Corn Whiskey vs Bourbon: The 80% Rule Explained (2026)
Sip & Learn: Volume 57
In the American whiskey world, there is a “Lost Category” that sits in the shadows of Bourbon.
It is often hidden on the bottom shelf. The labels look like they haven’t been updated since 1970. But if you ask a true whiskey nerd what they are drinking, they might just pull out a bright yellow bottle of Corn Whiskey.
The debate of Corn Whiskey vs Bourbon is confusing because they are made from the exact same ingredient: Corn.
If Bourbon is made of corn, isn’t it technically corn whiskey?
The answer is: Yes and No.
While they share DNA, the laws governing them are radically different. One is designed to be sweet, oaky, and vanilla-forward (Bourbon). The other is designed to be raw, grainy, and funky (Corn Whiskey).
In this guide, we are going to break down the legal definitions, the “80% Rule,” and why you should respect the yellow label.
Table of Contents
Click below to jump to a section:
1. The Mash Bill: 51% vs. 80%
The first difference in the Corn Whiskey vs Bourbon battle is the recipe (Mash Bill).
Bourbon (The 51% Rule)
By Federal Law, Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn. The rest can be rye, wheat, or barley.
Most bourbons sit around 70-75% corn. This provides sweetness, but leaves room for the spice of the rye or the softness of the wheat to influence the flavor.
Corn Whiskey (The 80% Rule)
Corn Whiskey must be made from at least 80% corn.
This is a massive amount of corn. Because there is so little room for other grains, the flavor is singularly focused. It tastes like the raw ingredient.
The Verdict:
Bourbon is a blend of grains dominated by corn. Corn Whiskey is a pure expression of corn.
What about Rye?
Read our guide on the other major American grain here.
2. The Barrel: The Biggest Legal Difference
This is the most important technical distinction. If you put Corn Whiskey into the wrong barrel, it legally becomes Bourbon.
Bourbon Rules
Bourbon MUST be aged in New, Charred Oak Containers.
“New” means the barrel has never been used. “Charred” means the inside has been burned to a crisp (producing charcoal). This creates the deep amber color and the heavy vanilla/caramel flavors we associate with Kentucky.
Corn Whiskey Rules
Corn Whiskey MUST NOT be aged in new charred oak.
The law states it must be aged in:
- Used oak containers (barrels that previously held bourbon).
- Uncharred new oak containers.
Because the wood is either used or uncharred, it does not impart deep color or heavy vanilla notes. It allows the spirit to remain light, golden, and grain-forward.
Why does the barrel matter?
Read our guide on Cask Maturation to understand wood science.
3. Flavor Profile: Vanilla vs. Popcorn
How does this legal jargon translate to your tongue?
Bourbon Flavor
Because of the new charred oak, Bourbon tastes like the barrel.
- Notes: Vanilla, Toffee, Caramel, Coconut, Baking Spice.
- Texture: Thick, oily, coating.
Corn Whiskey Flavor
Because of the used/uncharred oak, Corn Whiskey tastes like the grain.
- Notes: Buttered Popcorn, Sweet Corn, Cornbread, Creamed Corn.
- Texture: Light, crisp, slightly oily but cleaner.
If you love the smell of a movie theater, you will love Corn Whiskey.
4. Mellow Corn: The Cult Classic
You cannot talk about Corn Whiskey vs Bourbon without talking about Mellow Corn.
Produced by Heaven Hill (the same people who make Elijah Craig), this bottle is a legend.
It is “Bottled-in-Bond,” meaning it is at least 4 years old and exactly 100 proof.
It costs about $18. The label is bright yellow and looks like it was designed in 1940 (because it was).
Bartenders love it. It is sweet, high-proof, and distinct. It is not complex, but it is delicious. It tastes exactly like Corn Flakes soaked in alcohol.
Pro Tip:
Try Mellow Corn in a Highball with ginger ale. The corn sweetness cuts through the ginger perfectly.
What is Bottled-in-Bond?
We explain the “Green Stamp” of quality here.
5. Is “Moonshine” Corn Whiskey?
Historically, yes. Modern legal moonshine? Mostly no.
“Moonshine” is a slang term for illegally distilled spirit. It was usually made from corn and sugar because corn was cheap.
Today, you see jars of “Moonshine” in liquor stores (e.g., Ole Smoky).
The Difference:
Most legal “Moonshine” is unaged corn whiskey (often called White Dog or White Lightning). Because it hasn’t touched a barrel, it is clear.
Straight Corn Whiskey:
To be labeled “Straight Corn Whiskey” (like Mellow Corn), it must be aged for at least 2 years. This aging mellows the harsh alcohol and adds a golden hue.
Interested in history?
Read how Prohibition changed American whiskey forever.
6. Summary: Corn Whiskey vs Bourbon
So, why buy Corn Whiskey when Bourbon exists?
Variety.
If you have 10 bottles of Bourbon on your shelf, they all share that similar “Vanilla/Oak” profile. Adding a bottle of Corn Whiskey gives you something totally different.
- It is lighter.
- It is grainier.
- It is usually cheaper.
It is a piece of American history that costs less than $20. There is no reason not to try it.
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