The Differences Between Bourbon, Brandy, Whiskey, Scotch, and Rye

Bourbon, Rye, Scotch Whisky & Brandy, each has an air of sophistication and a certain respectability as the beverage of choice for generations of gentlemen the world over. But what are the differences between them? Let’s explore.

WHAT IS BOURBON WHISKEY?

In order for a whiskey to be properly classified as a bourbon, it all comes down to two things: the mash and the barrel… if this barrel isn’t charred oak, then it’s just isn’t a bourbon sonny jim. Furthermore, the mash must be at least 51 percent corn, with the remainder being a blend of malt and rye in varying measures. The flavor profile is broad and nuanced with variations on region, distillation, age, and even nationality. Although many purists will claim that a bourbon distilled anywhere but the south is not bourbon at all.

WHAT IS RYE WHISKEY?

Rye whiskey is a unique blend that traces its roots to colonial America with it’s heart and soul truly living in the Monongahela Valley of Pennsylvania. The mainstay whiskey of America prior to the Civil War, production suffered badly due to competition with Bourbon which picked up popularity as Union soldiers made the switch to the Kentucky & Tennesee variants and was nearly annihilated by Prohibition at the turn of the century. But enough of the history less, Rye is made from well… a mash with 51% or more Rye grain of course in addition to malt of course typically without corn as a component. It’s described as spicy, or full-bodied with a certain grainy feel on the palette. A bit of a niche taste that almost disappeared in the early 2000’s altogether, Rye is making a comeback though, especially in Pennsylvania.

WHAT IS SCOTCH WHISKY?

Scotch is a whisky that comes from the motherland of the distillate: Scotland and traces its roots back to the original Uisge Baugh, the water of life distilled from malted barley once commanded by kings from monasteries where the art of distillation survived the dark ages. Now for the technicals, in order to be considered a Scotch Whisky, it must be distilled and aged in Scotland a minimum of three years in oak casks, luckily Scotland has more distilleries than any other nation on the planet. Typically they are distilled the old-fashioned and cost-prohibitive way: in copper pots, The most popular of course are the single malts, produced at a single distillery.

WHAT IS BRANDY?

The sailors say Brandy, she’s a fine girl… and what a good wife she would be… (If you’re under forty and got that I’m proud of you). A Brandy is a brown distilled liquor made from wines or fermented fruit juice which is not typically aged or matured as it doesn’t improve once bottled unlike wine, contrary to popular belief.

Cognac is the most notable variety, however, only those Brandys bottled in the Cognac region of France (Much like champagne is only bottled in Champagne and so on…). Most Brandy is made from distilled grape juice and its name derives from the Dutch brandewijn, meaning ‘burnt wine’. Brandy can also be made from apples, apricots, and cherries producing wildly different flavors.

Of the many distilled liquors: all have their different flavor profiles and allures, with different varieties like Cognac vs. Brandy or Rye vs. Bourbon. It’s up to you to try each and see which belongs in your decanter.