Every good whisky drinker must be able not only to recognise the taste of a scotch and Bourbon, but also be able to drop bits of trivia about both at social events.

Here are some basics. Scotch must be distilled in Scotland and must be aged in barrel for a minimum of three years to qualify as one. Bourbon takes its name from Bourbon county in Kentucky but it may be produced anywhere in the States. Scotch is made from malted barley or a blend of malt and grain whiskies while Bourbon is made for using at least 51 per cent maize. Tennessee is Bourbon whisky made in Tennessee and the spirit undergoes a filtration process through maple wood charcoal before ageing.

Their tastes are also quite different: where Bourbon has touches of vanilla sweetness and spicy oak, Tennessee Bourbon is smoother and less harsh. Scotch can taste quite different depending on which region in Scotland it comes from – the Islay whiskies have a smoky and medicinal taste to them, the Speyside whiskies are delicate and fruity and the Highlands exhibit floral notes.

Scotch whiskies come at all price points from Black Label (Rs4,000) to a Glenlivet 18 year old (Rs13,400) and Glenfiddich 30 year old (Rs68,000). Bourbon are usually more affordable. The good stuff includes Jim Beam White (Rs1,850), Jack Daniels (Rs3,950), Maker’s Mark (Rs3,500) and Gentleman’s Jack Silver Select (Rs5,000). -