Bourbon may be the dominant force in the US whiskey market, but rye has been making inroads in the last few years. With the US developing an insatiable thirst for fine spirits, rye whiskey is once again catching the eye of connoisseurs. But it might be difficult to distinguish the difference between bourbon and rye, particularly for the untrained palate. Here, we look at the main differences between the two.
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History
Although bourbon is the more popular of the two American whiskeys today, rye whiskey was once the dominant force. Rye whiskey production dates back to the late 18th century and was prevalent in the northeast states. Rye grain was a far more reliable crop when compared to corn, especially in the northern parts of the US. But the rye whiskey industry was wiped out in 1920 when prohibition laws were introduced. Just a handful of distilleries saw the other side.
When prohibition ended 13 years later, bourbon had already taken rye whiskey’s share of the market and demand failed to recover. Today, the best example of the industry’s legacy is WhistlePig, which produces some of the finest rye whiskey at its Vermont distillery.
Bourbon has always been associated with Kentucky. Distilling began at a similar time as rye after Scottish and Irish settlers brought their farming and whiskey knowledge from Europe. Similarly, the industry was left ruined by prohibition laws, with all distilleries forced to stop production.
Many, however, were granted permission to bottle whiskey for medicinal purposes, which carried them through to the other side. Bourbon does not need to be made in Kentucky to carry the name (a widely believed falsehood), but it is true that almost all the best-known distilleries are located within the state.
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Ingredients and distillation
There are notable distinctions in each spirit’s history and culture, but the most obvious difference between bourbon and rye is the ingredients that go into them. American rye whiskey must, by law, be distilled with at least 51% rye in its grain mixture. Distillers don’t tend to use more than they have to as too much rye can be sticky and difficult to work with. The other 49% is often made up of corn and malted barley. Usually, but not always, a higher proportion of rye tends to mean a more expensive product. Bourbon, conversely, must have at least 51% corn in its grain mix.
From there, the process is very similar. Rye whiskey tends to be distilled in smaller stills (25 gallons) for a more authentic pre-prohibition taste, while bourbon is generally distilled in much larger quantities (50+ gallons). Both must be aged in newly charred American oak barrels and cannot be over 125 proof at the point of entry. There are no rules for minimum age, but a rye and bourbon must be aged for at least two years to be considered “straight” and be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.
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Taste
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a young rye and a young bourbon, but over time the two liquids can veer off in opposite directions. A well-aged rye imparts a spicy and savory note on the palate, while bourbon’s corn base usually offers a much sweeter profile. This can change drastically if the liquid is finished in a different cask, meaning it is aged in an old sherry cask to infuse it with more sweetness.
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