Frequently Asked Questions
What is bourbon?
Bourbon is an American whiskey made primarily from corn (at least 51%), aged in new charred oak barrels, and known for its smooth, sweet flavour profile with notes of vanilla, caramel and oak.
What is rye whiskey?
Rye whiskey is an American whiskey made from a mash bill containing at least 51% rye grain, giving it a drier, spicier and more peppery flavour compared to bourbon.
What is the difference between bourbon and rye?
The main difference is the grain used: bourbon is primarily corn-based, while rye whiskey is primarily rye-based. This leads bourbon to taste sweeter and smoother, while rye is spicier and drier.
What does bourbon taste like?
Bourbon typically tastes rich and sweet, with flavours like caramel, vanilla, toffee, oak and sometimes fruity or chocolate notes depending on ageing.
What does rye whiskey taste like?
Rye whiskey is usually spicier and drier, often showing black pepper, baking spice, herbal notes and a more robust, slightly sharper finish.
Is rye whiskey stronger than bourbon?
Not necessarily. Both are usually bottled around similar ABV levels, but rye can taste “stronger” due to its spicier flavour profile.
Can bourbon contain rye?
Yes. Many bourbons include a small amount of rye in the mash bill for flavour, but they are still classified as bourbon as long as corn remains the dominant grain.
Is rye whiskey always drier than bourbon?
Generally yes. Rye whiskey tends to be less sweet and more spice-driven than bourbon due to its higher rye content.
Which is better for cocktails, bourbon or rye?
Both are used in classic cocktails. Bourbon is often chosen for sweeter drinks like an Old Fashioned, while rye is preferred for sharper, spicier cocktails like a Manhattan.
Why are bourbon and rye often confused?
They are similar in production methods and both are American whiskies aged in oak barrels, but their grain composition creates noticeably different flavour profiles.
