Are you a whiskey lover who didn’t know there are so many different types of bourbon? You’re not alone.
Many people are unaware of the diverse range of flavors and characteristics that bourbon can have.
From high rye to blended, toasted barrel to single barrel, the world of bourbon is vast and complex.
In this article, we will explore the different types of bourbon and their unique requirements, flavors, and characteristics.
By the end of this post, you will have a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of this American spirit.
The 9 Main Types of Bourbon
1. High Rye Bourbon
High Rye bourbon has a higher percentage of rye in the mashbill than standard bourbon, usually around 15-35%.
This gives the whiskey a spicier flavor profile than a traditional bourbon. With notes of pepper and spice, high rye bourbon is a great option for those who enjoy a bolder, more robust flavor.
In order to be classified as high rye bourbon, the whiskey must meet the same requirements as traditional bourbon, including being aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.
2. Blended Bourbon
Blended bourbon is a type of bourbon that is made by blending different barrels of bourbon together with the goal of creating a consistent flavor profile across different batches (and throughout the sip).
These bourbons are usually looked down upon in the community because many companies source the bourbons they blend to make their own product, but not for good reason. Some of the best bourbons I’ve had have been blended.
3. Toasted Barrel Bourbon
A “toasted barrel” bourbon has been finished in an additional new, charred, oak barrel that has been toasted. This process gives the whiskey a unique flavor profile where marshmallow, nuttiness, and heavy oak often stand out.
Toasting the barrels allows the wood to release different compounds and flavors into the whiskey, resulting in a more complex flavor profile.
4. Wheated Bourbon
Wheated bourbon is a type of bourbon that has a higher percentage of wheat in the mashbill, usually around 15-35%.
This gives the whiskey a sweeter and smoother flavor profile than a traditional bourbon. With notes of caramel and vanilla, wheated bourbon is a great option for those who enjoy a more mellow flavor.
5. Sour Mash
Sour Mash whiskey means the distillate was made using a unique process where a portion of the previous batch of mash is used to inoculate the new batch, similar to a sourdough starter.
This process, known as the Lincoln County Process, gives the whiskey a smooth and mellow flavor. Popular whiskeys like Jack Daniel’s and other bourbons use this process.
Usually, anything called “Tennessee Whiskey” is also Sour Mash whiskey.
6. Single Barrel Bourbon
“Single barrel” is a label that simply means the bourbon in the bottle came from one barrel. This results in a whiskey with a more distinct and varied flavor profile since aging has such an impact on how a bourbon tastes.
You can have single barrels of the same exact whiskey that aged in different parts of the rickhouse and they could taste completely different.
7. Small Batch Bourbon
Like a single barrel, a small batch is a label that means the bourbon is made from a combination of different barrels. Batches usually range somewhere between 5-50 barrels.
This limit on the number of barrels used in a bottling run means a small batch bourbon will contain more unique characteristics and flavors from the aging process–which can be drastically different from barrel to barrel due to positions in the rickhouse.
This helps distillers The whiskey must meet the same requirements as traditional bourbon, including being aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.
8. Cask Strength or Barrel Strength Bourbon
Cask strength (often referred to as “barrel strength”) is a type of bourbon that is bottled at the proof it came out of the barrel, without any additional water added.
This results in a higher alcohol content than traditional bourbon–with proofs ranging between 115-130 rather than 80-90.
9. Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Bottled in Bond bourbon is another label that means the bourbon was aged for a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 proof.
BiB must be produced by one distiller at one distillery during one distilling season and must also be aged in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision.
Each Type of Bourbon Can Have Drastically Different Flavors
The world of bourbon is vast and complex, with many different types of bourbon each with its own unique flavor profile and characteristics.
From high rye to blended, toasted barrel to single barrel, there is a bourbon out there to suit every palate.
Understanding the different types of bourbon and their requirements will help you appreciate and enjoy this American spirit even more.
Whether you prefer a bold and robust flavor or a smooth and mellow taste, there is a bourbon out there for you.
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.