Whiskey is a beloved spirit enjoyed worldwide, but the terms bourbon and whiskey often cause confusion. Understanding the distinctions between these two can enhance your appreciation and help you make informed choices. In this article, we'll explore bourbon vs whiskey to uncover what is the difference between whisky and bourbon in terms of history, production, ingredients, and flavor profiles.

What is the History of Whiskey?

Whiskey's origins trace back to Ireland and Scotland, where monks began distilling spirits as early as the 12th century. Initially used for medicinal purposes, these early whiskies were rough and unrefined. As distillation techniques improved, whiskey became a popular beverage across Europe. The spirit made its way to America with settlers, and by the 18th century, it was being produced throughout the colonies. Important milestones include the invention of bourbon in Kentucky during the late 1700s and the global rise of whiskey in the 20th century, solidifying its place as a staple spirit worldwide.

4 Ways Bourbon and Whiskey are Different

While all bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon. Here are four key differences between them.

Ingredients

Bourbon must be made from a grain mixture that's at least 51% corn. This high corn content gives bourbon its distinctive sweet flavor. In contrast, whiskey can be made from various grains, including barley, rye, wheat, or corn. For example, Scotch whisky is primarily made from malted barley, while rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye grain. The type of grains used significantly impacts the flavor profile of each whiskey.

Distillation Process

Bourbon is typically distilled twice, and the mash bill (the grain mixture) plays a crucial role in defining its character. The first distillation occurs in a column still, and the second in a doubler or pot still. Other whiskey types may use different methods; for instance, Scotch is usually distilled twice in pot stills, enhancing its robust flavors, while Irish whiskey often undergoes triple distillation for a smoother finish.

 Aging Process

By law, bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. This requirement imparts a distinct caramel and vanilla flavor to the bourbon and contributes to its rich color. Other whiskies can be aged in reused barrels, such as ex-bourbon or sherry casks, allowing for a wider range of flavor influences. Aging times also vary: while bourbon has no minimum aging requirement (unless labeled "straight bourbon," which requires at least two years), Scotch whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years.

Flavor Profile

Bourbon is typically sweeter and smoother due to its high corn content, featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. In contrast, other whiskey types offer different taste experiences. Scotch whisky, for example, can be smoky and peaty, especially if it's from Islay, due to the use of peat fires in the malting process. Rye whiskey is known for its spicy and bold flavors, with hints of pepper and baking spices.

Types of Whiskey

• Bourbon: An American whiskey made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels, offering sweet and rich flavors.
• Scotch: Whisky from Scotland, primarily made from malted barley, often with smoky and peaty notes.
• Irish Whiskey: Originating from Ireland, usually triple-distilled for smoothness, with a light and fruity flavor profile.
• Rye Whiskey: Made from at least 51% rye grain, known for its spicy and robust taste.
• Tennessee Whiskey: Similar to bourbon but filtered through charcoal in the Lincoln County Process, giving it a mellow character; must be made in Tennessee.
• Japanese Whisky: Modeled after Scotch, Japanese whisky is known for its precision and often delicate, complex flavors.
• Canadian Whisky: Typically a blended whisky made from a mix of grains, known for its smoothness and lighter taste.

 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon?

While bourbon is a type of whiskey, it must meet specific criteria: it's made in the United States from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. Whiskey is a broader category that includes any distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden containers. The main differences lie in the production regulations, ingredients, and flavor profiles dictated by these standards.

 Is all bourbon whiskey?

 Yes, all bourbon is whiskey because it falls under the whiskey category. However, not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon must adhere to strict guidelines regarding its production and ingredients, distinguishing it from other types of whiskey like Scotch, rye, or Irish whiskey, which have their own specific regulations and traditional practices.

 Which is smoother, bourbon or whiskey?

 Bourbon is generally considered smoother and sweeter due to its high corn content, which imparts flavors of caramel and vanilla. However, smoothness is subjective and varies among different whiskey types. Irish whiskey, for instance, is also known for its smoothness because of triple distillation. The perceived smoothness often depends on personal taste preferences and the specific brand or style of whiskey.

Best Bottles in Each Category

Side-by-Side Comparison

One Cocktail for Each Style

Single Malt How to Taste It Right

Single malt isn't a cocktail ingredient it's the main event. The classic way to open it up:

• Pour 1.5–2 oz Macallan 12 or Glenfiddich 12 into a tulip glass
• Nose it first take 3 slow sniffs before sipping
• Add 3–5 drops of room temperature water, then nose again
• Sip, let it sit on the palate 10 seconds before swallowing

The water unlocks compounds that evaporation suppresses it genuinely changes the flavor, not just dilutes it. Try it with and without.

Shop Macallan 12 → Shop Glenfiddich 12 →

Blended Scotch The Rob Roy

The classic Scotch cocktail. Blended Scotch was made for this.

• 2 oz Monkey Shoulder
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry to garnish

Stir all ingredients over ice for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with cherry. The Scotch's smoothness and honey notes pair perfectly with the vermouth richer and more interesting than a standard Manhattan, and considerably less known at parties.

Shop Monkey Shoulder →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is single malt always better than blended Scotch?

No and anyone who tells you otherwise is a snob. Single malt is more complex and distinctive; blended Scotch is smoother and more consistent. Better depends entirely on what you want from the glass. For a cocktail, blended is often the superior choice. For sipping slowly, single malt usually wins. Monkey Shoulder is a world-class blended malt that puts many single malts to shame at half the price.

What's the difference between blended malt and blended Scotch?

Blended malt (like Monkey Shoulder) combines single malts from multiple distilleries no grain whisky involved. Blended Scotch (like Johnnie Walker) mixes both single malt and grain whisky. Blended malts tend to be richer and more complex; blended Scotch is typically lighter and more approachable.

Which single malt should I try first?

Glenfiddich 12 it's the world's best-selling single malt for a reason. Smooth, fruit-forward, and approachable at ~$55. Once you've had that, try Macallan 12 for the sherried richness, then Lagavulin 16 when you're ready for smoke.

Can you use single malt in cocktails?

You can, but it's usually overkill the complexity gets lost once you add mixers. Save the good single malt for neat or with water. Use a blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder in Rob Roys, Whisky Sours, and Highballs it's specifically designed for it and costs less.

What's the best blended Scotch for a gift?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label (~$250) is the classic prestige blended gift the name carries weight with everyone. For a more interesting choice that whisky people will actually appreciate, Chivas Regal 18 (~$90) delivers serious quality at a more reasonable price.

Where can I buy both single malt and blended Scotch online?

LoveScotch ships the full spectrum from entry blends to rare aged single malts nationwide from our warehouse in Los Angeles. Browse all Scotch →