Is it true what they say?

[Vision]

Is the saying "There are scotch drinkers and there are bourbon drinkers, but not one who drinks both" or something like that...true? If so why?

While I'm new to bourbon, I think I can go back and forth. But I prefer bourbon.

[gr8erdane]

If you read enough postings here, you'll see that this is false. But I have found that bourbon drinkers are more down to earth when it comes to broadening their horizons and trying scotches than vice versa. Let's face it, scotch is generally considered to be 'sophisticated' and anyone wanting to 'put on airs' will drink scotch to try to make an impression on someone. It doesn't matter whether or not they actually like the stuff as long as they have made a good impression. I used to think that way years ago because it was ingrained by my peers. I never particularly liked scotch but if I wanted to 'show good taste' I ordered a scotch on the rocks at a social function. Now, I am too old to give a hoot what they think. I drink a scotch now and then but only when the mood hits me. During the Sampler this year, I had the opportunity to taste a rare and unique scotch, Lagavulin Sherry Cask finished and found it not unappealing but still lacking all the wonderful flavors I find in an average bourbon. But this is all IMHO.

[brian12069]

I have tried both. I can get scotch down but I really enjoy bourbon. You know why?....because in my opinion it simply tatses better.

[Speedy_John]

There are scotch drinkers and there are bourbon drinkers, but not one who drinks both

Whoever came up with that one is full of...well...



That's like saying there are people who eat apples and people who eat oranges, but not one who eats both. Geez! Give me a break!

SpeedyJohn

[OneCubeOnly]

Much of the anti-Scotch sentiment around here I've always sensed as being tongue-in-cheek, mainly because this is a bourbon-oriented site and the moderators understandably want to keep things on-topic.

That said, there's no reason one can't appreciate both whiskies.

[cowdery]

The idea of limiting yourself to some segment or category is fundamentally at odds with the very concept of connoisseurship. People who appreciate and want to explore bourbon invariably have other interests, whether they be malt whiskey, ales, tequilas, wine, even vodkas.

[pepcycle]

I prefer bourbon. I don't hate scotch.
I stock a lot more bourbon than scotch and feel I have a better understanding of bourbon, it's history, flavor profile etc. I really like the folks who participate on this board and haven't found an equivalent for any other beverage, sport or special interest.
This is a unique place and bourbon a unique product.
It makes me smile.

[TNbourbon]

I have much more bourbon than Scotch, but I do have Scotch, and especially enjoy the Speysides -- though my personal favorite is Highland Park Ornkney Islands 12yo.
But, really great bourbon can be had much cheaper than really great Scotch and, I think, is a much more versatile and timeless drink, even without taking into account mixing it in cocktails. About the only time Scotch seems perfect is when it's cold, damp and wintry.

[CompleteNovice]

My meager experience with hard spirits has tended to steer me toward bourbon rather than scotch. At a recent wedding reception, I had some Johnnie Walker Red Label on the rocks. Maybe it was just to remind myself that scotch isn't my thing.

Even being a little tipsy from several drinks prior to this, I still almost couldn't bear to drink the scotch. It didn't taste good at all. I know very little about scotch- maybe JW is just a "well" drink, but I didn't like it either way. My bourbon drinking adventure has started from the bottom shelf, and I can say thus far that I personally prefer the cheap bourbons to scotch ANY day...

as far as drinking bourbon to the exclusion of scotch in general? I am discovering that drinks are like music- there's always the possibility you'll find something you like in a genre you never thought you'd listen to...

[cowdery]

Very well put, the only rule is, there are no rules.

And the first rule of Fight Club is, you do not talk about Fight Club.