Differences between bourbon, scotch, and whiskey - Research Paper Example

Scotch Whiskey vs. Bourbon Whiskey Scotch Whisky: Distilling was introduced by the Irish in 1494 and this has been the earliest d record for distilling in Scotland. King James IV (1488 – 1513) was known for his fondness for ‘ardent spirits’ and in 1506, when the King met a barber for supplies, it was noted that the spirits had medicinal values as well. As time passed by, there was use of primitive equipments for the distilling process and by the 15th century, there was a major improvement in the quality of the spirits produced.

It was from here that the knowledge of distilling spread quickly to others. With the increased popularity, there was major attention from the Scottish parliament which led to major taxes on malt and the end products by the 17th century. These taxes led to the distillers to go underground for their operations. Even so, the business was high. The name ‘Whisky’ has been derived from the word gaelic uisge (usky, which went on to be mispronounced as whisky) – meaning ‘water of life’ (Heart of Scotland).

Scotch Whisky is renowned for the fact that they are made only in Scotland. Whisky that is made in Scotland alone have the patented right to be referred to as ‘Scotch’. Also, the Scotch Whiskies are single malt and these are known for the smoothness and the style of distillation. The development process of Scotch Whisky is labor oriented and generally involves a high level of craftsmanship for the development of the end product (Whiskey.com). Bourbon Whiskey: Whiskey links back to the migration of Moors in Western Europe however Bourbon Whiskey is relatively a much more recent version of Whiskey.

This originates from Pennsylvania and the key ingredient here is ‘rye’. The drink started using corn as the primary ingredient once the brewery was moved to Kentucky. This was the birth of bourbon. It is important to realize that all bourbons are whiskeys however not all whiskeys are bourbons (Denison). There are a number of different variations that are used for the production of Bourbon. Of these the most commonly sold in United States includes sixty to seventy percent corn mash. However in most of the processes a little rye is added as well, as it provides the distinct flavor and spice.

One of the most well known brands across the world, i.e. Jack Daniels has always been confused with bourbon; however there is a vast difference in the ingredients and the development process . The main differences is owing to the fact that Jack Daniels is charcoal filtered and goes through sugar – maple charcoal prior to the barreling process (Denison). Bourbon is unique in its own ways as it takes into account what the migrants and settlers bring in and convert them to their taste, style.

Works CitedDenison, Milo. A brief History of Bourbon. 18 October 2010. 3 Novemeber 2010 .Heart of Scotland. History of Scotch Whisky. 2010. 1 November 2010 .Whiskey.com. A brief history of Scotch Whiskey. 2010. 2 November 2010 .