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Bourbon vs. Scotch: What’s the Real Difference?

Written by Norcal Bottle Shop • January 7, 2025

1 minute read

When it comes to whiskey, few debates are as classic—or as delicious—as Bourbon versus Scotch. Whether you’re new to brown spirits or looking to expand your palate, understanding what sets these two iconic whiskeys apart can help you find your next favorite bottle at Norcal Bottle Shop.
Bourbon vs. Scotch: What’s the Real Difference?

Origins: America vs. Scotland

  1. Bourbon is America’s native spirit, famously produced in Kentucky but made throughout the U.S.
  2. Scotch is whisky made in Scotland, with a long tradition rooted in specific regions like Speyside, Islay, and Highlands.

Ingredients

  1. Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, giving it a sweeter, fuller flavor profile.
  2. Scotch is typically made from malted barley (Single Malt) or a blend of grains (Blended Scotch), often lending it more earthy or smoky notes.

Production & Aging

  1. Bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels, resulting in a rich, vanilla and caramel-forward taste.
  2. Scotch is aged in used barrels (often ex-bourbon or sherry casks), and the climate of Scotland leads to a slower, more subtle aging process.

Flavor Profiles

  1. Bourbon: Expect flavors of caramel, vanilla, baking spices, and sometimes a hint of fruit or nuttiness.
  2. Scotch: Can range from light and floral (Speyside), to rich and fruity (Highlands), to bold and peaty (Islay).

Serving Suggestions

  1. Bourbon is perfect for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Mint Julep, but also shines neat or on the rocks.
  2. Scotch is best enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or in cocktails like the Rob Roy.

Try Them for Yourself

At Norcal Bottle Shop, you can explore both worlds:
For Bourbon Lovers: Blanton’s The Original Single Barrel Bourbon—a rich, complex classic with notes of oak and spice.
For Scotch Fans: The Macallan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Double Cask 15 Year — a luxurious, well-balanced Scotch offering notes of dried fruit, honey, and soft spice, aged in a perfect blend of American and European oak casks.