How is Bourbon different from Scotch Whisky?

Mar 28, 2023Ashok Chawdhary

What is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made from at least 51% corn. It's distilled in a column still and aged in new, charred oak barrels (which gives it its amber color). Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States but must be aged in Kentucky for at least two years before being sold as such.
Bourbon has a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other whiskies: sweet with notes of vanilla and caramel, followed by hints of spice like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Whisky and whiskey are two spellings for the same alcoholic beverage, made from distilled grain and aged in wood. The term "whisky" can refer to the drink from anywhere in the world, while "whiskey" (with an "e") typically refers to the drink from Ireland or the United States. The name "whisky" comes from the Gaelic term "uisce beatha," meaning "water of life."

To make whisky, you need water, yeast, and malted barley, and you can add other grains such as corn, wheat, oats, or rye to create different varieties. Depending on the country of origin, the percentage of grain used, and whether the whisky comes from a single distillery, the finished product may be called by different names.Get the best alcohol delivery in Singapore by tipsy topsy.

What is Scotch Whisky?

Scotch Whisky is a type of whisky that's made in Scotland. It's got its own distinct flavor, aroma, and color compared to other types of whiskies.
The main ingredient in Scotch Whisky is malted barley; this gives it its distinctive malty flavor. Other ingredients include water from local springs or wells (which provides minerals), yeast for fermentation, and peat smoke for flavoring during distillation. The production process involves fermenting grains with yeast for about two weeks before distilling them into alcohol through heating under pressure in copper stills (which gives it its signature smoky taste). After distillation comes aging: the longer you age your whisky--up to 30 years or more--the smoother it will be when you drink it! Get all types of bourbon and whiskey delivery in Singapore.

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The Differences Between Bourbon and Scotch Whisky

Bourbon and Scotch whisky have many similarities, but there are also some key differences that make each unique.Want the best alcohol delivery in Singapore? Head to Tipsytopsy.com.sg
Bourbon is made from corn and aged in new American oak barrels. Scotch whisky can be made from any grain (barley, wheat or rye), but it must be aged in oak casks for at least three years before being bottled. Bourbon also has a higher proof than Scotch--between 80-100 proof compared to Scotch's 40-50%. Bourbon also tends to be sweeter due to its high percentage of corn used during production; Scotch contains more malt which gives it its smoky flavor profile and drier finish when compared with bourbon.

Flavor Profiles

The flavor profiles of bourbon and Scotch whisky are quite different. Bourbon, which is made from corn, has a sweet and spicy taste that's often described as caramel-like. Scotch whisky tends to be smoky and peaty with earthy notes.

The common flavor notes in each type of whisky include:

  • Bourbon - Vanilla, cinnamon or nutmeg spice notes; oak woodiness; vanilla bean ice cream (a sweet treat!)
  • Scotch Whisky - Honeyed sweetness; dried fruit flavors like raisins or prunes; smokey/peaty aroma

Aging Processes

One of the most obvious differences between bourbon and Scotch is their aging process. Both types of whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years, but here is where their similarities end. Bourbon must be aged in new charred-oak casks that have been made specifically for storing spirits; Scotch can be aged in used barrels or even virgin wood (though this is rare). In addition to this requirement, there are also minimum aging requirements for Bourbon: if it's labeled as "straight" or "small batch," then it must spend at least two years in a barrel; if it's labeled as "single barrel," then all bottles from that lot must come from one cask which has been aged at least four years (and often much longer).

The differences don't stop there--the way each type of whisky ages also differs greatly! While Scotch tends towards lighter colors and more subtle flavors than its American counterpart due to its shorter period spent maturing outdoors under natural sunlight before being bottled up inside warehouses with artificial lights instead, bourbon tends toward darker hues thanks to its longer exposure time outside under direct sunlight during fermentation plus extended periods spent sitting inside wooden casks filled with charred oak chips after distillation has finished processing them into alcohols ready for consumption by thirsty drinkers everywhere who want something different than what they've been drinking before now… Make the best  of your taste birds with express liquor delivery in Singapore. 

Bourbon, a type of American whiskey, must be produced in America and made from at least 51% corn. It must be stored in new charred-oak barrels and distilled to no more than 160 proof before being entered into the barrel at 125 proof. The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 defines a bourbon by law, requiring it to be the product of one distillation season and one distiller at one distillery, and bottled and stored in bonded warehouses under government supervision for no less than four years.

Scotch whisky, on the other hand, is produced in Scotland from water and malted barley, and can contain no other additives except for coloring. It can be single grain, single malt, or blended, depending on whether it comes from one distillery and cereal grain or contains only malted barley.

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Here are five recipes that use Scotch whisky as an ingredient:

   1.  Scotch Sour

  • 2 oz Scotch Whisky
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters

    Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a cherry.
   2.  Bobby Burns Cocktail

  • 2 oz Scotch Whisky
  • 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1/4 oz Benedictine
  • 1 dash orange bitters

    Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
   3.  Scottish Cranachan

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Scotch whisky
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup toasted oats
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

    Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, mix together the whisky and honey. Fold the whisky mixture into the whipped cream. Layer the toasted oats, raspberries, and cream mixture in a serving dish. Serve chilled.
   4.  Whisky-Glazed Carrots

  • 2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 1/4 cup Scotch whisky
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

    Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots and sauté until they start to soften. Add the whisky and brown sugar to the skillet and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and let the carrots simmer in the glaze until they are tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   5.  Scotch Whisky Steak Sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup Scotch whisky
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

    In a small saucepan, bring the beef broth and whisky to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer until it has reduced by half. Add the heavy cream and butter to the saucepan and stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over grilled steak or roasted vegetables.

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