What is Bourbon Whiskey?

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. There’s a distinct difference, and while some claim it’s impossible to tell the two apart, the truth is that even the most inexperienced palette can easily tell which one they’re sipping. What is bourbon whiskey, and what gives it that signature flavor? It’s a simple process that involves some complex science, but the result is delicious and smooth. 

What is Whiskey?

Simply put, whiskey is an alcoholic beverage that has been distilled from a product known as a fermented mash, which is typically made from grain. Most of the whiskey you’ll find today is made from barley, corn, rye, or wheat.  Some are made from multiple grains, and other “blended” whiskeys are made by combining the distilled spirit from a variety of grain blends into one liquid. 

In the United States, products that are labeled as whiskey have been aged in a wooden barrel, which lends to its dark color and woody oak flavor. Unaged whiskey is also avaiable for purchase, but you’re more likely to find it labeled as moonshine. Rye whiskey is very popular in the US, but in order to be called rye whiskey, it must be distilled from a mash of at least 51% rye. 

What is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is different because of the ingredients used in the mash and the location where it is produced. By definition, bourbon mash must contain at least 51% corn, and it must be aged in a brand-new oak barrel that has been sufficiently charred. For this reason, bourbon whiskey often has a smoky-sweet taste with hints of caramel and vanilla when compared to its traditional whiskey counterpart, which is clearly grainier and often sharper. 

The other 49% of the bourbon’s mash can be made from a blend of other grains, with the most prevalent being barley, rye, and wheat – much like a traditional whiskey. 

More Facts about Bourbon Whiskey

One of the most common misconceptions about bourbon is that it can only be labeled bourbon if it is made in the state of Kentucky. While Kentucky is commonly referred to as the Bourbon Capital of the World, and 95% of all the bourbon manufactured in the world is made there, bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States as long as it meets the other criteria. If you prefer to sip a bourbon made in Kentucky, look for Kentucky Straight Whiskey. Only whiskey produced in Kentucky can claim this label. 

A few other rules apply to the making and distillation of bourbon, too. For example, if it enters the charred oak barrel at a proof higher than 125, it can’t be called bourbon at all. Furthermore, a distillery cannot add anything at all to the bourbon other than water. Many whiskey manufacturers add additional ingredients to the barrel to give the beverage additional flavor, but if anything other than water is added to a bourbon barrel, it legally cannot be called bourbon.  

Both whiskey and bourbon have a unique taste that comes from their barrel-aged nature, and they’re both distilled from a fermented grain mash, but that’s where the similarities end. No matter which one you enjoy, remember to drink responsibly.