Anyone who enjoys drinking whisky will sooner or later end up with American classics. Not surprisingly, bourbon and rye are often round, accessible and immediately recognisable in their flavours. Think vanilla, caramel, soft spices... flavours that appeal quickly. But therein lies also a great opportunity. Because anyone who appreciates these profiles actually already has a perfect basis for further exploration.
Without a big leap. Without risk. Just: a small step aside.
From Tennessee to Speyside (and beyond)
Take Jack Daniel's Old No 7, for example: soft, slightly sweet, a hint of wood. It's a classic whiskey that almost everyone has had in the glass at some point.
Those who love it don't actually have to look far to find whisky with a similar profile in the same price range in the rest of the world. From Scotland, for instance, there is the Auchentoshan Three Wood. In Ireland, then, the Sailor's Home Journey leans very closely to your favourite Tennessee Whiskey and the Paul John Brilliance also offers a similar balance.
They are not substitutes, rather new translations of the same idea. You will discover many more whiskies with the same basic profile as the Jack Daniel's Old N°7 here.
When bourbon gets a bit more depth
Some drinkers are looking for just a little more layering. That's where bottles like Michter's US*1 Bourbon or Woodford Reserve come into the picture: richer, spicier, with especially more wood influence. Since this kind of whiskey's profile is especially pronounced spicy and woody, we look for whisky that can recreate the same sensation.
In Scotland, several matches can immediately be found, including a Glenfiddich XX and a Glenmorangie Astar. From New Zealand, the Scapegrace Anthem immediately springs to mind. and the British Cotswold Bourbon Cask also has a profile that closely matches the aforementioned bourbons.
Simply good, without a second thought
Not every whisky has to be analytical. Sometimes you just want something that works. Jim Beam and Evan Williams are perfect examples of this: straightforward, a simple flavour profile, affordable and best shown off in a blend rather than pure. Price is often more important than complexity here.
So your next Highball may no longer be made with a US whiskey, but with one of these surprisingly affordable whiskies from the rest of the world that have exactly the same goal in mind: blending perfectly with other ingredients. Scotland's Famous Grouse is one such example of affordable and accessible, from Ireland, Tullamore DEW is a well-known star performer and in Japan, Suntory Toki and Nikka Days are two entry-level whiskies that look best in a simple, modern cocktail.
For those who love power and character
At the other end of the spectrum, you'll find bottles like Elijah Craig Small Batch: firmer, wood-driven, with distinct notes of toffee and spice.
Those who appreciate that are surprisingly comfortable with a Scottish Benromach 10 Year Old. But an Aberlour 12, the Australian Starward Nova or even the Irish Pogues Single Malt are also interesting and affordable alternatives to an Elijah Craig Small Batch.
And then there's rye...
If you're a fan of Templeton Rye, you know it's mostly about spiciness and spice. That peppery, dry character is less typical in others, but certainly not unobtainable.
Interesting bottles for those who like this profile are the Scottish Glen Deveron 20y and a Balvenie 12y, but Japan's Amahagan Yamazakura, Finland's Kyrö Malt Oloroso and Ireland's Sailor's Home Haven and Power's 12y are also alternatives to a Templeton Rye that are definitely worth considering. Those who like to look even further from home will find another interesting alternative from India in the Paul John Port Select.
Whisky does not have to be a choice between countries. On the contrary.
Those who start from what they already enjoy drinking soon discover that flavours translate. From bourbon to sherry cask, from rye to spicy malt, from Tennessee to elegant blends.
Think of it not as a switch, but as a broadening of your taste world!
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