Build your own
Build your own
For her
For celebrations
Liquor Library
Whisky 101: The Difference Between Scotch, Bourbon, Irish and Japanese Whisky
Whisky explained: the difference between Scotch, bourbon, Irish and Japanese whisky, what single malt and blended mean, and a bottle of each to try.
In short
- Whisky is a spirit made from grain and aged in oak barrels.
- Where it is made sets the rules: the grain, the barrel and how long it ages.
- Scotch can be smoky, bourbon is sweet, Irish is smooth and Japanese is precise.
What do malt, grain and blended mean?
Three words you will see on almost every label.
Malt whisky is made only from malted barley. Single malt means it all comes from one distillery.
Grain whisky uses other grains such as wheat or corn, and is lighter. A blend mixes malt and grain whisky, which is why blends are often the smoothest and best value.
Why do Scotch whiskies taste so different?
Where a Scotch comes from tells you a lot about how it tastes.
Scotch must be made in Scotland and aged at least three years in oak. Most is aged much longer, often in casks that once held bourbon or sherry.
Speyside whiskies are known for fruit and honey. Highland malts range from light and floral to rich and full.
Islay is the island famous for smoke. The barley is dried over peat fires, and that smoke ends up in the glass.
The islands, such as Skye, sit in between: a little smoke, a little salt, plenty of character.
What makes bourbon bourbon?
Sweet, rich and made by strict rules.
Bourbon is the best known American whisky. The corn gives it sweetness and the new charred oak gives it vanilla and caramel.
Most bourbon comes from Kentucky, but it can be made anywhere in the United States.
How do Irish and Japanese whisky differ?
Irish whiskey is often triple distilled, which makes it light and smooth. It is a good first whisky to sip neat.
Japanese whisky started by following Scotch and now has a style of its own: balanced, clean and very precise. It often costs more than Scotch of a similar age.
Scotland: Talisker 10
Smoky, with maritime salt and pepper.
A single malt from the Isle of Skye with smoky maritime salt, pepper and rich malt. One for people who already know they like a smoky whisky.
- Style
- Single malt Scotch
- Try it with
- A drop of water
- Per nip
- About $4.56
America: Buffalo Trace
A bourbon in a mini bottle.
A small bottle of a well loved bourbon: vanilla, toffee and a little spice. The cheapest way to taste the style.
- Style
- Kentucky bourbon
- Size
- 50ml mini
Ireland: Jameson
Smooth, with vanilla and a little spice.
Triple distilled for a smooth, clean finish, with vanilla sweetness, gentle pot still spice and subtle oak.
- Style
- Irish whiskey
- Try it with
- Neat, or as a Jameson and Dry
- Per nip
- About $2.09
Japan: Toki
Green apple, honey and subtle spice.
A Suntory blend with green apple, honey and subtle spice, a smooth, crisp balance and a clean finish. Good neat or in a highball.
- Style
- Japanese blended whisky
- Try it with
- Soda, as a highball
- Per nip
- About $3.91
The Whisky Den
Snacks for a whisky drinker, with the bottle you choose.
Once you know a style you like, this box turns it into a gift. Wrapped, boxed and delivered NZ wide.
- What is in it
- Salty, smoky and sweet snacks
- Bottle
- The one you choose
Quick answers
What is the difference between Scotch and bourbon?
Scotch is made in Scotland, often from malted barley. Bourbon is American, mostly corn, aged in new charred oak.
What does single malt mean?
Made only from malted barley at a single distillery.
Why is some whisky smoky?
The barley was dried over peat fires, mostly on Islay.
What is a good first whisky?
An Irish whiskey or a blended Scotch: both are smooth and easy to sip. A 50ml mini lets you try a style before buying a full bottle.
Up next
All guidesBlanco, Reposado or Añejo Tequila? The Difference Explained
The difference between blanco, reposado and añejo tequila: how long each rests in oak, how it tastes, which suits a margarita, and where mezcal fits.
Read next
