Whiskey & Bourbon Deep Dive Quiz
Scotch, bourbon, rye, and Irish — do you know your whiskey? From the rolling hills of Kentucky to the misty isles of Scotland, test your knowledge of the world's most celebrated spirit across 50 challenging questions.
More Barrels Than People
Kentucky is home to over 11 million barrels of aging bourbon — more than double the state's population of roughly 4.5 million people. That's a lot of whiskey quietly maturing in rickhouses across the Bluegrass State, waiting for the perfect moment to be bottled. The bourbon industry contributes billions of dollars to the state economy and has made the Kentucky Bourbon Trail one of America's most popular tourist attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. To be called bourbon, a whiskey must be made in the USA from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. These strict legal requirements set bourbon apart from other styles of whiskey.
Why does Scotch spell it "whisky" without the "e"?
The spelling varies by tradition and country. Scottish and Japanese producers use "whisky," while Irish and American producers typically use "whiskey." The difference dates back centuries and reflects distinct distilling traditions. A simple rule: countries with an "e" in their name (Ireland, United States) tend to use "whiskey," while those without (Scotland, Japan, Canada) use "whisky."
What makes bourbon "straight" bourbon?
Straight bourbon must meet all standard bourbon requirements plus be aged for a minimum of two years. If aged less than four years, the age must be stated on the label. Straight bourbon also cannot contain any added coloring, flavoring, or other spirits, ensuring a pure expression of the distiller's craft.
What is the angel's share?
The angel's share refers to the portion of whiskey that evaporates from the barrel during aging — typically about 2% per year. Over many years, this can add up to a significant loss. The evaporating alcohol also feeds a black fungus called Baudoinia compniacensis that grows on buildings and trees near whiskey warehouses, a telltale sign of a distillery neighborhood.
Is Jack Daniel's a bourbon?
While Jack Daniel's meets all the legal requirements to be called bourbon, the company markets it as "Tennessee whiskey." The key distinction is the Lincoln County Process — a charcoal filtering step where the whiskey is dripped through sugar maple charcoal before aging. This extra step is what separates Tennessee whiskey from bourbon in the eyes of its makers.