Bourbon vs scotch – which do you prefer? The bourbon and scotch world is a vast one, with many different types of bourbon and scotches for people to enjoy.
Bourbon has much more variety than scotch in terms of flavor, but there are some bourbons that can be just as smooth as the best Scotch.
Bourbon
There’s an old saying:
“You’ll never go wrong if you always drink bourbon.”
But what does this really mean?
Bourbon is made from corn, barley, and rye it has a smoother taste than scotch because it’s aged in new oak barrels for at least two years whereas scotch is aged in used wood barrels for up to 12 years.
Bourbon is made in the United States, bourbon must be produced within the U.S., made from at least 51% corn and it needs to be distilled at less than 80 percent ABV (160 proof).
A bourbon drinker will say that the flavor of whiskey comes through more clearly than with scotch drinkers who prefer how smoky it tastes.
However, bourbon drinkers have to be careful not to drink it too fast. The reason is that bourbon has more alcohol than scotch and if you drink bourbon too quickly then the high percentage of alcohol can cause a headache or make you feel sick.
So enjoy bourbon but do so responsibly!
Bourbon vs Scotch: Our Bourbon Pick
Here is a bourbon that many people really enjoy: Maker’s Mark bourbon. This bourbon has been aged for six years, and it earned its name because of the five different steps in making bourbon. It starts with wheat as a grain instead of corn or rye like most bourbons.
The taste is sweet but still bold enough to stand out on its own.
A popular bourbon cocktail is an Old Fashioned – the perfect drink for black tie optional events or parties.
Muddle some sugar, bitters and orange peel together with ice; pour over 2 ounces of bourbon; top off with club soda or ginger ale; garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Another bourbon cocktail is the Manhattan. This drink has been around for over 100 years and consists of bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters (optional).
Here are some bourbon brands that you might want to try: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Four Roses Single Barrel , Blanton’s Bourbon , Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Scotch
Now let’s talk about scotch.
People think that scotch is only for men who love leather, wear suspenders in their cocktail attire, and smoke cigars. But scotch is for everyone. You just have to find the right one.
Scotch can be made from any cereal grain, but typically uses malted barley. It is distilled in copper pot stills and must have an ABV (alcohol by volume) of over 40%.
Scotch whisky is made in a very similar way to bourbon. Also, scotches aren’t required by law to have any specific flavor of their own (like bourbon does).
Scotch whisky is aged for at least three years, with most being held for around ten.
Bourbon vs Scotch: Our Scotch Pick
Here are some scotches that you may want to check out: Balvenie 16 Year Doublewood Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glenfiddich 12 Year.
Scotch whisky cocktails include the Rob Roy (made of 1 ounce each of blended whiskies), Black Russian (made by combining vodka, coffee liqueur, cream) or Rusty Nail (made by combining Drambuie, Scotch whisky).
Some people also enjoy drinking single malt whiskeys neat or on the rocks without any other ingredients added to them.
Interested in cocktails? Check out how Hemingway got his own drink named after him.
The main difference between bourbon and scotch is the flavor profile.
Bourbon has a bit of sweetness whereas scotch is mostly smoke and wood flavors.
Whichever you prefer, do yourself a favor and spend the money on quality.
Don’t be afraid to splurge on good-quality bourbon or scotch. This can mean the difference between waking up with a hangover or going to sleep with a happy taste in your mouth.
