When you walk through the whiskey aisle at 3rd Street Beverage, it’s easy to feel both fascinated and a little overwhelmed. Rows of gleaming bottles from Kentucky, Ireland, Japan, and Scotland all promise warmth, flavor, and character — but what exactly makes one a whiskey, another a bourbon, and another a scotch?
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between these iconic spirits, you’re not alone. The world of whiskey is rich with history, craftsmanship, and regional pride. In this guide, we’ll explore where these spirits come from, what defines each one, how they’re made, and which bottles you might want to explore next.
What Is Whiskey?
At its core, whiskey (or “whisky,” depending on where it’s made) is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden casks — typically oak. The main grains used are barley, corn, rye, and wheat, and each grain lends its own personality to the final product.
The word whiskey comes from the Gaelic “uisge beatha,” meaning “water of life.” The earliest written record of whiskey production dates back to 15th-century Scotland, though distilling itself is much older. Early distillers were often monks who made spirituous concoctions for medicinal purposes. Over time, the recipes evolved — and the drink became less about curing ailments and more about savoring life.
Whiskey vs. Whisky
One of the first things you’ll notice is that the spelling changes. The general rule:
-
Whiskey = Made in Ireland and the United States
-
Whisky = Made in Scotland, Canada, and Japan
It’s not a matter of right or wrong spelling — just heritage and tradition.
Bourbon: America’s Native Spirit
While all bourbon is whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon is uniquely American and deeply tied to the country’s history, especially in Kentucky, where over 95% of bourbon is still made today.
Legal Definition
By U.S. law, a spirit must meet specific criteria to be called bourbon:
-
Made in the United States
-
Made from a grain mixture that’s at least 51% corn
-
Distilled no higher than 160 proof (80% ABV)
-
Aged in new, charred oak barrels
-
Entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof
-
Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV)
-
No additives — only water may be added to adjust proof
The heavy use of corn gives bourbon its signature sweetness, balanced by notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice from the charred oak.
A Brief History of Bourbon
The roots of bourbon trace back to the late 1700s, when settlers in Kentucky and Tennessee began distilling corn-based whiskey. The name “bourbon” likely comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky, named in honor of the French royal family that supported the American Revolution.
By the 19th century, bourbon had become the drink of the American South. Prohibition nearly destroyed the industry, but a handful of distilleries survived by producing “medicinal whiskey.” When the ban lifted in 1933, bourbon rebounded — and in 1964, Congress officially declared it “America’s Native Spirit.”
Flavor Profile
Bourbon is known for its rich, sweet, and full-bodied flavor profile. Expect notes of:
-
Vanilla and caramel (from the charred oak)
-
Brown sugar and honey (from the corn)
-
Toasted nuts, baking spice, and oak on the finish
Popular Bourbons to Try
-
Maker’s Mark – Smooth and mellow, with a soft wheat finish
-
Woodford Reserve – Complex with layers of dried fruit, vanilla, and spice
-
Buffalo Trace – Balanced and classic, with hints of brown sugar and toffee
-
Elijah Craig Small Batch – Toasted oak, caramel, and baking spice richness
-
Bulleit Bourbon – High rye content gives it extra spice and boldness
Scotch Whisky: The Pride of Scotland
If bourbon is America’s native spirit, Scotch whisky is Scotland’s national treasure. Like bourbon, Scotch has strict rules governing its production, and each region produces its own distinct style.
Legal Definition
For a whisky to be called Scotch:
-
It must be distilled and aged in Scotland
-
It must be made primarily from malted barley
-
It must be aged in oak casks for at least three years
-
It must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV
-
No additives other than water and caramel coloring are permitted
The Regions of Scotch
Scotland is divided into five main whisky-producing regions, each with a unique flavor signature:
-
Highlands – Diverse styles, often floral, heathered, and full-bodied
-
Lowlands – Light, grassy, and smooth whiskies
-
Speyside – Rich and sweet, with apple, honey, and vanilla notes
-
Islay – Bold, smoky, and peaty; famous for powerful maritime character
-
Campbeltown – Briny, oily, and slightly smoky — a rare but distinct style
Single Malt vs. Blended Scotch
-
Single Malt Scotch: Made at a single distillery using 100% malted barley
-
Blended Scotch: A mix of malt whisky and grain whisky from multiple distilleries — more approachable and consistent in flavor
A Short History
Whisky production in Scotland dates back to at least the 1400s. The first official record appeared in 1494, when Friar John Cor received “eight bolls of malt to make aqua vitae.” By the 1800s, Scotch had become an export sensation, aided by the invention of the continuous still and the popularity of blended whisky in Victorian England.
Today, Scotch remains one of the most regulated and revered spirits in the world, known for craftsmanship that often spans generations.
Flavor Profile
Scotch varies widely depending on the region and production method:
-
Speyside: Honey, apple, vanilla, gentle sweetness
-
Islay: Smoke, peat, sea salt, iodine
-
Highlands: Floral, nutty, balanced
-
Lowlands: Light, grassy, citrus
-
Campbeltown: Briny, oily, faintly smoky
Popular Scotch Whiskies to Explore
-
The Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak – Rich, sweet, and luxurious
-
Glenfiddich 15 Year Solera Reserve – Smooth and fruity with honey tones
-
Lagavulin 16 Year – Bold, smoky Islay character with deep peat
-
Laphroaig 10 Year – Iconically smoky and medicinal
-
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year – Complex sweetness from sherry and bourbon cask aging
Other Whiskeys Worth Knowing
While bourbon and Scotch get much of the spotlight, whiskey-making is a global art form. A few other major styles include:
Irish Whiskey
Smooth, triple-distilled, and approachable, Irish whiskey is made primarily from barley and aged at least three years in wooden casks.
Try: Jameson, Redbreast 12, Teeling Single Malt
Rye Whiskey
Made from at least 51% rye grain, this whiskey is spicier and drier than bourbon. Popular in classic cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
Try: Bulleit Rye, WhistlePig 10 Year, Sazerac Rye
Japanese Whisky
Modeled after Scotch, Japanese whiskies are known for precision, balance, and elegance.
Try: Yamazaki 12, Hibiki Harmony, Nikka From the Barrel
How to Enjoy Whiskey
There’s no wrong way to enjoy whiskey — only personal preference. Some tips from our experts:
-
Neat: The best way to appreciate aroma and flavor complexity.
-
With Water: A few drops open up the bouquet and soften alcohol heat.
-
On the Rocks: Chill it slightly without overpowering the flavor.
-
In Cocktails: Classics like the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Manhattan let quality whiskey shine.
Glassware also matters — a Glencairn glass concentrates aromas, while a rocks glass suits relaxed sipping.
A Few Fun Facts
-
Bourbon barrels can only be used once for bourbon, but are often sold to Scotch and rum distillers afterward.
-
The “angel’s share” refers to the whiskey lost to evaporation during aging — a poetic part of the process.
-
There are more barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky than there are people living there!
-
Some Scotch distilleries have been operating for over 200 years continuously.
The Bottom Line
Whiskey, bourbon, and Scotch share a common ancestry but express wildly different personalities — from the sweet warmth of Kentucky bourbon to the smoky mystique of Islay Scotch. Understanding their differences not only deepens your appreciation but also helps you choose bottles that match your taste and occasion.
At 3rd Street Beverage, we carry a world-class selection of whiskies from around the globe — including small-batch craft bourbons, limited-edition single malts, and collector-worthy blends. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, our team can help you discover your next favorite pour.
🥃 Visit 3rd Street Beverage
Your one-stop destination in Central Oregon for bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, and more.
Explore. Discover. Taste the world — one dram at a time.
