Bourbon vs. Rye Whiskey: How to Tell the Difference

Bourbon and Rye whiskey are two iconic American spirits with wildly different personalities. Although they’re both from the whiskey family, their raw ingredients, geographical origins, and rich history make them taste completely unique. In this guide we’ll explore the difference between Bourbon and Rye whiskey and the best Bourbon and Rye brands to look out for at the store.

Highlights:

• Bourbon must be made from 51% corn which creates a smoother, more mellow whiskey.
• Rye contains 51% rye which makes it spicier, drier, and more intense.
• Bourbon typically comes from Kentucky where the warmer climate encourages faster aging and more extraction of spicy and toasty notes from the oak barrels.
• Rye originates in Pennsylvania and Maryland where the cooler climate creates a drier, brighter style of whiskey.

What’s the Difference between Bourbon and Rye Whiskey?

The biggest difference between Bourbon and Rye is the ingredients used. By law Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn while Rye whiskey uses at least 51% rye. Bourbon originates from Kentucky where the limestone-rich water helps ensure purity and the warm climate encourages lots of extraction of deep spicy and toasty notes from the oak barrels.

Rye originally comes from Pennsylvania and Maryland where the cooler climate means a slower aging process in the barrel and less extraction of flavor from the oak. That’s why Rye whiskey tends to taste bright and dry rather than sweet like Bourbon.

This American whiskey comparison below summarizes the key differences between Bourbon and Rye whiskey:

Bourbon Whiskey

Primary grain: At least 51% corn

Flavor profile: Sweet and smooth with notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla

Geographical origins: Kentucky

Aging process: Aged in new charred oak barrels

Rye Whiskey

Primary grain: At least 51% rye

Flavor profile: Spicy, peppery, and bold

Geographical origins: Pennsylvania and Maryland

Aging process: Aged in new charred oak barrels

Bourbon vs Rye Flavor Profiles

Bourbon is rounder and sweeter thanks to the heavier use of corn, while Rye can be drier, more peppery and has more of a kick. Bourbon is great for sipping on the rocks or in smooth, easy-going cocktails. Rye works great when you want something bold to cut through the other flavors, like in a Manhattan or Sazerac where it has the power to stand up to the absinthe.

Bourbon vs Rye Old Fashioned

Since Bourbon and Rye are so different, the whiskey you choose for your Old Fashioned cocktail completely changes the taste. Bourbon Old Fashioneds are sweeter and smoother with more mellow flavors. Rye Old Fashioneds are for those who like strong, intense drinks with a sharper and spicier edge.

Best Bourbon Brands

• 1. Maker’s Mark is instantly recognizable from the red wax seal. This famous small-batch Kentucky producer uses wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain, making it sweeter, smoother and mellower.

2. Buffalo Trace is another historic Kentucky brand that dates back to the 1800s. In keeping with tradition they use rye and corn in the mash bill, creating a richer, full-bodied Bourbon with lots of vanilla and spice.

• 3. Woodford Reserve is located on the site of the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery in Kentucky which first produced whiskey during the American Revolution. Uniquely they use copper pot stills as well as column stills which creates an especially complex and robust multi-layered Bourbon.
• 4. Green River was founded in Owensboro, Kentucky in the 1880s, making it one of America’s oldest Bourbon brands. Today it pays homage to 19th century Bourbon-making techniques and is known for its easy-going, mellow Bourbons that work beautifully in an Old Fashioned.

Best Rye Whiskey Brands

• 1. Bulleit Rye in Kentucky stands out for its 95% rye mash bill which translates to lots of bold spice and pepper.
• 2. Rittenhouse Rye is a historic Kentucky rye that’s aged for at least 4 years in a federally-bonded warehouse in a process and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV) known as bottled-in-bond. It’s a mark of quality and typically produces a richer, more intense style of whiskey.
• 3. Sazerac Rye is actually named after the Sazerac Rye and is regarded as one of the best rye whiskeys for cocktails thanks to a high proportion of rye and 6 years of ageing in new charred oak barrels.
• 4. WhistlePig was founded in Vermont in 2007 and offers a modern take on Rye. They actually grow some of their own rye, use high rye mash bills and lengthy aging to create a distinctively bold and spicy house style.

I’m a writer who finds inspiration in everyday moments - the quiet, the imperfect, and the beautifully real. My world revolves around words, craft, and connection. I love discovering new wines, creating with my hands, and savoring life one story.