Whiskey vs. Bourbon: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash; bourbon is a type of American whiskey with at least 51% corn mash.
Key Differences
Whiskey is a broad category of distilled spirits made from fermented grain mash, aged in wooden casks. This category includes many types, such as Scotch and Irish whiskey. Bourbon, specifically, is a type of American whiskey, distinct for its primary ingredient of at least 51% corn, imparting a sweeter taste.
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Whiskey can be produced anywhere in the world and uses various grains like barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Its flavor and character vary greatly based on the grain mix and aging process. Bourbon, on the other hand, is strictly American, mostly produced in Kentucky, and has strict production regulations, including aging in new charred oak barrels.
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The aging process of whiskey greatly influences its flavor, with longer aging typically yielding more depth and complexity. Bourbon must be aged in new barrels, which gives it a distinctive rich, smooth, and slightly sweet profile, often with vanilla and caramel notes.
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The production locations for whiskey vary globally, with prominent types including Scotch (Scotland), Irish whiskey (Ireland), and Canadian whisky. Bourbon, however, is uniquely American and its production is heavily associated with the southern United States, especially Kentucky.
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Whiskey, depending on the type, may follow different aging, distillation, and ingredient requirements. Bourbon adheres to specific criteria: made in the U.S., at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and entered into the barrel at 125 proof or less.
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Comparison Chart
Main Ingredients
Various grains: barley, corn, rye, wheat
Minimum 51% corn, along with other grains
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Production Region
Worldwide, e.g., Scotland, Ireland, Canada
United States, predominantly Kentucky
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Aging Process
In wooden casks, time varies by type
In new charred oak barrels, time varies
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Taste Profile
Varies widely: smoky, peaty, to light and smooth
Generally sweeter, with notes of vanilla and caramel
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Legal Requirements
Varies by country and type
Strict American regulations, including 51% corn
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Whiskey and Bourbon Definitions
Whiskey
Produced worldwide, with variations like Scotch and Irish whiskey.
His collection included an impressive array of Scotch whiskies.
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Bourbon
Aged in new charred oak barrels, imparting a unique flavor.
The bourbon had a rich, caramel flavor from the charred oak aging.
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Whiskey
Often aged in wooden casks, contributing to its distinct flavor.
The whiskey's oaky undertones come from its time in the barrel.
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Bourbon
Must contain at least 51% corn in its grain mixture.
The distillery prided itself on using locally sourced corn for its bourbon.
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Whiskey
Distillation and aging processes vary across types and regions.
The distillery tour highlighted the unique process of making their signature whiskey.
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Bourbon
Produced under strict regulations in the United States.
Authentic bourbon is synonymous with American craftsmanship and tradition.
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Whiskey
A distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash.
He savored the complex flavors of the aged whiskey.
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Bourbon
A type of American whiskey made primarily from corn.
The bourbon's sweetness is attributed to its high corn content.
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Whiskey
Can be made from barley, corn, rye, or wheat.
The rye whiskey had a spicier taste compared to its barley counterpart.
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Bourbon
Known for its smooth, slightly sweet profile.
He enjoyed the bourbon's smooth finish after a long day.
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Whiskey
An alcoholic liquor distilled from grain, such as corn, rye, or barley, and containing approximately 40 to 50 percent ethyl alcohol by volume.
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Bourbon
A political reactionary, especially a conservative Democrat in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Bourbon
A whiskey distilled from a fermented mash containing not less than 51 percent corn in addition to malt and rye.
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Whiskey
A liquor distilled from the fermented mash of grain (as rye, corn, or barley).
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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.
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Bourbon
A member of a family which has occupied several European thrones, and whose descendants still claim the throne of France.
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Bourbon
A politician who is behind the age; a ruler or politician who neither forgets nor learns anything; an obstinate conservative.
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Whiskey
A light carriage built for rapid motion; - called also tim-whiskey.
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Bourbon
A reactionary politician in the United States (usually from the South)
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Bourbon
Whiskey distilled from a mash of corn and malt and rye and aged in charred oak barrels
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Bourbon
A European royal line that ruled in France (from 1589-1793) and Spain and Naples and Sicily
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can bourbon be made outside the U.S.?
No, to be legally labeled as bourbon, it must be produced in the United States.
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Is all bourbon made in Kentucky?
While most bourbon is made in Kentucky, it can be produced anywhere in the U.S.
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Does bourbon have a specific flavor profile?
Bourbon typically has a sweeter taste with notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel.
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What is whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash, aged in wooden casks.
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Why is bourbon often associated with Kentucky?
Kentucky's climate and natural resources are ideal for bourbon production, making it a historic and popular location for distilleries.
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Is bourbon always made from new barrels?
Yes, bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels.
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What makes bourbon different from other whiskies?
Bourbon is an American whiskey with a minimum of 51% corn in the mash and aged in new charred oak barrels.
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What grains are used in whiskey?
Whiskey can be made from barley, corn, rye, and wheat.
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How long is whiskey aged?
The aging time for whiskey varies; some are aged for just a few years, while others for decades.
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Are there different types of whiskey?
Yes, including Scotch, Irish whiskey, and Canadian whisky, each with distinct characteristics.
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What is the proof requirement for bourbon?
Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125 proof or less.
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Does the water source affect whiskey's flavor?
Yes, the water used in production can influence the final taste of the whiskey.
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What is the historical significance of whiskey and bourbon?
Both have deep roots in their respective cultures, with whiskey being integral to Scottish and Irish heritage, and bourbon to American history.
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Is bourbon sweeter than other types of whiskey?
Generally, yes, due to the high corn content and new oak barrel aging.
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Can whiskey be made from a single grain?
Yes, single grain whiskies are made from one type of grain, unlike blends.
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Can whiskey be clear?
Whiskey is usually amber-colored due to aging, but unaged whiskey, known as white whiskey, is clear.
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How do climate conditions affect whiskey aging?
Climate impacts the interaction between the whiskey and the barrel, influencing the aging process and flavor.
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Can whiskey be flavored?
Yes, there are flavored whiskey varieties, though purists often prefer traditional, unflavored types.
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What is the difference in alcohol content between whiskey and bourbon?
The alcohol content can vary, but both typically range from 40% to 50% alcohol by volume.
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What is the significance of the charred barrels for bourbon?
The charred barrels impart color and flavor to the bourbon, contributing to its distinctive taste.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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