aged in new charred oak barrels
Grain Composition
Corn, Rye, Barley
At least 51% Corn
Legal Designation
Classified as Tennessee Whiskey
Must meet specific legal criteria to be labeled Bourbon
Compare with Definitions
Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel's is considered premium liquor.
He gifted a bottle of Jack Daniel’s for the celebration.
Bourbon
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey.
He prefers Bourbon over other types of whiskey.
Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel's is known for its iconic bottle.
The square bottle of Jack Daniel’s is instantly recognizable.
Bourbon
Bourbon is primarily made from corn.
The high corn content gives Bourbon its sweet flavor.
Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel's is a famous whiskey brand.
He ordered a glass of Jack Daniel’s on the rocks.
Bourbon
Bourbon must meet specific legal standards.
Not all whiskey qualifies as Bourbon due to strict regulations.
Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel's originates from Tennessee.
Jack Daniel’s represents Tennessee's whiskey tradition.
Bourbon
Bourbon is aged in charred oak barrels.
The aging process imparts a distinct flavor to Bourbon.
Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel's undergoes charcoal mellowing.
The smoothness of Jack Daniel’s is due to its mellowing process.
Bourbon
Bourbon is strongly associated with Kentucky.
Kentucky is famous for its Bourbon distilleries.
Bourbon
A whiskey distilled from a fermented mash containing not less than 51 percent corn in addition to malt and rye.
Bourbon
A whiskey distilled from a mixture of grains in which at least 51% is corn, aged in charred, new oak barrels. Made in the United States.
Bourbon
A serving of bourbon whiskey.
Bourbon
Whiskey distilled from a mash of corn and malt and rye and aged in charred oak barrels
Common Curiosities
What is the Lincoln County Process?
It's a charcoal mellowing process unique to Tennessee whiskey, used by Jack Daniel's.
Is Jack Daniel’s considered Bourbon?
Although similar, Jack Daniel's is legally classified as Tennessee whiskey, not Bourbon.
Can Bourbon be produced anywhere in the U.S.?
Yes, but it must adhere to specific legal requirements to be labeled as Bourbon.
Can Jack Daniel’s be made outside Tennessee?
No, Jack Daniel’s is specifically made in Lynchburg, Tennessee.
What distinguishes Bourbon from other whiskeys?
Its corn content, aging process, and adherence to legal standards set it apart.
What makes Jack Daniel’s unique?
Its unique flavor comes from the Lincoln County Process and specific distillation methods.
Is Bourbon always made in Kentucky?
While strongly associated with Kentucky, it can be made anywhere in the U.S.
How long is Bourbon typically aged?
Aging varies, but it must be aged for at least two years to be considered straight Bourbon.
Can Bourbon only be made from corn?
Bourbon must be at least 51% corn, but other grains can also be used in the mash bill.
What is Jack Daniel’s?
Jack Daniel's is a brand of Tennessee whiskey known for its smooth flavor.
Can Bourbon be used in cocktails?
Yes, Bourbon is a popular choice for many classic cocktails.
What is Bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey primarily made from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels.
Are there different types of Jack Daniel’s?
Yes, Jack Daniel’s offers various expressions, including Single Barrel and Gentleman Jack.
Is Jack Daniel’s more expensive than Bourbon?
Pricing varies, with Jack Daniel’s and Bourbons available in a range of prices.
Do all Bourbons taste the same?
No, flavor profiles can vary based on distillation methods and aging conditions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
