All Types of Bourbon: Explained

With the trend of making at-home cocktails on the rise, many people are re-discovering the joy of drinking bourbon whiskey. Despite its rise in popularity, there’s still a lot of confusion about exactly what bourbon is and the different types of styles.

If you’ve taken an interest in bourbon, you’re in the right place. Start by taking a look through this guide, and you’ll be a bourbon connoisseur in no time.

What is bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of American-made whiskey distilled from a mixture of grains (called mash) primarily made of corn. Federal standards require that to use the term “bourbon,” a liquor must be a “distinctive product of the United States” — meaning that whiskeys made outside of the U.S. can’t be called bourbon.

The difference between bourbon and whiskey

Bourbon is just one of many different types of whiskey. For a whiskey to be called a bourbon, the mash used to make it must be made up of at least 51% corn. Other requirements include:

• The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less
• The distillate must be stored at 125 proof or less
• No additives may be added to the mash
• The distilled bourbon must be held in new charred oak barrels

Types of bourbon

If you’re just getting started experimenting with bourbons, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the number of options. Here’s a look at some of the most popular types of bourbon, which may be a good place to start.

1. Standard bourbon whiskey

A “standard” bourbon is made following the federal guidelines for bourbon. Standard bourbons are bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. Nothing should be added to adjust the proof, with the exception of water.

2. Wheated and high-rye bourbon

While bourbon must be made of a mash containing at least 51% corn, the other 49% may vary. If the mash has a high rye content, it’s called a high-rye bourbon. This tends to give the liquor a spicy flavor. When a bourbon is made with a mash that has a high wheat content, it’s a wheated bourbon. This style tends to have a smoother mouth feel.

3. Blended bourbon

Blended bourbon whiskey is made from a combination of bourbon whiskeys. Depending on the blend, it may mix bourbons with different mash makeups, from different distilleries, and, sometimes, from different states. While blended bourbons used to be a lower-cost option, today, there are also expensive premium blended bourbons on the market.

4. Straight bourbon

A straight bourbon must be aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels. Also, if it’s aged for fewer than four years, there must be an age statement on the bottle telling consumers how long it has been aged. Straight bourbon must also not contain any blending materials, caramel or vanilla flavor, or added color. 

5. Single-barrel and small-batch bourbon

A single-barrel bourbon is aged in a single barrel, while small-batch bourbons are aged in up to 50 different barrels before being blended together to create the final product. Each of these types of bourbon creates a specialized flavor profile that cannot be replicated. 

6. Tennessee whiskey

To qualify as a Tennessee whiskey, a bourbon must be distilled in the state of Tennessee and it must go through the “Lincoln County Process,” which requires it to be passed over charcoal before going into the barrels for aging. 

7. Kentucky bourbon

Kentucky bourbon must be distilled in the state of Kentucky. However, other than the requirements to qualify as a bourbon, there are no other limitations to what can be called a Kentucky bourbon. As a result, there are many different flavors of Kentucky bourbon whiskey. 

8. Sour mash bourbon

Sour mash bourbon uses pre-existing mash that has already been used in another distillation process. This adds a distinct flavor that’s often sweeter and more robust than other types of bourbon. 

9. Bottled in bond bourbon

The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 was designed to ensure bourbons were unadulterated by regulating what could go into them. To qualify as bottled-in-bond bourbon, the spirit must meet three requirements: 

• The bourbon comes from a single distiller in a single season (ex. fall or spring)
• It must be aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse
• The bottling must occur at 50% alcohol by volume (ABV)

10. Corn bourbon

Corn bourbon goes all-in, using a mash made up of 80% to 100% corn. This style of bourbon is sweet and smooth and has recently gained popularity. 

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Types of bourbon flavors

Now that you’re familiar with some of the basic styles of bourbon whiskey, it’s also helpful to understand the different types of flavor profiles. Here are a few options you may want to explore.

1. Sweet

Sweet bourbons often have the flavor and aroma of caramel and vanilla. These bourbons often have a corn content of 70% to 80% and are aged for many years.

2. Spicy Rye

One of the most common bourbon flavors, spicy rye has a strong, spicy flavor with some delightfully fruited notes. While traditional bourbon contains about 12% rye, spicy rye bourbon may be made of a mash that contains 20% to 35% rye.

3. Rich

A bourbon that is described as “rich” has a strong flavor profile that is oaky, fruity, and sweet. It also has distinctive notes of vanilla and caramel, but the flavors do not overwhelm the palate.

4. Delicate

A delicate bourbon has the ideal balance of spiciness and sweetness and offers a depth of flavor while also being delicate on the nose and palate. These bourbons are smooth and light-tasting and won’t burn your throat.

5. Wood charred

The level of char on the inside of the barrel and the length of time the bourbon ages can give it a unique flavor. Wood-charred bourbon typically has a distinctive aroma, flavor, and mouth feel.

6. Oak

Bourbon absorbs the flavors of the oak barrels, so the longer it ages, the stronger the oak flavor is likely to be. Some bourbons also go through double barreling, which gives them an even oakier taste and aroma.

7. Corn

Corn whiskeys have a unique flavor from the high percentage of corn used in the mash. These tend to have a creamy mouth feel and flavors of honey, brown butter, fruit, florals, caramel, and vanilla.

8. Smooth and mellow

Bourbon is generally smoother than whiskey, but some are smoother and more mellow than others. The higher percentage of corn contained in the mash, the softer and smoother the flavor tends to be.

Classic bourbon cocktails

While many people choose to drink their bourbon neat or on the rocks, there’s also a wide range of classic and creative bourbon cocktails to choose from. Here are some traditional bourbon cocktails you may want to try. 

1. Old fashioned

This widely popular bourbon cocktail is made of bourbon, bitters, and simple syrup. It’s usually garnished with a cherry and an orange peel. 

2. Mint julep

A mint julep is a light and refreshing bourbon cocktail that is made with bourbon, sugar, crushed ice, and fresh mint. It’s traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup that helps it stay perfectly chilled. 

3. Bourbon Manhattan

A bourbon Manhattan is made from bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a splash of orange bitters. It’s shaken or stirred until it’s chilled then strained into a martini glass and garnished with a cherry.

Start exploring bourbon whiskey today

Are you ready to put some of these spirits to the test? Whether you’re planning to impress your guests at a cocktail party or enjoy a quiet night in, Instacart’s easy online ordering makes it easy to explore all of the different types and styles of bourbon. To get started, just head over to Instacart, add everything you need to your cart, and let our professional shoppers take care of the rest. It’s easy and affordable, so try it out today!

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