Updated March 2026.
Scotch is a place-and-file whisky, not a synonym for all whiskey. The 2009 Regulations require distillation and three years of oak in Scotland and a 40% floor. TTB treats Scotch as a distinctive product and whiskey as the broader class. Glenfiddich 12 US prints 40% / 80. JW Black US prints 40% (prior official). A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink. No winner.
Related: single malt, blended whiskey, Scotch vs whiskey vs bourbon.
File vs pour
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Whiskey / whisky | 1.00 at 40% |
| Scotch | 1.00 at 40% |
| Glenfiddich 12 US | 1.00 |
| JW Black US | 1.00 |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four pours are four drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 reg. 3. 27 CFR 5.143 Table 2 Scotch whisky. Glenfiddich 12 US shop 40% / 80. JW Black US 40% prior this project.
- NIAAA December 2025.
- 27 CFR 5.143 class