If you have ever stared at a shelf full of bottles and wondered why some are labeled “bourbon” while others say “whiskey,” well, you're not alone. The world of whiskey can feel like a maze of rules, regions, and mash bills. But don’t worry, we are cutting through the confusion with a glass in hand.
Whether you are sipping, mixing, or shopping for your next bottle on YouBooze, here is what you need to know about the difference between whiskey and bourbon, and why it matters to your taste buds that you know the difference.
First Things First: What is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a broad category of distilled spirits made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden barrels. It’s produced around the world with different methods, ingredients, and styles, which is why there’s Scotch whisky (with no “e”), Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky, Canadian whisky, and American whiskey, just to name a few.
At its core, whiskey is a drink made from grains (corn, rye, barley, wheat), distilled, aged in wooden barrels (usually oak), and bottled at no less than 40% ABV.
So, technically, bourbon is a type of whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.
So What Makes Bourbon… Bourbon?
For a drink to legally earn the name “bourbon,” a whiskey must meet specific criteria set by U.S. law (yes, this stuff is that serious).
Here are the conditions that qualify a whiskey as bourbon:
- Made in the US: While bourbon is often associated with Kentucky, and yes, many of the best ones are from there, it can legally be made anywhere in the United States. (Yes, even Brooklyn.)
- At Least 51% Corn in the Mash Bill: The mash bill is the recipe of grains used to make whiskey. Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, which gives it that signature sweetness.
- Aged in New, Charred Oak Barrels: No reused barrels here. Bourbon must be aged in new, charred American oak barrels, giving it that caramel, vanilla, and toasted wood flavor.
- Distilled to No More Than 160 Proof (80% ABV): Bourbon must be entered into the barrel at 125 proof or less, and the maximum distillation for bourbon is 160 poof. This helps preserve the flavors of the grain.
- No Additives Allowed: Bourbon cannot include added flavoring, coloring, or spirits. What you taste is 100% the result of the grains, the barrels, and time.
Popular Bourbon Picks You Can Try Right Now
Here are a few classic and collector-worthy bourbons worth exploring:
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon: A fan favorite and great entry point for bourbon lovers (or potential bourbon lovers).
- Blanton’s Single Barrel: A smooth, complex, and wrapped in collector hype for good reason.
- Elijah Craig Small Batch: Rich and spicy with notes of brown sugar and oak.
- L. Weller Special Reserve: A wheated bourbon with a cult following (and of course, connections to Pappy Van Winkle).
Then What’s Not Bourbon?
Many types of whiskey don’t qualify as bourbon, either because of where they’re made, how they’re aged, or what goes into them.
Tennessee Whiskey
You might be thinking of Jack Daniel’s, which follows nearly all the bourbon rules, but with an extra step: the Lincoln County Process. This means the spirit is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging, giving it a smoother finish.
While Tennessee whiskey is technically a type of bourbon by process, the state prefers to keep it in its own category.
Rye Whiskey
As the name suggests, rye whiskey contains more rye in its mash bill (at least 51%). This makes for a spicier, drier flavor than corn-heavy bourbons. You can find both American rye and Canadian rye varieties on YouBooze.
Examples are:
Scotch Whiskey
Made in Scotland and often from malted barley. It’s typically aged longer and has a distinct smokiness if it’s an Islay or peated Scotch. Bourbon and Scotch are both whiskeys from two very different worlds.
What About American Whiskey?
If a bottle says “American Whiskey” but not bourbon, it might mean it didn’t meet all the bourbon criteria; perhaps it was aged in used barrels or blended. It’s still whiskey, just not bourbon. Think of it as the broader umbrella.
Can You Mix Bourbon and Whiskey the Same Way?
Absolutely, but you must beware, as the results will vary.
- Bourbon is excellent in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, and Gold Rush.
- Rye whiskey brings a bolder, spicier edge; this is perfect for a Manhattan.
- Scotch works in cocktails too, but choose blends or lighter single malts if you are mixing.
Need a shortcut? Try 2-ingredient bourbon drinks that are simple to make and let the bourbon flavor shine.
Final Sip: So, Is Bourbon Better Than Whiskey?
That’s like asking if pizza is better than tacos. Well, it depends on what you are craving. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that’s sweet, smooth, and uniquely American. But there’s a whole world of whiskey to explore beyond it.
The best way to decide? Taste everything. Then come back to YouBooze and grab the bottles that fit your vibe; whether it’s bourbon, rye, or something smoky from across the pond.