Choosing the perfect whisky can be a challenge, especially with so many excellent options available under £50. To simplify your selection process, we’ve curated a list of ‘must-have’ whiskies for your collection. This selection features a variety of styles, from beloved classics to hidden gems, along with a few delightful surprises.
Arran 10 Years Old
Arran distillery, established in the early 1990s, was a pioneer of the Scottish craft whisky movement, becoming the first legal distillery on Arran in more than 140 years. The 10 Years Old expression is a standout offering from their core range, having debuted in 2006.
What to expect: a gentle and fragrant whisky, blending notes of green apple and pear with honey, vanilla, and a hint of baking spices.
Balvenie 12 Years Old Doublewood
Balvenie’s 12 Years Old Doublewood is a quintessential Speyside single malt known for its unique maturation process. It was among the first to introduce the concept of finishing, first aging in American oak ex-bourbon barrels before transitioning to European oak ex-sherry casks.
What to expect: a delightful interplay of butterscotch, toffee, and dried fruits, accented by vanilla, honey, and woody spices. It’s simply exceptional.
Bushmills 10 Years Old
Bushmills, the oldest licensed distillery in the world, has been crafting whisky since 1608. Nestled near the stunning Giant’s Causeway, the 10 Years Old serves as an accessible and sophisticated introduction to triple-distilled Irish single malt.
What to expect: a light, fruity profile boasting a gentle honey sweetness, green apple notes, refined wood spices, and an underlying cereal character. Its velvety texture exemplifies elegance.
Chivas Regal 12 Years Old
Renowned as one of the best-selling blended Scotch whiskies globally, Chivas Regal 12 Years Old combines select Speyside and Highland whiskies, earning numerous prestigious awards over the years.
What to expect: a harmonious medley of honey, dried dark fruits, vanilla, cereal grains, nuts, and earthy spices. Its aromatic complexity and flavor make it an exceptional value.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Glendronach 12 Years Old
Renowned for its exceptional sherry cask finishes, Glendronach produces outstanding whiskies, with the 12 Year Old being a perfect example. It masterfully blends two styles of sherry, utilizing both medium dry ex-Oloroso and sweet ex-Pedro Ximenez casks.
What to expect: a rich tapestry of caramel, toffee, and dried fruits (especially sultanas), complemented by notes of toasted nuts, candied orange, and a hint of black treacle.
Glengoyne 12 Years Old
Situated on the boundary of the Highlands and Lowlands, Glengoyne produces slow-matured single malts. The 12 Years Old exemplifies their meticulous artistry without straining your finances.
What to expect: soft and fruity notes of green apple, sultanas, and raisins, followed by vanilla, coconut, milk chocolate, and a hint of oaky dryness. It’s a versatile choice for any whisky lover.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Nikka From The Barrel
Nikka From The Barrel has surged in popularity since the 1980s, thanks to its intricate blend of over 100 single malt and grain whiskies. It’s bottled at a high strength for maximum flavor.
What to expect: a bold and complex experience featuring warming spices, caramel, dried fruits, robust cereals, and a touch of orange peel.
Springbank 10 Years Old
With a heritage rooted in tradition, Springbank distillery has been family-owned since 1828 and continues to reject modern technology for a hands-on whisky-making process. The 10 Years Old single malt is an iconic representation of Campbeltown whisky.
What to expect: earthy flavors coupled with subtle peatiness, along with notes of malty cereal, toffee, vanilla, and heather honey, all presented with a creamy mouthfeel.
Starward Left-Field
Emerging from Melbourne, Starward distillery represents Australia’s innovative spirit in whisky production. Left-Field showcases whisky aged in three different Australian red wine barrels from Barossa and Yarra Valley.
What to expect: a bold profile of sweet dried fruits, toffee, and warming spices with a pleasantly dry, slightly tannic finish.
Talisker 10 Years Old
Hailing from the rugged Isle of Skye, Talisker 10 Years Old epitomizes the “made by the sea” ethos. With a smoky character, this whisky embodies a maritime experience that transports you directly to the Hebrides.
What to expect: a captivating blend of salty sea spray, tangy peat smoke, butterscotch, and caramel, intertwined with malty cereals and caramelized pears.
