Scotch or bourbon?
Both are whisky. What they are made from and how they are aged changes everything else.
Scotch and bourbon are both whisky, but they start from different grains and finish in different barrels.
That is why bourbon tastes sweeter and Scotch can taste of anything from honey to smoke.
The difference in one look
Scotch
- Made in
- Scotland
- Made from
- Malted barley, often blended with grain
- Aged in
- Used oak casks, at least 3 years
- Tastes like
- Dried fruit, honey, sometimes smoke
Bourbon
- Made in
- The United States, mostly Kentucky
- Made from
- At least 51% corn
- Aged in
- New charred oak barrels
- Tastes like
- Vanilla, caramel, sweet spice
Which one should you buy?
Start with how you will drink it.
For mixing with cola or in an old fashioned, bourbon is the easy pick: its sweetness carries through the mixer.
For sipping with a splash of water, try a blended Scotch first. If you like it, explore single malts and the smoky ones from Islay.
A Scotch to start with
Smooth, a little smoky, very easy to like.
A blend aged at least 12 years. Rich fruit and vanilla with a soft smoky finish.
- Style
- Blended Scotch
- Try it with
- A splash of water
- Per nip
- About $2.61
A bourbon to start with
Sweet, easy and made for mixing.
Vanilla and caramel from the new charred oak. The classic bourbon and cola bourbon.
- Style
- Kentucky bourbon
- Try it with
- Cola or ginger ale
- Per nip
- About $1.87
Quick answers
Is bourbon a whisky?
Yes. Bourbon is an American whisky made mostly from corn and aged in new charred oak.
Which is sweeter, Scotch or bourbon?
Bourbon, because of the corn and the new oak barrels.
Is all Scotch smoky?
No. Smoke comes from peat, used mostly on Islay. Many Scotches have none.
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