Difference Between Irish Whiskey & Scottish Whisky: Scotch

Highlights

1. The most significant difference between Irish whiskey and Scottish whisky is their flavor. Irish whiskey is lighter in flavor due to triple distillation and the use of copper pot-stills, while Scottish whisky has a stronger flavor due to double distillation and the use of peat smoke in drying the barley.

2. Irish whiskey must come from Ireland and is made with continuous distillation of malted and not malted barley, while Scottish whisky must come from Scotland and is made with barley and water.

3. Both Irish whiskey and Scottish whisky are made from barley and water, but the distillation process and emphasis on natural barley flavor differ between the two. Irish whiskey emphasizes the natural flavor of barley while Scottish whisky does not.

Introduction

March 31, 2011 Posted by Olivia

Irish Whiskey vs Scottish Whisky (Scotch)

Irish and Scottish whisky are two of the most exquisite distilled spirits known to man. The obvious difference between the two is that Irish whiskey is made in Ireland, while Scottish whiskey is made in Scotland. Additionally, an Irish person calls it whiskey, while a Scot calls it whisky.

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey must be distilled and matured in Ireland and must contain alcohol from continuous distillation of malted and not malted barley and other grains. It is distilled three times, making it lighter in taste and aroma with a softer, more neutral flavor. It is also aged in wooden casks for a minimum of three years.

Scottish Whisky

Scottish whisky must be distilled in Scotland from barley and water. It has a stronger aroma due to the barley being sprouted and dried with peat smoke, giving it a unique scent. This strong flavor is also a result of it being distilled only twice. The spirit is aged in wooden casks for at least two years.

Difference between Irish Whiskey and Scotch

The main similarity between Irish whiskey and Scottish whisky is that they are both made from barley and water. However, beyond that, they are unique from each other. The most significant difference between the two spirits is their flavor. Irish whiskey is lighter in flavor than Scottish whisky due to the differences in the distillation process. Irish whiskey undergoes triple distillation using copper pot-stills, giving it a subtle taste, while Scotch uses continuous process pot-stills, giving it a firmer zest. Additionally, Irish whiskey is made to emphasize the natural flavor of barley, while Scotch does not.

But despite these differences, we are not picky.

In summary:
– Irish whiskey, spelled with an “e,” must come from Ireland and has a lighter taste and aroma.
– Scottish whisky, spelled without an “e,” must be distilled and matured in Scotland and has a distinct flavor due to the use of peat smoke in drying the barley.
– Both are made from barley and water, but the distillation process is different.
– Both are delicate spirits that require a discerning taste.