All bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbon.
Bourbon and whiskey are two of the most popular spirits enjoyed by bartenders and home cocktail lovers. Although they may look similar in the bottle, these brown liquors have several important differences. Whether you enjoy sipping whiskey or bourbon, mixing them into cocktails, or simply want to learn more about them, it helps to understand what makes each one unique. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between bourbon and whiskey. The key thing to remember is this: all bourbons are whiskeys, but not every whiskey is bourbon.
What’s Bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey. It is considered a unique product of the United States and is officially recognized by the U.S. Congress. For a spirit to be called bourbon, its mash bill (the grain mixture used to make it) must contain at least 51 percent corn. It must also be aged in brand-new, charred oak barrels.
There are also several other rules that control its alcohol proof (ABV), aging process, bottling, labeling, blending, and more. While bourbon can be produced anywhere in the United States, Kentucky is the state most closely connected with bourbon production. It is also famous for the classic Mint Julep, a bourbon cocktail traditionally enjoyed during the Kentucky Derby.
What Is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from a fermented mixture of grains such as barley, corn, rye, or wheat. It is produced in many countries around the world, including Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Canada, and the United States.
Some whiskey, like moonshine, is not aged at all. However, most whiskey is aged in wooden barrels. During the aging process, the whiskey develops its darker color, gains flavors from the wood and oak, and becomes smoother as the alcohol mellows over time.
There are many different types of whiskey, including rye whiskey and single malt whiskey. To qualify as a rye whiskey, the mash must contain at least 51 percent rye, the same grain used to make rye bread. Single malt whiskey is made from malted barley at a single distillery. You can find single malt whiskey in Scotch, Irish, Japanese, and American whiskey.
Popular whiskey cocktails include the Old Fashioned, which is often made with bourbon but can also use rye whiskey, the rye-based Sazerac, and the Scotch-based Rob Roy.
Bourbon vs. Whiskey: The Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
The biggest differences between bourbon and whiskey come down to the grains used and where the spirit is made.
Bourbon is an American whiskey that must contain at least 51 percent corn in its mash bill. It also has to be aged in new, charred oak barrels. Whiskey, on the other hand, can be made almost anywhere in the world. Depending on where it is produced, the ingredients, aging process, and production methods may be different. Whiskey can be made from different grains, including barley, corn, rye, wheat, or a combination of these.
What Does Bourbon Taste Like vs. Whiskey?
Since bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels, it usually has rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak. You may also notice tasting notes of baking spices, black pepper, cocoa, and fruit. Bourbon is often smoother than many other whiskeys, with a softer mouthfeel and a naturally sweeter flavor. This makes it a popular choice for people who are just starting to enjoy whiskey. Wheated bourbons contain more wheat in the mash bill, giving them an even sweeter and softer taste.
The flavor of whiskey depends on the style and where it is made. Many whiskeys have woody or oaky flavors along with notes of spice, fruit, nuts, vanilla, or caramel. While bourbon and whiskey can share some of these flavor notes, whiskey often has a grainier taste and a sharper finish. Rye whiskey, which contains at least 51 percent rye, is usually spicier than bourbon and many other types of whiskey.
What's Scotch Whiskey?
Scotch is a type of whiskey that is produced and bottled in Scotland. In Scotland, it is spelled whisky without the letter “e.”
There are five different types of Scotch, but the two best-known styles are single malt and blended whisky. Single malt Scotch is made at one distillery using malted barley. It must be aged for at least three years in oak casks and bottled at no less than 80 proof.
Different areas of Scotland produce different styles of single malt Scotch. One of the most famous is Islay Scotch (pronounced “ai-luh”), which is known for its smoky and peaty flavor. This unique taste comes from drying the malt over fires fueled by peat during the production process.
Blended Scotch whisky can be made by blending different malt whiskies, different grain whiskies, or a mix of both. This is the most common type of Scotch and includes well-known brands like Johnnie Walker.