What’s the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey? Drink Experts Spill

It’s similar to the Champagne vs. sparkling wine conversation!

You’ve probably seen them countless times on bar carts and on cocktail lounge menus since you turned 21, but when was the last time you stopped to consider the difference between bourbon and whiskey? They look deceptively similar and are often swapped for one another, but it turns out, there can be a pretty big difference in flavor, aroma, and overall tasting experience.

Just like all ribeyes are steaks, but not all steaks are ribeyes, all bourbons are whiskeys, yet not all whiskeys are bourbon. So we asked mixologists and spirits experts from coast to coast to help us create a mini masterclass so you can sip wisely, school your friends, and possibly find a new favorite.

Ahead, get the answer to “what’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?” Then learn what classic cocktails feature these brown spirits, score a few edible recipes that are spiked with them, and discover a few whiskey alternatives—think of it as our “you might also like” recommendations.

Meet Our Expert

• Dan Callaway, vice president of product development for Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky
• Heidi Finley, lead bartender at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota in Sarasota, Florida
• Allison Kafalas, New York City-based director of beverage, Americas for Hilton Hotels & Resorts
• Joe Raya, owner of Bittermilk Bottling Co. in Charleston, South Carolina

What’s the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey?

For a drink to be called Champagne with a capital “C,” it must meet certain criteria, including being grown in the Champagne region of France. To qualify as bourbon, a whiskey must be made in a certain place and according to specific regulations.

“Similar to the way in which Champagne production is regulated, whiskey and bourbon follow suit. While whiskey can technically be made anywhere in the world, bourbon must follow strict guidelines,” explains Allison Kafalas, New York City-based director of beverage, Americas for Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

What Is Whiskey?

Whiskey is an umbrella term for a fermented grain-based spirit, says Dan Callaway, vice president of product development for Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky.

The “mash bill,” or the mix of grains used in a particular recipe for whiskey, may include barley, corn, oats, rye, and even quinoa, adds Heidi Finley, lead bartender at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota in Sarasota, Florida.

“To be a whiskey, you must start with any grain distilled at less than 95% ABV [alcohol by volume], stored typically in oak barrels, and bottled at no less than 80 proof, or 40% ABV. Each country that produces whiskey will have their own distinct styles to set them apart from one another,” Finley adds.

There are several subcategories of whiskey, which include: 

• American whiskey, which includes bourbon and rye whiskey
• Canadian whisky
• Indian whiskey
• Irish whiskey
• Japanese whisky
• Scotch whisky

For the purpose of this conversation about whiskey vs. bourbon, we’re reviewing whiskey as the entire category—and there’s a lot of diversity in the whiskey world. 

“Bourbons and whiskeys will differ in flavor, aroma, and color based on many factors such as the grain and barrels used, the aging process, and the ABV of each spirit,” Finley explains.

Here’s your tasting guide to whiskey.

• Flavor: Ranges from smooth and light (Irish) to spicy (rye) to malty, peaty, smoky, and earthy (Scotch).
• Aroma: Again, this varies by style, but you might notice spice, pepper, smoky, peaty, or even floral notes.
• Color: Pale gold to deep brown, depending on the whiskey type and aging process. “Whiskey may use previously used barrels such as port, sherry, or rum which can appear as orange or deeper hues of a red color,” Finley says.

What Is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that checks the following boxes, according to Kafalas:

• The mash bill must include at least 51% corn.
• It’s distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% ABV), added to the barrel below 125 proof (62 ½% ABV), and bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV).
• The finished product includes no additives besides water.
• It’s aged in charred new oak barrels, which lends the caramel, sugar, and baking spice that define the flavor, Callaway explains, that are never used for bourbon again. (They can be recycled and used to age whiskey, though.)
• The spirit is made in the United States. “This type of American whiskey is named after Bourbon County in Kentucky, although it doesn’t have to be made there to be called bourbon,” Raya says. The only requirement is that it’s made in America.

“To be labeled as a ‘straight bourbon,’ it must be aged for at least two years, however most bourbons are aged longer,” Finley adds.

Here’s your tasting guide to bourbon.

• Flavor: Sweeter and richer than whiskey. “The more corn in a mash, the sweeter the spirit,” Finley says.
• Aroma: Caramel, vanilla, oak, and sometimes a hint of maple, brown sugar, fruitiness or spice
• Color: Amber to deep amber, and often richer in hue than whiskey. All of the color comes from the new charred oak barrels; none of it can be from artificial caramel coloring. “With every year that the liquid ages in the barrel, the color will become darker,” Callaway says. “Over time, we reach beautiful, dark brown tones. If the bottled product is at 80 proof, it will be lighter than a 120 proof bottle, as water was added to lower the alcohol content.”

Can You Substitute Whiskey for Bourbon—And Vice Versa?

Yes, you can absolutely substitute whiskey for bourbon or bourbon for whiskey. Just keep in mind that the flavor may noticeably change—especially if the spirit plays a large role in your recipe.

“Bourbon has a rounder, richer profile than most whiskies, but is also incredibly versatile and can bring unique notes to a whiskey cocktail,” Callaway says.

If you only have room in your home bar for one, Raya recommends a bourbon that matches your budget since “bourbon is one of the most strictly regulated spirits so I believe you can never go wrong using it.” (It’s also a bit less of a “wild card” since whiskey styles can vary so widely, so if you prefer a predictable outcome and aren’t well-versed in the different whiskey subtypes, bourbon can be a safe bet.)

The Best Cocktails to Make (or Order) with Whiskey or Bourbon

These brown spirits star in some of the most popular classic cocktails:

• Boulevardier (essentially a whiskey fan’s version of a Negroni)
• Bourbon Slush
• Eggnog
• Hot Toddy
• Kentucky Mule (a Moscow Mule with bourbon instead of vodka)
• Manhattan
• Mint Julep
• Old Fashioned
• Paper Plane
• Whiskey Sour
• Whiskey Smash

Of course, you can also enjoy it neat or on the rocks; Finley’s personal preference. A few drops of water are enough to “open up all the flavors and aromas,” of bourbon or whiskey, he says.

Don’t forget that you can also whip up alcohol-infused desserts and dinners that feature bourbon or whiskey. These spirits shine in sweet (Kentucky Bourbon Balls, Salted Pecan Bourbon Pumpkin Pie, Bread and Butter Pudding with Salted Caramel Whiskey Butter Sauce) and savory (Sweet and Spicy Bourbon, Pulled Pork, Bacon Cheeseburgers with Kentucky Bourbon Sauce, Cowboy Steak and Whiskey Butter) recipes—as well as creations that hit all those flavor notes while bringing a little heat, too (Bourbon-Brown Sugar Nuts).

The Best Spirits to Try if You Like Bourbon and Whiskey

If you’re a fan of classic whiskey and/or bourbon, our experts suggest that you try these subcategories and similar spirits next:

• Rum, which is sometimes aged in used bourbon barrels.
• Rye Whiskey, a bolder, spicier, and drier option.
• Scotch Whiskey, the complex and smoky cousin.
• Japanese Whisky, flavors vary, but this tends to be drier than bourbon and a hint smoky, but in a lighter way than Scotch.
• Tennessee Whiskey, which is usually smoother thanks to a charcoal filtration process.

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