5 Cask Strength Scotches For Bourbon Fans in 2025

Cask strength scotch whisky is a celebration of bold, unfiltered flavors—a quality that bourbon enthusiasts also hold dear.
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Cask strength scotch whisky is a celebration of bold, unfiltered flavors—a quality that bourbon enthusiasts also hold dear. Yet, for some American whisky lovers, scotch remains an enigma, often dismissed as too smoky, too dry, or simply too unfamiliar. But what if there were a bridge between these two worlds?

By focusing on cask strength whiskies with rich, approachable profiles, we can explore some standout options that might just surprise you. These selections lean toward the sweeter side of the spectrum, steering clear of the intense peat smoke often associated with scotch. Let’s dive into five exceptional cask strength scotches that could make 2025 the year you expand your whisky horizons.

Aberlour A’bunadh Alba (60%+ ABV) 

Credit: Aberlour

BUY NOW: $82

The first bottle comes from a distillery renowned for its bold, sherry cask-driven flavors. Aberlour often flies under the radar compared to big names like Glenfarclas and The Macallan, yet its A’bunadh range of cask strength whiskies has earned a dedicated following. A relatively recent addition to this range, The A’bunadh Alba, offers a fresh take on the classic. Instead of sherry cask maturation, this release is aged entirely in ex-bourbon casks—an intriguing twist that immediately caught my attention.

Alba, meaning ‘white’ in Latin and ‘Scotland’ in Scottish Gaelic, showcases Aberlour’s versatility beyond its signature sherry casks. For lovers of American oak flavors, this whisky delivers in spades, offering notes of caramel, toffee, tropical fruits, and vanilla. It’s a standout example of how the rich traditions of Scotland can embrace the sweeter, bolder characteristics bourbon enthusiasts adore

Glen Scotia Victoriana (54.2% ABV) 

Credit: Glen Scotia

BUY NOW: $82

A whisky that I recently found out isn’t peated! It was quite a shock to me as well. 

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Victoriana takes its name from the height of whisky demand in Campbeltown during the Victorian era—a golden age that Prohibition brought to a halt for many years. This whisky is matured in a combination of refill bourbon, refill sherry, and heavily charred bourbon casks (which is where its smoky note originates). The result is a whisky with an impressive range of flavors while still delivering the signature Glen Scotia saltiness.

Over the years, I’ve spoken with countless bourbon drinkers who found their way into scotch by tasting this bottle at a party or a whisky event. It’s a truly unique and delicious offering in the whisky world and one that absolutely deserves the attention of bourbon lovers everywhere.

Arran ‘The Bothy’ Quarter Cask (54%+ ABV) 

Credit: Isle of Arran Distillers

BUY NOW: $46

I’ve written about the wonders of Arran in many articles before, and I’ll say it again: the entire range is both delicious and affordable. If you’re a fan of sweeter, creamier styles of whisky, this distillery should definitely be on your ‘to-do’ list.

That said, the Quarter Cask expression is a standout. This 9-year-old single malt is matured in refill bourbon oak before being finished in quarter casks. These smaller barrels, also made from ex-bourbon oak, accelerate the maturation process, imparting more color and flavor in a shorter time.

This whisky is bursting with notes of pineapple, caramel, apple, a touch of saltiness, and huge hits of milk chocolate. It’s a fantastic expression from Arran, and I find it especially enjoyable during the autumn months—it’s the kind of bottle I go through all too easily.

Glenallachie 10 Year Old Cask Strength (55%+ ABV) 

Credit: The Glenallachie

BUY NOW: $79

A little twist in cask selection this time. As a bourbon drinker, you likely enjoy the influence of American oak, but that doesn’t mean we can’t explore other options as well.

Glenallachie 10 Year Old Cask Strength is a vatting of several casks, most notably including ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, ex-wine, and brand-new virgin oak casks. The combination of these individual flavors, paired with the craftsmanship of Billy Walker and Ronan Currie, creates a stunning expression of Speyside whisky.

This whisky consistently delivers a rich, chocolatey profile with mixed fruits, a nutty undertone, and a powerful character that hits all the right notes. Pick one up if you see it! 

Highland Park Cask Strength Batch 5 (64.7% ABV) 

Credit: Highland Park

BUY NOW: $80

The elephant in the room: something a little smoky. Now, before we dive into iodine and TCP notes often associated with smoky scotch, this one isn’t of that style. Think of peat as seasoning—just a little can go a long way, but if you want it to take the lead, you can add a lot!

Highland Park built its reputation on exceptional whisky with a subtle thread of smoke running through it. Unlike its Islay counterparts, Highland Park’s smoke is derived from peat influenced by heather plants, old bark, and moss, offering a gentler character. Islay peat, by contrast, brings all the moss and bark you could want, along with a distinct seaweed brininess.

Highland Park is all about balance and always has been. This cask strength release showcases flavors of fudge, salt, a touch of soft smoke, coffee, chocolate, and honey. It’s a truly outstanding expression of cask strength Orkney whisky.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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