Rye vs. Bourbon: What’s the Difference?

Trying to figure out the difference between rye and bourbon?

You’ve come to the right place.

In just a few minutes, you’ll know everything there is to know about rye vs. bourbon so you won’t be staring off into space while your whiskey-crazed friends talk about their favorite “pours”.

(I can say that because I am the whiskey-crazed guy in my friend group…)

You’re about to witness the battle of the century: rye vs bourbon.

Who will win???

Which one tastes better?

Well hold on there cowboy, we need to know how bourbon and rye are different first.

Then, I promise I’ll let you watch the fight.

Rye vs. Bourbon: The Dead Simple Difference

What’s the difference between rye and bourbon? Rye is made from at least 51% rye and Bourbon is made from at least 51% corn.

Boom.

Mic drop.

Feel free to go read another article or stick around to hear the more in-depth answer.

What Is Rye Whiskey?

Rye is a type of whiskey made from a minimum of 51% rye in the mashbill. The remaining 49% can be made up of other grains like corn and malted barley.

(Fun fact: Canadian whiskey is often referred to as “rye” because historically it was made mostly with rye, but there is no requirement for rye to even be used. So, your Canadian whiskey may or may not actually be rye.)

The mash is then fermented, distilled, and aged in new charred oak barrels.

The finished product is a whiskey with a spicy profile due to the rye—which makes a great old fashioned, whiskey sour, or manhattan if you like your cocktails on the spicier side.

These cocktails were actually originally made with rye and bartenders have only recently begun using bourbon instead.

What Is Bourbon Whiskey?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made from a minimum of 51% corn in the mashbill. Like Rye, the remaining 49% can be made up of other grains like rye and malted barley.

The mash is then fermented, distilled, and aged in new charred oak barrels.

The finished product is a whiskey with a sweet profile due to the corn—which yields vanilla and caramel notes.

The Heavyweight Battle: Bourbon vs. Rye

Personally, I think bourbon took rye behind the shed and showed him what for.

It just tastes better to me—especially when drinking neat. It’s sweet, still has heat, and has immense character and richness (in most cases).

Rye, on the other hand, has a “stinginess” to it. If you’re drinking a really heavy rye (I’m talking well over 51% rye in the mashbill), it’s like drinking alcoholic wasabi.

…Which I guess is preferable to regular wasabi…

My exaggerations and theatrics aside, I’m really not an anti-rye guy.

It’s great in certain circumstances. I just don’t love drinking it neat (whereas a good bourbon tastes great neat).

When Is Rye Better?

Other than if you simply like the spicier profile, rye is best in a drink specifically designed to have a kick.

Think something like a hot toddy or a traditional Manhattan.

If you want to drink it neat, I highly recommend trying out Sazerac Rye.

(I actually really like this one—no wasabi vibes).

When Is Bourbon Better?

Basically always. 🙂

Joking aside, I think it’s better if you’re wanting to drink your whiskey neat.

A low(ish) proof bourbon like Buffalo Trace or 1792 Small Batch doesn’t have much spice or a kick to it.

Add an ice cube and it’s even more mellow.

The Rye vs. Bourbon Battle Is Utlimately Decided by…Me (J.K. YOU Decide)

I clearly have strong opinions.

But what’s most important is YOUR taste preference.

If you like what you’re drinking then that’s great. And now, you know what to tell people when they ask about the difference between rye and bourbon.

I have a parting gift for you, my ultimate list of bourbons for beginners. This article will show you how to get a great pour for $30 or less.

And before you call me biased, I’m working on a rye for beginners post and will link to that here when it’s ready.