Overview: Understanding the distinction between whiskey and bourbon requires examining specific production standards and regional origins. Experts from Bulleit and Blade & Bow clarify that while all bourbons are whiskey, not all whiskeys qualify as bourbon due to strict legal definitions regarding grain content and barrel aging.
The Full Story
Doug Kragel, director of whiskey brand homes and hospitality for Bulleit and Blade & Bow, explains the difference by thinking of the whiskey liquor family similarly to an animal kingdom. The overall kingdom is whiskey, and bourbon is in the group beneath it. This means that bourbon has all the characteristics to be a whiskey, plus has some additional traits.
Whiskey is a more general category requiring aging in oak containers, a minimum of 40% ABV, and distillation from grain. Bourbon is a specific whiskey category that must be produced in the United States, contain at least 51% corn, be aged in new charred oak barrels, and have no added flavorings or colorings. Kentucky Straight Bourbon must be produced in Kentucky and aged for at least two years in new barrels.
The grain used in a whiskey has the biggest impact on its flavor profile. Because bourbon is made with corn, it takes on a sweeter, creamier flavor than whiskeys made with other grains. Another important factor is the color derived from aging in new, charred oak barrels every time. It takes on deep flavor notes from those barrels, but it also takes on color over time. If old barrels were used like a lot of Scotch whiskeys do, the flavor and colors would have already been extracted by the previous batch. So, bourbons typically have a darker color and stronger barrel notes.
Production & Profile
Technical specifications dictate the spirit’s character and legal classification. Whiskey requires aging in oak containers with a minimum of 40% ABV and distillation from grain. Bourbon must be produced in the United States with at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels without added flavorings or colorings. Kentucky Straight Bourbon further mandates production within Kentucky and a minimum two-year aging period. The use of new charred oak barrels imparts a darker color and stronger barrel notes compared to older barrels used in Scotch production, where previous batches have already extracted the flavor and colors.
Brand & Industry History
Historical context underscores the importance of these regulations regarding consumer safety and heritage. The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was established as a consumer protection act to regulate whiskey production, serving as the first-ever consumer protection act in the United States. Early distillers faced scrutiny for cutting drinks with ingredients like tobacco to mimic flavors without the lengthy process. American whiskey and bourbon remain deeply connected to U.S. history, particularly regarding generations of whiskey makers in Kentucky who have passed down their knowledge.
What This Means
These strict guidelines exist mainly to protect consumers from imitation products. People appreciate these standards because American whiskey and bourbon are deeply connected to U.S. history. Consumers specifically value the generations of whiskey makers concentrated in Kentucky who have passed down their knowledge, as the people making the drink make the difference.
Consumer Takeaway
For those entering the market, recommendations include trying a younger whiskey paired with soda water and a lot of ice. Enthusiasts may prefer Bulleit bourbon in well-done cocktails like an Old-Fashioned or Manhattan. Sip options include Blade & Bow’s 12-year-old Solera Reserve. There is no wrong way to enjoy whiskey according to the experts.
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