Spirits akin to bourbons NYT crossword clue

The answer to the clue “Spirits akin to bourbons” is RYES. Rye whiskey is a type of distilled spirit that is similar to bourbon, as both are types of American whiskey. The key difference lies in the grains used: rye whiskey must be made with at least 51% rye, whereas bourbon is primarily made from corn.

The clue relies on the familiarity of alcoholic beverages and their subtle distinctions. RYES is a fitting answer, as it draws a clear connection to bourbon while highlighting a variation within the whiskey family.