Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc

During the holidays, I notice people tend to drink a lot more… now, I never drink, so I know nothing about alcohol (yet, another long story lol), but people always try to make me drink (which I find funny). At a friend’s house the other day, I heard someone ask, “Do you have whisky or scotch?” It caught my attention. I thought it was the same thing, but well.. no, it’s not.

If you know anything about me, it is that I rarely ever pay attention to people around me, but this one actually caught my attention with this question… at least enough for me to do some research on their question. What do you know… it turns out there is a difference! So if you are like me, and you didn’t know.. continue reading!

What is the difference between which and scotch, then?

Whisky and Scotch are both types of alcoholic beverages that are made from grains and water, but there are some key differences between the two.

Whisky is a general term that refers to a type of spirit made from grains such as corn, rye, or barley. It can be produced in various regions around the world, including the United States, Ireland, Canada, Japan, and India.

Scotch, on the other hand, is a type of whisky that is specifically produced in Scotland. To be classified as Scotch, the whisky must be made from malted barley and must be aged for at least three years in oak barrels. It must also be produced in Scotland and adhere to certain production standards.

In terms of taste, Scotch tends to have a more complex and smoky flavor compared to other types of whisky due to the use of peat in the malt drying process. It is also generally considered to be a more premium and refined product compared to other types of whisky.

Overall, the main difference between whisky and Scotch is the place of origin and the specific production standards that must be followed.

Which one should you order, then?

It’s difficult to say definitively whether whisky or Scotch is “better,” as personal preferences for the taste and quality of alcoholic beverages can vary widely. Some people may prefer the smooth, sweet flavors of a particular brand of whisky, while others may enjoy the complex, peaty taste of a particular type of Scotch.

In general, Scotch is considered to be a more refined and premium product compared to other types of whisky due to the strict production standards and the lengthy aging process. It is also known for its distinctive smoky flavor, which is imparted by the use of peat in the malt drying process.

Ultimately, the choice between whisky and Scotch will depend on your personal taste preferences and what you are looking for in an alcoholic beverage. It is worth trying both types to see which you prefer.

And so I don’t leave you wondering, the guy ordered Scotch. And my brain moved on to other things, as usual, hahaha