Scotch is Better Than Bourbon?

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[@djbeacon6895]

Gotta have both in your life.

[@utoobia]

Agree! I have 137 bottles of single malt and 5 bottles of bourbon. Perfect balance.

[@APCSW19]

Very funny!!

[@whiskeyyum1341]

I taste and enjoy both. Both have some super high priced options. BUT - - you can get a high quality tasting bourbon for around $50-70 compared to the $70-90 scotch, and the intensity of flavors also gives bourbon an advantage when mixing. A tasting comparison is kind of frivolous - they taste different even though they are both whisk(e)y - like comparing apples to oranges, beef to chicken, etc. etc. Enjoy what you like - no comparison is needed!

[@utoobia]

Well, I like beef better than chicken, and apples better than oranges, so…..

[@torbjornkarlsen]

I take it you live in USA? From what I gather, scotch is more expensive there than in Europe, and vice versa, and also I see watered down versions of many bourbons (where I live anyway, which is in Norway). So here, scotch is often way better value.

[@christopher7310]

I started just drinking Jack and Cokes as my "whiskey" drinking. Then moved on to bourbon. Since I have found Scotch...I now mix my bourbon(old fashioned/Manhattan) and sip my Scotch. I greatly enjoy hunting for all the different flavors and aromas in a dram of Scotch while just relaxing in the evening. When drinking with company, I usually make an Old fashioned or Manhattan to sip on while conversing.

[@brukuns]

Single malt whisky is better than bourbon. Next question?

[@DileepB]

Bourbon is at least 51% corn but it can be higher and other grain amounts (wheat, rye, barley) can alsovary. Distillers use their favorite mash bill to create different flavor profiles.

[@jeljel7467]

totally agree. I used to have a dozen mid-upper shelf bourbons, but the more I drank them, the more I felt that they were just different shades of the same thing. I will offer an exception which is Single barrel. They are powerful, and certainly not for beginners, but there is serious flavor. Elijah Craig Single Barrel and Jack Daniels Single barrel/Single Barrel Select are excellent. But you can't drink them too much cause of how strong they are, and the next day, your tongue is still numb. I have over a dozen bottles of scotch, and each one has a very unique flavor profile. I actually have to think about what flavor profile I want. I love the diversity of choices and flavors, and it's why my Bourbon collection has gone from over a dozen bottles, to about 2. Your point that people think scotch is always smoky, is sad but true. But I would add that there is a (false) assumption that there are no good cheap whiskys. There is this image that Scotch is something only rich snobby elites drink, and the bottles cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Obviously there are thousand+ dollar bottles out there, but there are solid ones under $100 too

[@Hardcastle83]

Price wise I find for both bourbon and scotch my cut off is about 80 bucks, as in anything below that is sadly undrinkable. Some things over might be too, but under is guaranteed. I don't see any price difference in quality, basically. Maybe inflation?

[@mndrummer7112]

I do get what you’re saying. I enjoy both. Bourbon gives me a good vanilla, caramel, nut, and wood. Scotch gives raisins, or hickory. I’ve never pulled a variety of fruit from Scotch. It’s always been either Smokey Islay, or raisin with a hint of something. I typically pair them with a premium cigar and am relatively new to the whiskey world, so my flavor wheel is growing. I’m enjoying the journey.

[@markmasercola3958]

Love it all. Been drinking Scotch way longer than bourbon. Completely agree that Scotch offers way more variety than bourbon in terms of flavor profiles (and so does Rum). I love them all though! Some bourbon distillers doing some interesting things with barrel finishes. Love to hear you guys riff on American Single Malts if you haven’t already.

[@Scotch4Dummies]

We're literally bottling an ASM this weekend!

[@FrankMazzur]

Yes, when you compare the many types of whisky labelled scotch vs bourbon there is a much greater variety. But that's not really a fair comparison. "Scotch" is a broad category of whisky vs bourbon being a very specific type of American whiskey. Under the broad category of "scotch" there are the various specific "types"- Islay, Speyside etc. If you were talking cars, it would be like saying Toyota has a much greater variety of cars than Mustang does. Add the other four traditional American whiskey styles, along with whatever smoked maple, IPA barrel aged, rye comes out next week and I am comfortable in saying American whiskey has at least as much variety as Scotch whisky offers.

[@paulb946]

100%spot on regarding the variety of flavors with scotch, absolutely something for every whiskey drinker!

[@Hardcastle83]

I'm a long time scotch drinker who always hated american bourbon, based on long nights and rough days after with very cheap bourbon when i was a teenager. I started realising its totally unfair to be comparing the good quality scotches I've been drinking lately with the unpleasant memory of bottom shelf bourbon from 25 years ago. Sure enough, trying some more upmarket americans has greatly improved my perception of them, BUT... I will say i still notice ... Usually especially the day after, that for me there is still a somewhat sickly sweet stickiness in the mouth which i dont find very pleasant.

[@vitola_and_proof]

I like whisk(e)y. Like all of it. With maybe an exception for Canadian, which I find to be too thin and mild most of the time.

[@420Emmure]

I started my whiskey journey in scotch seven years ago. Eventually I wanted bolder flavors (without peat). I also wanted cheaper whiskey, that is more readily available. Once I went barrel proof bourbon I haven’t gone back. However I do still like some high proof Signatory Vintage bottlings and Abunadh. Dewars 32 is still the best whiskey I’ve ever had, though.

[@WhskAZCL]

Please elaborate more with Dewar's 32. You're not the only one saying that. Too bad it was quite pricey in my local shop

[@michaelcriger6359]

Unfortunately (for my wallet) I LOVE both! Scotch will always be my preferred drink, but there are a lot of really good bourbons out there, as well.

[@williambyington4864]

This episode has given me a plethora of things to consider. I drink Scotch because my first Whisky was a blended scotch 50 years ago, Chevas Regal.

[@jeffreyrollins3915]

Don’t forget about finished bourbon. Really expands that flavor wheel

[@_Michael_Scott]

Exactly

[@CraftyWheel87]

I enjoy both bourbon and scotch, but one big reason bourbon is so popular in the US is its deep roots in American history, especially in places like Kentucky. It has a homegrown, authentic feel and is tied to American craftsmanship and tradition. People enjoy it at all kinds of gatherings, from barbecues to fancy parties. Plus, bourbon shows up a lot in movies and TV, making it a big part of American culture. With its smooth, sweet flavor and rich history, bourbon isn't just a drink; it's a piece of American heritage that people love to enjoy and share.

[@WheelHouse1of1]

Bourbon is that really fun girl that loves to party. Scotch is the really pretty girl u marry. Both have a time n place

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Eh I’ve had a fair share of scotch’s I wouldn’t wanna marry 😆

[@WheelHouse1of1]

@JazznRealHipHop LOL, good point but u know what I mean.

[@Jimmer-Space88]

Very interesting discussion. Enjoyed it. Question for the team: given the variances in Scotch whiskey barrels as you all discussed, how are the distilleries maintaining consistency in the output?

[@lukeraynor3704]

My holdup is the fact I bought a bottle of Glenfiddich 12 and paid $60 and it was just decent. For $60 I can get a bottle of Woodford reserve double oaked which is a great bourbon. I really want to get into scotch but the prices for even mid level scotches are higher than Great bourbons.

[@jakebetts6934]

Appreciate the video chaps! Helps a lot of different people with different amounts of experience in the whisky world. Keep the videos coming really informative! And a good watch, ive now managed to get a decent collection helped from your videos & others. 👌🏼👌🏼🥃

[@allanboyd7528]

Just ran out to the garage and did a quick count... less than 10% is bourbon. Scotch whisky is my 'love' and can spend a long time with one glass... i can experiment with it...adding water etc... bourbon to me is more something to watch (AFL footy) with.... which I'm doing tonight... Go Geelong Cats !! Ha Ha! Really love the info guys ... It helps so much. thanks, AL

[@shaz118]

As a Scotsman who lives in the North East of Scotland, I appreciate this channel very much. Some notes: not all Scotch is done in oak casks. The price of our Scotch has gone up since the UK left the EU. Its not just Scotch that has gone up in price but all goods and services. You are welcome to Scotland. Keep up the great channel 👌

[@mamuka1977]

I love the image of Deanston 20 OL , one of my favorite scotch whiskeys ever !!!!Love scotch, bourbon, armagnac, cognac, tequila,rum, vodka ,gin(all additive free)i do not discriminate))))))Cheers!!!

[@justinkittleson3295]

Great video guys. I’m prefer bourbon but love both. Wish scotch wouldn’t allow caramel color to be used 👎

[@steveno7058]

Its pretty easy to find out which Scotch don’t use coloring

[@scottbarnas5060]

Luckily I have both bourbon and scotch in my collection. Love all of it. Don’t forget American Single Malts and Irish Whiskeys!

[@coreymartin-bigpoppa1377]

You guys need to get your hands on the 2024 Laphroaig Cairdeas 10 yr Cask Favorites!!! It’s unbelievable!!!

[@brandonhallam51]

Drinking bourbon doesnt bring back memories of Scotland for me though

[@franklampard6316]

I’m primarily a scotch fan but to be fair there’s enough room for scotch and bourbon to exist in the same arena. I have some wonderful bourbons in my cabinet.

[@NathanielEssex]

You can also finish bourbon in a second or 3rd cask. Joseph Magnus cigar blend is an example of a layered beautiful spirit.

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Right tool for the right job, I think Scotch and Bourbon both has their place and depending on what the individual is looking for will make it why it’s the right choice for your glass. If I had to stereotype it tho one would be a guy in a 3 piece suit well manicured and smoking a cigar. Class. And the other is a dirty, sweaty country boy tossing back shots at the pool hall. Turn up mode. But of course it’s not always like that and both have their ranges which make for variety and options which is always best.

[@DaaruPeCharchaa]

Scotch Vs Bourbon is not the correct comparison - It should be Scotch (single malt, single grain, blended scotch, blended malt, etc) vs American Whiskey (includes bourbon, rye, tennessee, american single malt, finished bourbon etc)

[@everwind5691]

Colum Still vs Pot Still has a big impact on flavor, and Bourbon primarily uses column stills. So do scotch blends, but what this really translates into is cost. Colum stills can be continuously run and are very efficient. I cannot understate this but because of the Bourbon regulations, it is very hard to make a delicate flavored bourbon. If it stays in a fresh oak barrel too long all you taste is oak planks. Scotch on the other hand, has the ability to create soft and delicate and fruit whiskies, and long aged scotch can produce refined flavors that are not harsh at all. Bourbon is mostly about harsh sweet spices, with a sweet caramel/vanilla note. This is why I don't understand Bourbon pricing these days. Corn is subsidized in the US, the barrels are grown and made here, so distribution is easier and less costly, made more efficiently. Scotch largely imports oak bourbon/sherry barrels, uses pot stills (less efficient but more flavor profiles possible depending upon shape and size), age it for much longer periods and then have to ship it out of the country and 2-4 year aged bourbons are selling for equivalent or more 12 year old scotch single malts. How is this? Someone is getting ripped off, and I don't think it is the Scotch drinkers.

[@pascalhibon7928]

Easy for me; I'm European so I'm into scotch. This also means I have little to no experience with bourbon. Love this channel for the education on the topic.

[@permanentfitness1919]

I got into scotch before I got into bourbon - I certainly appreciate both, but I lean towards bourbon more frequently, because there are a lot of really good bourbons under the $35 price point - not as many really good options for scotch on a budget.

[@steveno7058]

Agree. At the $35 tier Bourbon is the value king

[@Kajama-g9c]

Totally agree I love the scotch more but it’s way more expensive

[@donrumgay5200]

My problem with bourbon is i dislike artificial cherry flavors….which is a major component of many bourbon flavor profiles…

[@steveno7058]

Scotch is better. More variety. More complexity. More balance (Bourbon is often too sweet). Also getting a premium Bourbon means hunting or paying 5x MSRP. While its easy to find a premium $100+ bottle of Scotch that is worth every penny

[@El_Whiskero]

Nobody is right or wrong. Sometimes I prefer single malt over blended whisky and other times I prefer bourbon over everything else... Though I am a fan of single malt whiskies!

[@jessew7565]

I've spoiled myself getting into Scotch first. I've tried the bourbons that people literally camp out for in the states and it just leaves me totally confused, I genuinely don't understand it. For me, bourbon can taste very very good, but I just haven't found the dense complexity in bourbon that I get from a quality scotch. Maybe someday I'll find my bourbon but it hasn't happened yet

[@christinecamley]

I will always choose the peated scotch!! 🙂

[@henray76]

Its apples to oranges I like scotch but i love bourbon

[@APCSW19]

Great channel. Cheers gents.

[@johnbolster2459]

Okay with aging it matters what the climate is. What takes 4 Years in Kentucky takes 2 years in Texas and 6+ years in Scotland or Quebec.

[@jameslacey5341]

Give me that Pure American WHISKEY!!!!!

[@joe9042]

As a Scottish Bourbon fan, i have to disagree. I have tasted some fine Bourbons and i would say they are equally, fantastic. Respect to both sides of the Atlantic.

[@lightplays2181]

Whisky is better , it's my opinion ))) P.S. i like bourbon and rye whisky too . Cheers !

[@rough_spirits]

Bourbon

[@jessew7565]

incorrect

[@_fwd_racecar_]

bourbon is for kids, scotch is for adults

[@FrankMazzur]

Seems a bit unfair comparison talking about variety between all the many types of Scotch whisky vs one specific type of American whiskey. A more fair comparison would be between maybe Islay Scotch and bourbon, or all the various American whiskey types vs all the Scottish types. A spicy Rye is as different from bourbon as a peated scotch is from a non-peated and there are plenty of distillers in America who don't care what you call their peach wood smoked, charcoal filtered, IPA cask aged creations.

[@rough_spirits]

There's a lot of "I believe" and "I think" in this episode.

[@cookiebozo]

I like how you keep having to guess about bourbon rules but somehow feel qualified to talk smack as if you’re experts

[@achieversacademy9691]

Bourbon is much much better than scotch.

[@VazzVegas]

You guys are ballsy for starting this conversation. Get ready for all your protectionist brother's to start their biased swinging in the comments! Most people who say "Bourbon is better" are just biased towards their home grown stuff because they've been conditioned to think that experiencing products outside of their bubble will harm them. I think bourbon is very good. But indeed, Scotch is just better due to the variety and the way aged single malts turn out.

[@robertzemko6590]

Exactly, Bourbon has taken off in the last many years but was never in the same category as Scotch when it comes to quality.

[@lukeraynor3704]

you just simply get a great scotch for a decent price. I can get a damn good bourbon for $40 and no way in hell you can get a good scotch at that price.

[@jasonwest9425]

Yes Scotch has a broader range of flavours, but that range doesn't actually include flavours characteristic of Bourbon. Also almost all Scotch is aged in exBourbon barrels, so it is in large part a derivative product. Without Scotch Bourbon would be what it is, without Bourbon Scotch as we now know it wouldn't really exist.

[@steveno7058]

Not exactly. I could drink non Bourbon aged Scotch for the rest of my life. Scotch aged in PX, Olorosso, Maidera, Port, and Virgin Oak barrels. You can get similar results from reusing a charred oak barrel that held Scotch previously. Sure Scotch would be different to make without Bourbon barrels but they could easily do it. They did it for hundreds of years before using Bourbon barrels because more cost effective than Sherry barrels

[@trhoads07]

But Rum is the best of all! Some bourbons use Millet as a grain.

[@johnbolster2459]

I totally disagree with the flavor wheel premise here and I use to hate bourbon. To me Bourbon and don’t forget about Ryes really has more variety than Scotch. Every flavor but the dirt flavor in heavily peated scotch is available in Bourbons. Especially since there are finished Bourbons and Ryes just Scotch. End of day all whiskey is good.

[@steveno7058]

You probably need to try more Scotch. Its basically undisputed by professionals that Scotch has a wider spectrum of flavors. I have tried over 200 of each (Scotch and American) and Scotch by far has more different types of flavors

[@johnbolster2459]

@@steveno7058 Well how exactly do you explain that? Scotch has one grain-malted barley. It can be peated or non peated and it can then be finished that’s it for variety in the process. Bourbon has 3-4 grains that be mixed in an almost infinite combination as long as there is 51% corn in the mash bill. It can be smoked although that is rare and have not seen peat used. It can be finished in anything that scotch is finished in. Finally the climate bourbons are aged in different wildly which greatly affect the taste as anyone who has tasted Texas Bourbons can testify to. Now certainly a particular Scotch can have more depth of flavor than a particular Bourbon but across all the the Bourbons it seems to me there is more variety in Bourbon and like I said I was a Scotch drinker for over twenty years before I expanded my horizons to all whiskeys. I think what throws most scotch drinkers is that all bourbons have some level of sweetness due to the corn in the mash bill. I couldn’t get past that and disliked it for years as that was all I tasted. I would say the maple syrup on pancakes taste you get from a Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is an example of a flavor I have never experienced in a scotch and would not have appreciated 10 years ago. Sometimes I still don’t want sweet and I return to my Scotch roots-my goto’s are Classic Laddie and Compass Box Orchard House. Final thought-the other problem with Scotch is that good Scotch is far more expensive than good Bourbon

[@steveno7058]

@@johnbolster2459 Scotch can use other grains besides malt. One ‘problem’ with Bourbon is it has too be matured in a charred new oak cask. That makes all Bourbons have a very similar profile. Even if you use different mashbills, different climates and different finishing. The charred new oak influences the spirit massively. Yes you can do a heavy finish but at that point it doesn’t even taste like Bourbon. You can age in Texas but that can introduce some nasty overoaked flavors. If they change the laws allowing used casks then Bourbon could really expand its flavors. Also the 51% corn requirement really makes every Bourbon sweet forward. I’d say at least 99% of spirits professionals will say Scotch has a wider array of flavors. From personal experience I agree. I have experienced American single malts aged in used casks to expand flavor profiles that Bourbon doesn’t have. If you combine Bourbon, Rye, Wheat and American single malt then that gets close to the variety in Scotch.

[@toni46]

Dewers 12 though? its so bland. I get more taste from even a red label.

[@ЯнаВладимирова-в9о]

Of course, single malt scotch 100% is better.

[@esoterictrinitarian1990]

First mistake is using the overrated Bookers as a competitor. lol

[@Luis7_a]

And ya represent Bourboncountry drink

[@motoschannel2084]

I love the way you guys are just guessing on the bourbons and accurate on the scotch…just conjecture and not facts.

[@jamiebeavor1246]

Than you haven't tried a good bourbon

[@Scotch4Dummies]

It's there such a thing? Muhaha ha, just kidding! Indeed there are good whiskies of all types!

[@johnwayne524]

Yeah but scotch tastes like ass. Even if it can be a multifaceted, multi flavored ass, it’s still ass.

[@jamiebeavor1246]

Way to biased against scotch, while I prefer scotch, there are certain bourbons that will kick the crap out of most scotches

[@steveno7058]

I haven’t had a Bourbon that can match the complexity of the best Scotch I’ve tried. Even very expensive Bourbon usually only has 2 or 3 flavor notes.

[@jessew7565]

Name them

[@jamiebeavor1246]

@@jessew7565 13th colony double oak, stagg jr, balcones true blue cask strength, old forester 1920, ecbp, four roses small batch select, Woodford batch proof, 15 stars,too many single barrels to mention.

[@jamiebeavor1246]

@jessew7565 I said I prefer scotch, I said could beat most scotches, let's be honest, while many scotches are great, just like any other whisky a vast majority are meh, so yes a top calibr bourbon, would easily beat them, I'm not putting them against springbank or ardbeg.

[@Jimmer-Space88]

@@jamiebeavor1246 i’ll take you up on your challenge. If you don’t mind, as I’m totally 100% biased towards Scotch, can you recommend an absolute must try bourbon that would put my bias to shame? Appreciate the help.

[@paulshea3728]

I never had a good bourbon.Scotch yes sir...water of the God's.