Faqs About Scotch Vs Bourbon
How do you drink scotch?
Scotch is originally served with a spring water which releases all the flavors in a glass, and its strictly recommended not to use tap water which will interfere with the tasting notes of it.
How do you drink bourbon?
Unlike scotch, bourbon should be consumed at a room temperature without adding any ice or water to release the tasting notes.
What is the smoothest Scotch?
The smoothest Scotch comes from the Auchentoshan Distillery and its created by refugees back in 1825 in Glasgow. This selection is bottled in 1997, and it has a taste of oak, dried fruit, nuts and vanilla and a single bottle can cost around $400.
What makes it a bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must contain at least 51% of corn fermented mash, and it has to be distilled at 160 proof or less, in order to be called a bourbon. Also, when done with the distillation process, it has to be stored at new charred oak barrels that havent been used before and that dont contain any additional ingredients in.
Whats the difference between Bourbon and Whiskey?
All Bourbon is Whiskey, but not all Whiskey is Bourbon. Bourbon is a subset or type of Whiskey, specifically labeled as Bourbon and produced under strict conditions. To be called Bourbon, purists insist it must come from Kentucky and is distinguished from similar Tennessee Whiskey .
Whats The Difference Between Scotch Whiskey And Bourbon
This might be common knowledge for some, but it’s worth a refresher before you go out and buy a bottle. Let’s start with a burning question we answered back in 2008: what makes a whiskey bourbon?
The law. While knocking back a dram of bourbon is a decidedly carefree exercise, making it is exceedingly technical and requires that the whiskey meet a rigid set of criteria. The Federal Standards of Identity for Bourbon stipulate what is and what isnât bourbon. For a whiskey to call itself bourbon, its mash, the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled, must contain at least 51% corn. The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less, put into the barrel at 125 proof or less, and it must not contain any additives. The distillate must be aged in a new charred oak barrel. If you distill a whiskey in your kitchen that meets all of these standards, congrats, youâve made bourbon. Also, youâve broken the law the ATF is probably outside your house right now.
The main difference between scotch and whiskey is geographic, but also ingredients and spellings. Scotch is whisky made in Scotland, while bourbon is whiskey made in the U.S.A, generally Kentucky. Scotch is made mostly from malted barley, while bourbon is distilled from corn. If youâre in England and ask for a whisky, youâll get Scotch. But in Ireland, youâll get Irish whiskey .
Don Lockwood Whiskey Cocktail
Adapted from Abraham Hawkins, bartender, Dutch Kills, Long Island City, NY
Warming caramel, vanilla and spice make whiskey a popular end-of-night tipple. Bourbon is often a nightcap staple, as is Scotch. The Don Lockwood uses a bit of each to create a pleasing, sweet-smoky effect reminiscent of that last bite of a smore just as the campfire embers billow out. Dont fret if you havent got both Bourbon and Scotch on handjust double up on one, as the drink works with any whiskey. Splitting the base between the two just adds nuance.
- 1 ounce Scotch, preferably smoky, like those from Islay
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- Long orange peel, for garnish
Directions
In rocks glass, combine all ingredients except garnish. Add large ice cube and stir. Garnish with orange peel.
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Bourbon Vs Scotch Regions
Both bourbon and scotch whisky have prominence if varying regions and locations from across the world.
While there are some strict regulations regarding alcohol classification, you can pretty much find bourbon and scotch whisky varieties anywhere in the world however when it comes to tradition, its best to stick to the place of origin if youre concerned about the alcohol being the Real deal.
Technically, in order for a whiskey variety to be considered a scotch, it must be fermented and made in Scotland, on the contrary, many people have placed the stigma of Kentucky on bourbon however you can find many bourbon options that are produced outside of Kentucky.
Keep in mind that in order for alcohol to be considered a bourbon, it must be produced and fermented inside of the United States.
The Differences Between Bourbon Whiskey Scotch Rye And Brandy
There’s no denying it, whiskey is the best liquor available. According to reports, it is only the only spirit where quality corresponds with a higher price. Other spirits like vodka and tequila have no correlation and you can get a quality vodka without shelling out $40 for Ciroc . However, as the popularity of whiskey grows in the United States, the confusion and mystifying details of it grow as well. You may have wondered what exactly all the variations are when it comes to whiskey vs bourbon, scotch, rye, and brandy.
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Is It Whiskey Or Whisky
The answer to this question is purely a matter of preference. Both are technically correct. American and Irish brands will most often use the âWhiskeyâ spelling, while Scotland, Canada, and a large portion of the EU tend to use the âWhiskyâ spelling.
We prefer to use the Whisky spelling to refer to both our own and the entire spirit category unless we are speaking about specific brands that call themselves whiskey.
Bourbon Vs Scotch Alcohol By Volume
Probably one of the most important factors to keep in mind when selecting any bourbon or scotch whisky type is its alcoholic content by volume.
The alcoholic content by volume indicator on the bourbon or scotch bottle that you choose will help you determine how intoxicating any given bourbon or scotch whisky variety is.
In order for alcohol to be qualified and considered as either bourbon or scotch, it must meet specific ABV or alcohol by volume content measurements before going out on the market.
Both scotch and bourbon have very different distillation requirements and alcohol by volume levels so its important to remember this when youre out shopping for the right scotch or bourbon variety to suit your taste buds and flavor profile.
Bourbon typically has to be distilled to no more than 80% ABV which is 160 proof and it cant be more than 62.5% ABV during the aging process. Scotch whisky, on the other hand, must have an ABV rating of less than 94.8% and it is typically aged in used oak barrels which have retained a lot of unique flavors over the years after being used to ferment several different types of alcohol types and contents.
Its important to remember the various distillation levels and fermentation processes used in making both bourbon and scotch whisky so that you can ensure youre choosing the right alcohol type for your particular taste needs and wants.
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Bourbon Vs Whiskey Vs Scotch
Imagine you enter a liquor store, and hanging signs mark the aisles. You look up and see “whiskey,” “bourbon,” and “scotch” above one aisle whose shelves hold hundreds of gleaming bottles of straw-colored, amber, or brown spirits.
Imagine you enter a liquor store, and hanging signs mark the aisles. You look up and see “whiskey,” “bourbon,” and “scotch” above one aisle whose shelves hold hundreds of gleaming bottles of straw-colored, amber, or brown spirits. With that much choice, you may wonder which bottle is the one for you or even what distinguishes these types whiskey, bourbon, and scotch from one another. If you’ve ever found yourself in this dilemma, this guide may be helpful to you.
What Is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a spirit distilled from grains and aged in wood barrels. The combination of grains that go into a whiskey’s composition is its mash bill. The most common grains featured in mash bills are barley , corn, rye, and wheat. Depending on the type of whiskey, it may contain one, some, or all of these. Some whiskeys, by law, must contain a minimum amount of a specific grain to qualify as a particular variety of whiskey.
What Is Bourbon?
What Is Scotch?
- Be made in Scotland.
- Not contain additives aside from water and caramel coloring.
- Be distilled to an ABV no higher than 94.8%.
- Age in barrels no larger than 700 liters.
- Age for at least three years .
- Have an ABV of at least 40% at bottling.
How To Choose Between Bourbon vs. Whiskey vs. Scotch
Choose Bourbon Whiskey If:
- You want sweeter and mellow notes in your drink.
- You want to save money on a whiskey bottle.
Scotch vs whiskey vs bourbon is quite hard to differentiate at first. However, once you get right into the drinks nitty-gritty, youll be able to identify them from each other.
Let us know in the comment section which characteristic of scotch and bourbon is a dead giveaway for you.
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Barley And Sometimes Peat
Scotch whisky behaves differently, even if some of its DNA has historically found its way into bourbon production. When thinking of differences between bourbon vs Scotch whisky, consider the barley. In the case of single malts, thats all you can use. Maybe the barley has been smoked with peat moss or maybe it hasnt, which is common in Speyside. Then theres the fact that the barley is mashed and subsequently separated from the sweet liquid prior to adding yeast. This removes some of the more intense cereal notes that bourbon can take on.
Scotch whisky mashes are typically fermented a bit cooler than many bourbons which produces different types of aromatics. Its a complicated subject so lets just leave it at that. Next the fermented distillers beer is distilled in pot stills at least twice. The spirit comes out of the still averaging around 70% ABV, which is a smidge higher than that of bourbon. The higher ABV off the still as well as a higher barreling ABV favors the maturation of a more subtle and delicate spirit .
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.
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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.
What Are The Differences Between Bourbon Vs Whiskey
Whiskey is made from the fermented mash of cereal grains. Whiskey is usually aged in oak barrels. The great thing about whiskey is the endless ways it is made and the variations that come with it. From Canada to Japan, there are many styles of whiskey with different flavor profiles and ABVs.
Blended whiskeys are a mixture of straight whiskey and mixed grain whiskey. This type of whiskey is made to have a lighter taste than full-on whiskeys. Blended whiskey can also have a blend of two straight whiskeys. Other variations of whiskey include Scottish whiskey, Irish whiskey, American Whiskey , and Canadian whisky.
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What Is Scotch Whisky
Scotch whisky describes any type of whisky produced in Scotland. By law, it is a spirit produced from a wash of cereal grains fermented, distilled and matured in Scotland for over three years.
Wash is another term for mash, or beer, and is one of those European-specific terms that can trip up those new to the whisky category because they differ from the terms American distillers use. Well try to point those out as they come up.
Wait What Happened To The E On Certain Whiskey Labels
Lets get the first major secret out of the way. Whiskey, or whisky, is a general term used for the greater genre that contains bourbon, scotch, and rye. Thats right, all three are types of whiskey. Now, what makes one whiskey and the other whisky? Well, its as simple as geography. Thats right, if it was produced in the United States, it gets the extra E. If it was produced outside the U.S.A., then it goes by whisky. Simple enough, right?
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Comparing Bourbon & Scotch
One big difference between Scotch and bourbon is their raw ingredients. Bourbon uses corn of not less than 51% on its mash bill, making it cheaper, while Scotch uses malted barley or malted grains. Both use charred oak containers for maturing, but they have different aging processes.
Bourbon has no minimum aging period compared to the minimum three years of Scotch, resulting in their flavor differences. Bourbon has a sweet taste and mellow flavor, while Scotch has a peaty flavor and spicy notes.
There Are A Lot Of Traditions Techniques And Culture Shared Between Bourbon Scotch And Whisky But What Are Their Characteristic Differences
You may have heard the phrase, âAll bourbon and Scotch are whiskies but not all whiskies are bourbon or Scotch.â But what does that mean? And is it âWhiskeyâ or âWhiskyâ?
If you donât know the answers to these questions, youâre not alone. Many people struggle to understand the difference between these three distinct distilled grain spirits. And while they are related, there is a wealth of history, geography and processes that make them quite different.
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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.
What Is Whiskey/whisky
You now know how to correctly spell whiskey fantastic! But, what the heck is whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain and typically matured in wooden containers for some period of time. Whisky Advocate, 2017
But its a lot more than that. Whiskey, like wine, is a heritage that identifies a culture. In Scotland, it is considered the water of life and is properly emblematic of the land it comes from.
In the US, bourbon whiskey have played critical roles in history, including aiding in the rise out of the Great Depression with the repeal of Prohibition. And is there anything more symbolic and wild west than whiskey, other than perhaps cowboys and horses?
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How Are They Made
Whiskeys, or whiskies , have a similar distillation process throughout the genre. While whiskeys and whiskies have many regulations ensuring consistency to their name, they can see major similarities at distillation. Whiskey is distilled in stills, commonly made with numerous copper components. This allows the removal of sulfur and the bad taste those compounds bring along.
Important to the finished product, aging plays an enormous role in whisky production. It is commonly aged in oak, either American or French. These barrels, known as casks to those in the know, impart certain flavors on the whiskey through a process called extraction. The cask can play a vital role in the final taste of the whiskey product. Scotch is aged in older oak casks while bourbon and rye are found in newly charred casks.
All whiskey is bottled with a minimum ABV of 40% and a whopping maximum of 94.8%. As you can now see, most whisky lives a similar life. Still, cask, bottle, and then ending up behind a bar somewhere.