This is the difference between scotch and bourbon eat this not that. When it comes to the difference between bourbon and whiskey, can you still make a manhattan with either. The differences go beyond just scotch and whiskey, there is also scotch and rye to. But the reasons for these differences go well beyond bourbon s use of at least 51% corn in the mash. Do you know the difference between scotch whiskey and bourbon. Differences of character has bank note 5 year blended scotch whisky, allspice dram an allspiceflavored liqueur, ghost chili, lemon and honey, while for the allocation includes very old barton bourbon, genepi des alpes an italian herbal liqueur, plus gran classico and regans orange bitters. Scotch whisky is distilled and matured in scotland, considered the homeland of this spirit. The key difference between bourbon and whiskey is that bourbon is only produced in the united states, mainly using corn whereas whiskey is produced all over the world using various types of grains. Whats the difference between whiskey, rye, bourbon, and. Kentucky more specifically that has to be by law at least 51% made from corn, whiskey is the general name for them, it can be made anywhere, canada, ireland, or tennesse for example. If youre in england and ask for a whisky, youll get scotch. This widely acclaimed work contains details on every aspect of american whiskey up to the mid1990s. You must have heard of the geometric sentence in school, all squares are rectangles, but all rectangles are not squares. Bourbon is a type of whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbon.
Infographic the many flavors of the great wide world of whiskey. Rye whiskey, for example, follows all the same regulations for aging and strength as bourbon whiskey, but is made from mash consisting of at least. First of all, whiskey, bourbon, and scotch are all in the same family of grain drinks. If youve wondered why whiskey is so popular or what the real difference is between scotch and bourbon this book is for you. Dec 15, 2009 proclaimed a masterwork when it was originally published in 1995, the book of bourbon and other fine american whiskeys by gary regan and mardee haidin regan runs the gamut of american whiskey.
All bourbon must also be aged in new, charred american oak casks. Whats the actual difference between bourbon and whiskey. Here, we explore frequently asked questions surrounding dark spirits, the key differences between bourbon and whiskey, and the. Top 10 whisky education books the spirits business. If were going to explain the difference between whiskeys, first you should understand what a whiskey actually is. As sure as the brooklyn bridge still stands, the answer is yes, you can. Well, thats a little complicated, so lets start by breaking scotches down by type. The other big difference between the scotch whisky and bourbon is the climate. Bourbon, a whiskey that was first produced in kentucky, u. The first obvious difference between the two is the spelling of whisky.
What, exactly, is the difference between bourbon and whiskey. Bourbon and scotch each come with their own distinctive identities, and those identities are what have made these two separate spirits the worlds leading styles of whiskeymaking. Scotch whisky is always spelt without the e, whereas irish whiskey is always spelt with an e. The difference between scotch and bourbon facebook twitter email a friend scotch whisky has a long, proud heritage that likely stretches back long before its first recorded reference in 1495. The best whisky book ever a must read for drinkers. Its then diluted to between 40 and 60% abv before bottling. While scotch signifies the essential scotland to many, bourbon is often associated with the state of kentucky in particular rather than the united states as a nation. What is the difference between cognac, brandy, bourbon.
So whats the difference between sipping bourbon on the rocks or having a healthy pour of the regular stuff. From mad men episodes to modern nightclubs, neighborhood bars to. Whiskey is traditionally used for american and irish spirits, including bourbon. Depending on the geographical region or type of whiskey that is being made, whiskey can be made from barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, and corn. Theyre made to have a lighter taste than fullon whiskeys. Difference between whiskey and bourbon whiskey vs bourbon.
This spelling difference might seem silly, but its for real. Whats the difference between scotch, whiskey and bourbon. Aug 10, 2012 what is the difference between scotch and whiskey. Sep 11, 2016 throw scotch, irish or japanese whiskey into the equation and a whole map of brown liquors begins to emerge barely telling the difference other than maybe the glass its being served in. The flavor profile consists of vanilla, oak, and caramel. Bourbon and whiskey both taste great in a cocktail and, when mixed together, make for one hell of a hangover, but exactly what is the difference between bourbon and whiskey. Thats why when you sip a glass of bourbon, it tastes a little richer and sweeter than, say, a scotch. So, the differences are slight, but they are there. Whats the difference between whiskey, scotch, and bourbon. The real difference between whiskey, bourbon, scotch and rye. Since bourbon is a type of whiskey, their production process is very similar. Scotch is whisky made in scotland, while bourbon is whiskey made in the u. The main difference between bourbon and whiskey is that bourbon is a barrelaged distilled spirit made mainly from corn while whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic.
Unlike whiskey, which contains mostly wheat, bourbon contains corn. This is the difference between scotch and bourbon eat. Scotch is whisky made in scotland and bourbon is whiskey made in the usa. Difference between scotch and bourbon difference between. The flavor differences between these two whiskeys are huge. There are lot of differences that exists between bourbon and whiskey. The main difference between scotch and bourbon is that scotch is made in scotland and bourbon is. Bourbon is whiskey, scotch is whiskey, rye is whiskey.
Whiskey or whisky can be any of a variety of distilled liquors that are made from a fermented mash of cereal grains and aged in wooden. Whiskey is made from the fermented mash of cereal grains. In addition to having the same basic formulagrain slowly fermented in barrels whiskey and scotch are both distilled between 40 and 90% alcohol by volume. Bourbon is aged only slightly in charred oak barrels and is distilled no more than 160 proof.
Whiskey is made around the world, and youve probably tasted or heard of famous varietals, like scotch whisky or irish whiskey. The real difference between scotch, whiskey, and bourbon. Whiskey can be defined as any alcoholic beverage that is distilled from fermented grain mash. One is whiskey, while the other is whisky thats right, bourbon is whiskey and scotch is whiskey. You have now been given enough information to be able to tell the difference between bourbon, rye, and scotch. When considering spirits, some people struggle to understand the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch. If you are a whiskey lover, then you should definitely know the difference between the two. A whisky cannot be called scotch unless it is entirely produced and bottled in scotland.
Gaelic is native to both ireland and scotland, so its hard to say where the e came. Whisk ey draws much of its flavour from the barrel it is matured in. Scotch, in laymans terms, tastes a lot like bourbon, but with a. What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey. Feb 02, 2012 this is simply the best book ever written on whisky. Unlike bourbon, which has no minimum aging period, scotch must be aged for at least 3 years in oak containers. Hopefully, you have learned a few things along the way about their background as well.
Whiskey is the general overlying term to categorize them all. Scotch is whisky made in scotland and aged in oak barrels for at least three years. Whats the difference between scotch, whisky, and bourbon. So if you arent sure of the difference between scotch whisky and irish whiskey other than the spelling, of course, then read on to learn about what really separates the two. The basics, according to encyclopedia britannica whiskey or whisky can be any of a variety of. Scotch mostly from malted barley bourbon whiskey is distilled from corn. Dec 07, 2017 the real difference between whiskey, bourbon, scotch and rye ever wondered what the difference is between all those dark liquors. Bourbon, brandy, scotch, and whiskey whats the difference. Best scotch whisky books scotch addictscotch addict. Although whiskey is the overarching category of spirits that comprises bourbon, scotch, and rye, there is often confusion over the distinction between each, with common errors even made by seasoned whiskey drinkers. Bourbon whiskey faces no necessary specification for aging their product and sometimes, bourbon matured for mere months is also sold on the market. What are the differences between scotch, bourbon, and.
Would be a welcome addition to any spirit drinkers book shelf. At jim beam, were pretty partial to those last two, and to clear up why, wed love to tell you what separates bourbon from the rest. Mar 16, 2015 did you know that scotch and bourbon are also derivative of whisky. What is the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch.
Scotch is made from malted barley, bourbon is made from corn. To keep it simple, whiskey is any booze distilled from fermented grain mash. Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is used to indicate a straight whiskey made in kentucky from a mash of at least 51% corn grain. Chicago bartender laura kelton explains in this cocktail club ex. This very short book is jampacked with information about all facets of bourbon production, from early farm distilling to nineteenth century commercial distilleries to the craft distillery movement, and everything inbetween. For scotch the word whisky is always spelt without the alphabet e. May 24, 2017 scotch also tends to be aged longer than bourbon, with many of the most popular whiskies hitting shelves after anywhere from 1225 years inside barrels. The book of bourbon and other fine american whiskeys.
Scotch whisky must conform to the scotch whisky order of 1990, which requires that it. Difference between scotch and whiskey difference between. The great thing about whiskey is the endless ways it is made and the variations that come with it. The data that can be found in each tab includes historical performance, the different fees in each fund, the. Since i write a fair amount on wines and spirits, and especially whiskies, i have amassed a decent library of books on these subjects for. Whiskey or whisky is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from any form of fermented grain mash. Difference between bourbon and whiskey the whiskypedia. The simple answer is that bourbon is always whiskey, but whiskey is not always bourbon. For a myriad of reasons, these two whiskies are coveted by millions and, so it begs the question, what is the difference between scotch whiskey and bourbon. Blended whiskeys are a mixture of straight whiskey and mixed grain whiskey. They are even used in religious rituals and festivals and they produce a relaxing and euphoric effect and sometimes even attributed with aphrodisiac effects.
Heres a simple explanation of why all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon, and we hope it will make all the difference. You stood there trying to tell the difference between both. In fact, some scotch whisky blends arguably have more corn in them than some bourbons do, but thats another story. Bourbon and scotch share some big similarities, but its really their differences that define them. On top of that, by law the mixture must be stored in charred oak containers and cannot contain any additives.
After reading some of the answers here, i have to answer, because it seems many people are not aware of the legal requirements of some whiskies. Veach university press of kentucky, is a masterpiece by one of the countrys top bourbon authorities that merits a prominent place in dads library. Trying to pick between scotch and japanese whiskey, or bourbon and rye. Here is a handy chart to compare the three dark liquors. Whiskey history how irish whiskey differs from bourbon facebook twitter email a friend with saint patricks day right around the corner, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at the differences between irish whiskey and bourbon. Also glenlivet is not bad, but there are many better bottles. Bourbon and scotch are figuratively and literally oceans apart. Whisky is the anglicised form of the gaelic word uisge beatha pronounced ooshkie bah. Whats the flavor difference between scotch and rye.
Another key difference between the two is that bourbon whiskey is typically sweeter as compared to scotch whisky as all the other finer differing attributes depend on how a particular distillery prepares their spirit. May 27, 20 bourbon and scotch are both types of whiskey or whisky when talking about scotch. Differences between scotch, whiskey, and bourbon lovetoknow. Typically, whiskeys are based off of malted barley, though other grains may be used. Man has consumed alcoholic beverages for medication, recreation, or as part of their diet since ancient times. Both will have a caramel sweetness thanks to the corn base. Whiskey is made all over the world and there are many popular styles including scotch whisky, irish whiskey, and american whiskey. Whiskey, whose name originates from the irishlanguage phrase for water of life, is among the most popular alcoholic beverages worldwide. Distinguishing the difference between canadian whisky, rye whiskey, scotch whisky note the spelling difference and kentucky bourbon is already confusing. But the two are distinct enough that most develop a preference for one over the other.
What exactly is the difference between scotch and bourbon. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Learn about the differences between scotch and bourbon. Polise adds that scotch is generally made from malted barley, whereas bourbon is made largely from corn. By definition, whiskey or whisky, in scotland is a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash grain varieties include wheat, rye, barley, and corn and then aged in wooden barrels.
This can include the country its made in, the abv content, and even the type of barrel its aged in. Packed with interesting facts and whiskey cocktail recipes, this book tells you all you ever wanted to know about whiskey. The main difference between scotch and whisky is geographic, but also ingredients and spellings. One might prefer scotch over bourbon or visa versa because of those characteristics, but that is a matter of personal preference rather than absolute superiority. Scotch whisky is spelled without an e, while bourbon whiskey has an e between the k and y. Really the main difference between whisky, irish whiskey, scotch and bourbon are sweet and simple. Its great for mixing and remember, no flavors or additives are allowed in bourbon. Scotch is made in scotland, and bourbon is made in america mainly kentucky. So waste not another drink in ignorance and read on to see the difference between scotch, bourbon, and rye whiskey. The differences between bourbon, whiskey, scotch, rye, and. This article explains the difference between bourbon and. Scotch whisky is a type of whisky made specifically in scotland.
The whiskey spelling is used for american and irish spirits, including bourbon. May 26, 2017 of the many spirits beneath the whiskey umbrellascotch, bourbon, ryewhats the difference. For those of us who require a quick guide, here are some whiskey pointers or whisky, depending on where the spirit. Whats the difference between whiskey, scotch, bourbon. Whiskey is a spirit distilled from grainssome combination of wheat, corn, barley andor ryeand aged in barrels. Commodity funds invest in a broad basket of commodities and natural resources, including precious metals, energy and agricultural goods. Whiskey history how irish whiskey differs from bourbon. Be distilled at a scottish distillery from water and malted barley to which only other whole grains may be added. However, it can actually be quite difficult to put them side by side and confidently say thats a b ourbon, thats a scotch and. And if youre like us and really into this kind of stuff, youre probably also wondering how they are made and whats legal and not legal about their production. Whiskey or whisky, everywhere else in the world is usually aged in oak barrels. Theres nothing in either spirit that is likely to turn someone away. Scotch whisky, or simply scotch for short, as well as canadian whisky, use the noe version.
A document known as the federal standards of identity for bourbon lays down a strict set of criteria as to what can be considered bourbon. May 24, 2016 whats the difference between whiskey, whisky and bourbon. Scotch and bourbon are both forms of whisky, but they differ greatly based on where they are made and what is used to make them. The differences between bourbon, whiskey, scotch, rye, and brandy. Whiskey is made all over the world and there are many popular styles including scotch whisky, irish whiskey.
Either you are a bourbon drinker or whiskey drinker, you need to know the real difference between these two. From bourbon women to malt scotch production, these are the top 10 whisky education books any spirits boffin should own. Our guide to learning the different types of whiskey what is the difference between scotch, bourbon, and whiskey or whisky. Sep 25, 2006 scotch whisky is made in scotland, bourbon is made in the u. Scotch whisky, japanese whisky, irish whiskey, tennessee whiskey, canadian whisky, rye whiskey, bourbon whiskey and, of course, kentucky straight bourbon whiskey sorry if we missed anyone. Once ready, the whiskey is distilled and bottled at a minimum of 40% alcohol 80 proof 2. So belly up to the bar, folks, set out your whiskey glasses, and well take a trip through the maze of what differentiates whisky, whiskey, bourbon and scotch whisky. Mar 05, 2016 michael veachs first book is the seminal work on kentucky bourbon heritage and american whiskey in general. Scotch is a type of whisky made from malted barley and water and inside scotland only. Difference between bourbon and whiskey compare the. As with american bourbon, there is a law that specifies the manner by which the spirit is to be produced. Aug 27, 2016 under the power of law, a whiskey cant legally claim a title without meeting precise specifications. When sophie had first learned to read, charles had kept the whisky in a bottle labeled cats urine, so that sophie would not touch it, but she had uncorked the bottle and sipped it, and then sniffed at the underside of the cat next door.
Apr 24, 2017 whats the difference between scotch and bourbon. The difference between scotch and bourbon is that instead of corn, scotch is made in scotland from malted ryein other words, rye whiskey. Scotch is made mostly from malted barley, while bourbon is distilled from corn. You stood there staring at the labels, but the answer still illusive. Whiskey is just a general term for a distilled spirit derived from a grainbased mash.
The warmer temperatures of kentucky mean that evaporation rates are much higher, so the bourbon matures much quicker than its scottish equivalent about twice as fast. What are the differences between scotch and whiskey. Heres the difference between bourbon and whiskey this link opens in a new window. Bourbon fanatic or irish whiskey novice, theres a plethora of books. The difference between bourbon, scotch, rye, irish. Sep 06, 2019 bourbon whiskey is distilled from corn mash. Considered as the gentlemens drink, scotch and bourbon whiskey are the most popular distilled alcoholic drinks consumed all over the world. To find out detailed information on commodity in the u. The difference between bourbon and whiskey is further solidified when talking about aging and maturation of the distilled spirit. Most irish whiskey is a smoother, lighter beverage than other drinks in that class. This book explains what proof is and why it matters so much for your whiskey. In the most basic sense, all scotches, bourbons, etc. A strict set of federal trade regulations defines whats what.
Difference between scotch and bourbon the whiskypedia. Scotch is whisky made in scotland, while bourbon is whiskey. Distinguishing flavor is tricky because bourbon and rye both fall in the same whiskey family alongside scotch and irish. When we are talking about whiskey, scotch, and bourbon, we are talking about alcohol that is distilled from a fermented grain mash. Scotch vs whiskey difference and comparison diffen. Scotch also tends to be aged longer than bourbon, with many of the most popular whiskies hitting shelves after anywhere from 1225 years inside barrels. How to tell the difference between bourbon and rye whiskey. For a whiskey to be considered bourbon, the grain mash must be at least 51 percent corn. The difference between bourbon and whiskey foods guy. What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon and. Most people can appreciate a good irish whiskey and a good bourbon. Then, there are the similarities between kentucky bourbon and tennessee whiskey. Whats the difference between whiskey, whisky and bourbon. Whiskey also spelled whisky is an alcoholic beverage distilled from grain, which may or may not have been malted.
Theres a lot more to it than you think, and youll be surprised by how different the two really are from each other. And while were asking that question, whats the difference between bourbon, whiskey, scotch, and rye whiskey and whisky dont ignore india why indian whisky is having a moment first off, whiskey spelled whisky. Similarly, scotch and bourbon are types of whiskey, but not all whiskies are scotch or bourbon. The real difference between whiskey, bourbon, scotch and.