We explain that what is the difference between scotch and bourbon with table. Whiskey is the common alcoholic beverage preferred by lovers of the spirit. There are different varieties of whiskey. Scotch and Bourbon are the common whiskeys preferred by consumers. Although the terms bourbon vs scotch which is better
Scotch and Bourbon can be used interchangeably as they have certain common attributes, however they are not the same. Scotch and Bourbon have marked distinctions.
The main difference between Scotch and Bourbon is that Scotch whiskey is whiskey that is made primarily from malted barley and is made in Scotland, while bourbon is whiskey distilled from corn and made in the United States, usually in Kentucky.
However, the abv is not the only difference. A comparison between both terms on certain parameters can shed light on subtle aspects: bourbon vs scotch which is better
Scotch vs. Bourbon Comparison Table (in tabular form)
Scotch Bourbon Comparison Parameter
| Sense | Type of whiskey made with malted barley | Type of whiskey made with corn |
| Were it was made | Scotland | USA |
| What ingredients? | Malted barley or malted grains | Distilled corn or corn mash |
| What is sweeter? | Scotch is not so sweet | Bourbon tastes sweeter |
| Does Scotch taste like Bourbon and vice versa? | Scotch whiskey can taste like bourbon. | Bourbon won’t taste Scottish |
| Aging period | At least 3 years bourbon vs scotch which is better | No specific time, but the law suggests at least 2 years |
| Any specific requirement by law | Fermented only by adding yeast | It should be made from pureed kernels containing at least 51% older corn in new charred oak containers. |
| Types | Single malt and mono grain | Traditional, wheat, rye |
| Which is more expensive? | Scottish is more expensive | Less expensive, however, depends on the types |
| Why is it expensive? | Scotch whiskey is expensive due to the ingredients used in the production process, namely barley. Also, the slow aging process leads to increased costs. | The cost may depend on the brands / variants. |
| Alcohol content | 40% minimum abv | 80% minimum abv |
What is the Scotch?
Scotch is a type of whiskey that is produced in Scotland. Scotch whiskey is made primarily from malted barley. However, other whole grains can also be added to the mix. Scotch whiskey can taste like bourbon. bourbon vs scotch which is better
Scotch whiskey comes in multiple variants, such as single malt (made in individual batches and containing only one type of grain), single grain (made in individual batches but malted barley plus some other grains are also used here), a blended malt ( made in different distilleries and with multiple malt), mixed grain (made with multiple grains) and mixed (made with a combination of malt plus grain).
The making of Scotch whiskey is within the purview of UK laws and regulations. The law states that Scotch whiskey must be made in Scotland, it can only be fermented by adding yeast, Scotch must have a minimum of at least 40% and the aging process must be at least 3 years.
Additionally, the law prescribes that only certain specific enhancers / additives, such as caramel color and water, can be used in the mix. bourbon vs scotch which is better
Scotch whiskey is best served with water and also spring water (not tap water) to preserve the flavor. Scotch whiskey can also be served in a cocktail with or without ice.
Very young whiskey can have a vanilla flavor. Also, Scotch whiskey can be used to add flavor to desserts to make them attractive and palatable.
What is Bourbon?
Bourbon is made with 51% corn puree. Corn is included in larger quantities. The rest of the mix can be made from wheat, rye, or barley. The corn, wheat, and rye mixture should be stored in burnt oak containers.
Also, there should be no additives in the mix. Bourbon is only made in the USA Bourbon can be sweet due to the large amount of corn used in the mix.
Bourbon comes in several types, such as traditional (more than 70% corn with a sweet / spicy flavor), wheat (instead of rye, use wheat), rye (with more rye and less corn and barley). In addition, there may be other variants such as the economic ones called mainline, the bottled ones that must follow strict legal restrictions, the small or single batch (which are made in batches and not in bulk). bourbon vs scotch which is better
Bourbon production is under the strict surveillance of the United States government. The laws require that the mixture used must contain a minimum of 51% corn and the rest can be rye, malted barley and wheat.
Additionally, there are certain labeling requirements that Bourbon manufacturers must meet and the Bourbon must have a minimum content of 80% or less. Only additives that can be used include water and last and most importantly, Bourbon should only be made in the USA The aging period should be a minimum of 2 years.
Bourbon can be served in a variety of ways, such as on its own, or diluted with water, or as a combination with other beverages or with ice. Curiously,
Bourbon can also be used in cooking or medicinal purposes (due to its strong antioxidant properties) or as a syrup in cakes or cookies or in any other recipe or even as a flavoring. 
Bourbon bourbon vs scotch which is better
Main differences between Scotch and Bourbon
- Scotch whiskey is made from 100% malted barley. Bourbon is made with at least 51% corn or corn.
- Scotch whiskey is made in Scotland. Bourbon is made in the United States.
- Scotch can have a smoky flavor. The bourbon will be sweet.
- Scotch whiskey must be aged for a minimum of 3 years in burnt oak containers. Bourbon does not follow any specific aging period to follow unless required by law.
- The production of Scotch whiskey is regulated by the laws of the United Kingdom which state, among other things, that only certain types of improvers can be added. Bourbon production is regulated by US laws that establish, among other things, that the mixture used must be at least 51% corn.
- Scotch whiskey is 40% by volume, but you can even find a variant with a higher alcohol content. Bourbon is distilled at 80% vol. bourbon vs scotch which is better
Final Thought bourbon vs scotch which is better
Scotch and Bourbon are a great option for whiskey lovers. Both have similar nutritional value, but will have a different taste and flavor, especially considering the different ingredients used and also the types of variants available for each of them.
Both undergo specific production mechanisms and therefore it is natural that they have a unique taste. Therefore, the final choice of which to drink can be based on the evaluation of all these factors. bourbon vs scotch which is better
