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Whiskey and bourbon might look the same in the glass, but trust me, they are not the same thing. It’s easy to mix them up, though. Both are brown, both are strong, and both get you tipsy. But the difference is all in the details, and those details are what make each one special.
Bourbon is actually a type of whiskey, but not every whiskey can call itself bourbon. Sounds a bit confusing, right? Don’t worry; we’ll break it down so it all makes sense.
Think of it like this: all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. That’s bourbon and whiskey in a nutshell. Whiskey can be made from different grains like barley, rye, corn, or wheat, but bourbon has rules.
It has to be made mostly from corn, aged in brand-new charred oak barrels, and follow specific standards. The good news? Once you know the basics, telling them apart is easier than you think.
So let’s clear up the confusion and finally know what you’re sipping on!
Key Facts
- Bourbon is a type of whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon must meet specific rules to earn its name.
- Bourbon must be made with at least 51 percent corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, while whiskey can use various grains and aging methods.
- Over 90 percent of bourbon is produced in Kentucky, but it can be made anywhere in the United States.
What Exactly Is Whiskey?
Whiskey is the parent of all brown liquors, the original OG of the spirit world. It’s made by distilling fermented grains and aging the liquid in barrels.
This process started centuries ago with monks in Ireland and Scotland, who couldn’t grow grapes for wine and decided to use grains instead. The result? Whiskey was born, and the world’s been sipping on it ever since.
But here’s the catch—whiskey isn’t just one thing. It’s a whole family of drinks with different types, each with unique ingredients, methods, and flavors.
Scotch Whiskey
Scotch is whiskey made in Scotland, and it’s usually all about malted barley. It must be aged for at least three years in oak barrels, but the real kicker is the smoky flavor. That comes from drying the barley over a peat fire, which adds that signature earthy, campfire-like taste.
Famous brands include Glenfiddich and Lagavulin, perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey comes from—you guessed it—Ireland. It’s known for being smooth and light, thanks to triple distillation. It uses unmalted barley blended with grain whiskey, giving it a softer flavor profile.
Jameson and Tullamore Dew are some of the most popular brands. If you want something easy to drink, Irish whiskey is your go-to.
American Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey, made primarily with rye grain (at least 51%), is spicy, bold, and a little bit edgy. It’s perfect for simple cocktails like a Manhattan or a Sazerac.
Popular brands include Bulleit Rye and WhistlePig. Rye’s sharp and peppery kick makes it a favorite for people who like a bit more bite in their drink.
Canadian Whisky
Canadian whisky is known for being super smooth and light, often blended with multiple grains. Unlike rye whiskey, which has strict rules, Canadian whisky can be more flexible with its mash bill.
Crown Royal and Canadian Club are two big names to try. It’s the perfect choice for those who like an easy-drinking whiskey.
What Makes Bourbon So Special?
Bourbon isn’t just whiskey with a fancy name. It’s America’s claim to fame in the whiskey world, and it comes with its own set of rules that make it stand out. To be called bourbon, a whiskey must be made in the United States and follow strict guidelines. The most important rule?
Bourbon must be made with a mash bill that’s at least 51% corn.
Corn is what sets bourbon apart right from the start. Most bourbons have a mash bill with even more corn—sometimes as much as 70%—mixed with other grains like rye, barley, or wheat.
Take Maker’s Mark, for example. It uses wheat instead of rye, creating a softer, almost creamy flavor. On the other hand, Jim Beam sticks with rye, giving it a bit of a spicy edge while keeping that sweet, caramel-like base from the corn.
New Barrels, Big Flavor
Here’s another thing that makes bourbon unique: it must be aged in brand-new, charred oak barrels.
The charred wood gives bourbon its bold, smoky flavor and deep amber color. Unlike Scotch or other whiskeys, bourbon barrels can only be used once, which means every batch gets the maximum flavor from the fresh wood.
Brands like Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace take full advantage of this, producing bourbons with rich vanilla, caramel, and toasty notes.
All-American Spirit
While bourbon doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky, over 90% of it comes from there.
Kentucky’s limestone-rich water and aging climate create ideal conditions for making top-notch bourbon. That’s why brands like Knob Creek and Wild Turkey call Kentucky home.
However, craft distilleries across the U.S., like Balcones in Texas or Hudson Whiskey in New York, are proving that great bourbon can come from anywhere.
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The Key Ingredients That Set Them Apart
Whiskey and bourbon have different grains and rules that give them their unique character. Each one stands out because of how it is made and what goes into it.
Bourbon Relies on Corn
Bourbon must have a mash that is at least 51 percent corn. Corn adds a natural sweetness to bourbon, making it smoother than other types of whiskey. Some brands, like Bulleit, include rye for a spicy flavor, while others, like Maker Mark, use wheat for a softer taste. Corn is the foundation that sets bourbon apart from the rest.
Whiskey Uses a Variety of Grains
Whiskey does not follow strict rules for its grains. Scotch is made with malted barley, giving it a nutty or smoky taste. Rye whiskey uses rye as its main ingredient, resulting in a bold and spicy profile. Irish whiskey mixes malted and unmalted barley, creating a light and crisp flavor. Each whiskey type depends on its grains to create its unique taste.
Water Adds Another Layer
Water quality shapes the final flavor. Bourbon from Kentucky uses limestone-filtered water, which removes impurities and enhances its smoothness. Scotch producers use spring water filled with minerals that influence the taste. Water may seem simple, but it is a key ingredient in defining each spirit.
Popular Whiskey and Bourbon Brands to Try
It can feel overwhelming to figure out which whiskey or bourbon to try first. Start with some popular and trusted brands that are perfect for beginners or anyone exploring new options.
Great Whiskey Brands to Start With
- Glenfiddich (Scotch): Known for its smooth, rich flavor, this is a great introduction to Scotch.
- Macallan (Scotch): Offers a deeper, more luxurious taste with hints of dried fruit and spice.
- Jameson (Irish): Light and easy to drink, perfect for anyone new to Irish whiskey.
- Redbreast (Irish): A step up with a fuller, more complex flavor for those who want more depth.
- Bulleit Rye (Rye whiskey): Spicy and bold, perfect for whiskey cocktails like a Manhattan.
- WhistlePig (Rye whiskey): Smooth and refined with a rich flavor, ideal for sipping.
Bourbon Brands You Cannot Go Wrong With
- Maker Mark: Sweet and smooth with a touch of caramel, great for sipping or mixing.
- Jim Beam: An affordable and widely available option that works well in cocktails like Bourbon Renewal.
- Buffalo Trace: Offers rich vanilla and caramel notes with a well-balanced finish.
- Woodford Reserve: A premium bourbon with a smooth, refined taste, perfect for special occasions.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends
Sharing cool facts about whiskey and bourbon is a fun way to sound like an expert. Here are a few that will make people pay attention:
- The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world is Bushmills in Northern Ireland, established in 1608.
- Bourbon got its name in the 1800s, after Bourbon County in Kentucky.
- Whiskey barrels used for aging bourbon can only be used once, but they are often sold to age Scotch or even rum.
- More than 90 percent of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky.
- There are more barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky than there are people living in the state.
FAQs
Does bourbon have to come from Kentucky?
No, bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States. However, Kentucky produces over 90 percent of bourbon because of its perfect conditions for distilling and aging.
Can you use bourbon in whiskey cocktails?
Yes, bourbon works in most whiskey cocktails. Drinks like Old Fashioneds and Whiskey Sours taste great with bourbon because of its sweet, smooth flavor.
Why are bourbon barrels only used once?
Bourbon laws require barrels to be new and charred for each batch. After use, these barrels are often sold to age Scotch, rum, or other spirits.
How long does whiskey need to age?
It depends on the type. Bourbon has no minimum aging requirement, but “straight bourbon” must age for at least two years. Scotch must age for at least three years, while other whiskeys vary by regional laws.
What is the strongest type of whiskey?
Cask-strength or barrel-proof whiskeys are the strongest, as they are bottled straight from the barrel without being diluted. Their alcohol content can exceed 60 percent, making them much stronger than standard whiskeys.
Final Thoughts
Whiskey and bourbon might seem confusing at first, but now you know what makes them unique. Bourbon is sweet and smooth, thanks to its corn-heavy recipe and strict rules. Whiskey covers a lot more ground, offering everything from smoky Scotch to spicy rye.
The best way to really understand them is to try them. Start with a sip of bourbon like Maker Mark or Buffalo Trace. Then explore a whiskey like Glenfiddich or Bulleit Rye. There is no wrong way to enjoy them—just find what you like and savor every drop. Cheers!
