What are the differences among Whiskey, Bourbon, Rye, and Scotch?

While living in California, I learned to become a wine drinker. Now that I live in Texas, I am learning about Bourbon. I went to my first Bourbon tasting event last night. I was so intrigued by the wide selection of alcohol being served, that I thought I'd try to sort this out.

Here's what I learned.

Whiskey

• Whiskey is a class of distilled spirits made by fermenting grains such as wheat, rye, barley, or corn.
• Whiskey is aged in wooden barrels.
• Whiskey is spelled “whiskey” (with an e) in the United States and Ireland. It is spelled “whisky” (without the e) in Scotland and Canada.

Bourbon

• Bourbon is a type of whiskey, and there are strict rules in place to ensure its quality.
• Bourbon must be made in the US, distilled from at least 51% corn, and aged in new oak-charred barrels.
• The corn mash, which is used in Bourbon, has a sweeter taste and full-bodied flavor.
• In general, bourbon is a little sweeter and rounder than rye.
• Bourbon is distilled in no more than 125 proof (62.5 ABV).

Kentucky Bourbon

• The name Bourbon comes from Bourbon Country, Kentucky – the region where the spirit was invented.
• Today, over 95% of the bourbon produced is made in Kentucky.

Rye Whiskey

• Rye whiskey is a type of whiskey made with a majority (at least 51%) of the grain rye.
• Rye is aged in new charred American oak barrels.
• The rye mash used in rye whiskey has a spicy tone and dry taste.
• In general, rye is known for its spicy finish.
• Rye is distilled in no more than 160 proof (80 ABV).

American Rye Whiskey

• The main difference between rye whiskey and other types of whiskey in the United States is that rye whiskey has to be made from a mash bill that is at least 51% rye. There is no limit on how much rye a mash bill can have, but some rye whiskeys have a mash bill that is 100% rye.

Canadian Whisky

• Canadian regulations don’t require whiskey to contain rye, though historically it did.
• Canadian Whisky is often distilled from a mash of rye and corn.
• Canadian Whisky must be aged at least 3 years.
• Whiskey cannot be called Canadian unless it is made in Canada.

Scotch Whisky

• Scotch is whiskey made in Scotland from either barley or a mix of various grains.
• Whiskey cannot be called Scotch unless it is made in Scotland.
• Scotch often has a smoky flavor.
• Scotch is aged in oak barrels for at least 3 years.
• Scotch can be distilled to as high as 184 proof (92 ABV).
• Single malt means that the grain must be 100% malted barley and be made by a single distillery.
• Blended Scotch blends single malt with other grain whisky.

Is everything correct? By the end of the evening, my ability to learn may have been impaired. Did I miss anything?

"I started singin' bye-bye, Miss American Pie
 Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
 Them good old boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye
 And singin' 'This'll be the day that I die
 This'll be the day that I die'"
— Don McLean, "American Pie"

Going broader, it looks like an alcohol breakdown could be:

• Fermented
  • Beer
    • Ale
    • Lager
    • Porter
    • Stout
    • Blonde Ale
    • Brown Ales
  • Cider
  • Perry (made by fermenting pears)
  • Mead (made from honey, water, and yeast)
  • Wine
    • Red
    • White
• Distilled
  • Brandy
    • French
      • Armagnac
      • Calvados
      • Cognac
    • Spanish
      • Brandy de Jerez
    • Other parts of the world
      • Armenian
      • Cypriot
      • Obstler
      • Pomace
      • Pisco
      • South African
  • Gin
    • London Dry
    • Navy Strength
    • New World
    • Old Tom
    • Plymouth
  • Rum
    • Dark
    • White
  • Tequila
    • Añejo
    • Blanco
    • Extra Añejo
    • Joven
    • Reposado
  • Vodka
    • Flavored
    • Fruit
    • Grain
    • Plain
  • Whiskey
    • Bourbon
      • Kentucky Bourbon
      • Bourbons not made in Kentucky but made in the US
    • Tennessee Whiskey
    • Rye
      • American Rye
      • Ryes not made in America
    • Canadian Whisky
    • Scotch Whisky
    • Irish Whiskey
    • Corn Whiskey

I find this all very fascinating. Hanging out with my Bourbon group will make a bartender out of me yet.

Adult education is alive in the lab.