The History: Whiskey Vs Bourbon Vs Scotch
The history behind the three types of whiskey goes back to the 18th century. Bourbon whiskey was first created in the US without many regulations, while scotch whiskey is made by distilling malted barley over peat fires , and rye whiskey must be distilled from at least 51% rye grain.
The history behind bourbon whiskey starts with how its spelled bourbon whiskey is spelled the way it is because it was first distilled in Bourbon County, which at that time happened to be part of Virginia.
The story behind scotch whiskey starts with malted barley which has been used for centuries as a key ingredient for scotch.
Rye whiskeys history starts in Pennsylvania, where whiskey was made from rye grain.
The one ingredient whiskey makers cant use is sugar this has been banned since the 1800s because it would have caused a shortage of molasses for rum producers.
The history of the different types of liquors is fascinating, and its not too hard to see why people have a preference for one or the other. It may be difficult at first, but once you get into drinking whiskey neat , on the rocks , or with club soda, youll never go back!
They Have Different Flavors
While both can have smokey, charred notes, Scotch and bourbon develop these traits through different means. Bourbon draws its oaky, vanilla-like flavors from the charred surface of the barrels in which it ages, whereas Scotch’s smoke comes largely from peat burned in the barley malting process. Keep in mind though that not all scotches have a peaty flavor. In fact, only two of the five Scotch producing regions are known for that signature peatiness.
Know Your Drink: Whiskey Vs Bourbon Vs Scotch
Whether youre ordering a whiskey neat or on the rocks, whiskey is one of Americas favorite drinks to order at a bar. Whiskey comes in many forms and variations such as scotch vs whiskey bourbon, rye whiskey, etc.
When it comes to choosing a drink, there are so many options. But not all of them are created equal. Scotch, bourbon, and whiskey are three different types of alcohol that you might see on the menu or in your local liquor store. All drinks may seem the same at first glance, but they have their own unique characteristics that make them stand apart from one another.
Lets take an informative look at these three popular distilled alcoholic beverages that are derived from different grains and tell the whiskey vs bourbon vs scotch story.
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The Alcohol Content By Volume
Another huge difference to keep in mind when choosing between bourbon and scotch is their alcohol content. Namely, for a whisky-based liquor, whether something can be classified as scotch or bourbon will considerably depend on how much alcohol by volume they contain, i.e. how intoxicating the drink may be.
During the distillation process, the bourbon has to be at 80% ABV at least, while the ABV has to be dropped to the maximum of 62.5% during the aging process. On the other hand, when scotch is being aged in used oak barrels, it has to be at 94.8% ABV or more. As mentioned, when theyre being bottled, bourbon is often poured at about 40% ABV and scotch at 60-75% ABV.
Top Bourbon Recommendations For Whiskey Drinkers
This section is going to contain all of our favorite and top American whiskey recommendations varying in terms of how much alcohol content they contain and the process used in their production and fermentation.
Make sure that you read each recommendation in full so that you can be sure that youre making the right decision when it comes to the perfect bourbon or scotch whisky that fits your particular taste buds.
Read this entire section in full so that you can be sure that youre choosing the appropriate bourbon or scotch option to fulfill your taste requirements.
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Popular Scotch And Bourbon Cocktails
Ready to mix that whiskey into drinks? When it comes to cocktails, Scotch is such a distinct type of whiskey that it should be treated with care. Only use it in a cocktail that calls specifically for Scotch. On the other hand, bourbon can be used in cocktails that call for any variety of whiskey, and is often swapped into cocktails that call for rye whiskey . See Bourbon vs Rye for more.
Is There A Difference Between Scotch And Bourbon
There is a distinct difference between scotch and bourbon. Scotch is a type of whiskey that is made in Scotland from malted barley. Bourbon, on the other hand, is a type of whiskey that is made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn.
There are several distinctions between bourbon and Scotch, which are two of the most popular spirits in the world. Whiskey is defined as bourbon, while Scotch is defined as whisky. The distilled liquor must be 40 percent alcohol by volume and at least 94.4 percent alcohol by volume. They are made from different ingredients and can be flavored in a variety of ways. There are several different aging processes involved in both bourbon and Scotch. Although many of the most popular whiskies are aged for up to 25 years inside barrels, most Scotch bottles reach the market after 12 to 25 years. In the malt industry, a single malt is referred to as a single malt. Malted barley is used in the production of Scotch in pot stills at a single distillery, whereas blended Scotch whisky is created by combining several malts.
There are several different types of blended whiskey available, so if youre looking for something different, you might want to think about it. This beverage has a smoky, spicy, and not-too-sweet flavor that is ideal for those looking for something more complex. If you want whiskey that is more like scotch than a mash bill, blended whiskey is the way to go.
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The Aging Process Of Scotch And Bourbon
Its the aging process of scotch and bourbon that presents the most determining factor for the end flavor and distinction between these two liquors.
For instance, bourbon typically doesnt have an aging limit. However, if a manufacturer wants to produce the so-called straight bourbon, the aging process cannot be shorter than 2 whole years. Whats more, they cant use any additives in terms of coloring, flavoring, or spirits.
On the other hand, the basic rule when it comes to the scotch aging process is that the liquor has to be aged for at least 3 whole years. Still, there are plenty of different scotch classifications. For example, theres a single malt scotch produced in pot stills in a single distillery. Theres also the blended scotch whiskey which is obtained from the various combos of whiskeys and malts in column stills.
In the end, the location of the fermentation will also play a significant role in deciding for just how long the liquor should be aged as well as the type of the aging process.
The Place Of Production
Both bourbon and scotch are popular alcoholic beverages across the world. And, as mentioned, the regulations and classifications tend to be rather strict. However, if youre set on purchasing the real-deal liquor, you might want to pay attention to the place of its production.
That said, some people believe that the only true scotch is produced in Scotland. And when it comes to bourbon, its said that the only true bourbon is produced inside the United States.
When you find yourself in a bourbon and scotch restaurant, dont hesitate to ask about the varieties of these liquors and even inquire about the origin of production. Not only will you present yourself as a true connoisseur of alcohol but youll end up with the most ideal drink that suits your taste and style perfectly.
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How To Drink Scotch Vs Bourbon
Despite their differences, Scotch and Bourbon can both be enjoyed in similar ways. The most important thing to remember is that each sipping experience begins before you take your first sip- it actually begins with familiarizing yourself with the bottle label. First, find out what type of whiske it is, where its made, the ABV, and the age statement. Then, youll want to admire the color of the liquid- how deep is the shade? Does it look different in the bottle versus the glass?
That brings us to the type of glass youll choose. Glencairn glasses were developed specifically for Scotch drinkers, but they work just as well for bourbon. They are thick glasses, perfect for swirling, and their wide opening enhances the aromas and flavors as you sip them. You can also use a tumbler, which is perfect for classic cocktails.
There are a few other glasses you might want to experiment with, including a newer wide-mouth option, which you can learn more about here.
When youre ready to sip your whisky, let the juice roll across your tongue, allowing the flavors to linger in your mouth for a few seconds. Then breathe out through your nose and mouth at the same time to get the full range of flavors. Neither Scotch nor Bourbon is for chugging, so be sure to sip it slowly and intently, savoring each moment of the tasting experience.
How Whiskey Is Made
Fermentation relies on sugars. To produce alcohol, yeast consume sugar molecules and release CO2 and ethyl alcohol as a result. This occurs in nature when overripe fruits are exposed to ambient yeasts in the environment, and the result is fermentation on the vine. You may have seen humorous videos of drunk animals as evidence of this phenomenon.
Our human ancestors were early to pick up on this.
Many of the first alcoholic drinks found by archaeologists were mead, made from a mixture of honey and water. The natural sugars created by bees are easily digestible by yeast, so fermentation happens naturally. This knowledge was applied to wine, where fruit sugars were combined with water to create a solution perfect for fermentation.
As civilization and horticulture evolved to incorporate the harvesting of cereal grains, fermentation followed. But these grains contain starches not sugars which are not naturally digestible by yeast.
An extra step called saccharification is needed to convert the long starch molecules inherent in cereal grains into edible sugar molecules. In this step, cereals are milled and combined with water and cooked, releasing enzymes in the grains that facilitate this process.
Once beer was invented, the next step was to distill it into a spirit with a higher percent alcohol.
And when you distill beer, you get whiskey.
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How Can You Invest In Whisky
You dont have to know which whiskies are creating a buzz to make smart investments. There are several platforms that make it easy to get exposure to an expertly-curated portfolio of coveted blended bourbons or limited-edition Scotch whiskies. And since they wont be in your house, you dont have to worry about proper storage, potential damage, or your liquor cabinet being raided.
Vint
Vint has their experts scour investible wines and spirits until they find the best deal. They buy it, store it, securitize it with the SEC, and then sell shares to investors like youall with no management fees.
If youre in it for the long haul, you can hold your shares until Vint determines the time is right to sell the collection and distribute the cash to investors like you.
CaskX
CaskX brings whiskey makers and investors together. Whiskey distilleries have millions of barrels aging in their warehouses, but the demand for bourbon is rising faster than they can find the resources to add more. That’s where CaskX fills the gap.
CaskX allows you to invest in whiskey barrels. They store the casks, insure it for you, and even help you build a portfolio to meet your investment needs. This frees up the whiskey producers to create more product by creating space in their warehouses and giving them a cash injection. Once youre ready to sell, CaskX helps you with that too.
Vinovest
Bourbon Vs Whiskey: Whats The Difference
All bourbons are whiskeys but not all whiskeys are bourbon.
David Crockett/Getty Images
Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network.
Bourbon and whiskey are both popular spirits among mixologists and home bartenders alike. While these brown liquors might look the same in the bottle, they each possess unique characteristics. Whether you like to sip whiskey or bourbon, mix them into cocktails or simply want to quench your curiosity, it pays to know which spirit youre imbibing and discussing. Here, we break down the differences between bourbon and whiskey. Hint: all bourbons are whiskeys but not all whiskeys are bourbon.
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What Is Bourbon Whiskey
Unlike Scotch whiskies, malted barley often takes a back seat to corn, rye, and even wheat grains in bourbon making. Although a portion of malted barley anywhere from 5 to 25 percent is still used by most distilleries by tradition, bourbon doesnt need to contain any barley. And because the use of lab-produced enzyme additions is not prohibited like they are in Scotland, it is possible to convert grain starch into sugar without malted barley. Craft brands have released bourbon products with zero malt content.
Taste The Difference Between Whisky Vs Bourbon Vs Scotch At Gooddrop
Whether youre just starting out on your journey to becoming a whisky connoisseur or simply want something new for your bar cart, GoodDrop provides a range of world-class whiskies. We supply a range of fine alcohol from trusted brands to rare and collectable drinks from Scotland, Japan, North America and right here in Australia. Add a new whisky bottle to your collection and browse through our range of whiskies today!
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Main Differences Between Scotch And Bourbon
Single Malt Vs Blended Whisky
Writing for the BBC, travel Brad Cohen explains the difference between blended and single-malt whisky:
Blended whisky, which comprises more than 80% of the market, including brands like Johnnie Walker and Dewars, is a mix oÂf malt and grain whiskies that come from multiple distilleries. Single malt, which Scottish drinkers often refer to as malt rather than whisky .
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Are Bourbon Whiskey And Scotch The Same
No, bourbon, whiskey, and scotch are not the same. However, some types do overlap a bit, but well get into that later. Basically, whiskey is the original version of the spirit. Bourbon and scotch are types of whiskies with different regulations and rules that make them different from whiskey. Each spirit is made from a specific grain mash that might include corn, barley, rye, and wheat. They are all distilled the same way, with a couple of exceptions.
What Does Canadian Whisky Taste Like
Generally Canadian whiskies are lighter and sweeter in character but still full of flavor. Considered easy to drink. When the maker mentions that rye is used generously in the finishing of the whisky, it will usually have a nice spicier bite.
Things to Consider: Different from US rye whiskies in Canada rye doesnt have to be the dominant grain used and is often mostly used in the flavoring whisky portion of the bottling. Because of their ease in drinking, they often blend well in cocktail mixes. Tradition drives the process a Canadian whisky from 15 or 30 years ago will most likely taste nearly identical as same one produced today.
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What’s The Difference Between Scotch And Bourbon
Well, just about everything.
There are many delicious types of whiskey, or whisky, but bourbon and Scotch are two of the most beloved varieties. While both are known around the world and are strongly associated with their places of origin, that’s where the similarities stop. Here are the key differences between the two spirits.
Scotch Vs Bourbon Taste & Flavor Differences
The most notable difference that you will find in any bourbon or scotch variety is going to be the flavor.
Flavors between bourbons and scotch alcohol varieties will vary significantly depending on the type of ingredients such as grains and other products used during the fermentation and cultivation process.
Both bourbon and scotch are known to have very charred and Smokey flavors to them however the method in which these flavors are accomplished differs dramatically.
Bourbon typically has a very oaky vanilla taste to it that is largely derived from the barrels in which the alcohol is fermented, stored, aged, and produced.
Scotch alcohol on the other hand largely gets its flavor and taste from the peat which is burned during the barley malting process involved with making scotch alcohol.
Flavors can vary when it comes to scotch whisky because not all regions use pear during the barley malting process, so its important to keep this in mind if you plan on enjoying a glass of scotch whisky anytime soon.
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