If you are ever at a bar and have to face the choice of bourbon or whiskey, would you know what their differences are? These two alcoholic drinks are not the same, and you should not make the mistake of thinking that. Make your bar outing easier next time by learning the truth behind bourbon and whiskey.
Stay tuned to find out everything there is to know about bourbon and whiskey. You will never be confused at a bar or party ever again.
What Is Bourbon?
Bourbon is an American whiskey made from corn and distilled in an aged barrel. It is distilled across the United States, but it is associated with the south. You can see it in Kentucky but might find it in other states like Tennessee and Virginia.
The legalities of the term bourbon often dictate that the product comes from the United States, contains at least 51% corn, is aged in an oak barrel, and distilled to no more than 160 proof or 80% alcohol. The bourbon has to be 80 proof or 40% alcohol by volume by the time of bottling.
You can serve bourbon in many ways, including neat, with water, on the rocks (with ice), with a cola soda, or in cocktails. Many attribute the origin of bourbon to the French Bourbon royal family, but the precise moment in time is not known. The legacy of the Bourbons is evident in the south, particularly in Bourbon County in Kentucky and Bourbon street in New Orleans.
Some traditional cocktails that contain bourbon include the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, whiskey sour, and mint julep. The alcoholic beverage is also part of various recipes, such as waffles, chocolate cake, pie, caramel, and frosting. In some cases, bourbon might even be part of savory recipes, such as dressings, marinades, and barbecue sauce.
Around 98% of the bourbon in the United States is from Kentucky. Tennessee is also home to many bourbon distilleries, although they prefer the term “Tennessee whiskey”, which includes Jack Daniels.
Kentucky promotes its bourbon production through the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Famous tourist spots include Four Roses, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve.
Nutrition Facts
One shot of bourbon (42 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
97 calories
28 g water
0 g protein
0 g fat
0 g carbohydrate
0 g fiber
0 g sugar
0 mg calcium
0.017 mg iron
0 mg magnesium
1.68 mg phosphorus
0.84 mg potassium
0.42 mg sodium
14 g alcohol
Is Bourbon Healthy?
Bourbon is a distilled spirit, which means it is lower in calories than other alcoholic drinks, like wine and beer. It is not nutritionally significant, as it contains no fat, protein, or carbohydrate. However, it does have a high alcohol volume, which is not safe long-term.
In general, bourbon is a good choice for a spirit to use in cocktails or as your go-to drink. However, it is strong, and you should add it responsibly. When combined with other ingredients, it adds sugar.
Some studies suggest that moderate to light drinking can be beneficial. Particularly drinks like bourbon contain polyphenols, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents (*). The definition of a moderate drink is one drink a day for women and one to two drinks for men (*).
Nonetheless, bourbon is a safe choice if you are on a diet, such as the ketogenic or Atkins diet, as it contains no carbs or fat. Drinking it neat, with water or ice is probably the healthiest way to have bourbon.
It is also important to note that your body can absorb alcohol very quickly, which is dangerous. If you have not eaten yet, your body will digest the bourbon almost immediately, making you feel nauseous, dizzy, lightheaded, and running the risk of intoxication. Moderation is always relevant when it comes to bourbon.
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from a grain mash. The mash can contain barley, corn, rye, and wheat. This beverage is aged in wooden casks and served in white oak or sherry casks.
You might see the word spelled whisky, which is common everywhere except for Ireland and the United States, where they spell it whiskey. While the origin story of whiskey is not known, historians agree that it probably first came to be in Scotland or Ireland. There are records of the word and beverage dating back to the 15th century.
To prepare whiskey, you malt the grain first, mix it with hot water and stir to create a mash. You add the yeast next, which converts the sugar in the mash into alcohol. Finally, distill the beverage using stills and place it in barrels for aging.
There are various types of whiskey, including American, blended whiskey, Canadian, Irish, Japanese, single-malt whiskey, and scotch. American whiskey can be bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey, or wheat whiskey. The definition and guidelines for each one are very different resulting in varying flavors and alcohol content.
Nutrition Facts
One shot of whiskey (42 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
97 calories
28 g water
0 g protein
0 g fat
0 g carbohydrate
0 g fiber
0 g sugar
0 mg calcium
0.017 mg iron
0 mg magnesium
1.68 mg phosphorus
0.84 mg potassium
0.42 mg sodium
14 g alcohol
Is Whiskey Healthy?
Considering that you can make whiskey very differently, it can be relatively healthy or higher in sugar. Although it does not contain any protein, fat, or carbohydrates, it does have high alcohol content. Nutritionally, whiskey is the same as bourbon when made from corn, so the benefits and disadvantages might be the same.
However, since whiskey can come from other grains, the nutrition values might vary. Also, if the proof is higher, the whiskey will have more calories and alcohol content. Certain whiskeys will also have more sugar depending on production.
Like bourbon, whiskey is also high in antioxidants like ellagic acid. These compounds can fight off oxidative stress and free radicals that harm your cells and tissues. Evidence shows that a moderate intake of whiskey can help protect your body from daily damage (*).
Drinking whiskey in moderate amounts might also be cardioprotective, as it can prevent oxidation of your blood vessels. Still, exceeding the established amount of drinks per day can be incredibly harmful to your heart. Drinking in excess can cause heart disease, heart attack, and stroke (*).
Finally, like with bourbon, drinking whiskey can cause high blood alcohol levels, which might lead to feelings of nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, and even intoxication. Pairing your whiskey with water and making sure you drink only one drink per hour or less is essential. You can also eat something before drinking whiskey to make the absorption slower.
What Are The Key Differences Between Bourbon and Whiskey?
To start, the main difference between bourbon and whiskey is what ingredients you use to produce it. Bourbon must always come from at least a 51% corn mash. Whiskey can come from corn, rye, barley, or wheat.
The flavor of these two spirits is also different because of how they are made. Bourbon is much sweeter because it comes from corn, a sweeter and starchy vegetable. Whiskey can vary in flavor, with some oak notes, smokiness, or blended flavors.
The process of aging is also different when it comes to these two beverages. While whiskey can be aged in oak, sherry, or rum caskets, bourbon must be aged in charred oak barrels. Bourbon cannot have any additives either, while whiskey can.
Another main difference is the alcohol by volume (ABV) content. Bourbon must be distilled at 160 proof (80% ABV) or less, aged at 125 proof (62.5% ABV) or less, and bottled to 80 proof (40% ABV) or less. Whiskey varies depending on where it is made, the grain it comes from, and the aging process.
For bourbon to truly be counted as bourbon, it must be American, and likely come from Kentucky. Whiskey, as you saw earlier, can come from various places in the world. You can see whisky from the United States, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Canada, Japan, and more.
The final difference is the aging standards. Straight bourbon must be aged for at least two years. Whiskey can be aged for less or more time, and it can also be a blend of various types of whiskey aged differently.
Bourbon vs Whiskey Main Differences
Bourbon
Whiskey
Origin
United States
Ireland or Scotland
Color
Brown, caramel
Brown, caramel
Taste and Smell
Sweet flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel. Oaky, wooden smell
The flavor varies depending on the grain used but could be sweet, smoky, or aromatic. The smell is oaky, slightly sweet, and also depends on the casket it is aged in
Uses
Can be consumed straight, with water, ice, in cocktails, or food
Can be consumed straight, with water, ice, in cocktails, or food
Cost
$21.99-$300 per bottle
$20.99-$500 per bottle
Calories per 42 gram serving
97 calories
97 calories
Whiskey vs Bourbon: Which One Is Healthier?
In terms of nutrition and calories, bourbon and whiskey are very similar. This is particularly true when they are made from corn. However, whiskey can sometimes contain more alcohol and more sugar.
Consuming bourbon or whiskey straight, with water, or ice can make the drink healthier. Either way, moderation is key when it comes to drinking alcohol. Mixing bourbon or whiskey in a cocktail adds sugar and calories.
For purists, bourbon is probably better because it follows strict guidelines. Others prefer the variety that whiskey offers, particularly when it comes to new flavors and aromas. Pacing yourself when you drink is the important part.
Conclusion
Since bourbon and whiskey are technically not the same things, you can now calmly decide which one to choose. Do not fear making a mistake at dinner, cocktail party, or date anymore. You can have one or the other without shame and enjoy their benefits.
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
