Scotch vs. Whiskey: What’s the Difference?
Scotch and whiskey have several similarities, but some very important differences. Knowing the difference between these classic spirits will help you feel confident the next time you are taste-testing different spirits or ordering at your local bar.
How are Scotch and Whiskey Similar?
Scotch is actually a type of Whiskey. Well…actually a type of Whisky. In the United States and Ireland, we spell whiskey with the -ey. Whereas in Scotland, Canada, and Japan the “e” is left out and it’s simply “whisky”. Both scotch and whiskey are a brown spirit, distilled from a mash of grains, and either enjoyed straight up or as a base for a cocktail. But that’s where the similarities end.
Scotch whisky is entirely produced in Scotland, and referred to simply as Scotch. Whiskey can be made in many parts of the world (including Scotland), but has a completely different base of ingredients.
Traditionally, scotch is made of malted barley and water. Whiskey is typically made with a mash of many grains–in fact it’s the combination of those grains that create the different types of whiskey available around the world.
Types of Scotch and Whiskey
The key differences in the making of scotch come down to where it was produced (one distillery or multiple distilleries) and what grains were used in the production of the scotch. There are five main types of Scotch:
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Single-malt Scotch: Single-Malt scotch is made from one distillery and a mash of malted barley. Only about 10% of all Scotch are single malts.
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Single-grain Scotch: This is scotch that is produced at a single distillery, but can include any combination of grains, including malted barley.
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Blended Malt Scotch: Blended scotch is the combination of two scotches that come from separate distilleries.
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Blended Grain Scotch: A blend of single grain Scotch whiskies, distilled at more than one distillery.
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Blended Scotch: Blended Scotch is a mixture of malt Scotch whisky and grain Scotch whisky, distilled at any number of distilleries.
Whiskey includes many varieties of the spirit, including bourbon, rye whiskey, japanese whiskey, and of course scotch. Although there are many varieties of whiskey, the main ones include:
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Bourbon Whiskey: A distinctly American spirit, bourbon is regulated by US law. To be called Bourbon, it must be made with at least 51% corn and the rest can be malted rye, wheat, or barley. It also needs to be aged in new charred oak barrels. Finally, it must be between 80 and 160 proof.
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American Rye Whiskey: American rye whiskey meets all of the same requirements as bourbon, except it needs to be made with 51% rye instead of corn.
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Tennessee Whiskey: Tennessee whiskey is basically bourbon that undergoes an extra process. Tennessee whiskey goes through the Lincoln County process which involves filtering through charcoal before putting it into barrels. This process removes impurities and jumpstarts the aging process.
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Canadian Whisky: Canadian whisky must be aged at least three years, but there are no regulations on the types of barrels or the amount of grains used. This results in a lot of variety in Canadian whiskies.
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Japanese Whisky: Japan took their whisky lessons from the Scots, making a whisky that is extremely similar to Scotch. Like all things in Japan, commercial whisky making is kept to the highest standards.
How do Scotch and Whiskey Taste?
The taste of both scotch and whiskey will vary greatly depending on the variety you are sampling, however there are some general taste profiles that are true of more varieties. Scotch whisky is typically earthy and smoky in flavor and is meant to sip and enjoy slowly. Most people describe scotch as having a smoky finish, which is especially true if the barley grains are dried by peat fire.
Whiskey flavors vary greatly. Bourbons are usually considered more sweet and smokey, whereas rye whiskies are described as having spice and fruit notes. What is the best way to understand the different ways whiskey and scotch taste? Sample them for yourself. It’s always best to try different varieties of whiskey, including scotch, to see what flavors you notice and enjoy.
Cheers!
