Updated May 2026.
Bourbon is a class. Sour mash is a process. They are not two competing whiskeys. defines bourbon. Sour mash means leftover stillage goes into the next mash — Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, and most bourbon do it. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 prints 40% and is Tennessee whiskey, not bourbon. Jim Beam White prints Proof 80. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink. No winner or ranking.
Related: what is sour mash, straight bourbon, sour mash whiskey.
Class vs process
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 1.00 at 40% |
| Sour mash | — |
| Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 | 1.00 |
| Jim Beam White | 1.00 |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four pours are four drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.143 bourbon. No sour-mash type. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 40% Brown-Forman US sheet prior. Beam White Proof 80 prior official.
- NIAAA December 2025.
- 27 CFR 5.143 class