Head-to-Head: Popular Drinks Compared Side by Side
What's actually the difference between Champagne and Prosecco, or bourbon and Scotch? These quick comparisons settle the most common questions — so you can choose the right bottle every time.
Scotch vs bourbon vs Irish whiskey vs Japanese whisky
| Scotch | Bourbon | Irish | Japanese | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Made in | Scotland | USA | Ireland (island) | Japan |
| Main grain | Malted barley (malts); other grains (grain whisky) | 51%+ corn | Barley (malted and unmalted), grains | Malted barley, grains |
| Casks | Used casks (ex-bourbon, sherry) | New charred oak (required) | Various, often ex-bourbon | Various, incl. Japanese oak |
| Min. age | 3 years | None (straight: 2 years) | 3 years | 3 years (JSLMA standard) |
| Taste | Varied: fruity, honeyed, smoky | Sweet: vanilla, caramel, spice | Smooth, light, fruity | Balanced, delicate, precise |
| Try | Speyside 12-year-old | Wheated bourbon | Single pot still | Blended highball |
More in the whisky guide.
Champagne vs Prosecco vs Cava vs Crémant
| Champagne | Prosecco | Cava | Crémant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | France (Champagne) | Italy (Veneto, Friuli) | Spain (mostly Catalonia) | France (other regions) |
| Grapes | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier | Glera | Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada | Regional grapes |
| Method | Traditional (bottle fermentation) | Tank (Charmat) | Traditional | Traditional |
| Bubbles | Fine, persistent | Light, frothy | Fine | Fine |
| Taste | Citrus, apple, brioche, toast | Pear, apple, floral, fruity | Citrus, almond, earthy | Similar to Champagne |
| Price | $$$ | $ | $ | $$ |
Cognac vs armagnac vs brandy
| Cognac | Armagnac | Brandy (general) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Cognac region, France | Gascony, France | Anywhere |
| Distillation | Double, copper pot still | Usually single, column still | Pot or column |
| Style | Refined, elegant, floral | Robust, rustic, fruity | Varies widely |
| Sold as | Blends by age grade | Age grades and single vintages | Various |
Tequila vs mezcal
| Tequila | Mezcal | |
|---|---|---|
| Agave | Blue Weber only | 30+ species |
| Cooking | Steamed | Pit-roasted (traditionally) |
| Taste | Sweet agave, pepper, citrus | Smoky, earthy, very varied |
| Main region | Jalisco | Oaxaca |
Details in the agave guide.
Lager vs ale
| Lager | Ale | |
|---|---|---|
| Yeast | Bottom-fermenting, cool | Top-fermenting, warm |
| Taste | Clean, crisp | Fruitier, more complex |
| Examples | Pilsner, helles, bock | IPA, stout, wheat beer, porter |
Gin vs vodka
| Gin | Vodka | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Neutral spirit | Neutral spirit |
| Flavour | Juniper and botanicals (required) | As neutral as possible |
| Best in | G&T, Martini, Negroni | Moscow Mule, Bloody Mary, Espresso Martini |
Port vs sherry vs Madeira
| Port | Sherry | Madeira | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Portugal (Douro) | Spain (Jerez) | Portugal (Madeira island) |
| Sweetness | Sweet (fortified mid-fermentation) | Bone-dry to very sweet | Dry to sweet |
| Key styles | Ruby, Tawny, Vintage, LBV | Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, PX | Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malmsey |
| Keeps after opening | Weeks to months | Fino: days; others: weeks | Months to years |
Red vs white wine: which is "healthier"?
You may have heard that red wine is good for your heart because of antioxidants like resveratrol. Current evidence does not support drinking alcohol for health benefits, and major health bodies do not recommend starting to drink for your health. The amounts of resveratrol in wine are tiny compared with doses used in studies. See how alcohol affects the body.
Do expensive drinks taste better?
In blind tastings, many people cannot reliably tell expensive from mid-priced bottles, and preferences vary. Higher prices often reflect age, rarity, region, brand and demand. The best way to find value: compare two or three bottles side by side at different prices and trust your own palate. Our tasting guide shows you how.
We don't accept payment for recommendations and we don't publish sponsored reviews. Comparisons on this page describe categories and styles based on production rules and widely recognised characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
Is Prosecco the same as Champagne?
No. Champagne comes only from the Champagne region of France and is made by the traditional method with a second fermentation in the bottle. Prosecco comes from north-east Italy, uses the Glera grape and is usually made by the tank method, giving lighter, fruitier bubbles.
Is bourbon sweeter than Scotch?
Generally yes. Bourbon's corn base and new charred oak barrels give more sweet vanilla and caramel flavours than most Scotch.
