Bourbon Whisky Vs Single Malt: Understanding Two Distinct Whisky Styles

Both bourbon and single malt are whiskies but differ in ingredients and methods of production. The first and most important difference is the grain bill—bourbon whisky primarily uses corn as the main ingredient, while single malt whisky must be made from malted barley coming from one distillery. Since each stage of distilling influences the final outcome, you can see that these categories of whisky differ from each other in multiple other aspects.

What Is Bourbon Whisky?

In order to know what bourbon whisky is, it is worthwhile to begin with its legal definition. Bourbon is an American whisky made from a mash bill containing not less than 51% corn. It has to be aged in new oak barrels that have been charred, which considerably influences its taste. The new oak gives the whisky notes of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and baking spice together with the sweetness of corn. Though Kentucky is known for its bourbon, it can be produced anywhere in the U.S., provided that certain federal requirements are met. 

What Is Single Malt Whisky?

Single malt whisky is produced from malted barley by one distillery. Usually, it is produced in copper pot stills. Unlike bourbon, single malt whisky is usually aged in used oak barrels, for example, in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels, which leads to a different interaction between the spirit and the wood. This process can result in many different tastes, such as fruity, spicy, or smoky whisky. The Singleton is one such single malt whisky, featuring notes of orchard fruits, creamy toffee, and brown sugar.

Bourbon Whisky vs Single Malt: Production And Flavour

The first noticeable difference comes from the grain. A mash bill high in corn makes bourbon deliciously sweet, while malted barley gives single malt a grainy, cookie-like taste. Along with the grain selection, maturation sets the two apart. While bourbon has to be matured using fresh, charred barrels, single malt whisky can undergo maturation in used barrels. With the use of new barrels, bourbon develops prominent aromatic notes of vanilla and caramel, while single malt showcases softer wood aroma from used casks, allowing the fruit, malt and other flavour characteristics to dominate.

Why Do Bourbon Whisky And Single Malt Command A Premium?

Even though both types of whisky differ in their production processes, both require a considerable amount of time, raw materials and skill throughout the manufacturing procedure until they are ready to be sold. Pricing of premium whisky varieties is determined by a range of factors, many of which the two types share:

• Using high-quality ingredients, such as corn in the bourbon and malted barley in single malt.

• Long maturation period during which whisky reaches its full aromatic potential while sacrificing a portion due to evaporation (known as “angel’s share”).

• Choosing appropriate barrels, as barrel-making gives whisky its unique taste.

• The production involves finite amounts of produce, since the whisky must be aged for many years before it can be sold.

Thus, the production processes really define the premium prices of these whisky types, but do not signify that one is better than the other.

Bourbon Whisky Price In India

The price of bourbon whisky in India varies with the excise duties levied by states, import expenses and retailer pricing. Imported bourbons are usually somewhere in these approximate ranges:

• Gurgaon: Rs. 1,800 – Rs. 2,500 (750 ml)

• Mumbai: Rs 2,400 – Rs 3,200 (750 ml)

• Bengaluru: Rs. 2,200 – Rs. 3,000 (750 ml)

Older expressions and limited releases often command much higher prices depending on availability and the brand.

Conclusion

Bourbon and single malt whisky are based on distinct traditions rather than rival philosophies. While bourbon whisky is characterised by the corn mash bill and the use of new charred oak barrels, single malt is characterised by malted barley, single distillation, and a variety of barrels used for maturation. All these differences result in various flavour profiles, which is why both products represent important elements of the global whisky category.

*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.