regarding whiskey, I didn't drink bourbon until earlier this year. Note that bourbon by definition is 51% corn so it's vastly different from scotch, Irish or Canadian whiskey usually. Generally, it has a more sweetness and a caramel flavors than other types of whiskey. if something is labeled as American whiskey, it probably isn't bourbon, but wheat, malt, rye or some other grain. Japanese whiskey, is predominantly modeled after scotch. they sent their master distillers to learn the craft and brought it back to Japan to further perfect the product. the Japanese love of scotch is so great that many of the big scotch distilleries are now Japanese owned.
In any case, it's all about preference. I like scotch, but it's hard to swallow, because it brings back bad memories. LOL. I have yet to acquire a taste for Irish whiskey. I now love bourbon and American rye, which I previously thought I did not like. And I will dabble in Canadian whiskey every now and then.
