No. The big peaty, smoky ones mostly come from places like Islay. Many Speyside and Highland whiskies are fruity, honeyed and barely smoky.

Why is it whisky and whiskey?

Scotland spells it whisky, while the US and Ireland mostly use whiskey. Same drink family, just a spelling habit.

Bourbon vs Scotch: what's the difference?

Bourbon is American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in new charred oak, so it's sweet and vanilla-rich, while Scotch is built on malted barley and can be smoky.

Bourbon

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Sweet, round and warm, with caramel and vanilla up front.

Scotch

Easy

Boozy

Tart

Sweet

Not bitter

Bracing

Drier and maltier, from honeyed and fruity to full-on smoky.

The real difference

Bourbon must be made in the US from at least 51% corn and aged in brand-new charred oak barrels, which pour on caramel and vanilla. Scotch is made in Scotland, built on malted barley and often aged in used barrels, so it's drier and maltier. Some Scotch is dried over peat smoke; plenty isn't.

Side by side

BourbonScotch

Made inThe US, mostly KentuckyScotland

GrainMostly cornMalted barley, plus other grain in blends

BarrelsNew charred oakUsually used barrels, like ex-bourbon or sherry

TastesSweet, vanilla, caramelMalty, dry, sometimes smoky

Which to order

Order bourbon if you like your whiskey sweet and warming.
Order Scotch if you want something drier, or if smoke sounds good.

Quick questions

Is all Scotch smoky?: No. The big peaty, smoky ones mostly come from places like Islay. Many Speyside and Highland whiskies are fruity, honeyed and barely smoky.
Why is it whisky and whiskey?: Scotland spells it whisky, while the US and Ireland mostly use whiskey. Same drink family, just a spelling habit.