american whiskey
Bourbon
America's native spirit, defined by corn, charred oak, and a 1964 act of Congress.
Bourbon is an American whiskey distilled from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Federal law has defined the category since 1964, when Congress declared bourbon "a distinctive product of the United States." The new-oak requirement gives bourbon its signature sweetness — vanilla, caramel, and toffee notes drawn from charred wood — setting it apart from Scotch and Irish styles that typically mature in used casks.
Bourbon vs Scotch
Bourbon and Scotch differ in nearly every dimension: grain, barrel policy, climate, and minimum age. Bourbon's new charred oak and corn-forward mash bill produce a sweeter, bolder spirit; Scotch's used casks and barley base lean toward malt, fruit, and — in coastal regions — peat smoke.