Updated June 2026.
These are different legal classes, not a trophy stack. Whiskey is the family. Bourbon is a US type under (≥51% corn, new charred oak). Scotch is a UK GI under the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009. Brandy is distilled from fruit; Cognac is a BNIC appellation. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink.
Related: Scotch vs whiskey vs bourbon, straight bourbon, what is Hennessy.
Class vs pour
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Whiskey | 1.00 at 40% |
| Bourbon | 1.00 at 40% |
| Scotch | 1.00 at 40% |
| Brandy / Cognac | 1.00 at 40% |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four pours are four drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.143 whiskey types. SWR 2009. 27 CFR 5.145 brandy. BNIC Cognac ≥40% and age grades.
- Typical US 40% on brandy/cognac necks. NIAAA December 2025.
- Family — 27 CFR 5.143 types
- 27 CFR 5.145 / BNIC ≥40%
- (27 CFR 5.145)