Let’s get this straight off the bat: all Bourbons are Whiskey, but
not all Whiskey is Bourbon. To be called Bourbon, Whiskey must adhere to a set of strict rules. Most importantly, it must be produced in the United States and it must be made from a grain mixture that is
at least 51% corn and matured in new and charred American white oak barrels.
No colourings, flavours or other additives can be added to Bourbon and it must be bottled at 40% ABV or more.
There are few things that say 'Merica louder than Bourbon and there are many great choices available from the big names as well as many craft producers.
Then there's
Rye. Starring in many classic cocktails, its been making a big comeback in the past years. Made from at least 51 percent rye (a grass grown as a grain),
Rye Whiskey is
drier and less sweet than Bourbon and has a knockout blend of fruit and spice components — often with dashes of vanilla and leather thrown in — that make any
Rye-based cocktail more complex.