Page 10 - Skys The Limit Magazine Winter Edition

Just because...
What’s the Difference between Scotch and Bourbon?
When it comes down spirits, many people tend to struggle to spot the differences between Scotch and bourbon. Though they both have some fundamental similarities, each has spectacular manufacturing processes and characteristics. Bourbon
“All bourbon is whiskey,” says Jim Beam, a whiskey manufacturer. In essence, bourbon is a type of whiskey! However, not all types of whiskey are bourbon. The US laws control what the manufacturers of whiskey can tag as bourbon. According to the legislation:
• Bourbon must be 160 proof, that is, 80% alcohol by ABV, or less.
• It must have been kept for a minimum of two years.
• The whiskey aging must happen in new white charred oak barrels.
• It must be processed in the US.
• 51% of corn must be included in the mash used to manufacture the whiskey.
• Water is the one and only additive allowed besides the yeast and the mash. No other additives are allowed aside this. • Although the major grain in bourbon is corn, manufacturers can add other grains such as barley, malt, or rye.
What about Scotch?
As the name indicates, Scotch is made in Scotland. While Scotch is distilled from grains like barley, it is also regulated by the UK similar to how the US regulates bourbon. And these regulations include:
• Scotch whiskey must be manufactured in Scotland.
• Unlike the bourbon, it must be 90 proof, that is, 94.8% ABV or less, with a minimum of 40% ABV.
• Yeast is the only fermentation agent allowed.
• It should be distilled from a mash made of malted barley and other grains. • Aging in oak casks must be for a minimum of three years.
• Water and caramel color are the only allowed additives.
Needless to say, Scotch whiskey are made available in different varieties, including:
• Single malt. Made in single batches, single malt contains only malted barley.
• Single grain. Contrary to single malt, it is produced with malted barley plus one or more other grain. It’s manufactured
in separate batches too.
• Blended malt. Made from two or more single malt scotches, which are produced in different distilleries.
• Blended grain. It’s similar to the blended malt, just that it’s manufactured from two or more single grain scotches.
• Blended. It’s gotten by mixing at least one single malt blended with one or more single grain Scotch.
So, you now understand the difference between scotch and bourbon. How can you nd your desirous avors?
The fact is that the differences, as little as you might nd them, result in many avors, sweetness, and smoothness of the spirit.
Deciding on which best suits your taste buds can only be achieved by experimentation. In essence, it is recommended that when next you nd yourself out of town, give a different whiskey type a trial in a hot toddy or cocktail to determine what best suits your personality.
Page 10