The bourbon family

Bourdon vs Whiskey

Bourbon vs Whiskey: The Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever stood in front of the whisky aisle wondering whether to grab a bottle of bourbon or Scotch, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions for newcomers is: “Is bourbon the same as whiskey?” The short answer? All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

Let’s break that down in a clear, simple way so you can confidently choose your next bottle, whether you’re sipping neat, mixing a cocktail, or buying a gift. And if you’re looking to explore bourbon options yourself, The Bourbon Family is one of the best places online to browse, learn, and shop.


What Is Whiskey?

Whiskey is a broad term for a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden barrels. It’s produced all over the world—Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Japan, and Canada all have their own unique styles.

There are many types of whiskey, including:

  • Scotch whisky (typically made from malted barley, aged in Scotland)
  • Irish whiskey (often triple-distilled, known for smoothness)
  • American whiskey, which includes bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey
  • Japanese whisky, inspired by Scotch but often lighter

So, think of whiskey as the overall family—and bourbon as one member of that family.


What Makes Bourbon Different?

Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey that must follow strict legal requirements. According to U.S. law, for a whiskey to be called bourbon, it must:

  1. Be made in the United States
  2. Contain at least 51% corn in the mash bill
  3. Be aged in new, charred oak barrels
  4. Be distilled to no more than 80% ABV (160 proof)
  5. Enter the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV
  6. Be bottled at no less than 40% ABV

So what does that mean for flavour?

Bourbon tends to be sweeter and smoother than other types of whiskey, thanks to the high corn content. Common flavour notes include:

  • Vanilla
  • Caramel
  • Toasted oak
  • Baking spices

Popular brands like Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark deliver classic bourbon profiles and are great starting points if you’re new to the category. You can find both and more at The Bourbon Family.


How Does Bourbon Compare to Other Whiskeys?

TypeMain GrainOriginFlavour NotesBarrel Type
Bourbon51%+ cornUnited StatesSweet, vanilla, caramel, oakNew, charred oak
ScotchMalted barleyScotlandPeat (some), malt, dried fruitUsed oak (often ex-bourbon)
Irish WhiskeyBarley/mixedIrelandLight, smooth, fruityUsed oak barrels
Rye Whiskey51%+ ryeU.S./CanadaSpicy, bold, pepperyNew or used barrels
Tennessee Whiskey51%+ cornTennessee, USASimilar to bourbon but charcoal-filteredNew, charred oak

As you can see, each whiskey type brings its own unique characteristics. Bourbon stands out for its sweetness, smooth mouthfeel, and mixability.


Common Myths About Bourbon

Bourbon has to come from Kentucky

Not true. While 95% of bourbon is made in Kentucky, it can be produced anywhere in the U.S. (and still be legally called bourbon).

Bourbon is stronger than Scotch

Not necessarily. Strength depends on the bottling proof, not the category. Both can range from 40% ABV to over 60% in cask-strength editions.

You must drink bourbon neat

Also false. While bourbon is beautiful sipped straight, it’s also excellent in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Mint Julep. Many budget-friendly bourbons from The Bourbon Family are perfect for mixing.


How to Choose a Good Bourbon as a Beginner

If you’re new to bourbon, start with these tips:

  • Pick a “straight bourbon” – This ensures no added flavours or colours and a minimum of 2 years of ageing.
  • Stick to under £50/$60 – There are fantastic options like Wild Turkey 101 or Four Roses Small Batch in this price range.
  • Use a trusted source – Shopping from a specialist retailer like The Bourbon Family means better selection, competitive pricing, and expert curation.

You’ll also find detailed tasting notes and customer reviews on their product pages to help you decide.


Best Bourbons to Try from The Bourbon Family

Here are a few top picks you can buy directly from The Bourbon Family:

Each bottle is linked directly, so you can click and purchase easily. Delivery is available across the UK and EU.


Final Thoughts

So—bourbon or whiskey?
That depends on your taste. But if you enjoy smooth, sweet, and bold flavours, bourbon is a fantastic place to start. And now that you know what sets bourbon apart, you can explore confidently.

Whether you’re after a beginner-friendly bottle or a rare collector’s edition, The Bourbon Family offers one of the best selections online. Explore their full range, discover tasting notes, and grab your next favourite bottle—all from the comfort of home.


Cheers to your bourbon journey!

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