Vanilla, honey, caramel and warming spice: bourbon cask matured whisky is a great place to start and a style with plenty of depth to explore.
Bourbon casks are among the most widely used casks in Scotch whisky maturation, bringing their own distinctive influence to the spirit. Whether you’re choosing a bottle for yourself or searching for the perfect gift, there’s plenty to discover at Royal Mile Whiskies.
What Is Bourbon Cask Matured Whisky?
Bourbon cask matured whisky is whisky aged in oak barrels that have previously been used to mature American bourbon. By law, bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak containers, so these barrels are often used again by Scotch whisky distilleries, where they contribute a different set of flavours to the maturing spirit.
American oak can bring notes of vanilla, toffee, caramel and coconut along with gentle spice and toasted wood. The precise character depends on the cask, the whisky and how long they spend together - some drams are creamy and sweet while others show more citrus, orchard fruit or pronounced oak.
The whisky’s colour can range from pale gold to deep amber, but colour alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
Explore Bourbon Cask Matured Whisky at Royal Mile Whiskies
Our range includes bourbon cask matured single malts, blended Scotch whiskies and independent bottlings, with options for different tastes and budgets.
For a great introduction, Deanston 12 Year Old is worth exploring with its honeyed sweetness, vanilla and malty character. More broadly, bourbon casks play an important role in the maturation of many familiar Scotch whiskies, making this a versatile style to explore whether you prefer something light and fresh or richer and more full-bodied.
Some whiskies spend their entire maturation in bourbon casks, while others are finished in different casks or married with whisky matured in other types of oak.
Buy Bourbon Cask Matured Whisky Online
Explore our range of bourbon cask matured whisky online whether you’re settling in for a quiet dram or looking for a thoughtful present.
Browse our wider range of Scotch whisky, or get in touch if you’d like a hand choosing your next bottle. We offer international delivery, so you can enjoy a taste of Scotland wherever you are.