Bourbon vs. Whiskey: What's the Difference Between These Spirits?

When it comes to brown spirits, many look and even taste alike, but not all whiskey is created equal. That is, while bourbon and whiskey are very similar, and even interchangeable to some, they are not exactly the same. And knowing the difference between bourbon vs. whiskey can help you discover your preferred bottle, or sip, for specific occasions, recipes, and gifts. 

We let the experts clue us into what makes these spirits distinct. 

What Is Whiskey?

Whiskey is a term for a spirit distilled from fermented cereal grains, which can include barley, corn, rye, or wheat. Whiskey must be distilled at less than 190 proof, and aged in an oak container, which is what gives whiskey its brown hue.  

“Whiskey is the overarching category, and there are many different styles and variations under that umbrella,” explains Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve. “Factors like the region where the whiskey is made, what grain it’s made from, how long it’s aged for, and what types of barrels it’s finished in all have an effect on what type of whiskey is made and how it tastes.” Rye, bourbon, and Scotch are all types of whiskey. 

What Is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a specific type of whiskey that is proprietary to the United States. “All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is not bourbon,” says Gabe Sanchez, Cocktail Expert at Midnight Rambler at The Joule. And what distinguishes bourbon are the guidelines that surround making it. 

“Bourbon has more defined rules within the whiskey umbrella,” says McCall. “These rules are a mash bill that is at least 51 percent corn, distilled at less than 160 proof, aged in new charred oak barrels, and only water can be added, " McCall notes. “The final rule is that it is a product of the U.S.A. Most believe it must be made in Kentucky, which is a common misconception.”

Woodford Reserve Bourbon is known for sweet aromatics, spice, fruit and floral, grain character, as well as wood notes.

“There’s a lot of variation in taste and texture based on what brand you’re tasting, as each has its own unique way of producing the liquid,” says McCall. “Since bourbon is required to use new charred oak barrels, it is more oak- and sweet aromatic-forward.” With corn as the dominant grain in bourbon, this whiskey is typically sweeter and has a more full-bodied, smooth texture.

What Is Scotch Whisky? 

Scotch is also region specific, and must be made in Scotland. Additionally, Scotch must be aged for a minimum of three years. “There are different variations of Scotch, but the most popular style is single malt Scotch, which is made from 100 percent malted barley at a single distillery,” says McCall. “Typically, Scotch whisky is more grain-forward in flavor profile since the distillate is maturing in used barrels.”

Though it has the same origins, Scotch is spelled differently. There’s no “e” in whisky when referring to Scotch, but Irish whiskey, such as Jameson, includes the “e”. Other whiskies can choose to include the “e” or not. 

“Scotch’s flavor and texture are driven by the grain, the used barrel it is aged in, and the area where it’s produced,” says McCall. “Some distilleries also add peat into the whisky-making process, which gives the liquid a smoky flavor that isn’t found in bourbon.”  

That is to say, Scotch isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re new to brown liquors, Scotch may not be the easiest entrypoint. “Scotch is going to have a malty flavor, and depending on where in Scotland it was produced, it can have very pronounced smoke and minerality,” says Sanchez.

Can You Substitute Whiskey For Bourbon?

In any cocktail recipe or in cooking, whiskey and bourbon can be swapped in equal quantities, according to your preference. 

“It’s all up to your personal taste and how you’re looking to drink it,” says McCall. “There is so much diversity in the whiskey category, there’s something for everyone. Different whiskeys shine in different cocktails based on their flavor profile.”  

Or, as Sanchez puts it, “Life is short, drink whatever you like.”