
You want sweeter and mellow notes in your drink.You enjoy sharp and smoky flavors in your liquor.Plus, it has a lower price! Choose Scotch Whisky if: It does not have an intense and complex taste compared to scotch, so it's more accessible to anyone. In our quest to find out the difference between scotch vs bourbon, the clear victor is bourbon. Moreover, grain prices in the United States are lower than those in Scotland. Barley is much more expensive than corn, which is the main reason why scotch is more costly. The difference between scotch and bourbon when it comes to price is pretty apparent. However, some bourbons are only aged at a maximum of four months which make their finish stronger. Since scotch is usually aged for three years and a straight bourbon for two years, it develops a more mellow flavor. The longer the liquor stays inside the wooden container, the smoother or lighter it becomes. The smoothness of scotch vs bourbon lies in the number of months or years aged in oak barrels. Since the liquor stays in the wooden container for a long time, it is mixed with the wood’s flavor and pigment. Both types of whiskey have an amber hue that results from being in contact with the barrels. The difference between scotch and bourbon when it comes to color is good as nothing. Meanwhile, bourbon has a more subtle spice and apparent sweetness, making it very flexible to be drunk on its own or as a base for cocktails. However, not everyone can handle such complex flavors. There is nothing particularly wrong with the smoky and spicy taste of scotch. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between scotch and bourbon.Īs mentioned earlier, the difference in the main component of the mash bill used in scotch and bourbon is the main reason why they have opposite flavors. But the question that may arise in your curious mind is which among the two whiskeys should you have. BourbonĪt this point, the difference between scotch vs whiskey vs bourbon might be more apparent. This type of whiskey has a sweeter and smoother taste, making it a great choice among drinkers.

For a whiskey to be legally called bourbon, the mash bill must contain 51% corn, it must be aged in a charred American oak barrel, have 40% ABV (80 proof), and must be made in the U.S. The reason for this is highly political: Kentucky had more senators than its neighbours and blatantly used its voting power to achieve this preferential outcome.Compared to scotch, bourbon is mainly made of corn. Peculiarly, only Kentucky Bourbon can advertise the state where it is made so, for example, there no Tennessee Bourbons. However, at least 51 per cent of such a product must consist of straight bourbon.Ĭontrary to popular belief, Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States but is native to the South. No colouring or flavouring may be added to 'straight' whiskey, however, bourbon labelled as a 'blend' or 'blended' may contain added colouring, flavouring and other spirits, typically un-aged grain neutral spirits. Generally two- to four-year-old whiskies are best avoided. Any whiskey which has been aged for less than four years must state its age on the label. However, USA 'straight' whiskey (be it 'straight bourbon whiskey', 'straight rye whiskey', 'straight corn whiskey' or 'straight Tennessee whiskey) must be aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak casks. Surprisingly, there is no minimum age requirement for bourbon. G = Genuine: must not contain any artificial flavours, colours or other alcohols. Most bourbon is distilled to between 62.5% and 70% alc./vol.Į = Entry: must go into barrel at no more than 62.5% alc./vol.į = Filling: must be bottled at a minimum of 40% alc./vol.

#Bourbon whiskey plus#
or less.Ĭ = Corn: must have a mash bill formed from at least 51% corn (but not more than 79%) plus a flavouring grain - either wheat or rye - and a little malted barley (though there are no rules governing the quantities of these other grains.ĭ = Distillation: must be distilled to a strength of not more than 80% alc./vol. The following 'ABC' is a handy reminder of these specific criteria.Ī = American: must be made in the USA (not just Kentucky).ī = Barrels: must be aged in brand new, charred oak barrels at 62.5% alc./vol.

Bourbon is a specific category of America whiskey and to be labelled a 'bourbon', it must be produced according to a strict set of rules. Bourbon is as American as the Stars and Stripes, the Grand Canyon and pumpkin pie, but there are some common misconceptions as to what exactly bourbon is and how it is made.
