Whiskey and bourbon are sometimes treated as completely different drinks, but the truth is that they are quite intertwined. Bourbon is actually a type of American whiskey, while whiskey, in turn, is the umbrella term for a variety of different beverages. The differences between these two drinks mainly lie in their production process and ingredients, as well as aging and flavor.
This distinction is essential because it gives each whiskey their unique flavor, making some of them sweet and others more smoky, spicy fruitier or maltier.
What Is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a broad term that encompasses several types of spirit made from different grains and produced in various ways.
These drinks are usually made from fermented cereal grains such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat. In addition, different ratios of these components, methods of production, and additional practices such as aging can affect the flavor of whiskey.
The drink itself is produced in many countries, including Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Japan. Different methods of production result in distinctive whiskeys, such as Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, American rye whiskey, bourbon, etc.
Most whiskeys are aged in wooden barrels, which leave their flavor, such as vanilla, oak, spice, and dried fruit, on the drink, although there are exceptions.
In any case, specific regulations regarding the production of these beverages vary depending on the type of whiskey and the country of production.
What Is Bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, the production of which is strictly regulated.
Among the requirements, the most notable one is that bourbon must contain at least 51% corn. In addition, bourbon must be made in the United States and distilled at no more than 160 proof. When putting the whiskey in barrels, it must be no more than 125 proof, and when taking it out, at least 80 proof.
At the same time, only new charred oak barrels can be used for aging.
This drink has a distinctive flavor dominated by notes of vanilla, caramel, toffee, and caramelized wood. However, the specific flavor depends on the method of production and the additives used in the production process.
Differences Between Whiskey and Bourbon
| Feature | Whiskey | Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | An umbrella term for different types of spirit | A distinct type of whiskey |
| Origin | Different countries (Scotland, Ireland, the US, Japan) | The United States |
| Main ingredients | Vary depending on the type of whiskey | At least 51% corn |
| Aging | Different methods, sometimes in wooden barrels | New charred oak barrels |
| Flavor | Varies vastly from drink to drink | Sweet, oaky, and caramel-like |
Does Bourbon Taste Sweeter Than Whiskey?
Compared to other whiskey, bourbon is usually sweet because of the high corn content. The added sweetness comes from the barrels in which the drink is aged, as they also give bourbon its distinctive flavor note of vanilla, caramel, and burnt wood.
However, not all bourbon is sweet, and it is not the only whiskey that can be sweet. For example, scotch whiskies, often have fruity, or even smoky notes, due to being smoked over peat during the production process. At the same time, the production process, including aging, is different for different whiskey, which also affects the flavor.
What Is Better: Bourbon or Whiskey?
Both drink have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, if someone prefers sweet, rich flavors and notes of vanilla, caramel, and wood, then they will most probably prefer bourbon. However, if someone likes smoky, spicy, or fruity flavors, then other whiskeys, such as scotch or rye whiskey, would be a more suitable choice. However, if a person prefers something in between, then regular whiskey with notes of vanilla, spice, and wood, would be a safer choice.