ĭistilling was most likely brought to present-day Kentucky in the late 18th century by Scots, Scots-Irish, and other settlers (including English, Irish, Welsh, German, and French) who began to farm the area in earnest. from at least 51% corn and stored in a new container of charred oak. Bourbon sold in the United States must be produced in the U.S. īourbon was recognized in 1964 by the United States Congress as a 'distinctive product of the United States'. distillers derived $3.6 billion in revenue from bourbon and Tennessee whiskey (a closely related spirit produced in the state of Tennessee). According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, in 2018 U.S.

As of 2014, distillers' wholesale market revenue for bourbon sold within the US was about $2.7 billion, and bourbon made up about two thirds of the $1.6 billion of U.S. Although bourbon may be made anywhere in the United States, it is strongly associated with the American South in general, and with Kentucky in particular. īourbon has been distilled since the 18th century. The name 'Bourbon' was not applied until the 1850s, and the Kentucky etymology was not advanced until the 1870s. The name derives from the French Bourbon dynasty, although the precise inspiration is uncertain contenders include Bourbon County in Kentucky and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, both of which are named after the dynasty. Generally associated with the American SouthĬorn whiskey, Straight whiskey, Tennessee whiskeyīourbon ( / b ɜːr b ən/) is a type of American whiskey, a barrel-aged distilled liquor made primarily from corn. Let us know in the comment section which characteristic of scotch and bourbon is a dead giveaway for you.A selection of bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys at a liquor store. However, once you get right into the drink’s nitty-gritty, you’ll be able to identify them from each other. Scotch vs whiskey vs bourbon is quite hard to differentiate at first.

You want to save money on a whiskey bottle.

You want sweeter and mellow notes in your drink.

You enjoy sharp and smoky flavors in your liquor.

Plus, it has a lower price! Choose Scotch Whisky if: It does not have an intense and complex taste compared to scotch, so it's more accessible to anyone. In our quest to find out the difference between scotch vs bourbon, the clear victor is bourbon. Moreover, grain prices in the United States are lower than those in Scotland. Barley is much more expensive than corn, which is the main reason why scotch is more costly. The difference between scotch and bourbon when it comes to price is pretty apparent. However, some bourbons are only aged at a maximum of four months which make their finish stronger. Since scotch is usually aged for three years and a straight bourbon for two years, it develops a more mellow flavor. The longer the liquor stays inside the wooden container, the smoother or lighter it becomes. The smoothness of scotch vs bourbon lies in the number of months or years aged in oak barrels.

Since the liquor stays in the wooden container for a long time, it is mixed with the wood’s flavor and pigment. Both types of whiskey have an amber hue that results from being in contact with the barrels. The difference between scotch and bourbon when it comes to color is good as nothing. Meanwhile, bourbon has a more subtle spice and apparent sweetness, making it very flexible to be drunk on its own or as a base for cocktails. However, not everyone can handle such complex flavors. There is nothing particularly wrong with the smoky and spicy taste of scotch. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between scotch and bourbon.Īs mentioned earlier, the difference in the main component of the mash bill used in scotch and bourbon is the main reason why they have opposite flavors. But the question that may arise in your curious mind is which among the two whiskeys should you have. BourbonĪt this point, the difference between scotch vs whiskey vs bourbon might be more apparent. This type of whiskey has a sweeter and smoother taste, making it a great choice among drinkers. For a whiskey to be legally called bourbon, the mash bill must contain 51% corn, it must be aged in a charred American oak barrel, have 40% ABV (80 proof), and must be made in the U.S. Compared to scotch, bourbon is mainly made of corn.

Bourbon whiskey