Whiskey is a drink loved by many, and it comes in different varieties. Let us look at the two favorite whiskeys and their difference. That is rye and bourbon. But first, why does the whiskey change? You would be forgiven for thinking that whiskey is just whiskey!

Whiskey is produced from the distillation of fermented grain mash. This mash is mostly made up of different types of grains combined to form a “mash bill”. The mixture is then heated and mixed with water to help form sugars that ferment into alcohol. The resulting liquor is distilled and finally placed in wooden barrels for the aging process. 

Therefore, the change comes from the type of grain used, the distillation process, and the aging process. Any change in any of the methods brings about a different kind of whiskey.

It is important to note that rye was produced in the States in the early years, before the ‘discovery ‘ of corn. Corn was cheap to produce and was used to make whiskey in place of rye. The popularity of rye was very high before the Prohibition time (the law that prohibited any alcohol production and consumption). Still, then bourbon became popular after Prohibition. However, over the years, rye has started to regain its popularity.

Differences between rye and bourbon

Of course, both rye and bourbon have got similarities just as much as they have differences. While some similarities may come up, the main focus is on the difference that makes each drink unique.

The production stage

The significant difference between bourbon and rye is in the grain used to make each. Rye is made from a mixture with a grain mash that contains 51% rye, while bourbon is made with a mash bill; they have 51% corn. This also gives each whiskey very distinct flavors.

The mash bills for both bourbon and rye are crushed and mixed with water. For bourbon, a sour mash is added into the mixture, which does not happen with rye.

Yeast is then added to the mixtures to help ferment. The alcohol produced is distilled and then put into barrels for aging. They both have to age in new charred oak barrels.

The taste profiles

Due to the difference in their production, both rye and bourbon taste very different. Bourbon tends to have a softer profile with tastes of caramel, while rye is spicier.

Rye has a spicy flavor that tastes a bit dry. You can get different tastes in the rye too. Some rye will be bold that give your throat a spicy sting, while others may start harsh, but in the end, they “thin out”. Others may start softer and gradually become involved as you continue to drink it.

The rye whiskey’s most common flavors are pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and spices. Rye also has some notes of fruity flavors like pears, peaches, cherries, and apples. The more the aging, the more the flavor becomes intense. You will most likely taste this type of whiskey at the back of your tongue.

Bourbon is sweet and has a full-bodied taste. This is due to the corn that is used in its production. The consistency of bourbon is also very smooth; it flows smoothly and does not develop flavors as you sip it.

Bourbon flavors will include caramel, maple syrup, and vanilla. The more bourbon is aged, the more it becomes sweeter to the palate.

Types of Bourbon

There is quite a variety of bourbon;

Traditional bourbon

This is the standard type of bourbon that is produced with at least 70% corn, 15% rye, and 15% barley in its mash bill.

High rye bourbon

This is a bourbon that has a higher quantity of rye as the secondary ingredient. The rye in the bourbon gives it a more spicy taste.

High wheat bourbon

Here, the mash bill has a high content of wheat as the secondary ingredient. This type of bourbon is lovely.

Tennessee whiskey

Judging from the name, this is a type of straight bourbon that is made in Tennessee. This bourbon is passed through a filter with charcoal before the aging process, which gives it a distinct flavor.

Common bourbon bottles

Heaven Hill Green Label

This bourbon is said to be quite affordable. It is made mainly for sale in Kentucky. You get to enjoy flavors of caramel and oak when you drink it.

John E. Fitzgerald Larceny

This is a wheated bourbon that offers sweetness and softness to die for. It has a full-bodied taste but still soft to the palate. It is produced in Heaven Hill.

Types of rye

The main focus for rye whiskey is the amount of rye in its mash bill, and not necessarily the other ingredients. There are only two types of rye whiskeys;

American Rye

This is a rye that meets all the requirements needed for producing it majorly in the U.S. Its production is highly regulated. Therefore it is consistent in quality. It is required to have a mash bill of 51% rye, distilled at no more than 160 proof and aged in new charred oak barrels.

Canadian Rye

This type of rye is produced in Canada and has no regulations that are governing its production. The whiskey may even be made entirely of corn but will still be called ‘rye whiskey’.

Common rye whiskey bottles

The Old Overholt Rye Whiskey

This is one of the most popular rye whiskey in the market. It is believed to be friendly to the pocket and easy to find. It’s most prominent flavor is that of spice, with an after taste of vanilla. You will also taste some bit of proper and sweet orchard fruits.

Templeton Rye Whiskey.

It is nicknamed, ” The Good Stuff.” This whiskey has quite a rich history. Distilled in Templeton, Iowa, it has a rye mash bill of 95%. It is full of grassy flavor with notes of spice, fruit, and fudge.

To have bourbon or rye for your cocktail?

This may be a dilemma for some, so it is essential to ask yourself, ” Do I need a sweet or spicy drink?”

The sweet flavor of bourbon will go well with a whiskey sour or summer drinks. The dryness of rye, on the other hand, will go well with Manhattans. The basic rule or assumption is that if your whiskey is already sweet, adding some rye will give it some balance while adding bourbon will make it excessively sweet.

Conclusion

The battle of supremacy between bourbon and rye will always ultimately come down to personal preference.

Here is a quick summary;

*The main difference between rye and bourbon comes from their initial ingredients. The rye bill is at least 51% rye, while that of bourbon is at least 51% corn.

*The difference in the ingredients brings about a difference in flavors. Rye had a spicy flavor, while bourbon has a sweet, caramel flavor.

The bottom line is that these two whiskeys are great drinks that are delicious. Both are ideal for relaxing after a long day. Your preference will be the main determinant for what you pick; sweet or spicy?

The least time needed for the aging of rye whiskey is two years. After this, most distillers transfer the whiskey into other previously used barrels to bring about different rye tastes.

If you intend to have a long conversation with that old-time friend, then rye would be your go-to drink. But then again, it is all about what you enjoy! Good luck experimenting!

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