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Bourbon vs. Scotch – Comparing Two Whisky Legends
Bourbon and Scotch are two of the most iconic styles of whisky in the world. While both offer depth, tradition, and global fan bases, they are vastly different in origin, ingredients, and flavor. At Elevated Spirit Shop, we help you explore what Bourbon and Scotch are, how they’re made, their flavor profiles, most popular brands, and how to choose the right one for your palate or occasion.
What Is Bourbon?
Bourbon is a style of American whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. To be legally labeled as bourbon, it must meet specific regulations outlined by U.S. law.
Key Bourbon Requirements:
- Made in the United States
- Minimum 51% corn in the mash bill
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV)
- Entered into new, charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof
- No additives for flavor or color
- Aged at least 2 years (if labeled straight bourbon)
Flavor Profile: Sweet, full-bodied, with flavors of vanilla, caramel, oak, and baking spice.
What Is Scotch?
Scotch is whisky made in Scotland, aged for a minimum of three years, and produced using specific regional practices and ingredients — most notably malted barley.
Key Scotch Requirements:
- Made and aged in Scotland
- Distilled from malted barley or a combination of grains
- Aged in oak casks for at least 3 years
- Bottled at no less than 40% ABV
- Cannot contain additives except water and caramel coloring
Flavor Profile: Varies by region: smoky and peaty (Islay), fruity and floral (Speyside), earthy and spicy (Highlands).
Bourbon vs. Scotch – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Bourbon | Scotch |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Scotland |
| Main Grain | At least 51% corn | Malted barley (single malt) or mixed grains |
| Distillation | Typically column stills | Pot stills (single malt) or column stills (grain) |
| Aging | New, charred oak barrels | Used oak barrels (often ex-bourbon or sherry) |
| Minimum Age | 2 years (for straight bourbon) | 3 years |
| Flavor | Sweet, rich, caramel, vanilla, spice | Smoky, malty, fruity, peaty (depends on region) |
| Alcohol Content | Typically 40–50% ABV | Typically 40–46% ABV |
| Popular Regions | Kentucky, Tennessee | Speyside, Islay, Highlands, Lowlands |
Flavor Profiles Compared
Bourbon Flavor Notes
- Sweet and rich from high corn content
- Notes of caramel, brown sugar, vanilla
- Oak and toasted spice from new barrels
- Great mouthfeel, often full-bodied
Scotch Flavor Notes
- Islay: Peaty, smoky, briny
- Speyside: Fruity, floral, smooth
- Highlands: Complex, dry, spicy
- Lowlands: Light, citrusy, grassy
Which One Is Smoother?
Scotch is often more nuanced and subtle, especially Speyside and Lowland varieties. These are great for those who enjoy refined complexity and lighter body.
Bourbon is usually sweeter and rounder on the palate, which many people perceive as smooth and easy-drinking — especially for newer whisky drinkers.
Best for Cocktails
Bourbon Cocktails
- Old Fashioned: Bourbon, bitters, sugar, orange peel
- Whiskey Sour: Bourbon, lemon juice, sugar syrup
- Mint Julep: Bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, crushed ice
Scotch Cocktails
- Rob Roy: Scotch, sweet vermouth, bitters
- Penicillin: Scotch, honey, ginger, lemon
- Blood and Sand: Scotch, orange juice, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth
Most Popular Bourbon Brands
- Buffalo Trace: Affordable and balanced — great for sipping or mixing
- Woodford Reserve: Full-bodied and complex with baking spice and fruit
- Maker’s Mark: Smooth wheated bourbon with soft caramel and vanilla
- Blanton’s: The original single barrel bourbon — collectible and elegant
- Elijah Craig Small Batch: Oak-forward with toasted notes and bold depth
Most Popular Scotch Whisky Brands
- Macallan: Known for sherry-aged single malts — smooth and luxurious
- Glenlivet: Speyside classic — light, floral, and beginner-friendly
- Lagavulin: Islay’s smoky powerhouse — rich, deep, and peaty
- Ardbeg: Bold, smoky Islay malt for adventurous drinkers
- Glenfiddich: Best-selling single malt globally — fruity, fresh, and versatile
Which Whisky Should You Choose?
Choose Bourbon If You Want:
- Sweeter, smoother flavors with vanilla and caramel
- Whiskey that mixes well in cocktails
- Aged spirit with bold American character
- Great value for both everyday and premium pours
Choose Scotch If You Want:
- Complexity and variety based on region
- Earthy, smoky, or malty character
- A traditional sipping experience rooted in terroir
- Premium options with long aging potential
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bourbon sweeter than Scotch?
Yes. Bourbon tends to be sweeter due to its corn-heavy mash bill and use of new, charred oak barrels, which impart vanilla and caramel flavors.
Is Scotch more expensive than bourbon?
Generally yes, especially for aged single malts. However, both categories offer a range from affordable to ultra-premium.
Can I mix Scotch in cocktails?
Absolutely. While Scotch is traditionally sipped neat, many bartenders use it in elegant and smoky cocktails.
Is bourbon easier to drink than Scotch?
Many find bourbon more approachable due to its sweeter and fuller body, while Scotch can be more challenging if it's peaty or intensely malty.
Can you age bourbon as long as Scotch?
Bourbon ages faster due to hotter U.S. climates. Most bourbons peak around 6–12 years, whereas Scotch often ages 12–25 years or more for complexity.
Conclusion: There’s No Wrong Choice
Both Bourbon and Scotch offer incredible depth, legacy, and enjoyment. If you want bold sweetness and rich character, go for Bourbon. If you prefer complexity, regional variety, and smoky nuance, Scotch may be your spirit of choice.
Explore both and find your favorite style — or keep both on your shelf for different moods and occasions. Shop our full range of Bourbon and Scotch whiskies at Elevated Spirit Shop today and elevate your sipping experience.