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Scotch and whiskey or whisky are spirits made from fermented grain mash, but there are some key differences between them. Knowing the difference between these spirits can help you improve your cocktail knowledge and expand your drinking palate.
What is Scotch?
Scotch is a type of whisky made only in Scotland, and it’s entirely produced and bottled only in five official distilling regions of Scotland: Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, Speyside and Campbeltown.
Scotch whisky is often considered the benchmark of quality whisky, and its distillation is strictly regulated. There are several categories of Scotch, but all must be distilled in Scotland and aged in oak barrels for at least three years.
The most common categories of Scotch are single malt, single grain, blended malt, and blended grain. Each Scotch category has its unique flavour profile.
Single malt Scotch is made from a single type of malt barley and produced at a single distillery, while single grain Scotch is made from grains other than barley and is also produced at a single distillery.
Blended malt Scotch is made from a blend of single malt Scotch whiskies from multiple distilleries, while blended grain Scotch is made from a blend of single grain Scotch whiskies from various distilleries.
Scotch has a rich, complex flavour influenced by the ingredients and the oak barrels. Its distinct flavour is often described as smoky, peaty, or earthy. Some people also detect fruit, nuts, or spices. It’s commonly enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails.
What is whiskey or whisky?
At this point, you're probably wondering about the distinction between whiskey and whisky. The difference is one of spelling only. Whiskey is the spelling used for the spirit made in Ireland and the United States, while whisky is the spelling used for the spirit made in Scotland, Canada and Japan. There is no difference in the way the spirits are made or their flavours. The spelling of the word is simply a matter of regional preference.
Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. It's produced in various regions worldwide and can be made from different grains, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat – each type of grain imparts its unique flavour to the finished product. Whiskey is aged in oak barrels, which helps to develop its colour and flavour.
There are many different types and categories of whiskey, and the exact number can vary depending on how you classify them. For example, bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey, and corn whiskey are all classified as American whiskeys.
The main difference between rye and bourbon is the type of grain used to make the whiskey. Rye whiskey is made from a mash that is predominantly made up of rye grain, while bourbon is made from a mash that is predominantly made up of corn. This difference in ingredients results in distinct flavour profiles for each type of whiskey. Rye tends to be spicier and more robust, while bourbon is sweeter and smoother. Additionally, bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, while the ageing requirements for rye are less strict.
Tennessee whiskey is produced in the state of Tennessee. It's made from a mash of at least 51% corn and is aged in charred oak barrels. Unlike bourbon, Tennessee whiskey is filtered through a layer of charcoal before it's aged, which gives it a distinct flavour.
The main difference between Tennessee whiskey and corn whiskey is that Tennessee whiskey is filtered through a layer of charcoal before it's aged, while corn whiskey is not. This gives Tennessee whiskey a smoother, more mellow flavour compared to corn whiskey, which can be more harsh and robust. Additionally, Tennessee whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% corn, while corn whiskey can be made from a mash of 100% corn. Finally, Tennessee whiskey must be aged in charred oak barrels, while corn whiskey does not have to be aged.
But, as mentioned above, there are more than just American whiskeys. Some common types of whiskey include Scotch, Irish, American, Canadian, and Japanese whiskey. Within each category, there are many sub-types of whiskey, each with its unique flavour profile.
Like Scotch, the flavour of each whiskey can vary depending on the specific type and brand. In general, whiskey has a bold, complex flavour that is influenced by the ingredients used, the production process, and the ageing process. It may have a smoke, oak, fruit, or caramel notes, ranging from smooth and mellow to bold and robust. Some people describe the flavour of whiskey as woody or oaky, while others may detect notes of vanilla, honey, or spice. Whiskey is commonly enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails.
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