Bourbon vs Scotch

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As one of the most popular spirits worldwide, whiskeys also have different varieties that cater to various tastes. Just because these spirits are classified under whiskeys doesn’t mean they share the same qualities or flavours. Factors like their distilleries, ingredients and even countries of origin contribute to how brands vary.

 

Two of the most popular whiskey types are bourbon and scotch, each with its loyal demographics. But even though they are both whiskeys, some people are still keen on pitting them against each other. This distinction begs the question, “who wins the battle of bourbon vs scotch?”

 

If you want to know the qualities of these spirits and see which suits your tastes better, read the article to find out.

 

 

Bourbon vs Scotch: Similarities, Differences, and Types

 

If you were to ask people about the difference between these two types of whiskeys, they’d probably talk about the countries of origin of these spirits. But as with any variety, things are more than meets the eye.

 

While it’s true that their countries of origin play a role in what makes them distinct, various factors still come into play. These factors give scotch and bourbon their unique characteristics and set them apart from other whiskey types.

 

Here is a breakdown of bourbon vs scotch to hopefully help you decide which one to go for:

 

Bourbon

 

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Bourbon is an American whiskey and it’s made from corn or mash. There are also other rules that the distillery must follow for a whiskey to be considered bourbon: its adherence to maintaining 51% corn, being distilled at 160 proof or less, and aged for two years or more.

 

Since bourbon adheres to these strict guidelines, the flavour profile is also maintained. This flavour profile features vanilla, oak, caramel, and spice hints. The colour is also pretty standard for whiskeys, featuring a golden brown hue that is enticing to look at.

 

There are also different types of bourbon, and these are all of them:

 

 

  • Standard Bourbon Whiskey - This type adheres to the guidelines bourbon whiskeys should follow, like its alcohol content and the ageing process.

 

  • Wheated Bourbon - The usual ingredients of rye, barley, and corn are replaced by wheat.

 

  • Blended Bourbon Whiskey - This variety must stick to the strict rule of having 20% bourbon blended with other whiskeys.

 

  • Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Straight bourbon represents purity and the rawest form of this spirit since it doesn’t include any flavourings or colourings and sticks to a strict ageing process, with a minimum of two years inside the barrel.

 

  • Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey - This classification just refers to the place of its distillery. So as long as the distillery is within Kentucky, it’s a Kentucky Bourbon.

 

  • Tennesse Whiskey - Tennesse whiskeys, unlike the Kentucky variety, can still be considered such even outside of the state, so long as it follows the Lincoln filtering process.

 

  • Small-Batch & Single-Barrel Bourbon - As its name suggests, small-batch or single-barrel bourbon is similar to limited editions in other products. These spirits are few and surrounded by the same allure limited products have.

 

  • Sour Mash Bourbon - A combination of old and new mash, the sour mash bourbon aims to produce a unique flavour profile.

 

  • Bottled In Bond Bourbon - This bourbon type should be aged for at least 4 years and must have a minimum proof of 100.

 

 

Scotch

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Just as bourbon adheres to strict rules to be considered bourbon, scotch also does the same. One of the guidelines that scotch follows is it must be made within Scotland, and as for the ageing process, it must take at least three years to be deemed ready.

 

As for its ingredients, scotch sticks to malted barley, maize, or rye to maintain the flavours it is known for. There are also different types of scotch, like single malt, single grain, and blended scotch whiskey, all offering unique takes on the proven and tested scotch formula.

 

Here’s a complete breakdown of the different scotch types:

 

 

  • Single Malt Scotch Whiskey - Aside from the apparent requirement of being distilled and aged within Scotland, single malt scotch whiskeys must be made using water and barley only.

 

  • Single Grain Scotch Whiskey - This type of scotch whiskey undergoes the same process as the single malt variety, but grains like corn, rye or wheat are added, and these ingredients give an exciting layer of flavour on top of the standard components.

 

  • Blended Scotch Whiskey - A mixture of the single malt and single grain varieties, blended scotch whiskey is the most popular type of this liquor.

 

  • Blended Grain Scotch Whiskey - A combination of different grain scotch whiskeys from various distilleries, this variety aims to produce a pure grain scotch whiskey with varying layers of flavours.

 

  • Blended Malt Scotch Whiskey - This variety is a mixture of different single malt scotch whiskeys from other distilleries to produce a unique whiskey.

 

 

 

Notable Bourbon and Scotch Brands

 

Choosing the right one can be a daunting experience with all the different subcategories of these spirits. Just because they are both whiskeys doesn’t mean they’re the same, and just because a particular brand is a bourbon doesn’t follow that the taste is the same across the board.

 

Despite the sheer number of bourbons and scotch to choose from, the best always make it to the top. Let us help you come up with a winner of the bourbon vs scotch battle by presenting you with the best choices for these whiskey types:

 

 

1.    Wild Turkey 101

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Wild Turkey 101 is a Kentucky bourbon whiskey with sweet and spicy flavours. Its light body makes for an enjoyable and smooth drinking experience, and the quality of this bourbon is noticeable from the start.  

 

 

2.    Maker’s Mark Bourbon 8 Year Old

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Dominated by flavours of vanilla, rye, butterscotch, and barley malt, the Maker’s Mark Bourbon is yet another Kentucky bourbon worth trying. The finish is lasting and sweet, with hints of butterscotch and oak.

 

 

3.    Jim Beam White Bourbon

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Jim Beam White Bourbon has almost become synonymous with the word “bourbon.” Its flavour profiles feature hints of vanilla, peppery and spicy flavours, making its appeal undeniable. The finish is a perfect mixture of toasted flavours and hints of sweetness, giving you an enjoyable drinking experience.

 

 

4.    Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon

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As discussed earlier, single-barrel whiskeys are rare, and their flavours are also unique because of this rarity. The Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon is a single-barrel whiskey and a bottled-in-bond spirit. This spirit’s flavour profile of cloves and black pepper hammers the point home and gives you a drinking experience like no other.

 

 

5.    J&B Rare Blended Scotch Whiskey

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The J&B name is one of the most recognisable names in the whiskey industry, and one of the spirits that best represents this name is the J&B Rare Blended Scotch Whiskey. This scotch whiskey will definitely hit the right spots, featuring vanilla, oak, and caramel flavour notes and a medium-length finish.

 

 

6.    Laphroaig 10 Year Old

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Smoky and thick, the Laphroaig 10-year-old certainly doesn’t lack character. As its name suggests, this spirit has been aged for 10 years, giving it its distinct flavour. As for the flavour profile, you get hints of vanilla ice cream, oak, pepper, and chilli, all followed by a rich and thick body, giving you a full-flavoured drinking experience.

 

 

7.    Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

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The Auchentoshan Three Wood Scotch Whiskey is like an assault to the senses but in a good way. Featuring hints of vanilla, dark chocolate, honey, and orange, you get different flavour notes that tickle your tastebuds. The finish is rich and long-lasting, with a subtle hint of oak and a continuation of the honey flavour profile.

 

 

8.    Copper Dog Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whiskey



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The Copper Dog Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whiskey is a scotch like no other. The combination of eight different malt scotch whiskeys from Speyside makes this spirit a potent and tasty representative of that area. Hints of chocolate, nuts, and orange welcome you, followed by a finish with hints of fruits and honey. This spirit is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

 

 

Let Cellarbration Help You Decide Who Wins The Battle of Bourbon vs Scotch

 

The topic of bourbon vs scotch all boils down to personal preference, and we all have different flavour profiles that we prefer, which a specific whiskey type can only achieve. If bourbon vs scotch is also a comparison that you constantly think about, let Cellarbration help you settle this issue once and for all.

 

Cellarbration is dedicated to bringing you only the highest-quality liquors. With a highly successful online liquor business, 11 retail locations throughout Singapore, and a liquor delivery service, we make things easier for our valued customers.

 

Feel free to browse our website to learn more about our other products or services. You can also contact us here if you have questions or concerns. For any of your liquor needs, trust that Cellarbration has got you covered!