Non-Bourbon Spirits for Bourbon Fans

Non-Bourbon Spirits for Bourbon Fans

Why delve into 'non-bourbon spirits for bourbon fans,' you may wonder? As a fellow bourbon enthusiast, I understand the allure of sticking to what you know and love. Yet, embracing variety can be equally exhilarating, akin to exploring the nuances of a fine bottle of George T. Stagg. In my experience engaging with bourbon aficionados, I've learned that peated whisky is often a hard pass. Understandable—peat's robust flavor profile isn't for everyone, despite its devoted following. Rest assured, the selections I propose won't veer anywhere close to the intensity of Ardbeg or Lagavulin; rather, they offer subtle nods to new and exciting flavors. So, without further ado, here are my recommendations for non-bourbon spirits tailored specifically for bourbon fans.

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Yamazaki 12-Year is a celebrated offering from Japan's oldest malt whisky distillery, the Yamazaki Distillery. Its meticulous aging process involves various cask types, including American, Spanish, and mizunara oak. Described by Men's Journal contributor Austa Somvichian-Clausen as having an amber hue, it boasts a smooth, honeyed sweetness with prominent notes of red berries, dried apricots, and a hint of mizunara oak spice. Kate Boushel, beverage director of Atwater Cocktail Club, favors Yamazaki 12-Year in a classic Japanese highball, where its warm, nutty, and buttery palate pairs perfectly with the soda's light salinity, evolving into a long, lightly spiced ginger finish accentuated by the carbonation. Buy it now!

Roe & Co. Irish Whiskey

Named in honor of the historic George Roe & Co. Distillery, which stood as Ireland's most renowned whiskey producer until its closure in 1926, Roe & Co. is a revival of that esteemed legacy. This whiskey is a harmonious blend of malt and grain whiskey, matured in bourbon casks. The nose offers a creamy sensation, while the palate unfolds with a gentle spice, accentuated by notes of pear and vanilla. The experience concludes with a lingering finish. Notably, Roe & Co. takes pride in being non chill-filtered, preserving the integrity and complexity of its flavors. Buy it now for $36.99.

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Indian Whisky

With its rich and fruity character complemented by a gentle underlying spiciness, this single malt is a triumph and serves as the perfect introduction to the world of Indian whisky. Buy it now!

Kaiyo Cask Strength Mizunara Oak Whisky

In the realm of Japanese whisky, Kaiyo stands out with its unconventional approach. Instead of owning a distillery, Kaiyo employs a distinctive method known as "ocean maturation." Initially crafted and aged in Japan, the whisky embarks on a maritime voyage, exposed to the sea air and elements aboard a ship, further enhancing its maturation process. The Cask Strength Mizunara Oak expression exemplifies this technique, highlighting the influence of rare mizunara oak renowned for its sweet-and-spicy essence. Anticipate aromas of sandalwood, coconut, fruit, and vanilla, leading to a palate rich with layers of toffee, velvety malt, and dark chocolate. The cask strength intensifies these flavors, while maintaining a harmonious complexity. Buy it now!

Teeling Small Batch

Following the Teeling family's departure from Cooley, the distillery they founded, the eagerly anticipated return has arrived in the form of Teeling Whiskey. This expression, finished in rum casks and bottled at 46% without chill-filtration, serves as a compelling statement of their commitment to quality. The blend is reputed to feature a significant amount of first-fill bourbon cask whiskey and an elevated ratio of malt to grain, promising a distinctive and flavorful profile. Buy it now for $39.99.

Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength

Redbreast 12 is meticulously crafted from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, undergoing the triple distillation process in copper pot stills. The whiskey matures in a harmonious marriage of Bourbon-seasoned American Oak barrels and Oloroso Sherry-seasoned Spanish oak butts, showcasing the signature Redbreast sherry style. The Cask Strength expression offers a rare glimpse into the unadulterated, full-flavored essence of Redbreast 12, delivering a sensory experience that captures the true richness and complexity of Pot Still whiskey. Buy it now for $99.00.

Nikka Coffey Grain

Introduced in 2012, this signature grain whisky is a testament to the artistry of Japanese whisky. Crafted predominantly from corn and distilled in a Coffey still, the spirit undergoes maturation in a variety of old casks, including re-filled, remade, and re-charred casks made from American oak. This meticulous process imparts the sweet and mellow flavors characteristic of Coffey distillates. The result is a unique expression that showcases the finesse and innovation synonymous with Japanese whisky craftsmanship. Buy it now for $75.99.

Paul John Peated Cask Single Malt Whisky

Goa's allure is everlasting, and so is the surprise within Paul John Select Cask Peated Single Malt whisky. Its smoky, sweet, and earthy notes, with a hint of spice, create a perfect balance on the palate. The finish, adorned with Dominican cocoa and a tart marmalade edge, leaves a lasting impression. This exceptional whisky, awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 and Best Indian Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2017, is a true gem recognized for its quality and craftsmanship. Buy it now!