Like Bourbon? Try These Bourbon-Cask Scotch Whiskies

Buying Guides

12 November 20262 min readDeepak Bali

“Quick answer: If you love bourbon, start with Scotch matured in ex-bourbon casks. It carries the same vanilla, caramel and sweet oak notes you already enjoy. Try Jura 14 (£33.99), finished in American rye casks, or Glenlivet 12 (£34.99) for a smooth, sweet first step. If you fancy smoke, go for Laphroaig 10 (£39.99), aged in ex-bourbon barrels.

Bourbon vs Scotch: what’s the difference?

	Bourbon	Scotch
Made in	USA	Scotland
Main grain	At least 51% corn	Malted barley (single malt)
Casks

Written by

Deepak Bali

I’ve been exploring whisky since 1996, combining nearly three decades of knowledge and firsthand tasting experience. In 1999, my master’s degree work focused on my own whisky website. Every whisky I review is personally tasted, independently assessed and scored out of 100 using a consistent five-stage framework. My judgement is guided by what’s in the glass, never by brand reputation or price.

12 November 2026

View all articles →

Because bourbon makers have to use new oak barrels, used bourbon barrels are shipped around the world, and a huge share of them end up in Scotland. That’s the link between your favourite bourbon and a great bottle of Scotch.

Why bourbon drinkers love bourbon-cask Scotch

When Scotch rests in a barrel that once held bourbon, the wood gives the whisky some of that bourbon character: vanilla, caramel, coconut, honey and gentle spice. The barrel has already been used once, so its influence is softer than in bourbon, which lets the barley’s fruit and malt come through too.

That makes bourbon-cask Scotch the easiest way into single malt for a bourbon fan. It tastes familiar, but it’s lighter and more varied. From there, you can explore:

• Sherry casks, for dried fruit and spice.
• Rye cask finishes, for extra pepper and spice, a lot like a high-rye bourbon.
• Peated whisky, for smoke alongside the sweet oak.

5 bourbon cask Scotch whiskies for bourbon fans

1. Jura 14 Year Old: for fans of high-rye bourbon

2. Glenlivet 12 Year Old: the smooth, sweet first step

3. Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old: rich and unpeated

4. Bowmore 12 Year Old: a gentle first taste of smoke

5. Laphroaig 10 Year Old: bold smoke, bourbon barrels

Your bourbon-to-Scotch swap guide

*Prices checked 10–12 November 2026.

Want to explore further? See our guide to the best single malt whisky for more bottles.

FAQs

What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, made mainly from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. “Whiskey” (or “whisky” in Scotland) is the wider family, which includes Scotch, Irish, Japanese and bourbon.

Is Scotch sweeter or drier than bourbon?

Bourbon is usually sweeter, because of the corn and new oak. Scotch ranges from sweet and fruity (like Glenlivet 12) to dry and smoky (like Laphroaig 10).

What Scotch tastes most like bourbon?

Scotch matured in ex-bourbon casks. Jura 14, with its American rye cask finish, and Glenlivet 12 are good places to start.

Why do Scotch distilleries use bourbon casks?

American law says bourbon must be aged in new oak barrels. That leaves a large supply of used barrels, which Scotch distilleries use for maturation.

Is bourbon whisky or whiskey?

Bourbon is usually spelled “whiskey”, the American and Irish spelling. Scotch is spelled “whisky”.

You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol. Please drink responsibly.