Islay Scotch substitutes
The closest substitute for Islay Scotch is Scotch Whisky, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Loses most of the peat smoke. Johnnie Walker Scotch also works. In a pinch, use Mezcal.
What to use instead of Islay Scotch
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
Scotch WhiskyWorks, tastes different Loses most of the peat smoke. Same amount | Same amount | 40–46% ABV |
Johnnie Walker ScotchWorks, tastes different Loses most of the peat smoke. Same amount | Same amount | 40% ABV |
MezcalLast resort Smoky, but a very different spirit. Same amount | Same amount | 40–55% ABV |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Islay Scotch, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Penicillin
7.5ml (¼ oz) Islay Scotch → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Scotch Whisky
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Islay Scotch | Scotch Whisky |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–46% ABV | 40–46% ABV |
| Taste | Intense smoke, Maritime, Brine, Pepper | Malty, Honey, Vanilla, Fruit, Oak |
| Aroma | Peat smoke, Iodine, Sea salt, Medicinal | Malt, Honey, Heather, Fruit, Light smoke |
| Finish | Long, Smoky, Warming, Complex | Warming, Complex, Medium to long |
| Property | Islay Scotch | Johnnie Walker Scotch |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–46% ABV | 40% ABV |
| Taste | Intense smoke, Maritime, Brine, Pepper | Smoky, Spicy, Vanilla, Citrus, Malt sweetness |
| Aroma | Peat smoke, Iodine, Sea salt, Medicinal | Light smoke, Citrus, Malt, Spice, Vanilla |
| Finish | Long, Smoky, Warming, Complex | Smoky, Spicy warmth, Medium, Dry |
Already have one of these?
If you have Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 or Lagavulin 16, you don't need a substitute: they are all Islay Scotch.
What is Islay Scotch?
Islay scotch is whisky from the island of Islay, famous for intensely smoky, peaty character. It adds dramatic smoke flavor to cocktails like the Penicillin.
Questions about Islay Scotch substitutes
What is the best substitute for Islay Scotch?
Scotch Whisky is the closest substitute for Islay Scotch, though the drink will taste a little different. Loses most of the peat smoke. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Islay Scotch in a Penicillin?
Scotch Whisky: swap 7.5ml (¼ oz) of Islay Scotch for 7.5ml (¼ oz) of Scotch Whisky.
Which Islay Scotch brands can I use?
If you have Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 or Lagavulin 16, you don't need a substitute: they are all Islay Scotch. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Scotch Whisky instead of Islay Scotch change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the drink on this page that use Islay Scotch, Scotch Whisky changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Islay Scotch?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.