Quick Scoop: Bourbon is a type of whiskey, but it has stricter rules for how it’s made. The biggest differences are that bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels , which gives it a sweeter, fuller flavor than many other whiskeys.

What Bourbon Is

Whiskey is the broad category; bourbon is one specific style within it.

So the simple rule is: all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

Main Differences

  • Grain recipe: Bourbon must use at least 51% corn.
  • Barrels: Bourbon must age in new charred oak barrels.
  • Flavor: Bourbon usually tastes sweeter, richer, and more vanilla- or caramel-like because of the corn and barrel aging.
  • Category: Whiskey can be made from different grains and in different styles, so it is a much broader label.

Easy Way To Think About It

If whiskey is the whole family, bourbon is one specific member of that family with a stricter recipe and aging process.

That’s why bourbon often has a more recognizable sweet, oaky profile than other whiskeys.

One-Line Answer

Bourbon is a kind of whiskey made with at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, which makes it taste sweeter and more distinctive than many other whiskeys.