What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon, and how do their unique characteristics contribute to their distinct flavors and profiles?

Whiskey is a broad category of distilled spirits, while Bourbon is a specific type of whiskey. Bourbon must be made in the United States, primarily from corn, and aged in new charred oak barrels. This gives bourbon its sweet and rich flavor profile with hints of caramel and vanilla. Whiskey, on the other hand, can be made anywhere in the world and has a wider range of ingredients and aging processes, resulting in a variety of flavors such as smoky, fruity, or spicy. The unique characteristics of bourbon, such as the high corn content and aging in new barrels, contribute to its distinct sweetness and smoothness compared to other types of whiskey.