I've Tried Hundreds of Whiskies. This Cheap Scotch Is the Best Buy for Bourbon Fans
I’ve spent almost two decades writing about whiskey. In those years, I’ve been lucky enough to sample an epic number of expressions. When it comes to whiskey, my two favorite styles, above all else, are bourbon whiskey and single malt Scotch whisky. One is corn-based, and the other is barley-based. The two seem to have nothing in common besides the fact that they’re both brown liquors.
But they do share one attribute: the maturation process. While bourbon is matured in charred American oak barrels, single malt Scotch is matured in American or European oak, as well as sherry cask and ex-bourbon barrels. That’s right—some well-known single malt Scotch whiskies are matured or finished in barrels that previously held bourbon.
Some of the most well-known single malt Scotch whiskies matured in ex-bourbon barrels include Glenmorangie The Original, Tobermory 10 Year, Bowmore 12 Year, and Ardbeg Uigeadail. But my favorite expression that bridges the gap between bourbon whiskey and single malt Scotch whisky is the classic and aptly named Auchentoshan American Oak.
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If you’re new to Auchentoshan, not only is it difficult to spell—the name means “the corner of the fields” in Gaelic—but it’s located close to Glasgow in the Lowlands, currently home to only seventeen distilleries. But thanks to its location near Cochna Loch in the Kilpatrick Hills, its water comes from the Highlands. Founded in 1800, it’s also the only Scotch distillery that triple distills every expression it produces.
One of its most well-known and popular expressions is the aforementioned Auchentoshan American Oak, which matures entirely in ex-bourbon barrels.
The result is a complex, nuanced whisky that begins with a nose of toasted vanilla beans, coconut, candied orange peels, toffee, dark chocolate, and boozy bourbon. The palate is a symphony of toasted French vanilla beans, stone fruits, barley, charred oak, orange peels, and gentle wintry spices. The finish is long and warm with a nice mix of citrus and butterscotch.
With the holidays on the horizon, it's the perfect digestif after a heavy holiday meal. Who needs an amari or cognac when you have this indulgent expression?
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The award-winning single malt doesn’t carry an age statement, but that’s okay with me. It’s memorable and flavorful enough that it doesn’t matter how long it matured; it was obviously enough time. And, American Oak might be the perfect gateway single malt whisky for fans of bourbon.
The best part? This everyday sipper is affordable enough that you won’t feel bad using it as a base for a seasonal hot toddy, Scotch old fashioned, whisky highball, or any of your favorite whisky-based cocktails.
Don’t believe me? Well, this sublime sipping whisky retails for around $40. That’s half the price of some other single malts of similar quality and versatility. To say this whisky is a bargain is an absolute understatement.
For bourbon fans looking to branch off into single malt Scotch whisky, Auchentoshan American Oak can’t be beat. It’s inexpensive, flavorful, and available anywhere Scotch whisky is sold.
Take one sip, and I believe Auchentoshan American Oak will find a permanent spot in your home bar cart or liquor cabinet. Stock up now to prepare for the holidays ahead. If you’re anything like me, you'll do some entertaining this season, and your friends and family will want you to crack open a bottle or two for them to try. It's a certified crowd-pleaser.
Related: Best Cheap Whiskey of 2024 for a Great Bottle on a Budget