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What’s the difference between bourbon vs whiskey? Here’s a quick guide to what you need to know about this style of liquor.
What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey? Here’s the key: bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Whiskey is a family of distilled liquor, and bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey.
As a home cocktail expert, I’ve researched the differences between both, and I’ve also got lists of the most famous whiskey cocktails and bourbon cocktails to test out that knowledge.
Bourbon Vs Whiskey: What’s The Difference?
Whiskey is a family of distilled liquor made by fermenting grain mash: wheat, rye, barley or corn. It’s then aged in wooden barrels, usually made of oak. There are many types of whiskey based on country and style of production. Some popular types of whiskey are:
- Bourbon (a type of American whiskey)
- Rye whiskey (American or Canadian)
- Scotch (Scottish whisky)
- Japanese whisky
- Irish whiskey
Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey that is made from at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak containers. The name bourbon comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky, the region where the spirit was invented. Today over 95% of the bourbon produced is made in Kentucky.
What Makes Bourbon a Bourbon? (Is Jack Daniel’s One?)
There are several technical requirements that must be met in order for something to be labeled as bourbon. Bourbon must:
- Be made in the United States (not only Kentucky!)
- Start with a grain mix that’s at least 51% corn
- Be aged in new, charred oak containers
- Be distilled to no more than 160 proof, go into the barrel at no more than 125 proof, and be bottled at 80 proof or higher
- Have nothing added except water: there can be no added no coloring or flavoring
So, is Jack Daniel’s a bourbon? It does meet some of the requirements, but it’s labeled Tennessee whiskey. Before aging, it’s filtered through sugar maple charcoal, which gives it a mellow, smooth character. Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky, and Jameson is an Irish whiskey, so neither one is a bourbon.
What Does It Taste Like?
The more important question is: what are the flavor differences between bourbon vs whiskey? Of course, bourbon is whiskey. But what distinguishes bourbon in flavor compared to other types of whiskey?
- What does bourbon taste like? Bourbon has a sweeter flavor than other styles of whiskey, with notes of vanilla, oak and caramel. Of course, there’s a wide variety of different flavors between bourbon brands. One expert breaks bourbons into 4 major categories: grain forward, nutmeg forward, caramel forward, and cinnamon forward.
- What does rye whiskey taste like? Rye whiskey tastes grassy and peppery, with a signature spicy finish. (See Rye vs Bourbon for more.)
- What does Scotch taste like? Blended Scotch has a smooth flavor: malty and buttery, with a spicy finish. Single malt Scotch tastes oaky and woody, with signature peaty and smoky notes. (Pro tip: Whiskey made in Scotland is spelled “whisky.” Read more at Scotch vs Whiskey.)
- What does Irish whiskey taste like? Irish whiskey is light and fruity, with a lightly floral scent and hints of nutty and vanilla tones. The finish is smooth and mellow, compared to the spicier finish of bourbon or rye whiskey.
Famous Bourbon and Whiskey Cocktails
Now, the fun part is mixing these spirits into cocktails! Of course, bourbon cocktails are whiskey cocktails. But not all whiskey cocktails are bourbon cocktails.
In other words, some whiskey cocktails call for bourbon specifically. Other whiskey cocktails you can use any style of whiskey, including bourbon. Usually Irish whiskey cocktails and Scotch cocktails are specific to that type of whiskey, so don’t substitute bourbon.
Popular Bourbon Cocktails
Some of the most popular bourbon cocktails are:
- Bourbon Sour The most famous of them all: a whiskey sour made with bourbon, lemon and simple syrup.
- Boulevardier A spin on the Negroni using bourbon instead of gin.
- Kentucky Mule A spin on the Moscow mule using bourbon instead of vodka.
- Bourbon Sidecar A spin on the Sidecar using bourbon instead of Cognac.
- Bourbon Manhattan A variation on the Manhattan using bourbon instead of rye whiskey.
- Classic Mint Julep A Kentucky classic! Bourbon, simple syrup, ice, and fresh mint.
Popular Whiskey Cocktails
Here are the most popular whiskey cocktails where you can use various types of whiskey:
- Best Whiskey Sour One of the greats! Whiskey, lemon and simple syrup.
- Classic Old Fashioned Tied for the most famous whiskey cocktail! Uses bourbon or rye.
- Whiskey Smash Use crushed ice, lemon, mint and any style of whiskey.
- Whiskey Highball Dilute any type of whiskey with soda water or ginger ale for this highball.
- Manhattan Another classic! Whiskey (rye or bourbon), sweet vermouth and bitters.
- Want more? Go to Whiskey Cocktails for using all types, or see Irish Whiskey Cocktails or Scotch Cocktails.
