They are both whiskies. Irish and Scotch are merely terms relating to their origin, the grains used and how they have been made. Ireland and Scotland are well-known whisky producers, offering two very different but delicious whiskeys.
Whisky has long been known as the water of life. And for years, it has made for the perfect drink, whether in cocktails, sipped straight or on the rocks.
We've got all you need to know about Irish and Scotch Whiskey, and you'll be a whisky expert by the end of this!
Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey is made in Ireland - shocker! Right? It is made from corn, barley, and wheat, and it is a yeast-fermented mash of all of these malted cereals. The Whiskey is distilled three times, which results in a smoother finish and a lighter drink.
The Irish Whiskey Act of 1980 states that Irish Whiskey needs to be distilled and aged in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
There are four main distilleries: Cooley, Bushmills, New Midleton, and Kilbeggan.
Scotch
Scotch Whisky has been around since the late 1400s and is typically made from grain or barley, yeast, and water. It is kept in oak casks where it ages for over three years - this gives it its smoky and earthy flavour.
Scotch has five different categories: single grain, single malt, blended grain, blended malt, and blended Scotch Whisky.
Distillers must abide by strict regulations, where the advertising, bottling, producing, production, and packaging are governed under the legislation.
For distillers to market and label their product as Scotch, they need to produce their Whisky in Scotland; this will usually be in Campbeltown, Speyside, Lowlands, Islay, Ilands, and Highlands.
Each region gives its particular Whisky a unique terroir. Whiskies from the Highland have notes of citrus, vanilla, spice, and rich honey, for example. While Whisky from Islay will have citrus or vanilla notes and a minor peat hit.
Grain whisky in Scotland is wheat lead, and Irish grain whiskies are made mostly from corn.
How Are They Produced
Single malt scotch is made from 100% malted barley. It needs to be aged in an oak cast for three years minimum and is distilled at least two times in a copper pot still. It also needs to be fermented and mashed.
Single malt scotch may see numerous casks during this process.
No matter how they are produced, the Whisky is still delicious, and a bottle of any reputable brand is just the perfect gift idea for a whisky lover!
Then we have blended Scotch, a mix of grain whisky and single malts. This whisky ages in an oak cask and still gets produced in a column.
There is also single malt, which is the oldest Irish Whiskey, and it is made in a copper pot still and is made from barley. You can also get a single pot still, made from unmalted and malted barley.
Most of the big whisky brands are blends of malt or pot still whisky and grain whisky.
Malting and Distillation
Generally, Irish Whiskey is distilled three times to make it super smooth, while single malt scotch is entirely made from malted barley and is distilled two times.
You do find the odd exception, some Scottish distilleries use triple distillation, and various Irish distilleries use double distillation.
That one extra distillation has a significant effect on the overall flavour between Irish Whiskey and Scotch. Irish Whiskey has a much lighter flavour because of it.
Taste Differences
Irish Whiskey has been described as honeyed and smooth (it's that triple distillation!). There are also numerous fruit-forward Irish whiskeys where you'll find hints of pears, apples, or peaches.
While Scotch Whisky is described as peaty and smokey or even fruity and smooth, Scotch also has a heavier and fuller taste when compared to other whiskies.
The materials used in the distillation process affect the flavour, like the oak casks. Depending on the barrel used, it can give the Whisky a fruitier, sweeter or spicier flavour.
Final Thoughts
Irish and Scotch Whisky have various similarities but are also very different in their own way. There are so many varieties out there, and there's something to satisfy everyone's taste.
One isn't better than the other, it all comes down to personal taste, and both Scotch Whisky and Irish Whiskey are filled with vibrant and enriching flavours. Either way, they remain a fan favourite during happy hour, and at bars all around, you can't go wrong with a good whisky!
