Bourbon vs. Whiskey: What's the Difference?

Bourbon and whiskey are two of the most popular spirits in the world. They are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the differences between bourbon vs whiskey, what bourbon is, and more.

What is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made primarily from corn. To be legally considered bourbon, the spirit must be made in the United States and must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

• Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn.
• It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
• It must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (ABV).
• It must be bottled at no less than 40% ABV.
• It cannot contain any additives, except for water.

Bourbon is known for its sweet, rich flavor profile, which is a result of its high corn content. It also has notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, which come from the charred oak barrels in which it is aged.

What is Bourbon Made From?

Bourbon is made primarily from corn, which gives it its sweet, rich flavor profile. Other grains can be used in the mash bill as well, but corn must make up at least 51% of the mash bill in order for the spirit to be legally considered bourbon.

What is Whiskey?

Whiskey is a type of distilled spirit made from various grains, such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat. It is typically aged in wooden barrels and has a rich history that dates back centuries. There are many different types of whiskey, with each type having its unique characteristics and production methods.

Scotch Whiskey

Scotch whisky, often referred to simply as "Scotch," is a type of whiskey that is exclusively produced in Scotland. It is made from malted barley and water, and must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. The distinctive smoky flavor of Scotch comes from the use of peat smoke to dry the malted barley. Scotch whisky is classified into five categories based on the geographic region where it is produced and the type of barrel used for aging: single malt, single grain, blended malt, blended grain, and blended Scotch.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is a type of whiskey that is made in Ireland. It is distilled from a mash of cereal grains, such as barley, malted barley, and other grains. Irish whiskey must be aged for at least three years in wooden casks, and it must have an alcohol content of no less than 40% by volume. Irish whiskey is known for its smooth and approachable taste, with a mild sweetness and hints of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. It is also commonly used in mixed drinks and cocktails. Some popular brands of Irish whiskey include Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore Dew.

Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is a type of whiskey made from a mash bill that consists of at least 51% rye grain. The remaining portion of the mash bill can be made up of other grains, such as corn and malted barley. Rye whiskey is typically distilled at a higher proof than bourbon and is aged in charred, new oak barrels. The aging process gives rye whiskey its distinctive flavor profile, which is characterized by spicy, peppery notes, along with hints of fruit and caramel. Rye whiskey is often used in cocktails such as the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned. Popular brands of rye whiskey include Rittenhouse, Sazerac, and Bulleit.

Whiskey Characteristics

The characteristics of whiskey can vary depending on the mash bill, aging process, and production requirements. Mash bill refers to the mix of grains used to make the whiskey. The aging process can take anywhere from a few years to several decades, with the wooden barrels used for aging giving whiskey its distinct flavor and aroma profile. Production requirements can also impact the taste of the whiskey, such as the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) and the type of cask used for aging.

Whiskey is commonly associated with flavors such as caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. Aroma profiles can vary widely, with some types of whiskey having a smoky, peaty aroma, while others have a fruity or floral aroma.

What's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey

The primary difference between bourbon vs whiskey is that bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made from at least 51% corn, while other types of whiskey can be made from a variety of grains. Bourbon also has specific legal requirements that must be met in order for it to be called bourbon. These requirements are not present for other types of whiskey. Below we'll break down the main differences of bourbon vs whiskey from the legal requirements to the production methods.

Legal Requirements

In the context of bourbon vs whiskey, Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made in the United States and must meet specific legal requirements to be called bourbon. According to the U.S. government, bourbon must be made from a mash bill that contains at least 51% corn, and it must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. Additionally, bourbon must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (ABV) and bottled at no less than 40% ABV.

Whiskey, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of grains and can be produced anywhere in the world. There are no specific legal requirements for whiskey, although there are some general guidelines that many whiskey producers follow.

Mash Bill Requirements

The mash bill is the mix of grains that are used to make the spirit. So in regards to mash bill requirements, the difference between bourbon adn whiskey is that bourbon must have a mash bill that contains at least 51% corn. The remaining grains can be any combination of rye, wheat, or malted barley.

Whiskey, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of grains, including corn, rye, wheat, and barley. The mash bill for whiskey can vary widely depending on the type of whiskey being produced.

Aging Process

Both bourbon and whiskey are aged in oak barrels, but the aging process between bourbon vs whiskey is slightly different. Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. The charring of the oak barrel gives bourbon its distinct flavor and color.

Whiskey, on the other hand, can be aged in a variety of barrels, including oak, sherry, and wine barrels. The type of barrel used for aging can have a significant impact on the flavor and aroma profile of the whiskey.

Production Methods

The production methods are similar, but there is a difference between bourbon and whiskey. Bourbon is distilled to no more than 80% ABV and must be bottled at no less than 40% ABV. The production process for bourbon is regulated by the U.S. government to ensure that it meets specific quality standards.

Whiskey, on the other hand, can be distilled to a higher ABV and can be bottled at a lower ABV. There are no specific regulations governing the production process for whiskey.

Flavor and Aroma Profiles

Another difference between whiskey and bourbon are the flavor and aroma profiles. Bourbon is known for its sweet, caramel flavor, with notes of vanilla, oak, and spice. Whiskey, on the other hand, can have a wider range of flavors, depending on the type of whiskey being produced. Scotch whiskey, for example, is known for its smoky, peaty flavor, while Irish whiskey is known for its smooth, creamy taste.

Whiskey vs Bourbon: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between whiskey vs bourbon, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:

Personal Taste Preferences

One of the most important factors to consider is your personal taste preferences. Do you prefer the sweet, caramel flavor of bourbon or the more complex, varied flavor of whiskey? The best way to determine your personal preference is to try both and see which one you like best.

Food Pairing Options

Another factor to consider is the food pairing options. Bourbon is often paired with grilled meats and other hearty dishes, while whiskey can be paired with a wider variety of foods, including seafood and spicy dishes. If you have a specific meal in mind, it's worth considering which spirit would pair best with the flavors of the dish.

Occasion and Setting

The occasion and setting can also play a role in choosing between bourbon vs whiskey. Bourbon is often associated with southern hospitality and is a popular choice for casual gatherings and backyard barbecues. Whiskey, on the other hand, is often considered a more sophisticated and refined choice and is often served in upscale bars and restaurants.

Recommendations for Specific Brands and Types

Here are some specific recommendations for brands and types of bourbon and whiskey based on the factors listed above:

• Personal Taste Preferences: For those who prefer a sweeter flavor, we recommend trying Maker's Mark bourbon. If you prefer a more complex flavor, we suggest trying Jameson Irish whiskey.
• Food Pairing Options: For bourbon, we recommend pairing it with grilled meats and bold flavors, such as Bulleit bourbon. For whiskey, we suggest trying the smoky flavor of Lagavulin 16-year-old scotch with seafood or spicy dishes.
• Occasion and Setting: For casual gatherings and backyard barbecues, we recommend trying the classic American bourbon, Jim Beam. For more upscale settings, we suggest trying the smooth and sophisticated taste of Woodford Reserve bourbon.

Conclusion on Bourbon vs Whiskey

In conclusion, whiskey vs bourbon are two of the most popular spirits in the world. While they are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made primarily from corn and must meet specific legal requirements in order to be called bourbon. Other types of whiskey can be made from a variety of grains and do not have the same legal requirements. Both bourbon and whiskey can be enjoyed straight or in cocktails, and it's important to take your time and savor the flavors when drinking them straight. Whether you're a bourbon for whiskey fan, there's no denying the rich, complex flavors of these classic spirits.