Whisky vs Bourbon: What Is the Difference?

Whisky and bourbon often appear together on liquor shelves, but they are not exactly the same thing. In fact, bourbon is a type of whisky, while whisky covers a much broader family of spirits made in different countries and styles.

If you have ever wondered about Whisky vs Bourbon, the main differences come down to where producers make them, the grains they use, how they age the spirit and the rules that govern production. These factors also influence the aroma, flavour, colour and overall drinking experience.

For shoppers in New Zealand, understanding these differences can make it easier to choose a bottle for sipping, cocktails, entertaining or gifting. If you want to explore different spirits online, you can browse the range available at Deals On Liquor.

Let's explore the key differences between whisky and bourbon and discover which one may suit your preferences.

Whisky vs Bourbon: What Is the Main Difference?

The simplest way to understand Whisky vs Bourbon is this:

Whisky is a broad category of grain-based distilled spirits, while bourbon is a specific type of American whisky that must meet defined production requirements.

Whisky can come from countries including Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Japan and the United States. Each country can have its own traditions, production methods and legal definitions.

Bourbon, however, has a much more specific identity. Under US standards, bourbon whisky must be produced from a fermented grain mash containing at least 51% corn and must be stored in charred new oak containers. The US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) also specifies other production requirements. (TTB)

This distinction makes bourbon a member of the whisky family rather than a completely separate category.

Whisky vs Bourbon: Is Bourbon a Whisky?

Yes. Bourbon is whisky.

Think of whisky as a large family containing different styles. Bourbon represents one particular branch of that family.

Other whisky styles include:

• Scotch whisky
• Irish whiskey
• Canadian whisky
• Japanese whisky
• Rye whisky
• American single malt whisky
• Bourbon whisky

The spelling can also differ. Scotland generally uses whisky, while Ireland and the United States commonly use whiskey. However, naming conventions can vary by brand and category.

When comparing Whisky vs Bourbon, remember that every bourbon is whisky, but not every whisky qualifies as bourbon.

Whisky vs Bourbon: Where Are They Made?

Geography provides one of the clearest differences.

Whisky is produced in many parts of the world. Scotch whisky comes from Scotland, Irish whiskey comes from Ireland, Canadian whisky comes from Canada, and Japanese whisky comes from Japan. The United States also produces several whisky styles, including bourbon.

Bourbon has a particularly strong connection with the United States. US regulations state that the term bourbon cannot be used for whisky that is not produced in the United States. (TTB)

Kentucky has become especially famous for bourbon production, although bourbon does not have to come from Kentucky to qualify as bourbon.

Therefore, when you see bourbon on a bottle, you can expect an American spirit made according to specific standards.

Whisky vs Bourbon: What Grains Do They Use?

The grains used during production have a major influence on the final spirit.

Whisky can use different grains depending on its style. Producers may use barley, corn, rye, wheat or combinations of grains.

Bourbon must use a grain mash containing at least 51% corn. Producers can use other grains alongside corn, such as rye, wheat and malted barley. (TTB)

Corn gives bourbon an important part of its characteristic profile. Many bourbon expressions offer sweet notes that can complement the flavours developed during maturation.

How Grain Changes Whisky Flavour

Different grains can create noticeably different characteristics.

For example:

• Corn can contribute sweetness and richness.
• Rye can provide spicy and peppery notes.
• Wheat can create a softer, gentler profile.
• Barley can contribute malty, cereal and nutty characteristics.

The grain recipe, known as the mash bill, therefore plays an important role in defining a whisky's personality.

Whisky vs Bourbon: How Does Ageing Differ?

Ageing represents another important part of the Whisky vs Bourbon comparison.

Producers mature whisky in wooden casks, allowing the spirit to interact with the wood over time. The type of cask, previous contents, climate and maturation period can all influence the final flavour.

Bourbon must mature in new, charred oak containers under US standards. (TTB)

The fresh charred oak gives bourbon a distinctive relationship with the barrel. It can contribute flavours and aromas such as vanilla, caramel, toasted wood and spice.

Straight bourbon has additional ageing requirements. TTB guidance states that bourbon stored in the prescribed charred new oak containers for two years or more can be designated as straight bourbon. (TTB)

Why Bourbon Often Tastes Rich and Sweet

The combination of a corn-heavy mash bill and new charred oak can create a flavour profile that many drinkers associate with bourbon.

You may notice:

• Vanilla
• Caramel
• Toasted oak
• Brown sugar
• Baking spice
• Dried fruit
• Nutty notes

Of course, not every bourbon tastes identical. Producers use different mash bills, yeast strains, distillation techniques and maturation environments.

Whisky vs Bourbon: What Does Whisky Taste Like?

Whisky does not have one universal flavour profile.

That is one of the most interesting things about whisky. A Scotch single malt can taste dramatically different from an Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky or American rye.

Depending on the style, whisky may offer flavours such as:

• Malt
• Vanilla
• Honey
• Dried fruit
• Oak
• Spice
• Smoke
• Citrus
• Chocolate
• Nuts

Cask selection also has a major influence. Some whiskies mature in bourbon barrels, sherry casks or other types of wood, creating additional layers of flavour.

Because whisky covers such a broad category, you should consider the specific style rather than judging all whisky by one flavour profile.

Whisky vs Bourbon: Which Is Sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter spirits, bourbon may appeal to you.

Its corn-heavy mash bill and maturation in new charred oak can create a naturally rich profile with sweet and woody characteristics.

However, whisky can also taste sweet depending on its grain combination and cask maturation.

For example, a whisky matured in certain wine or fortified-wine casks can develop notes of dried fruit, caramel and baking spice.

Therefore, Whisky vs Bourbon does not have a simple "sweet versus smoky" answer. Individual bottles can vary considerably.

Whisky vs Bourbon: Which Is Smoother?

"Smoother" is subjective.

One drinker may describe a bourbon as smooth because it offers sweet vanilla and caramel notes. Another may prefer the lighter character of an Irish whiskey or the complex profile of a single malt.

The perceived smoothness can depend on:

• Alcohol strength
• Age
• Cask influence
• Distillation
• Grain recipe
• Serving style
• Individual taste

Instead of assuming that one category always tastes smoother, explore different bottles and identify the characteristics you enjoy.

Whisky vs Bourbon: Which Is Better for Beginners?

There is no single winner when it comes to Whisky vs Bourbon for beginners.

Bourbon can be approachable for people who enjoy sweeter, fuller flavours. Its combination of corn and new charred oak can create familiar notes such as vanilla and caramel.

Whisky can offer a much wider range of starting points.

If you are new to whisky, you could begin with a lighter or softer expression before moving towards heavily smoky or intensely flavoured styles.

If you enjoy sweeter drinks, bourbon may be a good starting point.

A Simple Way to Choose

Choose bourbon if you like:

• Sweet flavours
• Vanilla
• Caramel
• Toasted oak
• Richer profiles

Choose other whisky styles if you want to explore:

• Smoky flavours
• Malty notes
• Fruit characteristics
• Spice
• Different international styles

There is no need to limit yourself to one category. Trying different expressions can help you discover your preferences.

Whisky vs Bourbon: Which Is Better for Cocktails?

Both work well in cocktails, but they create different results.

Bourbon can add sweetness and richness to cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.

Other whisky styles can produce different flavour combinations depending on their character.

For example, a smoky Scotch can dramatically change the profile of a cocktail compared with a sweet bourbon.

If you're preparing drinks for guests, consider the flavour profile of your chosen spirit and how it will interact with the other ingredients.

Whisky vs Bourbon for Sipping

If you enjoy drinking spirits neat or with a small amount of water, the differences between Whisky vs Bourbon become particularly interesting.

Bourbon can provide layers of vanilla, caramel, oak and spice.

Whisky can offer everything from delicate floral and fruity flavours to rich malt, dried fruit and smoke.

Your best choice depends on what you enjoy.

You can also experiment with serving styles. Try a spirit neat first, then add a small amount of water to see how the aroma and flavour develop.

Whisky vs Bourbon: What Should You Buy Online?

If you're shopping online in New Zealand, start by deciding what you want from the bottle.

Ask yourself:

Do I want something sweet and rich?

Look at bourbon.

Do I want smoky or malty flavours?

Explore Scotch and other whisky styles.

Do I want a versatile cocktail spirit?

Consider a bourbon or approachable American whiskey.

Do I want a bottle for sipping?

Look for a whisky or bourbon with flavour characteristics that match your preferences.

When shopping online, check the bottle size, alcohol percentage, product description and current price before ordering.

Buy Whisky and Bourbon Online in New Zealand

If you want to compare different spirits from home, Deals On Liquor provides an online selection that includes both whisky and bourbon.

Browsing online allows you to compare available bottles and product information before deciding what suits your taste and budget.

You can explore the retailer's liquor range here:

Shop Whisky and Bourbon Online at Deals On Liquor

Always check the current product listing, availability, delivery information and purchasing requirements before completing an order.

Whisky vs Bourbon: Check New Zealand Alcohol Requirements

If you purchase alcohol online in New Zealand, choose a legitimate retailer and follow the applicable age and delivery requirements.

The New Zealand Ministry of Justice maintains a register of active alcohol licences, including licence details, premises information, licence numbers and expiry dates. (New Zealand Ministry of Justice)

New Zealand's alcohol framework also includes rules relating to remote internet and telephone sales. The Ministry of Justice explains that remote sellers can require purchasers to make age declarations during online sales. (New Zealand Ministry of Justice)

The Government is also working on changes involving areas such as age verification and rapid alcohol delivery, so shoppers should check current requirements and retailer policies. (New Zealand Ministry of Justice)

Whisky vs Bourbon: How to Compare Prices

Price should not be your only consideration when comparing bottles.

Before buying, consider:

• Bottle size
• Brand
• Age statement, where provided
• Whisky or bourbon style
• Alcohol percentage
• Cask information
• Flavour profile
• Delivery cost
• Overall value

A more expensive bottle is not automatically better for your preferences.

For cocktails, an affordable and versatile bourbon may make more sense than an expensive limited-release whisky. For sipping, you may prefer to spend more on a bottle with a flavour profile you particularly enjoy.

Common Myths About Whisky vs Bourbon

Myth 1: Bourbon Must Come From Kentucky

Not necessarily.

Bourbon must be produced in the United States under the applicable US standards, but it does not have to come specifically from Kentucky. (TTB)

Myth 2: All Whisky Is Smoky

False.

Some whiskies have strong smoky flavours, but many are fruity, floral, sweet, malty or lightly spiced.

Myth 3: Bourbon and Whisky Are Completely Different Spirits

Bourbon is actually a type of whisky.

The key distinction is that bourbon must meet specific American production standards.

Myth 4: Older Always Means Better

Age can influence flavour, but older does not automatically mean better.

The ideal bottle depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to enjoy it.

Final Thoughts on Whisky vs Bourbon

Understanding Whisky vs Bourbon becomes much easier when you remember one simple fact: bourbon is a specific type of whisky.

Whisky covers a wide range of spirits made around the world, while bourbon follows specific American production requirements. Bourbon must use at least 51% corn in its grain mash and mature in charred new oak containers under US standards. 

These requirements help create bourbon's characteristic combination of sweetness, oak, vanilla, caramel and spice. Other whisky styles can offer a much broader range of flavours, from delicate fruit and malt to rich oak and intense smoke.

If you are deciding what to buy, think about your preferred flavours and how you plan to enjoy the spirit. Whether you prefer bourbon for its rich sweetness or whisky for its incredible variety, there is plenty to explore.

For shoppers in New Zealand, you can browse available whisky and bourbon options online at Deals On Liquor and compare products before making your choice.

Always purchase alcohol responsibly, comply with New Zealand's legal requirements and enjoy your chosen whisky or bourbon in moderation.