Ever puzzled over the difference between whiskey and scotch while scratching your head at a bar? Well, you're not alone. These golden spirits are the topic of the day. Whiskey and Scotch are loved all over the world. But, how are the two different? What similarities do they share? By the end of this guide, you will be a master at telling them apart.
What's Whiskey All About?
First of, the Basics: Whiskey is one large family of drinks. It's made by fermenting grains and then distilling them. The result? A tasty spirit with a unique flavor.
Whiskey doesn't belong to one place, you see. It's produced everywhere. But some magic from each region gives it imprints.
-
American Bourbon: Known as "America's native spirit," bourbon is a type of whisky with a rich, sweet flavor profile. You can learn more about Bourbon here. Made primarily from corn - this type of whisky is barrel-aged in charred oak, giving it very distinctive notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Its smooth, full-bodied character and hints of spice make it a favorite for sipping neat or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned. Learn more about the unique heritage and craftsmanship of Bourbon.
Hudson Whiskey - 'Bright Lights, Big Bourbon' New York Straight Bourbon (750ML)
- Irish Whiskey: Quite often triple distilled, and very smooth. That's triple-distilled, and that is what makes Irish whiskey extremely smooth and light in flavor. From a mix of malted and unmalted barley, it is usually matured for no less than three years to get that soft, rounded flavor with a hint of honey, vanilla, and faintly perceptible fruit notes. Straight, on the rocks, or in an Irish Coffee, this whiskey did justice to the traditions.
Ballyhoo - Irish Whiskey (750ML)
- Canadian Whiskey: Always lighter compared to its cousins. But what about Scotch? We're on to something really special now. Known for its lighter, easier style, Canadian whiskey is mostly a blend of different grains - corn, rye, and barley. It's usually aged for some years in oak, so as to take on a soft, mellow flavor with delicate hints of spice, caramel, and a touch of sweetness.
J.P. Wiser's - 18yr Blended Canadian Whiskey
Scotch: The Scottish Superstar
Scotch is a type of whiskey, but not all whiskey is Scotch. Confusing? No worries, we'll clarify.
The whiskey that is only manufactured in Scotland, but again, this is not the end. Very strict rules apply about the characteristics it maintains. These rules encompass everything, from ingredients to aging.
Whiskey comes in more than one kind:
- Single Malt Scotch: Made from malted barley at one distillery. Single Malt Scotch is produced at a single distillery using only malted barley as the grain. Now prized for its purity and the fullness of flavor, it enables one to feel his heritage all the way down to the soul with its flavor characteristics that range from smoky and peaty, more specifically those of Islay, to rich and fruity, mostly of Speyside malts. Every bottle tells its unique story, from its distillery, emanating its unique expression of regional terroir and traditional methodology.
- Single Grain Scotch: Made at one distillery from grains other than malted barley.Made at only one distillery and can be a product other than malted barley, perhaps using wheat or corn. Lighter and milder than in most cases, this whisky displays a very clear, light spirit character with very subtle, sweet flavors able to be detected. It's an integral part found in most blended Scotches but on its own, quite different and offers a more refined tasting experience.
- Blended Malt Scotch: A blend of the different distilleries' single malts.The blended malt brings together the finest examples of the malt to build a complexity and balance in the whiskey. Layered with flavors that swing from rich and sherried to smoky and earthy, it's like a tour of Scotland in every dram of blended malt Scotch.
- Blended Grain Scotch: A blend of the different distilleries' single grains.Blended Grain Scotch is achieved in the mixing of single grain whiskies from various distilleries. Most always, this scotch will be lighter and smoother than its malt-based relatives, with a touch of sweetness and a gentle, creamy texture. That makes it versatile - a whiskey that's great on its own or as a sophisticated base for cocktails.
- Blended Scotch: A blend of malt and grain Scotches. The most popular form of Scotch whiskey around the world is Blended Scotch, which includes the blending of malt and grain whiskies from different distilleries. They combine whiskies to achieve one constant profile of flavors by balancing the robust flavors of malt whiskies and the softness of grain whiskies. The result is round whisky, full, smoky, and sweet but not overpowering with taste - a dram not too harsh nor too weak to satisfy mainstream flavor.
Each has its character. For example, when one is just trying to explore, then try a respected single malt like Lagavulin 16 Year Old. This is the brand that has gained intense, peaty flavor.
Whiskey vs. Scotch: What's the Difference?
Now that we have covered the basics, let's see what sets the two drinks apart.
- First, there's geography. Whiskey can be made anywhere. But Scotch? It has to come from Scotland. This isn't just a preference - it's the law.
- Secondly, the ingredients and production may vary. Whiskey can be made from different grains: corn, rye, wheat - it's all fair game. Scotch mainly uses malted barley. This difference in ingredients gives each its flavor profile.
- Lastly, there is Aging: Scotch has to be aged for at least three years in oak barrels. Whiskey aging rules could be different; it depends on the type and where it is made. For example, bourbon has to age in new, charred oak, but there isn't a minimum time.
These differences might appear subtle. However, they have an enormous impact on the finished product. It's for this that a Scotch has a taste much different from a Bourbon or an Irish whiskey.
The Single Malt Scotch Mystery
The Single Malt is quite exclusive compared to other types of Scotch. But how do you make a Scotch "single malt"?
Single Malt Scotch is the whiskey that is made from 100% malted barley at one single distillery. It does not interrelate with the whiskey that comes from other distilleries or grain whiskey. This is what is responsible for the different characters that single malts have.
Flavor varies a lot between single malts, depending on the region, how long they age for, and what casks are used. Some have good reputations for variations of smoke and peat, while others are lauded for their smoothness or fruitiness.
Where Whiskey and Scotch Meet?
But whiskey and Scotch have a lot in common. After all, Scotch is just another form of whiskey.
They both begin from the same process. Fermenting grain and then distilling it. The two are housed in oak barrels. The taste is where all the magic lies, each one of these spirits is imbued with, and aging does so much to contribute to its rich, full-flavored profile. Bourbon and Scotch, even in its culture, share the same roots. It is a mark of tradition, heritage, a symbol of nationalistic pride. Whether it be profoundly known as Bourbon from Kentucky or Scotch from the Highlands of Scotland, whiskies definitely form a part of its origin.
How to Choose Between Whiskey and Scotch?
The choice between whiskey and Scotch usually boils down to personal taste. Here are some considerations:
- Flavor: Into smoky, peaty flavor? Maybe you prefer Scotch, particularly from Islay. You like sweet and smooth? Then maybe bourbon or Irish whiskey is more your style.
- Occasion: Consider when you'll be drinking it. A really peaty Scotch might be absolutely perfect for a cozier winter's night. A lighter whiskey could be great for a summer party.
- Food Pairings: Scotch generally goes well with strong flavors such as blue cheese or dark chocolate. Bourbon goes well with sweeter dishes or barbecue.
How to Taste Like a Pro?
To truly appreciate whiskey, master some tasting techniques. Here are some pointers:
- Use the right glass: A tulip-shaped glass concentrates the aromas.
- Now, observe the color: Hold it up to the light. What do you see?
- Smell it: Gently sniff the whisky. What aromas do you pick up?
- Taste it: Take a small sip. Let it coat your mouth before swallowing.
- Add water: A few drops can open up the flavors.
- When tasting, try to find everyday flavors. Whisky may have vanilla, caramel, or oak flavors. Scotch also often contains smoky, peaty, and even dried fruit flavors.
Where to Find Your Perfect Drink?
Now that you are forearmed with the knowledge of Whiskey and Scotch, you would like to know where to procure your liquid treasure. Let's look over some options and suggestions on how you can find that perfect bottle.
Hunting for Quality. When it comes to buying whiskey and Scotch, quality matters. Quality being the key issue, consider the following:
Buyer's Tips. As you buy online or in a physical store, some of the buyer's tips you have to consider while buying include:
- Do your research on the reputation of the seller. You can do this through reading reviews and ratings the seller might have received from other customers.
- Examine the bottle for tampering, breakage, and the like. There are more important aspects to consider with old ones.
- Check around on prices. They could be very different.
- Shipping Consideration
- Factor in shipping when making a purchase online and then confirm that proper bottle packaging is employed by the seller.
Well, all this could be avoided if you already are familiar with The Epicurean Trader’s collection. Our purpose-filtered fine whiskies and Scotches are guaranteed to deliver the best, high-quality products for this special occasion.
All of our bottles are available to view online, with detailed notes on each, so you can shop with confidence from the comfort of your own sofa.
Whether you are in the market for a peated Islay Scotch, or a mellow Kentucky Bourbon, chances are The Epicurean Trader will have something to delight. One of the categories we really shine in is our selection of Scotch whiskies, from some of the most revered distilleries, to smaller independents of whom you may never have heard.
Quality is always the real deal when it comes to whisky and Scotch. A good bottle will surely reward you with loads of flavors and experiences. So, why not make your foundational steps of the whisky journey by looking through The Epicurean Trader's collection? Well, your perfect dream might only be a click away.
So now, we have crossed the world of whisky and Scotch. Scotch is whiskey, but not all whiskey is Scotch. It can only be made in Scotland and must be aged at least three years. Whiskey is a broader category and includes Scotch, Bourbon, and many more types.
Both whiskey and Scotch offer a tapestry of taste and experience: the peaty punch from an Islay Scotch or the smooth sweetness of a Kentucky Bourbon. There is, of course, a whole new world that comes with either.
The best way to know these spirits is through tasting by yourself. Why not start your journey by opening a new bottle? Whether a seasoned pro or curious beginner, there is always something new to be discovered.
Remember, the key to enjoying these spirits is responsible savoring: taking time out, appreciating the craftsmanship, and most importantly, enjoying the experience. Here's to whiskey and scotch adventures!
