Scotch Whisky substitutes
The closest substitute for Scotch Whisky is Johnnie Walker Scotch, which works and barely changes the drink. Johnnie Walker is a blended Scotch. Irish Whiskey and Japanese Whisky also work. In a pinch, use Islay Scotch.
What to use instead of Scotch Whisky
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Johnnie Walker ScotchAlmost the same Johnnie Walker is a blended Scotch. Same amount | Same amount | 40% ABV | About the same |
Irish WhiskeyWorks, tastes different Lighter and less smoky. Same amount | Same amount | 40–46% ABV | About the same |
Japanese WhiskyWorks, tastes different Similar light, balanced style. Same amount | Same amount | 40–51.4% ABV | +1 point |
Islay ScotchLast resort Very smoky; use it for part of the pour. Same amount | Same amount | 40–46% ABV | +1 point |
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. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Scotch Whisky, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Affinity
30ml (1 oz) Scotch Whisky → 30ml (1 oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Blood & Sand
22ml (¾ oz) Scotch Whisky → 22ml (¾ oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Bobby Burns
45ml (1½ oz) Scotch Whisky → 45ml (1½ oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Camerons Kick
30ml (1 oz) Scotch Whisky → 30ml (1 oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- God Father
35ml (1¼ oz) Scotch Whisky → 35ml (1¼ oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Hot Toddy
45ml (1½ oz) Scotch Whisky → 45ml (1½ oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Mamie Taylor
60ml (2 oz) Scotch Whisky → 60ml (2 oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Morning Glory Fizz
45ml (1½ oz) Scotch Whisky → 45ml (1½ oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Penicillin
60ml (2 oz) Scotch Whisky → 60ml (2 oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Presbyterian
45ml (1½ oz) Scotch Whisky → 45ml (1½ oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Rob Roy
60ml (2 oz) Scotch Whisky → 60ml (2 oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Rusty Nail
45ml (1½ oz) Scotch Whisky → 45ml (1½ oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Scotch & Soda
60ml (2 oz) Scotch Whisky → 60ml (2 oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Scotch Sour
45ml (1½ oz) Scotch Whisky → 45ml (1½ oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
- Whisky Mac
45ml (1½ oz) Scotch Whisky → 45ml (1½ oz) Johnnie Walker Scotch
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Scotch Whisky | Johnnie Walker Scotch |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–46% ABV | 40% ABV |
| Taste | Malty, Honey, Vanilla, Fruit, Oak | Smoky, Spicy, Vanilla, Citrus, Malt sweetness |
| Aroma | Malt, Honey, Heather, Fruit, Light smoke | Light smoke, Citrus, Malt, Spice, Vanilla |
| Finish | Warming, Complex, Medium to long | Smoky, Spicy warmth, Medium, Dry |
| Property | Scotch Whisky | Irish Whiskey |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–46% ABV | 40–46% ABV |
| Taste | Malty, Honey, Vanilla, Fruit, Oak | Smooth, Honey, Vanilla, Light spice, Cereal |
| Aroma | Malt, Honey, Heather, Fruit, Light smoke | Light fruit, Honey, Vanilla, Floral |
| Finish | Warming, Complex, Medium to long | Clean, Gentle, Medium length |
Already have one of these?
If you have Johnnie Walker Black Label, Glenfiddich 12, Monkey Shoulder, Johnnie Walker Red, Dewar's 12 Year or Glenlivet 12, you don't need a substitute: they are all Scotch Whisky. How they differ
What is Scotch Whisky?
Scotch whisky is Scotland's iconic spirit, aged at least three years in oak barrels. Styles range from light and floral to intensely smoky depending on region.
Got Scotch Whisky? It also replaces
Questions about Scotch Whisky substitutes
What is the best substitute for Scotch Whisky?
Johnnie Walker Scotch is the closest substitute for Scotch Whisky and barely changes the drink. Johnnie Walker is a blended Scotch. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Scotch Whisky in a Rusty Nail?
Johnnie Walker Scotch: swap 45ml (1½ oz) of Scotch Whisky for 45ml (1½ oz) of Johnnie Walker Scotch.
Which Scotch Whisky brands can I use?
If you have Johnnie Walker Black Label, Glenfiddich 12, Monkey Shoulder, Johnnie Walker Red, Dewar's 12 Year or Glenlivet 12, you don't need a substitute: they are all Scotch Whisky. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Johnnie Walker Scotch instead of Scotch Whisky change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 15 drinks on this page that use Scotch Whisky, Johnnie Walker Scotch changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Scotch Whisky?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.