This quote taken from a rejected Dr. Seuss book goes into excruciating detail of the differences between the two. To simplify it here for us folk not born in the 1930s and 40s, we will ask our good friend Google and ChatGPT for assistance and tweak here and there. Are you ready? We are!
In the simplest of terms, a bourbon and a rye are both blends of various grains ending in sweet fermented goodness. To be classified as a bourbon the mash, or the mix of grains, must contain at least 51% corn. To be labeled as a rye, the mash must contain at least 51% rye. Wait. What’s rye? Isn’t it the same as wheat? Not quite. They’re like long lost cousins who shouldn’t intermingle too closely no matter how attractive they look. Wheat (Triticeae), barley (genera Triticum and Hordeum), and rye (Secale cereale) all look very similar, but to the discerning eye and tongue, their tastes and textures can be quite distinct.
Back to the booze. It’s a showdown of spirits that's been swirling in glasses and igniting spirited discussions in dimly lit bars for generations. Picture it: two formidable contenders stepping into the ring, each with its unique flair and personality, ready to duke it out for the title of America's favorite (favourite for you Canadians) whiskey (whisky).
First up, bourbon—the southern belle of the whiskey world. Distinctly American, like McD’s and baseball, bourbon is a corn-based whiskey that hails primarily from the bluegrass state, Kentucky. It's often described as sweet, caramel-kissed, and downright smooth, like a southern drawl in a glass. Bourbon is the golden nectar that knows how to charm its way into your heart, leaving you with a warm embrace and a subtle reminder of good times. Think Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, and W.L. Weller.
Now, let's talk about rye whiskey—the bold and brash cousin from the North. Rye, made predominantly from—you guessed it—rye grain, has a bit of a spicy attitude. It's the whiskey that saunters into the room, ready to shake things up with its peppery punch and a kick that says, "Hey, I'm here to party." Rye's flavor profile is like a rollercoaster of sensations, taking your taste buds on a thrilling ride of spice, herbs, and a touch of mischief. Whistlepig, Sazerac, and Michter's make some fine ryes.
This is just scratching the surface. A mere droplet in the proverbial fermentation vat. As we delve further in to that possibly fictitious Dr. Seuss book, we can see the various types of ryes and bourbons. Here are the most commonly found bourbons and ryes.
Rye Variations
1. American Rye Whiskey: This is the most standard type of rye whiskey and must be distilled from a mash bill that contains at least 51% rye. It is aged in new charred oak barrels and carries the robust, spicy character associated with rye.
2. Straight Rye Whiskey: To be labeled as "straight rye whiskey," the spirit must meet specific criteria, including being distilled from a mash bill of at least 51% rye, aged for a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels, and not diluted beyond 80% alcohol by volume.
3. High Rye Whiskey: Some rye whiskeys have a higher rye content in their mash bill, often around 70% or more. These high rye expressions tend to exhibit a spicier flavor profile, with bold and peppery notes.
4. Canadian Rye Whisky: In Canada, the term "rye" is often used broadly for any whisky, regardless of the grain composition. Canadian rye whisky may not necessarily have a high rye content, and it can include a blend of grains.
5. MGP Style Rye: Some rye whiskeys are produced by the Midwest Grain Products (MGP) distillery, and these have gained popularity for their high-quality and versatile character. They are often used by various brands, showcasing different aging processes and flavor profiles.
6. Single Barrel Rye: Just like single barrel bourbons, these rye whiskeys are bottled from a single cask, allowing enthusiasts to experience the unique characteristics of each barrel.
7. Barrel-Proof Rye: These are rye whiskeys that are bottled at their natural, undiluted proof, often resulting in higher alcohol content. Barrel-proof expressions provide an intense and robust flavor experience.
8. Flavored Rye Whiskey: Some distillers experiment with flavored rye whiskies, infusing additional flavors such as fruit or spices to create unique and unconventional expressions.
Bourbon Variations
1. Straight Bourbon Whiskey: The standard bearer, straight bourbon must be distilled from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and meet specific aging criteria, including a minimum of two years.
2. High Corn Bourbon: Some bourbons push the corn content well beyond the 51% requirement, leading to a sweeter and more mellow flavor profile. These are often characterized by rich caramel and vanilla notes.
3. High Rye Bourbon: On the flip side, high rye bourbons amp up the rye content in the mash bill, contributing a spicier kick. These bourbons are for those who crave a bit of heat in their sips.
4. Wheated Bourbon: Swapping out rye for wheat in the mash bill results in a softer, smoother bourbon. The increased wheat content imparts a gentle sweetness, making wheated bourbons approachable and easy-drinking.
5. Small Batch Bourbon: This term doesn't have a strict legal definition, but generally, small batch bourbons are crafted by blending a limited number of barrels. This allows for a more hands-on, artisanal approach to production.
6. Single Barrel Bourbon: As the name suggests, each bottle of single barrel bourbon comes from an individual barrel. This type of bourbon showcases the unique flavors and characteristics of a particular cask, offering a distinct tasting experience.
7. Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon: A hallmark of quality and authenticity, bottled-in-bond bourbons must meet strict regulations, including being the product of one distillation season, aged at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof.
8. Cask Strength or Barrel Proof Bourbon: These bourbons are bottled directly from the barrel without dilution. With higher alcohol content, cask-strength bourbons deliver an intense and undiluted flavor experience.
9. Flavored Bourbon: For those seeking a twist, flavored bourbons infuse additional flavors, such as fruit or spices, into the spirit, creating a playful departure from traditional expressions.
10. Limited Edition or Special Reserve Bourbon: Distilleries often release limited-edition bourbons, showcasing unique aging techniques, rare cask selections, or special blends, making them coveted treasures for collectors and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In the spirit world, bourbon and rye are like the yin and yang of whiskey, each bringing its own charisma to the table. Bourbon is the suave Southern gentleman, sipping on the porch, while rye is the lively city slicker, navigating the urban jungle with flair. Both have their fan clubs, and in the end, it all comes down to personal taste. So, the next time you find yourself in a spirited debate over which whiskey reigns supreme, just remember: whether you're swaying to the smooth tunes of bourbon or dancing to the spicy beats of rye, the real winner is anyone with a glass in hand and a smile on their face. If you’re still unsure, browse through our collection of fine bourbons and ryes and let your taste buds decipher the differences!
