How to Find the Right Bourbon or Whiskey for You

At some point on the bourbon journey, we’ve all been there—standing in front of shelves stacked high with bottles, each one promising a different story, a different sip, a different kind of quiet satisfaction. The truth is, whiskey and bourbon are all pretty much the same… but different.

It’s corn and grain. It’s oak and char. It’s time in a barrel and time in your glass. The real question is: Which one fits you?

The Basics: Bourbon vs. Whiskey

Let’s clear the smoke first.

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

• Bourbon is American-made (mostly Kentucky, but can be made in any state)aged in new charred oak barrels, and made from at least 51% corn.

• Whiskey (or whisky, depending on who you ask) is the broader category—Irish, Scotch, Canadian, Japanese—it’s global and diverse.

At the end of the day though, you’re after one thing: the right pour for you.

Start with What You Like (Even If It’s Not Whiskey Yet)

If you’re new to the whiskey game, don’t overthink it. Start where you are.

• Like sweet and smooth? Look for bourbons heavy on corn with notes of vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch—something like Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark. Can’t pick up the flavors when sipping? That’s fine just find one you like.

• A wheated bourbon is also a great choice for a sweeter, smoother bourbon. These bourbons replace all or some of the rye used in a typical mash bill.

• Like spice and boldness? Try rye-heavy bourbons or straight rye whiskey—Bulleit Rye or Knob Creek Rye deliver that peppery kick.

• Want a rich, smoky sip? You may need to wander into the world of peated Scotch or heavily charred American expressions.

Taste what speaks to you. There are no wrong answers.

Proof Matters (But Not How You Think)

Higher proof doesn’t mean better. Some days call for a 114-proof monster like E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, other days you want an easy 90-proof sipper that lets the conversation (or the creek) do the heavy lifting.

Your perfect whiskey is the one that fits the moment, not your ego.

Price Doesn’t Equal Taste

Some of the best pours are $30. Some taste like burned socks and cost $300. Hype is just noise. Your palate doesn’t care about status.

The right whiskey for you is the one you enjoy—whether it’s a hidden gem from the bottom shelf or a small-batch darling.

The Only Rule: Try It

Bourbon and whiskey are meant to be experienced, not overanalyzed. Neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water—find what brings out the flavors you like. And remember:

• The first sip wakes your mouth up.

• The second sip tells the truth.

• The third sip is where the magic is.

Bottom Line:

Whiskey. Bourbon. Scotch. Rye. It’s all pretty much the same, but different. The bottle matters less than the story you pour it into—whether that’s a campfire, a back porch, or the tailgate of an old truck parked by the creek.

Drink what you like. Share when you can. Sip slow.

—The Creek & Cask Field Manual

Cask & Stream