Whiskey and bourbon are enjoyed around the world. You can sip them neat, mix them in cocktails, or enjoy them in a shot. But what is the difference between whiskey and bourbon?
It can be confusing, because all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.
So, let’s get into it. We’ll explore the ingredients, production processes, and legal requirements that define these two popular spirits. By the end, you’ll know the key differences in bourbon and whiskey.
Understanding Whiskey: The Broad Category
Before we dive into bourbon, let’s zoom out and look at whiskey as a whole.
What is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash. Think of it as beer that’s been distilled to concentrate the alcohol and flavors. Common grains used to make whiskey include barley, corn, rye, and wheat, and the specific mix of those grains really influences the final flavor.
Whiskey is made all over the world, and different regions have developed their own unique styles.
Types of Whiskey
Here are a few of the main types of whiskey you’ll find:
- American Whiskey: This includes bourbon, rye whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey.
- Scotch Whisky: Must be produced and bottled in Scotland. Single malts are made from malted barley at a single distillery, while blended whiskeys combine malt and/or grain whiskeys.
- Irish Whiskey
- Canadian Whiskey
- Rye Whiskey: Made with at least 51% rye.
Each type has its own distinct characteristics based on the grains used, how it’s produced, and how long it’s aged.
Bourbon: America’s Native Spirit
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, but not all American whiskey is bourbon.
To be called bourbon, the spirit must be made from a grain mixture that’s at least 51% corn. That high corn content is what gives bourbon its signature sweetness.
Although bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, it’s heavily associated with Kentucky, where the climate and the water are said to be ideal for making bourbon.
Legal requirements for bourbon
To be legally called bourbon, the spirit must meet these requirements:
- Made in the United States
- Aged in new, charred American oak barrels — that char imparts color, flavor, and aroma to the bourbon
- Distilled to no more than 80% ABV (160 proof)
- Entered into the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV (125 proof)
- Bottled at no less than 40% ABV (80 proof)
Key Differences: Bourbon vs. Whiskey
Bourbon and whiskey can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in mixed drinks. But what makes them different?
Ingredients
Bourbon’s mash bill, or recipe, has to be made up of at least 51% corn. Other grains, such as rye and wheat, can be included to round out the flavor.
Whiskey, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of grains, including barley, rye, wheat, and corn. The specific mix of grains determines what kind of whiskey it is.
Aging Process
One of the defining characteristics of bourbon is that it must be aged in new, charred American oak barrels. These barrels impart a lot of flavor into the spirit as it ages.
Whiskey can be aged in a variety of wooden barrels, including used ones. For example, Scotch whisky is often aged in ex-sherry or ex-bourbon barrels.
Flavor Profiles
Bourbon is typically sweeter than other types of whiskey, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. You’ll often get hints of baking spices and fruit, too.
The flavor profiles of whiskey vary greatly depending on what kind it is. You might taste wood, oak, spice, fruit, or nuts. Scotch can have smoky, peaty notes that you won’t find in bourbon.
Origin
Bourbon has to be made in the United States, while whiskey can be made anywhere in the world.
How to enjoy bourbon and whiskey
Lots of people drink bourbon and whiskey neat, meaning straight out of the bottle. This lets you appreciate all the subtle flavors of the spirit. Others prefer their bourbon or whiskey on the rocks. The ice can mellow the drink and bring out new aromas. Still others enjoy bourbon and whiskey in mixed drinks.
There are countless cocktails you can make, but here are some of the most popular:
- Bourbon: Old Fashioned, Mint Julep
- Whiskey: Sazerac, Rob Roy
The best way to find out what you like is to try different things! Tasting events can be a fun way to discover new varieties.
In Conclusion
Bourbon and whiskey both offer a delicious way to end the day. But while all bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey that must meet strict requirements regarding its ingredients, production, and aging.
Whether you prefer bourbon or another type of whiskey is a matter of taste, and the best way to find out what you like is to try different kinds.
Whatever you choose, appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage that goes into every bottle. Bourbon and whiskey both offer a rich history and a complex flavor experience that makes them worth savoring.