Since you’ve likely had your fair share of single-malt Scotch whisky by now, it’s time to broaden your whisky-drinking horizons. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the great single malt whisky from countries besides Scotland. As we mentioned above, there are many great single malt whiskies from countries all over the globe. While nobody would fault you for only drinking Scotch whisky (and you could spend the rest of your days doing so while still continuously enjoying new expressions), why not try something different? Keep scrolling to see all of the noteworthy, flavorful single-malt whiskies from everywhere except Scotland.

Brand: Yamazaki
Release: 12-Year Single Malt
ABV: 43%
Country: Japan
Region: Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture
Age: 12-Year-Old
Price: AUD$400-450

Brand: Paul John
Release: Brilliance
ABV: 46%
Country: India
Region: Goa
Age: Minimum 5-year maturation
Price: AUD$110-120

Brand: Kavalan
Release: Solist Vinho Barrique Single Malt
ABV: 55.6%
Country: Taiwan
Price: AUD$300-350

Brand: Colkegan
Release: Single Malt
ABV: 46%
Country: United States of America
Price: AUD$145

Brand: Connemara
Release: 12-Year Peated Single Malt
ABV: 40%
Country: Ireland
Region: Connemara
Price: AUD$95

Brand: Brenne
Release: French Single Malt
ABV: 40%
Country: France
Region: Cognac
Price: AUD$90

Brand: Starward
Release: Nova Single Malt
ABV: 41%
Country: Australia
Region: Melbourne
Price: AUD$90-100

Brand: Westward
Release: Single Malt
ABV: 45%
Country: USA
Region: Portland
Price: AUD$115-130

Brand: Mackmyra
Release: Svensk Rök
ABV: 46.1%
Country: Sweden
Region: Valbo
Price: AUD$70-100

Brand: Sullivans Cove
Release: Double Cask Tasmanian Single Malt
ABV: 45%
Country: Australia
Region: Tasmania
Price: AUD$220-250

First, let’s take a little look at what exactly makes a whisky a whisky. In the simplest terms, whisky is a spirit made from distilling fermented mash from grains. In single malts, that’s usually barley, but when talking about all whisky, it can be corn, rye, wheat, and various other grains. Importantly, there are distinctions that separate some drams from others and these can often be attributed to geographical constraints.

When it comes to single malt whisky, in particular, the Scottish rules are fairly straightforward. In Scotland, in order to be referred to as a single malt, the whisky must be produced with 100% malted barley. It also must be made at only one distillery. There are a few more rules, but those are the basics. In the US, while many of the same Scottish rules are followed, like with the corn content in bourbon or the rye content in rye whiskey, an American single malt only needs to have a mash bill made up of 51% malted barley.

And while Scotland is most known for its single malt whiskies, countries like the United States and Japan have been making their own single malts for a hundred years or more with historic Japanese brands like Yamazaki and Hakushu and American upstarts like Virginia Distillery and Westland leading the way. But they aren’t the only countries producing award-winning, high-quality, notable single malt whiskies. You can find great expressions from countries like Sweden, India, Taiwan, Ireland, France, and even right here in Australia.

This list of the best single malt whiskies produced outside of Scotland has been collated by Man of Many’s experienced team of drinks writers and reviewers. In addition to tasting every whisky on this list, we also turned to the wider public for their overall ratings. Our list takes into account three major perspectives to determine the overall rating. In addition to our own opinions, we take into account reviews via alcohol retailer Dan Murphys and the Australian drinks forums such as Master of Malt and The Whisky Wash. Each whisky identified in the list was measured on:

Whisky Types