The main difference between Scotch and bourbon is that manufacturers use grain and malt when making Scotch, whereas manufacturers of bourbon use corn.
Although both Scotch and bourbon are popular types of whiskeys, there are several differences between Scotch and bourbon.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Scotch
– Definition, Ingredients, Features
2. What is Bourbon
– Definition, Ingredients, Features
3. Similarities Between Scotch and Bourbon
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Scotch and Bourbon
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Bourbon, Scotch
What is Scotch
Scotch whiskey, also known as malt whiskey and grain whiskey, is an alcoholic beverage manufactured in Scotland. In the past, all types of Scotch were produced using malt. But later on, manufacturers started using wheat and rye to produce Scotch, mainly for commercial purposes. There are different types of Scotch, such as blended scotch whiskey, cask strength scotch, single-grain scotch whiskey, and single malt scotch whiskey.
Single scotch whiskey is a Scotch whiskey distilled at a single distillery. In addition to water and malted barley, it includes whole grains of other malted or unmalted cereals. Single malt Scotch whiskey is distilled at a single distillery and manufactured using a mash of malted barley. Blended scotch whiskey, on the other hand, is a mixture of two or more single grain Scotch whiskies. Moreover, blended malt scotch whiskey is a mixture of two or more single malt Scotch whiskies. Scotch tastes smoother. Furthermore, there are distinctive ways to drink Scotch. These vary according to the flavor and type of Scotch. Some consumers like to drink ice cubes, whereas some consumers like to have direct shots.
What is Bourbon
Bourbon is a very old type of whiskey that has American origins. Corn is the main ingredient in making bourbon. Although all regions in America produce bourbon, it has a special connection to the American South. One of the special characteristics of bourbon is that it cannot be manufactured outside of America, and no organization or company can use the name bourbon for any type of whiskey. The law of making bourbon is under the United States Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations state all the requirements for distilling bourbon.
There are different varieties of bourbons with distinct flavors. Due to the addition of corn, there is a sweet flavor in bourbon. Bourbon undergoes aging in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Although other types of whisky can undergo aging in old barrels, the whisky must undergo aging in new charred barrels to call it a real bourbon whiskey. After that, bourbon is bottled, and when customers buy a bottle of bourbon, it does not mention how old it is. Bourbon has flavorings and additives. The general flavors of bourbon are big vanilla, caramel, and oak. This allows bourbon to be a perfect whiskey for mixing into cocktails. Moreover, consumers can enjoy bourbon straight or on rocks.
Similarities Between Scotch and Bourbon
- Both Scotch and bourbon are alcoholic beverages.
- Scotch and bourbon are brown in color.
- People can enjoy both Scotch and bourbon as direct shots.
Difference Between Scotch and Bourbon
Definition
Scotch whiskey is an alcoholic beverage made using malt and grain, whereas bourbon is an alcoholic beverage made using mashed corn.
Taste
Bourbon has a sweet flavor because of corn, while Scotch does not have a sweet flavor.
Area of Production
Although Scotch is manufactured in Scotland, bourbon is manufactured in America.
Ingredients
Scotch contains malt and grains, whereas bourbon contains corn.
Flavors
Bourbon has special flavors like vanilla, caramel, and oak, while Scotch has different flavors.
Conclusion
Both Scotch and bourbon are popular alcoholic beverages. The main difference between Scotch and bourbon is that manufacturers use grain and malt when making Scotch, whereas manufacturers of bourbon use corn.
Reference:
1. “Scotch Whiskey.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Bourbon Whiskey” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 years old” By Look Sharp! at Dutch Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Bottle of Bourbon and Two Drink Glasses” (CC0) via Pexels
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