What Is the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey?

For centuries, whisky, whether it's Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Canadian, or Japanese, has epitomized class and sophistication in the realm of alcoholic beverages. But when it comes to choosing between whiskey and bourbon, it can be complicated. Understanding the distinction between the two is essential, as many people have distinct preferences.


What is bourbon, what does bourbon taste like, and how does this blend of whiskey differ? Here’s all you need to know about whiskey and the whiskey vs bourbon vs scotch.

What Are the Types of Whiskey?

Whiskey is known for its acquired taste, as variations like Irish whiskey, bourbon whiskey, and Scotch whiskey are crafted differently, using distinct ingredients and produced in various locations. What appeals to one person may not appeal to another. To help you distinguish between the options, here’s a look at the common types of whiskey and how their differences:

• Rye Whiskey

Known for its distinct fruity and spicy flavor, rye whiskey is associated with America and is made with over 51% rye. It tastes like bourbon whiskey.

• Canadian Whiskey

Canadian whiskey is also known as Canadian Rye whiskey is made from a blend of corn, wheat, and rye. Many say it has a burnt sugar and butterscotch taste.

• Japanese Whiskey

Japanese whiskey has a unique taste and is normally made from malted barley and rice. There are various blends, and most have a smokey, peated flavor.

• Bourbon Whiskey

Originating in America, Bourbon whiskey is one of the world's most popular whiskies. It is made from at least 51% maize (corn) and is barrel-aged, meaning it tends to be smoother than many other varieties.

• Tennessee Whiskey

As the name would suggest, Tennessee whiskey, like Jack Daniels, comes from the American State of Tennessee. Although it is often referred to as a bourbon whiskey, it differs and is charcoal filtered, leading to a distinctive color and smooth taste.

• Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is another smooth blend made exclusively in Ireland. There are a few types of Irish blended and single-malt whiskey, but the most common is triple-distilled and made from unmalted barley.

• Scotch Whiskey

Made in Scotland, Scotch whiskey is one of the oldest malted varieties dating back to the 15th century. It has a sharp flavor and is typically distilled with a mix of wheat and rye.

• Blended Whiskey

If someone asks for a blended whiskey, they are asking for a whiskey made from a mix of different types of whiskeys. Yet a single malt whiskey would be made at just one distillery.

What is Bourbon?

Traditional bourbon whiskey, like Jim Beam or Wild Turkey, is a type of whiskey that originated in Bourbon County in the State of Kentucky, America. To be classed as bourbon, it must be made with a mix containing more than 51% maize. It should also be aged in a new, white-oak barrel for at least two years. Bourbon whiskey appeals to the majority, so it is now one of the most popular types of whiskey worldwide.

What is Bourbon Made From?

Bourbon is a whiskey with unique characteristics, and there are a few blends available, each slightly different. At least 51% corn must be used in making bourbon. However, the amount of rye and wheat used in the grain mix does differ depending on the brand and distillery.

What Makes Bourbon Different from Whiskey?

When comparing bourbon, whiskey, and scotch, there are several distinct differences among the three. First, whiskey is a general term used to describe this alcoholic beverage. While it can be flavored in numerous ways, it is typically produced by distilling a mixture of grains. Bourbon whiskey, however, must be aged in oak barrels for more than two years, ideally more than five, and made with a blend containing at least 51% maize. It is flavored with nothing but water, which is why Jack Daniels is not technically classed as a bourbon whiskey.

When comparing Scotch to whiskey, Scotch is exclusively made in Scotland. Additionally, it is often regarded as the original and oldest type of whiskey, primarily distilled from malted barley.

Which is Better to Drink: Bourbon or Whiskey?

Whiskey and bourbon are both popular beverages, so determining which one is best largely coming down to personal preference and taste.

What Does Bourbon Taste Like?

The taste of all whiskey varies based on factors such as the grain mix used in production, flavoring agents, and the age of the bottle. Scotch and Irish whiskey tend to have a sharper, more complex taste, which is often considered the more sophisticated option. In contrast, bourbon tends to have a smoother taste, making it more approachable for many drinkers.

How to Serve and Drink Bourbon?

The purists will suggest you drink bourbon neat, at room temperature, from bourbon glasses or whiskey glasses. Some do believe serving bourbon chilled over ice is best, and you even find some who add mixers, such as cola or soda.

Which Types of Glasses are Used for Bourbon?

Explore the NUDE barware collections to discover a variety of glassware ideal for serving bourbon or Scotch whiskey. For those who do want their whiskey over ice or ask what to mix with bourbon, we can also supply lowball and coupe glasses perfect for serving whiskey cocktails like Old Fashioned. We also offer attractive ice buckets that look great on a professional or home bar arrangement.

What is Scotch Whiskey?

Let’s now question what Scotch whiskey is and how it differs from bourbon and other whiskey types. Scotch is one of the oldest types of whiskey and is made exclusively in Scotland. Like other whiskey types, Scotch distilleries must adhere to a strict set of regulations on how Scotch whiskey is made. The grain mix must include malted barley, yeast, and water.

Scotch is traditionally served at room temperature neat or over ice. To add a real sense of class and sophistication, you often find it displayed in attractive whiskey bottles with a couple of whiskey glasses.

Difference Between Scotch and Whiskey

Scotch is whiskey! The only reason it is known as “Scotch” is because it is a whiskey that is made in and comes from Scotland. Hopefully, our rundown on bourbon vs whiskey vs Scotch has given you a better understanding of these beverages, how they differ, and how you may want to serve them. If you do enjoy drinking whiskey or want to present whiskey and bourbon at their best, consider the NUDE barware collection.