Bourbon or Rye? A Practical Whiskey Shopping Guide

January is a good month to try something new. Should your next bottle be bourbon or rye? You do not need to memorize production rules to shop well. Here is a practical way to think about it.

The general difference

Bourbon is generally made mostly from corn, while rye whiskey leans on rye grain. In everyday terms, many people find bourbon tends toward a rounder, sweeter impression, while rye often comes across as spicier or drier. Those are broad tendencies. Proof, age, the producer and the barrel can all shift a bottle's character. Some bourbons are quite spicy, and some ryes are surprisingly soft.

Read the label

A few words on the label tell you a lot:

• "Bourbon" or "Rye": the basic style.
• "Straight": commonly used for whiskey that meets certain aging and production standards; ask if you are curious about a specific bottle.
• Age statement: how long the whiskey aged, when stated.
• Proof or ABV: the strength, which varies widely.
• Single barrel, small batch, barrel proof: see our label reading guide.

Think about proof

Proof affects how intense a whiskey feels. A higher-proof bottle may feel bolder neat and can stand up well in cocktails, while a lower-proof bottle may feel easier to sip. Adding a splash of water or a large ice cube is a perfectly good way to adjust a pour to your taste.

How will you use it?

• Sipping neat or on ice: choose the style whose general character appeals to you, then compare a couple of proofs over time.
• Old Fashioned: both styles are popular; bourbon often reads a little sweeter, rye a little sharper.
• Manhattan: rye is a traditional choice for many people, but bourbon works too.
• Highballs: an approachable, moderately priced bottle is usually plenty.

A simple way to decide

If you enjoy sweeter flavors such as caramel or vanilla, start with bourbon. If you like spice and a drier finish, try a rye. If you cannot decide, consider one of each in smaller bottles and taste them side by side with a friend.

Wheated bourbon is another branch worth knowing; our Weller and wheated bourbon guide explains it.

Ask what is available

Our team is happy to show you examples of both styles and help you find something in your budget. Visit us at 1049 S State Street, call (601) 353-0331, or browse delivery options on Stanley's DoorDash store page.

Please enjoy responsibly. Must be 21+ to purchase.