Bourbon lovers, we hear you. You’re looking for a single malt to kick off your scotch journey. It can be an easy path to navigate if you’re open to trying different things, one thing I do promise is that all of these products aren’t peated. That should make things easier if that’s a flavor profile that you’ve either tried or heard some very intense things about.
So, here are six scotch whiskies that will suit bourbon lovers down to the ground. Take a sip and let us know what you think!
Deanston 12 Year Old Single Malt
BUY NOW: $45
A classic Highland style, Deanston has long served as an entry point into scotch whisky for many enthusiasts. While the distillery is known for its experimental releases, this flagship bottle stays true to tradition, being fully matured in ex-American oak casks.
This single malt delivers a rich profile of caramel, fudge, and vanilla, complemented by the gristly, malty character that has solidified Deanston’s reputation over the years. If you’re drawn to the flavors imparted by American oak – one of the hallmarks of bourbon – this is a scotch that deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Compass Box Hedonism
BUY NOW: $80
A sadly semi-discontinued release from the folks at Compass Box, but you can likely still find a 2024 bottling at a reasonable price. Moving forward, this whisky will be released annually, accompanied by some playful and eye-catching artwork.
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As far as scotch and bourbon crossovers go, this is one of the finest examples in the field. Technically a blended grain whisky, it’s crafted in a manner reminiscent of bourbon, but with a distinctly Scottish twist. It typically uses refill casks and is older on average, resulting in a more subtle, nuanced flavor profile.
This whisky was a game-changer for me, showcasing the incredible variation in styles across the whisky world. It’s a beautifully crafted and designed expression in every sense of the word.
Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt
BUY NOW: $48
You’ll often hear whisky writers and bloggers singing the praises of Arran 10 Year Old – and for good reason. This is an outstanding, affordable single malt, fully matured in ex-bourbon casks, that delivers everything you could want from a West Coast Scottish whisky, minus the signature peatiness typically associated with the region.
Arran 10 offers a vibrant flavor profile of apple, vanilla, cream, fudge, and toffee, all bottled at an impressive 46%. It’s remarkably consistent in quality, though the natural color varies slightly between batches – an aspect that highlights its authenticity. Remember, color should never be the deciding factor when choosing a whisky; what truly matters is what’s in the glass.
Arran Quarter Cask Single Malt
BUY NOW: $46
Sticking with The Arran Distillery, here’s a higher-proof offering from the Isle of Arran: the Quarter Cask release. Typically a nine-year-old whisky, it’s finished in quarter casks – small 50-liter barrels that maximize surface area, delivering more intense flavor and color in a shorter maturation period.
Bottled at 50% ABV or higher (with some releases reaching around 54%), this whisky is perfect for fans of Bottled-in-Bond bourbon who appreciate bold, high-proof expressions. As always with Arran, it offers exceptional value for such high-quality liquid – consistently hard to beat in its category.
Kingsbarns Doocot
BUY NOW: $50
I’ve talked about this whisky quite a bit when discussing regional styles and great summer whiskies. Kingsbarns produces some of the lightest, fruitiest single malts you’ll find, hailing from the whisky renaissance region of Fife in Scotland. Previous releases have showcased fresh notes of melon, coconut, peaches, and mango.
The Doocot, however, shifts focus to refill bourbon and STR (shaved, toasted, and re-charred) barrels. This results in a whisky with a richer red-fruit character while maintaining the distillery’s hallmark light and approachable style. It’s a more decadent expression, offering a delightful twist on their signature profile. A distillery and style well worth keeping an eye on.
Glen Scotia Double Cask Rum Cask Finish
BUY NOW: $50
This one offers a slight twist—still unpeated, but with a distinctive salty edge. Some bourbon products occasionally deliver a hint of salted pretzel – Stagg Jr. comes to mind—and Glen Scotia manages to capture that essence, but with a tropical influence reminiscent of Guyanese Demerara rum.
While the color of this single malt might not be particularly striking, the depth of its flavor profile more than makes up for it. It delivers complexity that can easily rival older and more expensive scotch whiskies, making it a standout choice for those seeking something unique yet approachable.