Bourbon vs. Whiskey: What’s the Difference?
Updated: Mar. 03, 2023
From color to taste, both spirits have lots in common. Here's the real difference between bourbon vs. whiskey.
A popular explanation is: “All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.” In other words, bourbon is a specific type of whiskey—American, to be exact. But the difference between bourbon vs. whiskey is a little more complicated than that. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a spirit distilled from grains—some combination of wheat, corn, barley and/or rye—and aged in barrels. Whiskey is made around the world, and you’ve probably tasted (or heard of) famous varietals, like Scotch whisky or Irish whiskey. Bourbon is another kind of whiskey.
What Makes a Whiskey Bourbon?
Turns out, the difference is set in stone, legally speaking. Official guidelines, some dating back to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, specify a strict list of requirements in order for a spirit to qualify as a bourbon. According to Jim Beam, the guidelines say that:
- Bourbon must be made in the US (and 95% of it is made in Kentucky!)
- It must be made from a fermented mash of at least 51% corn, though most are closer to 70% corn
- Bourbon must be distilled at no more than 160 proof, and be stored at no more than 125 proof
- Bourbon is aged for at least two years in a new, charred white oak barrel
- Last but not least, bourbons never contain additives, like color or flavor
Whether you like bourbon or whiskey, this drink will cure your cold. And if you are a fan of bourbon, you may want to try this Dr Pepper bourbon.
Can You Taste the Difference?
Whiskey’s flavor will vary depending on what type of whiskey—Irish, Japanese and so on—so it’s tough to provide exact tasting notes for whiskey.
Bourbon usually has strong notes of vanilla, oak and caramel. These pleasant, often smooth notes make bourbon tasty enjoyed neat or on the rocks, as well as in cocktails. (These cocktails are classic for a reason.)
Bourbons made with a higher amount of wheat (aka “wheated bourbons”), tend to be mellow and softer. Maker’s Mark is a popular example. Bourbons with a higher amount of rye will be spicier, like Bulleit bourbon.
Here are our classic bourbon cocktails to warm you up on any occasion.
Our Best Recipes Starring Bourbon
Ginger Mint JulepMint juleps aren't just for Kentucky Derby day! Enjoy one while gathering with friends for baby shower or luncheon. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Bourbon MeatballsKick-start your meatballs with a splash of bourbon and vinegar for punchy sweet-and-sour flavor. These Kentucky Derby bourbon meatballs are perfect to snack on while you watch the race. —Kimla Carsten, Grand Junction, Colorado
Bourbon Barbecue Chicken TacosI wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma
Honey-Bourbon Hot ChocolateMy husband and I like to enjoy this grown-up version of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening. It's even better made with honey-flavored bourbon if you can find that in your local store. —Andrea Harvath, Duncannon, Pennsylvania
Maple-Glazed Green BeansAfter I picked my first green beans of the season one year, I wanted to make a savory side dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn't stop eating it. The next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Bourbon-Soaked Bacon and Ginger Cinnamon RollsThis recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. The bourbon-soaked bacon adds a smoky, savory, bold taste to normal cinnamon rolls. The ginger and pecan topping makes for a crunchy, spicy finish. —Shannen Casey, Berkeley, California
Barbecue Chicken SlidersThanks to rotisserie chicken, these cheesy, smoky sliders are a snap to make on a busy day. The special barbecue sauce really takes it up a notch. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Bourbon-Spiced Glazed HamThis amazing bourbon-spiked ham makes a wonderful main course for a holiday feast. And leftovers (if there are any) make delicious sandwiches. —Karen Sublett-Young, Princeton, Indiana
Kentucky LemonadeMint and bourbon give this drink a bit of a Kentucky kick, and ginger ale makes it a fizzy party punch.—Cathy Justus, Taylor, Michigan
Bread Pudding with Bourbon SauceThere's nothing better than this comforting bread pudding recipe on a cold, wintry day. The bourbon sauce makes the dessert taste special, but it's so easy to prepare—the slow cooker does most of the work! —Hope Johnson, Youngwood, Pennsylvania
Mint JulepIt wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cinnamon-Sugar Apple PieCinnamon apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York
Dr Pepper DrumsticksIf you love Dr Pepper as much as I do, try it in my barbecue sauce for grilled chicken. It adds zip to the ketchup, bourbon and barbecue seasoning. —Shannon Holle-Funk, Venedy, Illinois
And for a bourbon-flavored drink, try this Dr Pepper bourbon.
Molasses-Bourbon Pecan PieGuests’ mouths water when they glimpse this southern charmer. Its flaky crust perfectly complements the rich, nutty filling. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Bourbon SlushAt our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Bourbon-Glazed HamSmoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Grilled Figgy PiesDelicious figs combined with maple, walnuts and creamy mascarpone make a decadent treat that's easy to enjoy at a backyard cookout. These unique hand pies always disappear quickly. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island
Originally Published: August 14, 2019
