In American whiskey, the difference between bourbon and rye isn’t just a matter of taste—it’s a matter of law. While they share many production standards, the choice of grain leads to distinct flavor profiles and cocktail applications.
At Bardstown Bourbon Company, we embrace that difference. From grain to barrel to glass, we explore every style to push the boundaries of what American whiskey can be. And our approach to rye whiskey takes innovation even further, introducing a finishing method unlike anything else on the market.
Let’s break down the key distinctions between bourbon and rye, and explore how our Double Barreled Rye redefines what’s possible in the category.
Understanding American Whiskey Styles
American whiskey isn’t just one thing. It’s a diverse category made up of several legally defined styles, each shaped by its grain bill, aging process, and production method. The most recognized types include:
- Bourbon
- Rye Whiskey
- Corn Whiskey
- Malt Whiskey
- Wheat Whiskey
Each style offers its own unique expression. Bourbon is typically rich and sweet, rye brings spice and brightness, and corn whiskey offers bold, unfiltered character. Understanding these categories helps drinkers navigate flavor and find the right whiskey for every pour.
The Legal Difference Between Rye and Bourbon
While rye and bourbon often share shelf space, they follow specific and distinct legal definitions. Both must be:
- Distilled in the United States
- Aged in new, charred oak barrels
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof
- Entered into the barrel at 125 proof or below
- Bottled at 80 proof or higher
- Free from additives, only water may be used to adjust proof
The key difference lies in the grain bill:
- Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn
- Rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye grain
That one change makes a significant impact. Bourbon leans toward caramelized sweetness and smooth oak, while rye brings bold spice, citrus, and herbal depth, ideal for classic cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
What Makes Bardstown’s Double Barreled Rye Truly One‑of‑a‑Kind
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Double Barreled Rye is a completely original expression within the rye whiskey category. It begins with a 95% rye mash bill, already known for delivering intense spice and structure, and is distilled entirely on site at our state-of-the-art facility in Bardstown, Kentucky.
After a minimum of six years of traditional aging, the whiskey is moved into custom hybrid barrels designed in collaboration with the West Virginia Great Barrel Company. These finishing barrels combine toasted American oak and cherry wood, treated with a proprietary infrared-toasting process that draws out distinct flavor compounds and intensifies complexity. This exact barrel construction and finishing method has never been used on rye whiskey anywhere else.
We extend this finish for up to two additional years, allowing flavors of ripe cherry, warm oak, subtle florals, and baking spice to develop naturally over time. The result is a rye that’s layered, fruit-forward, and completely unique, setting a new benchmark for innovation in American whiskey.
Final Sip
We’re known for crafting great whiskey and exploring flavors that push the boundaries of bourbon. Our four estate-distilled expressions, Origin Series Bourbon, Bottled-in-Bond, High Wheat, and Double Barreled Rye, each highlight a unique style within American whiskey. We invite you to taste through the full lineup and discover which expression speaks to you. There’s no better way to understand the difference between bourbon and rye than by experiencing them where they’re made, one sip at a time.