Bourbon vs. Whiskey — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must be made in the U.S. from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash, with various types including Scotch, Irish, and Rye.
Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bourbon is a subset of whiskey that has specific regulations, such as being made from a mash that is at least 51% corn. Whiskey, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of grains including corn, rye, barley, and wheat.
Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels, giving it distinct flavors like vanilla and caramel. Whiskey has more lenient aging requirements and can be aged in used barrels, which can result in a wider range of flavors.
The geographic origin of Bourbon is restricted to the United States, with the majority being produced in Kentucky. Whiskey can be produced anywhere in the world, and different countries have their own distinct types, such as Scotch from Scotland and Irish whiskey from Ireland.
Bourbon is usually sweeter and fuller-bodied due to its high corn content. Whiskey can range from light to full-bodied, depending on its grain composition and production methods.
Bourbon usually has a more limited flavor profile due to its strict production requirements. Whiskey, with its broader regulations, can offer a wider range of complex flavors, making it a favorite for connoisseurs seeking diversity.
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Comparison Chart
Main Ingredient
At least 51% corn
Variety of grains (corn, rye, barley, wheat)
Aging Barrels
New charred oak barrels
Can be aged in new or used barrels
Geographic Origin
United States
Worldwide
Flavor Profile
Sweeter, fuller-bodied
Range from light to full-bodied
Type
A subset of whiskey
Broad category with various types (Scotch, Irish, Rye)
Compare with Definitions
Bourbon
Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn.
The high corn content in Bourbon gives it a sweeter taste.
Whiskey
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage.
I enjoy a glass of whiskey after dinner.
Bourbon
Bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels.
The new charred oak barrels add vanilla and caramel notes to Bourbon.
Whiskey
Whiskey is made from fermented grain mash.
The quality of the grain mash determines the quality of the whiskey.
Bourbon
Bourbon is usually produced in Kentucky.
The best Bourbon comes from Kentucky's limestone-filtered water.
Whiskey
Whiskey can be aged in used barrels.
Scotch, a type of whiskey, is often aged in used sherry barrels.
Bourbon
Bourbon is sweeter and fuller-bodied.
For a sweeter, fuller-bodied drink, I always choose Bourbon.
Whiskey
Whiskey has various types including Scotch, Irish, and Rye.
I'm a fan of Rye whiskey for its spicier notes.
Bourbon
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey.
I prefer Bourbon because it's smoother than other types of whiskey.
Whiskey
Whiskey can be made worldwide.
Irish whiskey has a unique taste compared to American whiskey.
Bourbon
A political reactionary, especially a conservative Democrat in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Whiskey
An alcoholic liquor distilled from grain, such as corn, rye, or barley, and containing approximately 40 to 50 percent ethyl alcohol by volume.
Bourbon
A whiskey distilled from a fermented mash containing not less than 51 percent corn in addition to malt and rye.
Whiskey
A drink of such liquor.
Bourbon
A whiskey distilled from a mixture of grains in which at least 51% is corn, aged in charred, new oak barrels. Made in the United States.
Whiskey
A liquor distilled from the fermented mash of grain (as rye, corn, or barley).
Bourbon
A serving of bourbon whiskey.
Whiskey
A drink of whiskey.
Bourbon
A Bourbon biscuit.
Whiskey
(historical) A light gig or carriage; a tim-whiskey.
Bourbon
A member of a family which has occupied several European thrones, and whose descendants still claim the throne of France.
Whiskey
(international standards) nodot=1 NATO/ICAO Phonetic Alphabet.}}
Bourbon
A politician who is behind the age; a ruler or politician who neither forgets nor learns anything; an obstinate conservative.
Whiskey
Same as Whisky, a liquor.
Bourbon
A reactionary politician in the United States (usually from the South)
Whiskey
A light carriage built for rapid motion; - called also tim-whiskey.
Bourbon
Whiskey distilled from a mash of corn and malt and rye and aged in charred oak barrels
Whiskey
A liquor made from fermented mash of grain
Bourbon
A member of the European royal family that ruled France
Bourbon
A European royal line that ruled in France (from 1589-1793) and Spain and Naples and Sicily
Common Curiosities
Is Bourbon made only in Kentucky?
No, Bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S.
What is the main flavor note in Bourbon?
Bourbon often has flavors like vanilla and caramel.
Is whiskey always aged in new barrels?
No, whiskey can be aged in new or used barrels.
Is Bourbon a type of whiskey?
Yes, Bourbon is a specific type of whiskey.
Do both Bourbon and whiskey have to be aged?
Yes, both must be aged, but the time and type of barrel can vary.
Can you make whiskey from rye?
Yes, you can make Rye whiskey from rye grain.
Is Scotch a type of whiskey?
Yes, Scotch is a type of whiskey made in Scotland.
Can Bourbon be spicy?
Some Bourbons can have spicy notes, depending on the mash bill.
Can whiskey be made from corn?
Yes, whiskey can be made from corn, among other grains.
What makes Bourbon sweet?
The high corn content usually makes Bourbon sweeter.
Can whiskey be peaty?
Yes, some Scotch whiskies have a peaty flavor.
Is Bourbon smoother than whiskey?
Generally, Bourbon is considered smoother due to its high corn content.
What’s the oldest whiskey?
The oldest known whiskey is believed to be Irish or Scotch, not Bourbon.
Is all whiskey made in the U.S. considered Bourbon?
No, only whiskey that meets Bourbon criteria is considered Bourbon.
What is Irish whiskey?
Irish whiskey is whiskey made in Ireland, often triple-distilled.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
