Is Bourbon more fattening than whiskey?

Bourbon and whiskey are both distilled spirits made primarily from corn. However, there are some key differences between the two that can impact their calorie and fat content.

Table of Contents

Calories in Bourbon vs Whiskey

In general, bourbon tends to have slightly more calories than blended whiskey. Here’s a quick comparison:

1.5 oz bourbon (typical shot): About 105 calories

1.5 oz blended whiskey: About 97 calories

However, this can vary depending on the brand and specifics of each spirit. Higher proof bourbons or whiskeys will be higher in calories. For example:

1.5 oz Jim Beam Bourbon (80 proof): 105 calories

1.5 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky (80 proof): 97 calories
1.5 oz Knob Creek Bourbon (100 proof): 154 calories
1.5 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky (80 proof): 105 calories

As you can see, even within the categories of bourbon and whiskey, there can be variation in calorie counts based on factors like aging, alcohol percentage, etc.

Fat Content

In terms of fat, bourbon and whiskey are generally comparable:

1.5 oz bourbon: 0 g fat

1.5 oz blended whiskey: 0 g fat

Since both spirits are distilled from grains, they contain very minimal fat or carbohydrates on their own. The main calorie contributors are alcohol and any added sugars.

So is Bourbon More Fattening?

Based on typical calorie counts, bourbon does tend to be slightly higher in calories than blended whiskey. However, the differences are small.

Here are some general guidelines:

Bourbon has about 105 calories per 1.5 oz serving, on average
Blended whiskey has about 97 calories per 1.5 oz serving, on average

Higher proof bourbons or whiskeys will be higher in calories
Aged bourbons and whiskeys also tend to be higher in calories
Both contain minimal fat or carbs

So while bourbon is often marginally higher in calories than whiskey, the difference is fairly negligible. Drinking either spirit in moderation is unlikely to significantly impact your waistline.

Factors that Influence Calories

While bourbon is slightly higher in calories on average, there are several factors that can alter the calorie counts between specific bourbons and whiskeys:

Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – A higher ABV means higher alcohol and calorie content. Bourbons tend to have a slightly higher ABV (40-50%) compared to blended whiskeys (35-40%).

Aging – Longer barrel aging often leads to more complex flavor compounds and a richer, sweeter taste, which adds to the calorie count. Bourbon is typically aged for several years while blended whiskey is aged less.
Additives – Blended whiskeys more commonly contain added flavorings, colors or sweeteners that can increase calories. However, some bourbons also have added sweeteners.
Serving Size – Bourbon and whiskey have similar calorie density. The total calories increase with the serving size.

Tips for Drinking Bourbon and Whiskey Light

Here are some tips to keep your bourbon or whiskey intake relatively light:

Stick to 1.5 oz pours
Choose lower proof varieties (80 proof or less)

Select younger or lighter styles without lengthy aging
Avoid brands with added sweeteners or flavorings
Drink slowly and sip – don’t shoot

Drink with calorie-free mixers like soda water or diet cola
Avoid heavy pouring or frequent refills
Substitute some drinks for lower calorie options like wine spritzers

Health Impacts of Bourbon vs Whiskey

While bourbon and whiskey can fit into a healthy diet in moderation, too much of either can lead to negative effects due to their alcohol content. Some health risks of heavy intake include:

Weight gain – While they’re lower in calories than drinks like beer or cocktails, too many servings can lead to excess calorie intake.
Liver damage – Heavy, long-term drinking is linked to liver disease like cirrhosis.

Dependency – Both can be addictive and lead to alcoholism.
Increased cancer risk – Alcohol consumption is tied to higher risks of certain cancers.
Other issues – Such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart problems, pancreatitis, etc.

Moderation is key – up to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men is considered “moderate” intake by health experts.

Key Takeaways

Bourbon is slightly higher in calories than whiskey – about 105 calories vs. 97 calories per typical 1.5 oz serving.
Higher proof and longer aged bourbon or whiskey will be highest in calories.

Both contain minimal carbs and fat.
Too much of either can negatively impact your health and waistline.
Enjoy responsibly within alcohol intake recommendations for the lowest risks.

Bourbon vs Whiskey: Nutritional Values

Here is a detailed nutritional comparison between bourbon and blended whiskey. Serving size is 1.5 oz:

Bourbon (average)	Blended Whiskey (average)
Calories: 105	Calories: 97
Carbs: 0 g	Carbs: 0 g
Protein: 0 g	Protein: 0 g
Fat: 0 g	Fat: 0 g
Alcohol: 14 g	Alcohol: 13 g

As shown, bourbon and whiskey have virtually identical nutritional profiles – the main difference is the slightly higher calorie and alcohol content in bourbon.

Popular Bourbon and Whiskey Brand Nutrition Facts

Here is the calorie count for 1.5 oz of some popular bourbon and whiskey brands:

Bourbon	Calories	Whiskey	Calories
Jim Beam	105	Johnnie Walker Red	97
Maker’s Mark	120	Jameson Irish Whiskey	100
Wild Turkey 101	165	Jack Daniel’s	98
Woodford Reserve	149	Chivas Regal 12 Year	100
Bulleit	140	Dewar’s White Label	98

As shown, popular bourbon brands range from 105-165 calories per serving, while popular whiskeys range from 97-100 calories. Higher proof bourbons like Wild Turkey 101 are significantly higher.

How Bourbon and Whiskey Are Made

Understanding the production processes of bourbon and whiskey can provide insight into their slightly different calorie contents.

Bourbon Production

Here are the key steps to making bourbon:

Mashing – The main grains used are corn, rye and malted barley. The grains are combined with water and heated to convert starches into sugars.
Fermenting – The mash is fermented with yeast, turning the sugars into alcohol.
Distilling – The fermented mash is distilled to concentrate the alcohol. Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 80% ABV.

Aging – Bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels for at least 2 years (often 4-12 years for more premium brands).
Bottling – After aging, the bourbon is diluted with water to the desired ABV and bottled.

Blended Whiskey Production

Here is an overview of how blended whiskey is made:

Mashing/Fermenting – Grains like corn, rye, barley or wheat are mashed and fermented.
Distilling – The wash is distilled, usually to around 60-95% ABV.
Aging – The distillate is aged in oak barrels for a shorter time than bourbon, often just 2-3 years.

Blending – Whiskeys from different barrels/distilleries are blended for consistency.
Diluting – Water dilutes the whiskey to a bottling ABV of typically 35-45%.
Bottling – Finally, the whiskey is bottled.

In summary, bourbon production involves higher ABV distillation and longer barrel aging, both of which contribute more flavor compounds and result in marginally higher calories than blended whiskey.

Calories in Bourbon Cocktails vs Whiskey Cocktails

Beyond straight pours, bourbon and whiskey are commonly used in cocktails. Here’s a comparison of calories in popular bourbon cocktails vs whiskey cocktails:

Bourbon Cocktail	Calories (8 oz)	Whiskey Cocktail	Calories (8 oz)
Old Fashioned	200	Whiskey Sour	180
Manhattan	170	Irish Coffee	280
Mint Julep	270	Rusty Nail	260

Bourbon cocktails made with sugar, syrups or juice can quickly tally up calories. To lighten them up, use calorie-free mixers, less sweetener, or slim down portion sizes.

Calories in Bourbon and Whiskey (Summary)

In summary, here are the typical calories per 1.5 oz serving of bourbon vs whiskey:

Bourbon – 105 calories
Blended Whiskey – 97 calories

However, there is overlap based on factors like proof, aging, and additives. Some higher proof bourbons have significantly more calories than aged blended whiskeys.

Enjoy bourbon and whiskey sensibly by measuring pours, sipping slowly, and limiting intake to moderate levels. While bourbon packs slightly more calories per ounce, both can fit into a balanced lifestyle when consumed in moderation.