Bourbon vs. Whisky: What’s the Difference?

For UK drinkers, whisky is familiar territory, but throw in a bottle of bourbon, and things can get tricky. If you’ve ever stood in front of a sea of brown bottles, wondering if bourbon and whisky are the same thing, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and the fact that the terms are often used interchangeably doesn’t help the confusion. The short answer is yes, but no. All bourbon is whisky, but not all whisky is bourbon. The long answer is what we’re talking about today, so stick around and let’s explore bourbon vs. whisky. 

Whisky or whiskey – what’s the difference in spelling?

Before we dive deeper, let’s clear up the ‘e’ for ‘elephant’ in the whisky spelling room. You’ll often see both whisky and whiskey, and no, it’s not a typo or quirky branding whim. The difference stems from geography and tradition rather than any technical rule or group of argumentative distillers.  

In the UK, particularly Scotland, as well as in countries like Japan and Canada, the preferred spelling is whisky. In Ireland and the United States, producers prefer whiskey. The distinction emerged historically as regional styles evolved, eventually becoming part of each country’s identity and labelling customs. It has nothing to do with strength or flavour. 

What is whisky?

Besides being magic held together with sunlight, whisky is a category of distilled spirits. They’re made from a single or mixed grain mash and aged in wooden barrels. While recipes or mash bills and distilling and ageing techniques vary by region or country, the fundamentals of making whisky remain consistent – grains are cooked, fermented, distilled and matured to create the wonderful spirit we call whisky. 

The Scots created Scotch, Ireland makes Irish whisky, and the United States has rye whisky and bourbon. Each has its own interpretation of the spirit driven by local ingredients, climate, culture, and craftsmanship. In short, whisky is the umbrella under which a vast and varied spirits category flourishes.  

What is bourbon?

Bourbon is an American style of whiskey that’s defined by a strict set of legal requirements. Its soul and identity are fiercely guarded, and it must be made in the United States to earn its bourbon title. Where Scotch and Irish whiskies favour barley, bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn. The natural sweetness of corn plays a huge role in crafting bourbon’s signature flavour profile. 

What makes bourbon unique is its use of charred new oak barrels for ageing. This one rule affects nearly everything you smell and taste in the glass. By law, bourbon must mature in brand-new oak barrels that have been exposed to flame. This process creates a layer of char inside the barrel. The charred interior acts as a filter and flavour engine.  

As the spirit rests, the barrel helps remove harsh compounds while imparting the traditional notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, smoke, and toasted wood. During the ageing process, no additional flavour or colour can be added to the bourbon.  

Is bourbon a type of whisky?

Yes, all bourbon is whisky, but not all whisky is bourbon. For a similar comparison, all Champagne is sparkling wine, but unless that sparkling wine is made in Champagne, France, it’s not Champagne. This American heritage and strict definition are what give bourbon its soul, and the distinction matters. The conversation around whisky and bourbon shouldn’t be seen as a direct rivalry but rather as two tasty avenues to explore under the whisky family umbrella. 

Key differences between bourbon and whisky

From soil to sip, every step adds complexity and flavour. 

Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients, bourbon vs whisky couldn’t be any more different. Whisky favours grains, primarily barley, while bourbon’s mash bill must be corn-heavy. The minimum is 51%, but most bourbons feature a much higher percentage. The rest of the mash bill is made up of rye, wheat, and barley. On the flipside, American rye whiskey must feature at least 51% rye, but you can read more about that here: Bourbon vs Rye: What’s the Difference? 

Ageing rules

There are ageing processes, and then there’s bourbon’s famously rigid maturation process. It must be aged in charred new oak barrels, and this has to happen in the United States. Kentucky still produces 95% of the world’s supply, although it can be produced in other states. When it comes to global whisky, distillers have more freedom to play. They rely on new and reused barrels and even finish ageing whisky in barrels from other spirits like wine, cognac, rum, and bourbon. 

Where it’s made

Geography is the clearest difference between bourbon and whisky. Whisky can be made anywhere in the world. While styles like Scotch and Irish whiskey are tied to their home countries, others, like Japanese whisky, borrow Scottish traditions while developing their own identity. Bourbon has no flex. It can only be made stateside. 

Read more: Discover Differnet Types of Whiskey from Around the World 

Bourbon vs whisky flavour comparison

Bourbon is famous for its sweet and warm notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, soft spices and toasted oak. Whisky has a much broader palate depending on where it was produced. It can be smoky, earthy, spicy, floral, or fruity. Which flavours lead the dance are often determined by the style or origin of the whisky. Both are delicious and worth exploring properly. 

Learn more: How to Use a Bourbon Flavor Wheel 

Is bourbon stronger than whisky?

This is a common misconception, but in reality, alcohol content varies by distillery or style. Most bourbons and whiskies fall around the 40-50% ABV range. Some small-batch bourbons like Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Russell’s Reserve 13-Year-Old are bottled in the high 50s. This higher proof means more intense aromas and flavours. Bourbon’s sweetness and staunch oak influence might be the cause of the misconception, but the difference between bourbon and whisky is more sensory than boozy. 

Bourbon vs whisky for cocktails

Bourbon is one of the heavy hitters of American cocktail culture. Its stunning balance of sweetness, spice and oak makes it versatile in spirit-forward and mixed cocktails. Other whisky styles also sing in the right cocktails. They add sharper flavours with a huge range of tasty cocktail combinations. Each style brings its own personality to your chosen cocktail.  

How to drink bourbon vs whisky

There is no right or wrong answer here, only delicious options to explore. If you’re in the mood for a sweet, warm hug, go for bourbon. If you’re after a smoky, spicy vibe, go for a peated whisky. Also consider how you are drinking it. Is it neat, on ice or in a cocktail? Is it a special occasion that deserves a special bottle or a chilled Tuesday night with friends? Let the occasion and your personal preference guide your hand. 

Bourbon vs whisky – quick summary

• Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is defined by strict production rules. 

• Key differences include high corn content, charred new oak barrel maturation, and geographic regulations. 

• Bourbon vs. whisky taste: bourbon typically leans sweeter and fuller. Whisky ranges from floral and fruity to sharp and smokey.  

• The whisky category has a wide range of styles and flavour profiles. 

• Alcohol strength is similar across both, despite common misconceptions.