Even for enthusiasts of brown beverages, distinguishing between a high-rye bourbon and a rye whiskey can be challenging, particularly as bourbon is considered a type of whiskey. The two drinks bear a striking aesthetic resemblance and aren’t easy to differentiate by aroma. Even their flavors can mimic each other if an identical quantity of rye is used. Despite sharing an alcohol percentage, there exist several key differences that establish high-rye bourbon and rye whiskey as distinct entities which can significantly influence how to appreciate them.

High-rye bourbon, compared to standard bourbon, is not as sweet. It remains restricted to production within the United States like any other bourbon whiskey. These bourbons acquire a more peppery zest due to their additional rye, yet conserve some of the characteristic bourbon sweetness. Conversely, rye whiskey can be manufactured anywhere globally. It proffers a predominantly spicy palate, reminiscent of classic baking spices such as cloves and cinnamon. What principally sets these beverages apart is their primary grain. As their names suggest, both comprise rye, but high-rye bourbon uses corn predominantly while rye whiskey needs a minimum of 51% rye.

Read further: The 25 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked

Bourbon is usually brewed with corn as the main ingredient. High-rye bourbon introduces a significant portion of rye as well, thus the designation. For a whiskey to earn the bourbon label, it must contain at least 51% corn. High-rye bourbons incorporate around 20% rye as well. The sweetness in bourbons typically arises from the high corn content. The inclusion of rye in high-rye bourbon aids in mitigating some of this sweetness. High-rye bourbon is considered more impactful than standard bourbon, delivering a potent initial flavor burst.

High-rye bourbon, similar to classical bourbons, is crafted in new charred oak barrels and the added rye results in a drier spirit. This gives you more profound herbal and bitter tasting notes, not usually associated with bourbons. High-rye bourbon might be interesting to you if you relish bourbon but are curious about a less sugary and more sophisticated flavour.

Rye whiskey, to fall under this categorization, ought to be created with a minimum of 51% rye. Rye whiskeys bring forth a spicy, mildly scorching sensation upon consumption. This emanates from rye’s spicy flavour compared to other grains for distillation. Certain rye whiskeys will include much more than 51% rye to impart an additional spicy punch. Owing to their arid disposition, these whiskeys will feel pronounced in your mouth, thus, making for a more diverse sensation than bourbon and even high-rye bourbon.

Just like bourbon and other whiskey types, rye whiskeys are aged in charred oak barrels, however, rye whiskeys can utilise previously used barrels. The charred oak grants the spirit notes of vanilla sweetness and a hint of smoky wooden flavour. Rye whiskey that’s been aged for an extended duration carries more pronounced sweet notes, whereas younger rye whiskeys emphasise the spicy aspect. Nonetheless, sweetness will be nominal in a rye whiskey.

Even though high-rye bourbons contain a greater amount of rye in comparison to traditional bourbon whiskeys, they are still predominantly composed of corn. For a bourbon to be classified in the United States, it ought to be made with 51% or more corn. According to New Riff Distilling, bourbon originated in the 1700s Kentucky when settlers brewed the spirit mostly from corn. Bourbon became the most favoured liquor for many Americans owing to the ample supply of the crop in the country. The distinctly sweet and enjoyable flavour people crave in bourbon whiskey comes from corn. Corn also conveys a smoother experience to the bourbon, rendering it easily consumable.

Rye whiskeys are predominantly distilled from rye, which gained popularity as a distilling choice in the 1700s and initially came to be in Pennsylvania, according to Limestone Branch Distillery. Rye was well-suited to the climate and introduced a sharper, distinct flavor compared to other whiskeys of that era, but its easy availability was its biggest appeal.

When contrasted with other whiskeys, bourbon whiskeys are subject to some of the most stringent rules for classification. Apart from water, no other additives can be used in bourbon whiskeys. There are laws ensuring that nothing else is used to modify the color, sweeten the bourbon, or boost the flavor in any manner. This system is in place to maintain the purity of bourbon and provide transparency about the ingredients. This law originated from President Taft’s Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, stated by Jeptha Creed Distillery. While you might find these stringent requirements a tad ridiculous, they have preserved genuine American bourbon for more than a century.

On the contrary, it’s permissible to include additives in rye whiskey if it’s not labelled as “straight whiskey.” Straight whiskey is simply whiskey that contains no other additives — various types of whiskeys, including rye whiskeys, can be straight. However, if a rye whiskey isn’t tagged as straight, additives may constitute up to 2.5% of the liquor. Additives serve to achieve a more uniform color for the whiskey or to emphasize the tasting notes. Due to strict regulations, these additives don’t drastically change the whiskey.

One of the attractions of high-rye bourbon is the additional punch from the spicy rye. If you’re consuming a high-rye bourbon to savor that potent spice flavor, it’s best to drink this liquor neat. You can refrigerate your glass and bourbon prior to pouring, in order to get some freshness from the cold. If you’re concerned about the spice being too overpowering for a bourbon, you could choose to drink it on the rocks; ice will help dilute the intensity. A high-rye bourbon can also be a unique way to spice up a mint julep cocktail.

The resurgence of rye whiskey has brought on a new age of rye whiskey cocktails. Many classic whiskey cocktails such as the Manhattan and old fashioned would have featured strong rye whiskey flavors back in the times of their creation, so using rye whiskey for them today will get you closer to how these drinks were originally imagined. Rye whiskey can cut through the mixers of cocktails for a subtle edge. You could also go for rye whiskey neat or on the rocks if you want to fully experience the spice.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.