Welcome to the world of whiskey where you will find numerous types of spirits. Every whiskey enthusiast must have heard of two popular names, Bourbon and Scotch. They are different from each other, but at first glance, they might look the same. Both are strong, have a similar color, and served in a tumbler; but there are significant differences between them. In this blog post, we will dive into Bourbon vs. Scotch and discuss everything you need to know to appreciate the nuances between them.
Before we start, let’s clarify the nomenclature to make it easier to understand. The word “whiskey” is a general term, and it’s spelled with an “e” in the US and Ireland while spelled without an “e” in other countries. Scotch Whisky is made in Scotland and spelled without an “e,” while Bourbon Whiskey is made in America and spelled with an “e.” Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s start exploring the differences between Bourbon and Scotch.
History of Bourbon and Scotch
The history of Bourbon and Scotch is long and fascinating. They both date back to the 18th century, but Bourbon Whiskey was officially recognized in 1964 with the United States Congress passing a resolution. Scotch Whisky, on the other hand, has been around since the 15th century and is legally protected and regulated by the Scottish Whisky Regulations.
Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon whiskey is closely associated with the American South, where it originated. In the early times, settlers in the southern regions used to distill excess grains to make liquor. In 1964, the US Congress declared that the only spirit that can be called Bourbon should contain at least 51% corn, distilled at no more than 80% ABV (alcohol by volume), and aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Bourbon can be made anywhere in America, but is mostly produced in Kentucky, which produces over 95% of the world’s bourbon.
Scotch Whisky
Scotch Whisky is a product of Scotland and must be made according to the law, which dictates the stipulations required to wear the “Scotch” name on the label. Scotch whiskey is distilled from malted barley, water, and yeast, and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. There are two types of the distillation process that go into producing different kinds of Scottish Whiskey: Single Malt and Blended.
Single Malt Scotch Whisky is distilled from 100% malted barley and aged in oak barrels for at least three years. A single malt Scotch whisky is made by a single distillery and is distilled in pot stills. The drink is full of flavor, rich, and robust.
Blended Scotch Whisky, on the other hand, is a combination of two or more single malt Scotch whiskies from different distilleries. The goal of blending is to find a perfect balance between all the different flavors and aromas. Blending allows distillers to be more creative with the liquid and offer consumers a range of styles. The majority of the scotch whiskies produced today are blends, which can also be made with a proportion of grain whisky alongside the malt whisky.
Difference in Ingredients
Bourbon whiskey must have a minimum of 51% corn in its mash bill. The rest of the grains can include rye, wheat, or barley. This ratio of grains creates a distinct sweet taste in Bourbon. Corn adds sweetness to the drink, while rye brings spice, and wheat and barley add a softness and richness. Bourbon makers are allowed to use new or charred barrels of oak for aging. Oak barrels not only add flavor and color to the drink, but they also remove the bitterness of the drink.
On the flip side, Scottish Whiskey, as already mentioned, is made with malted barley, yeast, and water. The regulation in Scotland allows up to 3% of unmalted barley or other whole grains to be added to the mash, giving the drink a unique flavor. It is then aged in oak barrels, either Sherry or Bourbon casks. Scotch whiskies are also aged for a minimum of three years.
The terroir factor
Terroir, the environmental factors that influence a crop, is another difference between the two whiskey types. Scotch whiskey has a distinct terroir as it is made in Scotland, which has a cold, damp climate. This climate affects the water source and the grains used, creating a unique flavor profile. The water used in making Scotch Whiskey is sourced from springs running through the hills and mountains, and the cold, humid environment slows down the aging process, resulting in a milder spirit.
Bourbon whiskey, on the other hand, can be made anywhere in the US and must follow strict regulations. The terroir for Bourbon lies in the crops, with corn accounting for the majority in mash bills, and this crop is primarily grown in America.
Alcohol Content
The percentage of alcohol in both Bourbon and Scotch also differs. Bourbon is usually bottled between 40% and 60% ABV (alcohol by volume), while Scotch has a slightly lower ABV at 40%. Cask strength Bourbons can have an ABV level up to 75%, while cask strength Scotches can range between 50% to 70% ABV.
Tasting Notes
When it comes to tasting notes, Bourbon and Scotch are different from each other.
Bourbon whiskey has a sweet, warm oaky flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, and sometimes fruity notes. The taste is smooth and easy to drink, even if it’s aged for years. The drink feels a bit heavier, thanks to the high alcohol content and bold body that makes it perfect for sipping and pairing with food items like barbecue.
In contrast, Scotch Whisky tends to have a smoky, peaty taste with notes of earth, leather, and dried fruit. The smoke comes from peat, which is burned during the malting process. The drink is lighter and has a refreshingly crisp finish.
Price
The price of Bourbon and Scotch also varies based on several factors. Bourbon whiskey is generally less expensive when compared to Scotch Whisky. The age, rarity, maturation, and quality of ingredients play a crucial role in determining the expensive Scotch Whiskey. In general, aged Whiskeys from Scotland, like malts aged 18 years or 21 years, are very costly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bourbon and Scotch are two distinct types of whiskey that offer unique taste, flavor, and aromas. While Bourbon is made mostly in America, Scotch Whiskey is produced in Scotland. They differ in their ingredients, terroir, and aging process, leading to different taste profiles. Bourbon has a sweeter, oaky flavor, while Scotch is smoky and peaty. Based on your palate and preference, you can choose between them.
We hope this post has helped you understand the differences between Bourbon and Scotch better. If you’re a whiskey enthusiast and looking to explore the world of whiskey, try both of them and enjoy a drink with your friends and family. Cheers!
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