Blog

By Month > February 2018

Differences between Whiskey & Bourbon

February 21, 2018
The process behind distilling spirits is as complex as the differences between the various types of alcoholic beverages. Whiskey, or whisky, is a distilled alcoholic drink made from various grains. Not only does the spelling of the whiskeys vary based on the region, but there are also differences between the types of whiskeys in each area of the world. The different grains and distillation methods contribute to the range of flavors. Bourbon whiskey is one of those types of whiskeys with a unique distilling process. These are the differences that put bourbon whiskey in a category of its own.

Whiskey

Ireland is known as being the first country to create whiskey, although that is a debated subject. However, the earliest written records date back to the early 15^th century in Ireland.

The two main types of whiskey can be categorized as a malt whiskey, which is made from barley, or a grain whiskey, which is made from any grain.

Distilling processes for whiskey vary including single malt whiskey, blended malt whiskey, blended whiskey, cask strength (barrel proof), and single cask (single barrel).

Some whiskeys add caramel, molasses, or other flavorings during the distillation process.

Whiskey types are also characterized by the different regions that it originated in. Whiskey is distilled all over the world, but some of the most well-known countries include Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Japan, and the United States.

Most of Europe, Scotland, and Ireland require whiskey to be matured for at least three years. The minimum duration that whiskey must mature varies for other countries.

Whiskey has various flavors including, but not limited to, sweet, spicy, smooth, and smokey.

Bourbon

Bourbon is an American Whiskey with roots dating back to the 18^th It is often associated with Kentucky.

Historically, bourbon was only distilled in Kentucky, but current regulations allow bourbon to be legally produced anywhere in the United States.

A distinct feature of bourbon is that it is made from predominately corn mash. Bourbon has to be made with at least 51% corn, the rest can be a blend of rye, wheat, or barley.

Bourbon must also be distilled without any additives.

Another requirement of bourbon is that it must be distilled at less than 80% alcohol-by-volume (ABV), or 160-proof, and then barreled at no more than 62.5% ABV, or 125-proof.

Straight bourbon must be matured for at least two years in new, charred, oak barrels and kept unblended.

Bourbon is known for having a sweeter taste than other whiskeys.

To experience the various types of whiskey and taste the difference compared with bourbon, stop by Shooters Wood Fire Grill, a Rapid City restaurant, during Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm or 9pm to close, every day. Read More...

Fun cheese facts

February 14, 2018
From provolone to cheddar, mozzarella to pepper jack, there are more different types of cheese than most people realize, but everybody loves cheese. It is a delicious part of everyone's diet and gets added to many popular dishes. But how many cheese facts do you really know? Food trivia is always a hot topic amongst friends and family while hanging out, so check out some of these fun cheese facts and test your knowledge.

There are over 2,000 different varieties of cheese to this day and the U.S. is the largest producer of that cheese.

On average, people in the U.S. consume 34 pounds of cheese per person per year, which is more than one full ton of cheese during an average lifetime. The French, however, eat the most cheese at 57 pounds per person a year.

It takes roughly 10 pounds of milk to make one pound of cheese.

The most popular type of cheese in the U.S. is mozzarella, followed closely by cheddar.

Pizza Hut is the largest cheese-using fast food company, which uses approximately 300 million pounds of cheese annually.

Roughly 20 million metric tons of cheese is produced worldwide each year, with that number increasing rapidly. Talk about a hefty cheese fact!

Some cheese, like mozzarella, cheddar, swiss, and American, help to prevent tooth decay by helping to promote the flow of saliva, which in turn leads to elimination of sugar and acids from the mouth.

In addition, cheese also helps to protect tooth enamel and has an antibacterial effect.

The most stolen food item in the world is cheese.

And the final piece of food trivia to win the approval of your friends and family: When he was president, Andrew Jackson had a block of cheddar cheese delivered to the White House that was four feet in diameter and two feet thick, weighing nearly 1,400 pounds. He invited 10,000 visitors to the White House to eat it and within two hours they had devoured the entire thing!

Stop on out to Shooters Wood Fire Grill to try cheese on any number of our delicious dishes. You can use some of these food trivia talking points while you wait for your food. Read More...

Carry Out and Delivery

Call Shooters at 605-348-3348.

Order Online for Free Delivery in Rapid City

Location & Hours

Located on the west side of Rapid City,
right on the north side of West Main Street.

Mon-Thu:	Fri-Sat:	Sun:
11 am - 9 pm	11 am - 10 pm	8 am - 9 pm

Get Directions