Whiskey vs. Bourbon: Understanding the Difference

Whiskey is a distilled spirit, made from grains like barley or corn and aged in wood barrels. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must follow strict rules. Most people have enjoyed whiskey or bourbon without really understanding the difference between them. We break down everything you need to know about whiskey and bourbon, so you know the real difference between the spirits.

What is Whiskey?

Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made of fermented grains. Different grains are used, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat and all result in a different flavor or kind of whiskey.

Whiskey goes through a process of malting, mashing, fermenting, distilling and aging all before it is bottled into the whiskey you buy in the stores.

All whiskeys are aged in wooden barrels. Depending on the type of whiskey, the spirit may be aged in new barrels or ones that were previously used in another kind of alcohol aging, such as wine or port.

Types of Whiskey

There are many types of whiskey available. The types of whiskey are determined by the grains used in making the whiskey, the location where the whiskey was produced, and the aging process. Common types of whiskey include:

• Irish Whiskey

• Rye Whiskey

• Canadian Whisky

• Scotch Whisky

• Japanese Whisky

• Bourbon Whiskey

That’s right! Bourbon is a type of whiskey. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon is unique from other types of whiskeys on the market, because it is governed by strict rules and regulations.

What is Bourbon?

A distinctly American spirit, bourbon is regulated by US law. To be called Bourbon, it must be made with at least 51% corn and the rest can be malted rye, wheat, or barley. It also needs to be aged in new charred oak barrels. Finally, it must be between 80 and 160 proof.

Bourbon tends to be sweeter than other types of whiskey. Corn is often credited for providing bourbon with the sweet flavors, but no grain actually provides sugar content in whiskey because sugar doesn’t go through distillation.

Corn typically doesn’t provide strong flavors, which is why it’s often combined with other grains that do provide flavor.

Bourbon’s sweet, caramel flavor actually comes from the wood sugars in the charred barrels used for aging the spirit.

Does Bourbon Have to be Made in Kentucky?

Although there are many regulations in the making of Bourbon, it does not need to be made in Kentucky. It is a common misconception because the majority of bourbon in the United States is made in the Bluegrass State. But this is changing as more and more distilleries open up across the United States.

Bourbon vs. Whiskey: Which is better?

It is impossible to say which type of whiskey is the best. Most people find their preference by trying many types of whiskey, including bourbon.

Many people describe bourbon as smoother than other whiskeys, making it a stepping stone to drinking other types of whiskey. Rye whiskey, scotch, and Irish whiskey all have strong, complex flavors, while bourbon tends to be a little gentler but still full of flavor.

Best thing to do is to try them out yourself to decide which types of whiskey you prefer. Check out all of the Eight Oaks varieties of whiskey on our Spirits page and pick up a bottle today.