The Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey Explained

Brown spirits like bourbon and whiskey can often baffle casual drinkers with their similar hues and inviting aromas. Both offer a spectrum of warm colors, from pale gold to deep amber and share enticing scents of oak, vanilla and caramel. The visual and fragrant resemblances can make knowing the difference between bourbon and whiskey initially challenging, but there’s more to these spirits than meets the eye.

“Many drinkers mistakenly use the terms bourbon and whiskey interchangeably,” says Samara Davis , spirits consultant and whiskey expert. “While all bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon.”

The paths of whiskey and bourbon each tell a different story. Their differences stem from specific ingredients, production methods, and geographic origins.

Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey: A Tale of Two Spirits

The origins of whiskey (or whisky, depending on where you’re from) trace back over a millennium to Scotland and Ireland, where monks introduced distillation techniques using grain mash instead of grapes due to the lack of wine vineyards.

The practice spread throughout Scotland and eventually reached America with colonists, where it played a significant role, even serving as currency during the Revolutionary War. As whiskey production techniques refined over time, various production styles began to emerge globally:

• Scotch Whisky: Made from malted barley and often features a peaty, smoky flavor due to the use of peat in the malting process.
• Irish Whiskey: Made from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley and is triple-distilled, resulting in a light and smooth flavor profile.
• Canadian Whisky: Made from a blend of different grain whiskies and typically offers a softer profile with subtle notes of caramel, vanilla and spice.
• Japanese Whisky: Made from malted barley, sometimes blended with grain whisky, and often presents a smooth finish with notes of honey, citrus and light smoke.

So what makes bourbon, bourbon and how can you tell the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

Bourbon stands out as a distinctly American product, legally required to be produced in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, the spirit doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky, though the majority of it is. To be classified as bourbon, a whiskey must meet specific criteria:

• Mash bill: At least 51% corn, with the remainder typically rye, wheat, or barley.
• Additives: None allowed except water to reduce the proof.
• Distillation: Distilled to no more than 160 proof, barreled at no more than 125 proof and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.
• Aging: Must be aged in new, charred oak containers.

“Although bourbon has to be aged in a new charred oak barrel, there isn’t really a specific time requirement for bourbon,” says Davis. “As soon as it hits the barrel, even if it passes through the barrel, it’s technically considered bourbon.”

Bourbon’s distinctive sweetness and vanilla notes come from its high corn content and aging in charred oak barrels. Kentucky’s climate plays a significant role in the spirit’s development, with hot summers and cold winters causing the barrels to expand and contract dramatically.

This process accelerates aging and intensifies flavors. Furthermore, the Bluegrass State’s unique combination of limestone-filtered water and ideal climate conditions has made it the heart of bourbon production, responsible for approximately 95% of all bourbon made worldwide.

“Bourbon’s flavor profile is often described as sweeter than other whiskeys,” Davis explains. “The wood really helps to bring out some of those vanilla, caramel and oak notes that ultimately help enhance the corn flavor in bourbon.”

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A Taste of Distinction

Understanding the difference between bourbon and whiskey enhances appreciation for both spirits. When tasting either, engaging all your senses is highly recommended. The choice of glassware can significantly impact the experience. A tulip-shaped glass concentrates aromas, while a wide-brimmed glass allows for more oxidation, each offering a different perspective on the spirit’s character.

To fully appreciate bourbon or whiskey, start by observing its color and viscosity. Gently swirl the glass to release the aromas, then inhale deeply to capture the complex scents. Take a small sip, allowing it to coat your tongue before swallowing to experience the full range of flavors.

Some enthusiasts add a few drops of water to open up the spirit, revealing subtle notes. Ultimately, personal preference guides the choice between bourbon and whiskey, as well as how to enjoy them – whether neat, on the rocks, or in a carefully crafted cocktail.

“The differences between whiskey and bourbon are both subtle but significant,” says Davis. “It’s these nuances that make exploring them so fun and rewarding.”

This story originally appeared in Cuisine Noir Magazine