Bourbon’s taste can be hard to explain as every bottle from different brands varies depending on its mash bill and the aging process.
Some bourbons tend to be spicier, sweeter, or more delicate than others, so we set up a bourbon taste chart to help you categorize the common aromas and flavors of bourbon brands.
Bourbon Taste Chart (Quick Summary)
Spicy Rye
- Bulleit
- Booker’s
- Redemption
- Old Forester
- Four Roses
- New Riff
- Basil Hayden
- Old Grand-Dad
- Very Old Barton
- Knob Creek
- EH Taylor
Sweet
Delicate
Rich
Oak
Wood Charred
Smooth & Mellow
Corn
- Reservoir
- High Wire Southern Revival
- FEW
- Yellow Rose
- Hudson
- Balcones
Common Bourbon Flavor Profiles (In-Depth Breakdown)
Spicy Rye
Spicy rye is one of the common bourbon flavor profiles of whiskeys with high amounts of rye on its mash bill.
A typical bourbon contains around 12% of rye, but those bourbons with a spicy rye flavor profile usually contain around 20% to 35% rye on their mash bill.
Spicy rye provides a powerful spicy flavor profile along with fruity notes.
It is bolder and usually consumed on the rocks but helps elevate the taste of bourbon cocktails.
Sweet
Most bourbons are sweet and release flavors like vanilla and caramel, which are evident in aroma and taste.
However, some bourbons are sweeter than others, and flavorings and colorings have nothing to do with this.
Some bourbons are sweeter than others because of their mash bill and the aging process. Sweet bourbons contain higher corn, around 70% – 80%, than the usual 51% [1].
Also, long aging in barrels makes bourbon sweeter. The aging process in charred oak barrels favors the flavor profile of the bourbon [2].
Delicate
There are bourbon whiskeys that have a delicate flavor profile. It is smoother and more approachable than other bourbons as it inherits oak, vanilla, caramel, and honey flavors.
It has the right amount of sweetness and spiciness, and the depth of this flavor is delicate on the nose and palate.
Delicate bourbons do not burn your throat and can be well enjoyed neat. It is easy to enjoy as it has delicate and light-tasting notes.
Rich
Bourbon has nice characteristic flavors of oak, fruit, vanilla, spice, and honey, but there are bourbons with richer flavor profiles.
These bourbons have richer-tasting notes of caramel and vanilla that do not overwhelm the palate.
With a rich flavor profile, Bourbons have reached the sweet spot of aging. It has a rich sweetness, fruitiness, and oakiness and does not taste too young or too old.
Oak
Some bourbons tend to have more oak flavors than others. Bourbons are aged in newly charred American oak barrels.
Bourbon whiskeys are like a sponge, absorbing the flavor of the oak barrels as it ages longer.
“Bourbon has a depth of flavor that many other spirits lack,”
– Lori Rice, Food Writer & Photographer
In addition, some bourbons undergo double barreling, which makes the bourbon oakier in aroma and taste.
For instance, some bourbons are aged with oak staves (Maker’s 46), and these bourbons tend to have an oakier taste than others.
Wood Charred
Bourbon whiskey should be aged in newly charred oak barrels, and within that requirement, many variations affect the bourbon’s flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel.
The barrels used by distilleries for bourbon are American oak, but there are barrel specifications that allow distillers to make a unique product.
The charring and toast level give major results on the bourbon. The charred wood is more evident depending on the char level and length of aging inside the barrels.
Smooth & Mellow
Bourbon, in general, is undeniably smoother than whiskey. But there are smoother and mellow bourbons that are loved by many because it is more enjoyable to drink.
There are smooth and mellow bourbons because the distilleries use a higher percentage of corn on their mash bill, creating a softer and smoother taste than grains like rye.
In addition, there are bourbons made from mash bills of corn, barley, and wheat instead of rye.
Wheated bourbons tend to be smoother and mellow because of their mash bill.
Corn
The grains used for bourbon affect the taste of the distilled spirits. The dominating grain of bourbon whiskey is corn; with this, the sweet taste of corn provides a unique taste to the whiskey.
The brown buttered, creamy flavor and honey taste of bourbon come from the dominating grain of the whiskey.
While it is usually at 70% corn, some bourbons contain 100% corn for a sweeter and mellower taste.
These bourbons have bigger flavor notes of corn, vanilla, caramel, fruits, florals, and honey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does good bourbon taste like?
Good bourbon typically possesses a rich and complex flavor profile characterized by a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Some common flavor descriptors associated with quality bourbon include:
Sweetness: Bourbon often exhibits notes of caramel, vanilla, honey, and maple syrup, derived from the caramelization of sugars during the aging process.
Oakiness: Bourbon aged in charred oak barrels develops flavors of toasted oak, which contribute to its depth and complexity.
Spice: Bourbon may feature hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and black pepper, adding a subtle warmth and complexity to the palate.
Fruitiness: Some bourbons showcase fruity flavors such as cherry, apple, or dried fruit, which emerge from the interaction between the whiskey and the wood during aging.
Nuttiness: Bourbon occasionally exhibits nutty undertones, reminiscent of almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts, which contribute to its complexity and depth of flavor.
Overall, good bourbon should offer a well-balanced combination of these flavor elements, with a smooth and lingering finish that leaves a pleasant warmth in the mouth.
Does bourbon’s taste change when cooked?
When bourbon is used in cooking, such as in sauces, marinades, or baked goods, its flavor can change due to the heat and the interaction with other ingredients.
Cooking can intensify certain flavor components of bourbon, such as its sweetness and richness, while mellowing out its alcoholic potency. Additionally, the flavors of bourbon may become more integrated with other ingredients in the dish, creating a complex and nuanced flavor profile.
However, the distinct character of bourbon, including its caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, should still be discernible in the final dish, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Is bourbon bitter?
Bourbon is not typically considered bitter, although it may contain subtle bitter undertones, especially in comparison to other spirits like gin or amaro.
The bitterness in bourbon is usually well-balanced by its sweetness, spice, and oak flavors, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.
However, individual taste preferences may vary, and some people may perceive certain bourbon expressions as slightly bitter depending on factors such as aging, proof, and barrel characteristics.
What is a bourbon taste chart?
A bourbon taste chart is a visual representation of the various flavor components found in bourbon, designed to help enthusiasts identify and describe the tasting notes present in different expressions of the spirit.
Taste charts typically categorize bourbon flavors into several key categories, such as sweetness, spice, oakiness, fruitiness, and nuttiness, with specific descriptors listed under each category.
These charts can serve as helpful reference tools for both novice and experienced bourbon drinkers, aiding in the appreciation and understanding of bourbon’s complex flavor profile.
How can a bourbon taste chart help me choose bourbon?
A bourbon taste chart can help you identify the flavor profiles you enjoy most in bourbon, making it easier to select bottles that align with your taste preferences.
What are the common flavor categories found in a bourbon taste chart?
Common flavor categories on a bourbon taste chart include sweet, spicy, fruity, oaky, nutty, and floral, each representing different flavor characteristics found in bourbon.
Are there different types of bourbon taste charts?
Yes, there are various bourbon taste charts available, ranging from simple visual representations to more detailed charts that break down flavor profiles into specific tasting notes.
How do I read a bourbon taste chart?
To read a bourbon taste chart, familiarize yourself with the flavor categories and their corresponding tasting notes, then use the chart to identify bourbons that match your preferred flavor profile.
Can a bourbon taste chart help me explore new bourbons?
Yes, a bourbon taste chart can be a valuable tool for exploring new bourbons by guiding you towards bottles with flavor profiles you haven’t tried before.
Final Say
With all the brands of bourbon in the market today, the bourbon taste chart will help you decide on which bottle to choose if you are after a specific flavor profile.
Not all bourbons are created the same, and the flavor profile varies depending on the mash bill, aging process, and blending of Master Distillers.
Whether you want a high proportion of rye or a generous amount of corn and wheat, there is a right bottle for you.
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