

The existing regulation states that whiskey must be made in Canada, and must be aged in 700-liter barrels for three years. It can be corn-heavy with a touch of rye because there is no law dictating the quantities. Instead of a straightforward mostly rye mash bill, Canadian whiskey just needs to exhibit the qualities of rye whiskey.

What is Canadian rye?Ĭanadian rye whiskey is a little more complicated to understand. You also might like: 11 Best Winter Cocktails. That said, who listens to rules anyway? We recommend drinking whatever you like and if it’s a bourbon Sazerac then go for it. Some, like the Manhattan, are interchangeable, but others, like the Sazerac, are best made with rye. The Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Sazerac, Whiskey Sour, Old Pal, Hot Toddy, and Boulevardier are all whiskey classics. Many of the world’s most iconic cocktails feature bourbon or rye. The ‘bittered sling’ or cocktail took off and the rest is history. So, bartenders took to blending the rough stuff with sugar, bitters, and water. Back in the day (we’re talking over 200 years ago), whiskey wasn’t as refined as it is today. If it wasn’t for the golden nectar, we probably wouldn’t have a booming cocktail industry. If you love cocktails as much as we do, then high-five the next bourbon or rye whiskey bottle you see. You also might like: 15 Winter Whiskey Cocktails. Did someone say cocktail party? Yeah, you did! bourbon taste, the best way to test cocktails is to try both versions and see which you prefer.

In cocktails, rye leads the dance, and many classic cocktails rely on its robust character and body. It can range from grassy and peppery to heavily spiced with notes of oak, fruit, and smoke. Rye whiskey is bold, assertive, and tingles the taste buds. It can be the main flavor in a cocktail, or it can lay a robust flavor base to build on. In cocktails, bourbon adds depth and complexity, as well as a lingering oaky afterglow. The hefty corn mash means it’s sweet, and the barrel-aging process gives it notes of vanilla, caramel, nuts, fruit, and spice. Bourbon is known for its smooth character and silky mouthfeel. Now that we’ve got the technical differences out of the way, let’s cover the most important thing of all: taste. What’s the flavor difference between bourbon vs. You also might like: The 12 Best Whiskey Cocktails. Just like bourbon, rye whiskey is bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. If your rye whiskey is not labeled straight, then there’s a good chance it has additives. Rye whiskey labeled as ‘straight’ has no additives. Rye’s mash must contain a minimum of 51% rye.įrom there the process is almost identical to bourbon, except that rye can have additives to infuse flavors or improve color. The mash is where the real difference lies between rye vs. Much like its bourbon brother, if it’s made in America, it has to follow the rye-mashing rules. Many countries produce great rye, but America is still leading the pack. Rye whiskey is a barrel-aged brown spirit, and it doesn’t have to be made in America to be considered rye. You might also like: 9 Bourbon-Based Summer Cocktails. Bourbon is always bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. rye, bourbon is not allowed to have any additives, while rye can in some cases. Great skill and knowledge are required at every step of the process to get the best possible liquid into the barrels. The aging process mellows the bourbon, gives it its color, and imparts the signature oak flavor. It’s then stored in charred new oak barrels for at least two years. Some keep it a secret, but many distilleries, even some of the largest producers, share their recipes.Īfter the fermentation and distillation process, the bourbon is diluted with water until it reaches the desired proof. Every distillery has its own mash bill or recipe for each whiskey they produce. The rest of the mash can be a mixture of wheat, malted barley, and rye grains. According to the American Bourbon Association, a bourbon mash must contain a minimum of 51% corn. The mash is cooked until it releases its flavor and sugary goodness. Purists will argue that it has to be made there, but these days, it’s made all over the US.īourbon starts life as a mash of mixed grains. It was invented in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and 95% of all bourbon is still made there. What is bourbon?īourbon is a barrel-aged brown spirit that must be made in America to earn the title of bourbon. Join us as we roll out the charred new oak barrels and discover the differences and similarities in the bourbon vs. But, even though they’re made similarly, they’re not the same thing. Each whiskey adds something unique, and many classic cocktails are bourbon or rye-based. With rich histories and complex flavors, the two have been delighting cocktail drinkers for over 200 years. Bourbon and rye are as American as hotdogs and apple pie.
