Bourbon vs Rye: Key Differences & When To Use

Bourbon and Rye are two of the most beloved whiskey styles in North America.  But a question we always get is: what is the difference?

In this post, we’ll dig into bourbon vs rye, define the differences in production and flavour, and help you choose which whiskey to use when you fire up your smoking board or pour from your Old Fashioned kit.

What Makes Bourbon Unique?

Bourbon has a set of legal and stylistic requirements that give it a signature character.

Production / legal rules:

• Bourbon must be made from a mash bill that is at least 51% corn.
  
• It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into new charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof.
  
  • *Note* Proof is just another way of expressing alcohol strength, and it’s based on twice the alcohol by volume (ABV)
    • Aka: 120 proof = 60% ABV. 
• It must be aged in new, charred American White oak barrels (a shared trait with rye, but critical to flavour).
  
• No colouring or flavour additives are allowed (beyond water to reduce proof).
  

Flavour / tasting profile (general tendencies):

• Sweeter notes: vanilla, caramel, honey, butterscotch
  
• Mellow and smooth mouthfeel
  
• Oak, toffee, sometimes fruit or nut undertones
  
  

Because of its corn base, bourbon tends to bring roundness and sweetness, which balances well with smoky aromatics from your smoking board.

How Does Rye Whiskey Differ in Flavour?

Rye is bolder, sharper, and brings spice to the table.

Production / legal rules:

• Rye whiskey must use at least 51% rye grain in its mash.
  
• Similarly, it must be distilled no more than 160 proof, aged in new charred oak, and bottled from that barrel aging.
  

Flavor / tasting profile (general tendencies):

• Spicy, peppery, herbal — think black pepper, clove, cardamom
  
• Drier, more assertive mouthfeel
  
• Earthy or grainy notes, sometimes citrus peel or green herb hints
  
• Because of its assertiveness, it can stand up to stronger flavors, including smoke
  
  

Bourbon vs Rye: Side-by-Side in Bullet Points

Note: Some modern experiments and blind tastings suggest that distinguishing bourbon vs rye by taste alone isn’t always straightforward. In other words, there's room for experimentation.

Which Whiskey Should You Choose for Smoked Cocktails?

When you're planning to use a smoking board or Old Fashioned kit, here are some practical suggestions:

1. If you prefer balance and subtlety, bourbon is often a safer choice—its sweetness can mellow the smoke and complement aromatic wood chips.
   
2. If you love boldness and spice, rye may push your smoke cocktail into a more daring direction.
3. Use lighter woods (maple, cherry) with rye to avoid over-assertion; use heavier woods (oak, hickory) with bourbon for full complexity.
   
   

Knowledge + Tools = Elevated Cocktail Experiences

Pairing your whiskey education with thoughtful tools amplifies the enjoyment. Use our Old Fashioned Kit to experiment with smoke, aroma, and flavor

Try this experiment:

Make two versions of the same cocktail. One with bourbon, one with rye using identical smoke conditions and garnish. Compare aroma, taste, layering, and finish. It’s a fun tasting lesson in your own home bar.

For a detailed overview of the differences, check out this article from Forbes: “Understanding the Difference Between Bourbon, Rye, and Scotch.”

Conclusion

Understanding what sets bourbon and rye apart gives you tools to choose more confidently and to push the boundaries of your smoked cocktails. Whether you lean sweet or spicy, the smoke adds theater, aroma, and depth.

So go ahead: experiment, taste, and let your bar become a lab of flavor. Grab your smoking board, dust off your Old Fashioned kit, and start exploring, you may discover new favorite pairings you never expected.