Every year on June 14, bourbon fans congregate and pay tribute to the ultimate American liquor.
National Bourbon Day: The differences between Scotch malt whisky, blended and American whiskey
Today is National Bourbon Day with America’s whiskey enthusiasts celebrate the history of the drink made famous in Kentucky, which must have the following characteristics to be considered bourbon:
- The whiskey must be 51 percent corn.
- The distiller must store the whiskey in new (not aged) charred-oak barrels,
- The whiskey must be distilled at no more than 160 proof.
- Distillers must ensure the Bourbon is barreled at 125 proof.
Saturday is National Bourbon Day — and we’ve got just the thing to raise a glass to! 🥃🍑
— Total Wine & More (@TotalWine) June 12, 2025
If you're rounding up the crew this weekend, mix up something everyone will love: our Batch Bourbon Peach Tea — smooth, sweet, and made for sharing.
It’s the perfect porch sipper to kick… pic.twitter.com/aWDMXr9tnw
With so many types of whiskey available, here’s a brief overview of the differences between two of the most popular types of the drink, Scotch and bourbon.
Origin and grains:
This is the key and possibly obvious differentiation between both variants, Scotch must be made in Scotland and bourbon must be made in the United States.
Scotch whisky is traditionally made from malted barley. However, grain whisky can be made from other grains such as wheat or corn and bourbon is made from a mash bill (grain mixture) containing at least 51% corn.
Aging and flavor profile:
Scotch whisky: Must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. These barrels can be new or used, and they often include barrels previously used for bourbon, sherry, or other wines whereas bourbon whiskey must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
Scotch whisky offers a wide range of flavors, from smoky and peaty (especially in Islay Scotch) to fruity and floral (especially in Speyside Scotch). The use of various cask types contributes to this diversity.
Bourbon whiskey generally has a sweeter flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, due to the corn content and new charred oak barrels.
Sad day on the deck. We put down probably our most favorite bottle ever and it will probably never get replaced. @HeavenHill1935 17 year is the best bottle of bourbon we’ve ever tried. pic.twitter.com/R7jTqa8mxk
— Bourbonbabe (@Amyhaze01) June 12, 2025
Blending:
“Single malt” Scotch is made from malted barley at a single distillery and “blended” Scotch is a mixture of whiskies from multiple distilleries. While blending occurs to create specific bourbon brands, the term “blended” isn’t used in the same way as with Scotch.
The key to better-tasting coffee
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment