What is the difference between scotch, rye, whisky, and bourbon?

Question

Aren't they all whiskies?

Answer 1

Whiskey (with an 'e') is often Irish whiskey

Bourbon = American whiskey distilled from corn

Scotch = Scottish whisky (no 'e') distilled from barley

Rye = Canadian whisky (no 'e') distilled from rye

Answer 2

In the USA Bourbon must be made with mash that is at least 51% Corn. Rye Whiskey must be 51% Rye. Scotch, the Malted Barley is dried using peat fires that give it a smoky taste. Not sure but I have always believed that only Barley malt and no other grain could be used in Scotch Whisky ( no E ) in Scotland.

Answer 3

Scotch to be called Scotch has to be made of 51% Barley and aged for at least two years in Scotland.

Rye,is Canadian has to be made of 51% Rye Grain.

Whisky (without the e) is Scottish Whisky. Irish Whiskey is made of Barley and is made in Ireland. American Whiskey is usually made of Wheat or Corn.

Bourbon is an American Whiskey made of at least 51% corn, aged in brand new charred oak barrels for at least two years in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

Answer 4

each type is made with a different blend of the basic malting grains of wheat, barley, rye, corn, and some others I cannot remember.

The water used in the mashing process is most important in the overall final taste.
Scotch uses a peaty water
Bourbon a limestone based water
Corn liquor-moon shine-uses branch or creek water if refined or water from the chicken house if for selling to the unitiated
whiskey is a generic term unless you are refering to the canadian or american drinking blends like segrams 7

If you live within driving distance of Kentucky drive the "Bourbon Trail" and your knowledge will be enhanced

Answer 5

The difference is what they are made out of and where they are made.