Breaking Down the Battle of American Whiskey: Rye vs. Bourbon

What to know about these two styles of whiskey and where Tennessee whiskey fits in.

Those unfamiliar with whiskey may have trouble telling the two types apart. Although the two brown liquids share many sensory similarities and can be substituted for one another in some drinks, there are important distinctions that affect their taste and how they should be savored. To help you better understand and enjoy these cherished spirits, this essay will examine the two primary American whiskey styles, highlighting their similarities and distinctions.

What Is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that has been praised for its distinctive flavor and long tradition of production. Bourbon has been created for generations in the state of Kentucky, but it is now produced in every state and even in U.S. territory like Puerto Rico (although no one has done that yet). 

Bourbon whiskey must use at least 51% corn in its fermented mash, along with other cereal grains such malted barley, rye, or wheat. After being fermented and distilled, the mash is diluted with water to an alcohol content of no more than 62.5% ABV before being placed in oak barrels. No minimum age is specified, although whiskey must be aged in a new charred-oak barrel for at least two years before it can be called "straight." 

Last but not least, bourbon must be bottled at 40% ABV or more, albeit for tax reasons it can be bottled at lower proofs in some export markets like Australia. The end result is a whiskey that is loved by connoisseurs all over the world for its depth, complexity, and velvety texture.

What Is Rye Whiskey?

Rye whiskey's unique flavor profile and historical significance have contributed to its rising appeal in recent years. In the United States, rye whiskey is defined as whiskey created from a mash that contains 51% rye grain and the rest from other cereal grains. There is no minimum age requirement for rye whiskey to be termed "straight," unlike bourbon; however, it must be matured in fresh charred oak barrels. It must be proofed down to 62.5% ABV or less before entering the barrel, and distilled to no more than 80% ABV.

Even though rye whiskey can be produced in any country, it has a special place in American culture. In fact, it was the whiskey of choice among the first Americans and was even bartered for goods and services. Rye whiskey, which is generally brewed using locally grown rye grain, was notably popular in the northeastern United States.

The flavor profile of rye whiskey is unique and sets it different from other whiskeys. Black pepper, cinnamon, and other baking spices give it a spicier and more nuanced flavor than bourbon. As its robust flavor can stand up to equally robust components, it is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. The Manhattan and the Sazerac are two of the most well-known drinks made using rye whiskey.

Rye whiskey has a long and storied past that is intrinsically linked to American culture, making it a distinctive and tasty alternative to other varieties of whiskey. Whiskey connoisseurs around can rest assured that this will satisfy their tastes whether they like to drink it neat or mixed.

How Are Bourbon and Rye Whiskey Similar?

The making of bourbon and rye whiskey are comparable, as are their respective flavors. Both are produced using a mash that has been fermented and distilled to an alcohol content of no more than 80% before being matured in freshly charred oak barrels. Each one is bottled at a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume.

Furthermore, rye whiskey can be substituted for bourbon in several cocktail recipes, including the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. Both have deep, nuanced flavors that are perfect for sipping alone or mixing into a cocktail.

Despite their shared characteristics, the diverse flavors of bourbon and rye whiskey result from their different mash bills and age needs. Unlike rye whiskey, which must include less than 51% corn, bourbon must contain at least 51% corn. These variations in grain content explain why bourbon is sweet and rye whiskey is spicy, for example. Furthermore, bourbon must be aged for at least two years to be branded "straight," and rye whiskey must be aged for at least two years to be labeled "straight rye whiskey."

How Do Bourbon and Rye Differ?

Bourbon and rye whiskey are not the same thing; they use different mash bills and have very different flavors.

Bourbon's mash bill must contain at least 51% corn, whereas rye whiskey's mash bill must include at least 51% rye grain. Malted barley, wheat, or corn may be used to make up the rest of the mash.

Bourbon's sweet, caramel-like flavor, with hints of vanilla and wood, comes from the high maize percentage in the spirit. Yet, rye whiskey's peppery and slightly fruity flavor characteristic sets it apart.

To earn the name "straight bourbon," the whiskey must be matured for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels. Two years of aging time is required for "straight rye whiskey." Longer aging times, however, can bring out additional layers of taste in some rye whiskeys.

Despite the fact that bourbon can be produced in any U.S. state, the state of Kentucky has long been linked with the spirit because of its long history of bourbon production. In contrast, Pennsylvania and Maryland in the northeastern United States are often cited as the birthplaces of rye whiskey.

In sum, bourbon and rye whiskey are two types of American whiskey that are appreciated by connoisseurs of the spirit all over the world for their distinctive flavors.

What About Tennessee Whiskey?

Tennessee whiskey is a distinct type of American whiskey that shares many similarities with bourbon but also has some notable variances. Similar to bourbon, Tennessee whiskey must be matured in new, charred oak barrels and be created from a fermented mash containing at least 51% maize. To be called Tennessee whiskey, however, a whiskey must adhere to a few additional standards.

To begin with, true Tennessee whiskey must be distilled in Tennessee itself, utilizing time-honored methods that have been passed down through the ages. There's also something called the "Lincoln County Procedure" that must be done to the whiskey before it can be matured. The whiskey is passed through a bed of sugar maple wood charcoal. It is believed that this technique will clean the whiskey and give it a distinctive flavor.

The Lincoln County Method isn't used to make all whiskey in Tennessee, but the ones that are are often referred to as "Tennessee sour mash whiskey" or "sour mash whiskey" for short. Jack Daniel's and George Dickel are two of the most well-known labels of Tennessee whiskey. 

When Would You Want to Use Each Type of Whiskey? 

To make the best whiskey cocktails, you need to know which whiskey to use. The Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Hot Toddy, and Boulevardier are just some of the famous whiskey cocktails that can be created with either bourbon or rye whiskey. However there are some cocktails that can only be prepared with certain liquors; for instance, the Mint Julep can only be made with bourbon, and the Sazerac can only be made with rye (or cognac).

The flavor profile of a cocktail should be taken into account when deciding between bourbon and rye. Rye whiskey is known for being spicier and drier, whereas bourbon is known for being sweeter and smoother. The strength of the whiskey used is also significant because it might affect the drink's flavor. Too much whiskey can drown out the other flavors, while too little whiskey won't stand out. Whiskeys with an alcohol content of between 43 and 46 percent are a safe bet for most mixed drinks.