Scotch vs. Bourbon

[Jack Daw]

It's been a long time since I've sampled any bourbon, but what I remember of it, it's just not my cuppa tea. It seemed overly sweet, like a certain Irish whiskey I know, but not ther same type of sweetness derived from sherry casks, like certain single-malts. Nevertheless, I probably should give it another try without dishing out for a whole bottle for my counter.

[ABG0819]

The good thing about this question is answering it. The only way to do so is to pull out several bottles of bourbon, tennessee whiskey, scotch and irish and a pitcher of water (to clear the palate) and sample. Unfortunatly in the morning you can't remember what you decided so you have to do it again...and again...and again.

Graham

[Spartan Tartan]

Generally, I will reach for Scotch before Bourbon (or whiskey). I like Bourbon and whiskey just fine, I just seem to prefer the flavors of Scotch.

[MacBean]

My first memory of whisky was a contest my parents and their friends had. Each contestant was blindfolded and then handed a glass of whisky and had to pronounce whether it was bourbon or scotch. It's hard to imagine, and I doubt they were using single malts, but they couldn't tell them apart.

[bdkilted]

I was a bourban drinker for years, but then began developing a taste for scotch. I drink scotch almost exclussively now. Of course I am mad a Diego for closing several of the smaller distilleries whose product I enjoyed.

[lethearen]

More into Scotch. I think it's more complex and the variety can suit just about any palate, and most bourbons I've tried have had some ... off ... flavours that I just don't care for.

That said I do appreciate bourbon. Mostly because they use those barrells to make Scotch

[Pyper]

I drink more bourbon because a really good Bourbon costs about the same as a not so good Scotch.

Something a lot of people don't know about Bourbon is that there are really only a handful of distilleries (8? maybe). All the "designer" bourbons that have come on the market in the last few years are casks of Jim Beam. The Beam people realized it was silly to mix the very best casks in with the rest, so now they pull those out and they get marketed as a different brand. (Other distillers might do the same, but in the article I read the Beam people got the credit for the idea.

[Kilted in Maine]

Anyone else have George Thorogood stuck in their head after reading this thread?

[chewse]

If I remember correctly, Bourbon is required to be distilled from at least 80% corn grain and aged a minimum of 3 years. I don't care too much for Bourbon but I do enjoy several American whiskies that are distilled from a lower corn grain percentage and higher barley malt or rye counts. Since Bourbon is required to be aged in new charred American oak barrel, the spirit tends to be somewhat sweeter for me with a distinct vanilla taste. Scotch, as you are aware, is aged in used whiskey barrels which I think helps minimize the stronger sweetness taste in the spirit (although some highland Scotch seems to be fairly sweet and fruity). The craft spirits business is exploding and there are several new distilleries around the States that are producing outstanding whiskies. Although I’m not ready to give up my Balvenie, Bowmore or Laphroaig scotch, my taste buds are tantalized by the unique, small batch craft whiskies I’ve tried and continue to seek out and drink.

[beloitpiper]

If I remember correctly, Bourbon is required to be distilled from at least 80% corn grain and aged a minimum of 3 years.

Bourbon legally has to be at least 51% corn, but in practice it's closer to 60%-70% corn. Also, there is no minimum maturation requirement for Bourbon, but it does have to be aged. Scotch, however, does have to be aged for at least 3 years.

Since Bourbon is required to be aged in new charred American oak barrel, the spirit tends to be somewhat sweeter for me with a distinct vanilla taste.

The corn, which has more sugar in it, will also add to the sweeter flavor, although you're correct in that the vanilla taste is mainly due to the oak.