Whiskey, Bourbon, and Scotch: What Are They and Which Suits Your Taste?

At Grand Liquor on Johnson Drive in Mission, KS, our customers always have questions—and we love to help answer them. Whether it’s about a seasonal craft beer, a fine bottle of wine, a canned cocktail recommendation, or something more basic about what we sell, we’re here to guide you.

One of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch?” While they’re all part of the whiskey family, each has unique characteristics, traditions, and flavor profiles that set them apart. Let’s break it down.

What Is Whiskey?

whiskey-liquor-store-Overland-Park-Mission-KS — Photo by Adam Jaime on Unsplash

At its core, whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash, typically including barley, corn, rye, or wheat. The spirit is aged in wooden casks, which give it its amber color and rich, complex flavors.

Whiskey is a broad category that includes many regional styles—like bourbon, scotch, rye, and Irish whiskey. Think of whiskey as the “umbrella term” that covers all of these unique variations.

What Is Bourbon?

wine-beer-liquor-store-Mission-Merriam-Fairway-KS — Photo by Ryan Parker on Unsplash

Bourbon is America’s signature whiskey, with strict rules to earn the name:

It must be made in the United States (though it’s most famously associated with Kentucky).
It must contain at least 51% corn in its grain mash.
It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.

These rules give bourbon its signature flavor—sweet, full-bodied, and often with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Brands like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace are customer favorites for good reason.

If you enjoy a smoother, sweeter profile, bourbon may be the whiskey for you.

What Is Scotch?

scotch-whiskey-bourbon-Mission-Prairie-Village-Merriam-KS — Photo by Joel Timothy on Unsplash

Scotch whisky (note the missing “e”) hails from Scotland and also follows strict traditions:

It must be distilled and aged in Scotland.
It must be aged for at least three years in oak barrels.
It is typically made from malted barley.

Scotch is known for its wide flavor range, from the light and floral Highland whiskies to the bold, smoky, and peaty styles of Islay. Popular names like Glenlivet, Macallan, and Laphroaig offer very different experiences depending on the region they’re from.

If you enjoy a complex, smoky, or earthy flavor, scotch may be your best match.

Which One Suits Your Taste?

Choose Whiskey if you want a broad category to explore, with endless regional and stylistic options.
Choose Bourbon if you prefer sweeter, caramel-forward notes and smooth sipping.
Choose Scotch if you want a refined, sometimes smoky spirit steeped in centuries of tradition.

At the end of the day, the “best” option depends on your palate—and the fun part is discovering your personal favorite.