It depends on where the bourbon gets made. Very generally, the temperatures cycles vary a lot more more than in Great Britain. So the bourbon "ages" faster than Scotch or Irish whiskys. So bourbons have to be younger and that can make them somewhat sharper in flavor. Plus the requirement of using new oak barrels also cuts the time spent in the barrel.

[–] John_McMurray@lemmy.world 1 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

"Sharper" is one way to say "aged so little still smells of paint thinner" I guess. Find a bottle of say Alberta Premium or a good Canadian Rye whisky (or even Crown Royal, though that's a lame barley whisky) and give a good sniff. There's a huge difference to the bourbons unless you get spending