Updated August 2026.
Scotch and bourbon are both whiskey. They are not the same law. Scotch whisky must be distilled in Scotland and aged at least three years in oak. Bourbon must be made in the United States from ≥51% corn, entered in new charred oak, and bottled at ≥40% ABV. A 1.5-ounce 80-proof pour is one NIAAA standard drink either way. Peat is optional, not the definition.
Single malt Scotch is 100% malted barley from one distillery. Blended Scotch (Johnnie Walker) mixes malt and grain whisky. Bourbon has no “single malt” requirement. Related: bourbon vs whiskey, Johnnie Walker, Macallan.
Two rulebooks
| Rule | Scotch whisky | Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Place | Scotland | United States |
| Grain | Malt and/or other cereal (type-dependent) | ≥51% corn |
| Barrel | Oak, often used (ex-bourbon, sherry) | New charred oak |
| Minimum age | 3 years | No age statement required; “straight” ≥2 years |
| Spelling | Whisky | Whiskey (US convention) |
| Typical US bottle | 40–43% (some 46%+) | 40–50% common; barrel-proof higher |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 standard drinks; 43% is about 18. Four 1.5-ounce pours are four drinks at 40%. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. “Smoother” is not a statute. Pour math: whiskey drinks. Calories: Scotch calories.
Sources
- UK Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (3-year oak; Scotland).
- TTB 27 CFR 5.143 (bourbon).
- NIAAA standard drink (December 2025). No invented MSRP or tasting scores.
- (27 CFR 5.143)