Scotch vs. Bourbon: The Key Differences

When it comes to scotch vs. bourbon, many are confused about the differences.

And it makes sense why.

Because technically speaking, bourbon and scotch are both whiskeys.

Talk about confusing…

But the truth is: they are wildly different whiskeys.

They’re made in different places, from different ingredients, and have wildly different tastes.

Join any whiskey Facebook group and you can watch scotch and bourbon connoisseurs fight like they were on opposite sides of a family feud.

That’s how seriously people take this.

Be careful what you say about a certain type of whiskey at a bar—someone will likely tell you why you’re wrong.

We’ll clear up the confusion and help you with this in this article.

In just a few minutes, you’ll understand the key differences between scotch and bourbon so you can pick a side of the feud and begin throwing stones (please don’t actually throw things).

Bourbon vs. Scotch: All The Things You Need to Know

What Is Scotch?

Scotch is a type of whiskey that originated in Scotland and is known for its smoky flavor. It’s made with malted barley and other cereal grains then is aged in oak casks for a minimum of 3 years (but is typically aged for 12 years)

In order to be called scotch, it also must be made of only water, malted barley, and other cereal grains and distilled to no more than 94.8% ABV

While it may seem new to some, it’s actually an old-world spirit that predates bourbon by centuries. The earliest documented record of distilling in Scotland is from 1494.

What Is Bourbon

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels.

In order to be called bourbon, the spirit must:

• Not exceed 80% ABV (160 proof) in the mash
• Age in new, charred oak barrels
• Enter the barrel for aging above 62.5% (125 proof)
• Be made in the U.S. (but not necessarily Kentucky)
• Contain no additives

There are American laws about this “distinctive” product of the United States and it’s been around since the late 1700s.

What Are the Taste Differences Between Bourbon and Scotch?

Scotch is traditionally a robust whiskey with a smoky, slightly fruity flavor profile. This smokiness comes from the peat fires used to dry malted barley used for the scotch. Many say that scotch is more of an acquired taste than bourbon.

Bourbon, on the other hand, is sweeter and more mellow with a vanilla and caramel taste. This comes from a combination of its corn-forward mashbill and years of soaking in charred barrels during Kentucky summers and winters (making the bourbon flow in and out of the wood).

What’s the “Proper Way” to Drink Scotch and Bourbon?

Because scotch and bourbon are both whiskeys, you can drink them in a variety of ways. However, there are two popular ways to drink them: neat and on the rocks. Neat means that you’re drinking the whiskey without any ice or mixers. On the rocks means that you’re drinking it with ice.

There’s also a difference in how long the two types should be aged before being consumed. Some people believe that bourbon should be aged at least 4 years while scotch should be aged at least 10 years before being consumed.

Others would argue that anything over 12 years old is too old for consumption, regardless of whether it’s scotch or bourbon because the oak begins to overpower the other flavors in the bottle.

As for which one tastes better?

It all comes down to personal preference; some people prefer bourbon while others prefer scotch (or vice versa).

But I, obviously, recommend bourbon over scotch. 🙂

Scotch vs. Bourbon: Who Wins The Battle In Your Opinion?

Scotch and bourbon are both whiskeys, but they are distinct in their production, taste, and identity. If you’re unsure which to order when you’re at the bar, keep this handy guide in mind.

Scotch	Bourbon
Smoky	Sweet
Made in Scotland	Made in the U.S.
Mostly served neat	Served neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail
Expensive for the good stuff	More affordable for the good stuff
Usually aged ~12 years	Usually aged 2-4 years

Another thing to keep in mind is that I think bourbon is better. 🙂

And what I say goes…

So you should try an old fashioned or go grab one of the best bottles for beginners.