Bourbon lovers, we hear you. You’re on the lookout for a single malt to kick off your scotch journey. It may be a simple path to navigate for those who’re open to making an attempt various things, one factor I do promise is that each one of those merchandise aren’t peated. That ought to make issues simpler if that’s a taste profile that you just’ve both tried or heard some very intense issues about.
So, listed here are six scotch whiskies that may go well with bourbon lovers all the way down to the bottom. Take a sip and tell us what you assume!
Deanston 12 12 months Outdated Single Malt
BUY NOW: $45
A basic Highland type, Deanston has lengthy served as an entry level into scotch whisky for a lot of lovers. Whereas the distillery is understood for its experimental releases, this flagship bottle stays true to custom, being totally matured in ex-American oak casks.
This single malt delivers a wealthy profile of caramel, fudge, and vanilla, complemented by the gristly, malty character that has solidified Deanston’s status over time. Should you’re drawn to the flavors imparted by American oak – one of many hallmarks of bourbon – it is a scotch that deserves a spot on the high of your record.
Compass Field Hedonism
BUY NOW: $80
A sadly semi-discontinued launch from the parents at Compass Field, however you’ll be able to possible nonetheless discover a 2024 bottling at an inexpensive value. Shifting ahead, this whisky will probably be launched yearly, accompanied by some playful and crowd pleasing paintings.
So far as scotch and bourbon crossovers go, this is without doubt one of the best examples within the area. Technically a blended grain whisky, it’s crafted in a way harking back to bourbon, however with a distinctly Scottish twist. It usually makes use of refill casks and is older on common, leading to a extra delicate, nuanced taste profile.
This whisky was a game-changer for me, showcasing the unbelievable variation in types throughout the whisky world. It’s a fantastically crafted and designed expression in each sense of the phrase.
Arran 10 12 months Outdated Single Malt
BUY NOW: $48
You’ll typically hear whisky writers and bloggers singing the praises of Arran 10 12 months Outdated – and for good motive. That is an impressive, reasonably priced single malt, totally matured in ex-bourbon casks, that delivers every part you would need from a West Coast Scottish whisky, minus the signature peatiness usually related to the area.
Arran 10 gives a vibrant taste profile of apple, vanilla, cream, fudge, and toffee, all bottled at a powerful 46%. It’s remarkably constant in high quality, although the pure colour varies barely between batches – a side that highlights its authenticity. Bear in mind, colour ought to by no means be the deciding issue when selecting a whisky; what really issues is what’s within the glass.
Arran Quarter Cask Single Malt
BUY NOW: $46
Sticking with The Arran Distillery, right here’s a higher-proof providing from the Isle of Arran: the Quarter Cask launch. Sometimes a nine-year-old whisky, it’s completed in quarter casks – small 50-liter barrels that maximize floor space, delivering extra intense taste and colour in a shorter maturation interval.
Bottled at 50% ABV or greater (with some releases reaching round 54%), this whisky is ideal for followers of Bottled-in-Bond bourbon who recognize daring, high-proof expressions. As all the time with Arran, it gives distinctive worth for such high-quality liquid – constantly laborious to beat in its class.
Kingsbarns Doocot
BUY NOW: $50
I’ve talked about this whisky fairly a bit when discussing regional types and nice summer season whiskies. Kingsbarns produces a number of the lightest, fruitiest single malts you’ll discover, hailing from the whisky renaissance area of Fife in Scotland. Earlier releases have showcased recent notes of melon, coconut, peaches, and mango.
The Doocot, nevertheless, shifts focus to refill bourbon and STR (shaved, toasted, and re-charred) barrels. This ends in a whisky with a richer red-fruit character whereas sustaining the distillery’s hallmark gentle and approachable type. It’s a extra decadent expression, providing a pleasant twist on their signature profile. A distillery and magnificence effectively value keeping track of.
Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Cask End
BUY NOW: $50
This one gives a slight twist—nonetheless unpeated, however with a particular salty edge. Some bourbon merchandise sometimes ship a touch of salted pretzel – Stagg Jr. involves thoughts—and Glen Scotia manages to seize that essence, however with a tropical affect harking back to Guyanese Demerara rum.
Whereas the colour of this single malt won’t be notably putting, the depth of its taste profile greater than makes up for it. It delivers complexity that may simply rival older and dearer scotch whiskies, making it a standout selection for these looking for one thing distinctive but approachable.
