These drinks are often used interchangeably, on purpose or by accident. They are related liquors, though those who enjoy them will loudly proclaim the differences and extol the virtues of their favorites. Bourbon, scotch, and rye are types of whiskey, and the difference has to do with the type of mash used and the geographic location they hail from. Scotch is from Scotland, while bourbon is made in the United States, derived mostly from corn. Rye whiskey, as the name suggests, is made from mostly rye mash.