4 Whiskies for People That Don’t Like Whisky

When it comes to whisky, I’m pretty biased. If it’s whisky flavoured or even whisky-related, chances are I’ll absolutely love it. That’s just how we are here at Great Drams HQ. To me, I just can’t comprehend not enjoying a fine whisky. Whether it’s a single malt, blended, bourbon, rye, or any other type of whisky, it just tastes amazing to me.

Bushmills 25

Irish whiskey is always a good shout for people who are not familiar with whiskey and are perhaps not quite ready to try a single-malt Scotch whisky just yet. There are plenty of reasons for this, though primarily it’s generally much smoother and has less burn, which can be overwhelming.

This single malt whiskey from Bushmills is a small batch, high age statement that was released in celebration of the opening of the Causeway Distillery back in 2023.

The whiskey was first aged for four years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before it was eventually finished in ex-ruby port casks where it finished for 21 years! The results are as you’d expect, with plenty of sweetness balanced with more than a hint of oak.

At 46% ABV, it’s deceptively smooth and is a very easy drinker. It’s also taken on an amazing crimson copper colour thanks to the port pipes it slumbered in for more than two decades.

On the nose it’s heavy on the sherry and port notes. Very wintery, with red berries, dates, raisins, prunes, cinnamon, and clove. There’s also a subtle whiff of caramel hazelnuts, gingernut biscuits, and honey.

On the palate the nut flavours are more pronounced, with more hazelnut notes and toasted almonds. There’s plenty of ripe summer berries, honeycomb, vanilla cream, golden syrup, and blackcurrant jam. A hint of dark chocolate covered raisins lingering in the background, with a touch of Jamaican ginger cake.

The finish lingers and is exceptionally smooth. There’s toasted oak, gingerbread, dark cherries, and Yorkshire Parkin there.

Tomatin 12 Year Old

Now we’re heading to the Scottish Highlands to look at this exceptional 12-year-old expression from Tomatin.

One of the main reasons why people believe they don’t like Scotch whisky, is because they don’t like peat. Peated whisky is hugely popular, but it can also be an acquired taste and it’s not for everyone. If somebody’s first introduction to Scotch is through a peated dram, if they don’t enjoy the smoky peat flavour then it’s likely to be game over for their whisky journey.

For those who are perhaps not as keen on a peated Islay expression, this dram from Tomatin could be ideal as it’s much smoother and sweeter. This whisky, which comes in at 43% ABV has a golden toffee colour. It was finished for 6 – 9 months in Oloroso sherry casks and has plenty of body and complexity to it.

On the nose it’s sweet and buttery. It reminds me of freshly baked shortbread sprinkled with plenty of sugar. There are also stewed orchard fruit aromas and a distinct scent of marzipan. Hiding in the background is a touch of heather honey.

On the palate there are strong oak and vanilla flavours here, coupled with tropical fruits, candied stem ginger, orange zest, and butterscotch toffee.

The finish is medium with a syrupy mouthfeel. Strong flavours of toasted teacake lathered with butter, dried fruit peels, and a touch of roasted malt.

Great Drams Glenlossie 8 Year Old

You’ll have to excuse the shameless plug here, but the Great Drams Glenlossie 8 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt is another whisky that’s ideal for those unsure about whether Scotch is the drink for them.

This dram from our hugely popular single cask series is loaded full of caramel and toffee notes, with a distinctly fruity kick with just enough sharpness to cut through the richness.

At 48.2% ABV, this 8-year-old ex-bourbon barrel whisky has a gorgeous rose gold colour to it and more body than a lot of drams double its age.

On the nose you get strong toffee and vanilla notes right away. There’s also more than a suggestion of lightly roasted oak, dark chocolate malt, and fresh apricot.

On the palate those caramel and toffee flavours make their presence felt right away. There’s also zingy apples, heather honey, light floral notes, and jam roly poly with ice cream.

The finish is lengthy and heavy on the toffee apple notes. There’s also more toasted oak lingering and a touch of candied orange peel.

Glenmorangie Original 10 Year Old

Finally, we have Glenmorangie 10. This is one of the most reliable drams out there and is the perfect whisky to introduce non-whisky drinkers to the wonderful world of Scotch.

Having won numerous awards, Glenmorangie Original 10 is one of the creamiest single malts out there.

Having matured in a combination first and second fill ex-American oak casks, it has a gorgeous golden straw colour to it. at 40% ABV it’s not harsh in the slightest and makes for a wonderful aperitif.

On the nose it’s complex and fruity. There are candied peel aromas here, Christmas spices, citrus fruits, and vanilla clotted cream.

On the palate there’s more vanilla, coupled with demerara sugar, sticky toffee pudding, apple pie, cinnamon, and crème brulee.

The finish is exactly as you’d expect. It’s drawn out, it’s fruity, it’s creamy, it’s malty, and there is a slight oiliness to the mouthfeel here.

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at what we have to offer.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.

Tags: whiskies

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.