Whether you’ve just started to explore liquor or consider yourself fairly experienced, you might not be clear about the differences between scotch and bourbon. Both are types of whiskey, a distilled liquor made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden casks. However, bourbon whiskey comes from Bourbon County in Kentucky, whereas Scotch comes from Scotland. In addition to their origins, Scotch and bourbon differ in a variety of other aspects, including how they’re made and how they taste.

How Are Scotch & Bourbon Different?

Ingredients & Aging Process

Scotch is made from barley and other grains. It's aged inside oak casks for three years at a minimum — and often for much longer.

Bourbon, on the other hand, is made from at least 51% corn. The rest of the grains used to make it consist a mix of rye, barley, or wheat. There’s no minimum aging process for this liquor.

Alcohol by Volume

Alcohol by volume (ABV) is a measurement used to indicate the amount of ethanol in a given quantity of liquor. It’s a percentage taken from the number of milliliters of pure alcohol per 100 milliliters of liquid. Bourbon is distilled to a maximum of 80% ABV, but it should have a peak of 62.5% ethanol when aged in casks. Scotch, on the other hand, has a maximum ABV of 94.8%.

Flavor

Bourbon has a sweet, oaky flavor complemented by undernotes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. It's used for cocktails such as the old fashioned and mint julep. Bourbon pairs well with full-flavored foods such as pork ribs and beef brisket. 

Depending on the region it is produced in, Scotch can vary from spicy and honey-like to fruity and light-bodied. Cocktails such as the rusty nail and Rob Roy require Scotch. This spirit pairs well with dark chocolate and strong cheeses like Roquefort.

Whenever people around Doraville, GA, are looking for a beverage distributor that holds stocks of spirits from all over the world, they turn to Beverage World Package Store. Whether you're looking for the perfect bottle of red wine for a housewarming gift or a craft beer for a relaxing night in, you'll surely find something in this liquor store. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through their selection, so feel free to ask for recommendations. They also have a membership program that offers deals and discounts. Call (770) 441-0001 and visit their website or Facebook page for more information.