What’s the Difference Between Scotch and Bourbon?
When it comes to whiskey, two of the most popular types are Scotch and Bourbon. While they may look similar and both pack a punch, there are several differences between the two. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between Scotch and Bourbon and help you understand their unique characteristics.
Scotch:
Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley and is distilled twice in copper pot stills. It must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks and must be produced in Scotland. Scotch is known for its smoky and peaty flavors, which come from the peat used to dry the barley.
There are five main types of Scotch:
1) Single Malt Scotch – made from 100% malted barley and produced by a single distillery
2) Blended Malt Scotch – a blend of two or more single malt Scotches from different distilleries
3) Single Grain Scotch – made from grains other than malted barley and produced by a single distillery
4) Blended Grain Scotch – a blend of two or more single grain Scotches from different distilleries
5) Blended Scotch – a blend of one or more single malt Scotches and one or more single grain Scotches
Bourbon:
Bourbon whiskey is made from at least 51% corn and is distilled at a maximum of 80% alcohol by volume. It must be aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels and must be produced in the United States. Bourbon is known for its sweet and smooth flavors, which come from the high corn content.
There are several regulations that must be followed in order for a whiskey to be classified as Bourbon:
1) It must be produced in the United States
2) It must be made from at least 51% corn
3) It must be distilled at a maximum of 80% alcohol by volume
4) It must be aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels
5) It must be bottled at a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume
One interesting fact about Bourbon is that it doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky, despite the common misconception. While Kentucky is known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bourbon can be produced anywhere in the United States.
So, what are the main differences between Scotch and Bourbon?
1) Ingredients – Scotch is made from malted barley while Bourbon is made from at least 51% corn. This leads to different flavor profiles for each type of whiskey.
2) Production – Scotch is produced in Scotland while Bourbon is produced in the United States. Each country has its own set of regulations and requirements for whiskey production.
3) Aging – Scotch must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks while Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels. The type of barrel used and the aging process can have a significant impact on the flavor of the whiskey.
4) Flavor – Scotch is known for its smoky and peaty flavors while Bourbon is known for its sweet and smooth flavors. This is due to the different ingredients and aging processes used for each type of whiskey.
5) Classification – Scotch has several classifications, including single malt, blended malt, single grain, blended grain, and blended. Bourbon is a specific type of whiskey that must follow certain regulations in order to be classified as such.
In conclusion, while Scotch and Bourbon may look similar, they are two very different types of whiskey. Scotch is known for its smoky and peaty flavors, while Bourbon is known for its sweet and smooth flavors. Each type of whiskey has its own set of regulations and requirements for production, aging, and classification. Whether you’re a Scotch or Bourbon lover, both types of whiskey have their own unique characteristics and are worth exploring. So, raise a glass and cheers to the differences between Scotch and Bourbon!
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