In recent times, the whisky industry has captured the spotlight with stories of premium offerings. Enthusiasts are buzzing about rare, vintage, and exotic bottle releases, exemplified by events such as the recent Distillers One of One charity auction, where three lots fetched over £300,000. This allure is undeniably enticing.
However, it is essential to recognize that these high-end whiskies are not what most consumers regularly purchase. The backbone of the whisky market consists of core range products that sustain distilleries financially. While limited editions and antique variations may take center stage, there is a wealth of outstanding, accessible whisky available without breaking the bank.
Here are 12 remarkable budget-friendly whiskies, all priced under £50, that prove great quality can come at a reasonable cost.
Ardbeg An Oa
This peated gem from the celebrated Islay distillery delivers an exceptional smoky experience for the price. By blending four types of casks—first-fill and re-fill bourbon, Pedro Ximenez sherry, and charred new American oak—this whisky spends three months married in a large wooden vat before bottling.
Expect notes of vanilla, toffee, baking spices, and a hint of bonfire embers, creating a full-bodied yet delightful single malt that’s truly peaty perfection.
Bushmills 12 Years Old
As a new addition to the core offering of the world’s oldest licensed distillery, this triple-distilled spirit impresses. It undergoes an initial maturation in bourbon and Oloroso sherry barrels, followed by a six-month finish in rich Marsala wine casks sourced from Sicily.
With delicious notes of vanilla ice cream, fresh apricot, and creamy milk chocolate, it also features hints of candied lime and hazelnut praline.
Cragganmore 12 Years Old
Cragganmore has long been a representative of the Speyside region in Diageo’s Classic Malts lineup since its inception in the late 1980s. This whisky stands out with its bold character, balanced by a hint of gentle peat smoke.
Enjoy notes of golden syrup and baked apple tart, complemented by sultana, malted biscuits, and a whisper of smoke, making it a truly underrated treasure.
Filey Bay Flagship
In the realm of craft distilleries, Yorkshire has emerged as a notable player, with Spirit of Yorkshire becoming the first to produce whisky in this beautiful region.
Flagship, named after a local scenic area, forms the foundation of their Filey Bay single malt series. This whisky is genuinely field-to-bottle, as they cultivate all of their barley on a nearby farm.
Anticipate a vibrant burst of freshness with notes of green apple, honey, and malt.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Glen Scotia 12 Years Old
A new offering from the Campbeltown distillery’s range, Glen Scotia 12 years old consistently provides excellent value. It is matured entirely in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels.
The aroma reveals sweet vanilla, while the palate is treated to ripe tropical fruits such as pineapple and papaya, with a touch of dried banana. A gentle hint of peat smoke lingers on the finish.
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
As the largest-selling Scotch whisky brand globally, Johnnie Walker introduces a new member: Black Ruby. This blend offers complexity, highlighted by single malt from Diageo’s Roseisle distillery.
Its maturation process incorporates four different cask types: bourbon, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry, along with red wine. It shines whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic whisky cocktail.
A guaranteed favorite that won’t let you down.
Lochlea Orchard & Oak
This distillery from the Lowland region of Scotland is also a field-to-bottle operation. Lochlea Farm not only houses the distillery but also cultivates all the barley for production and has historical ties to the poet Robert Burns.
This latest addition to their lineup emphasizes Lochlea’s fruity character, with part of its maturation occurring in ex-Calvados apple brandy casks from northern France.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Longrow Peated
Produced at the renowned Springbank distillery, this Campbeltown classic is known for its smoky character. Longrow Peated is crafted in limited batches throughout the year.
Powerful sooty and ashy peat smoke intermingles with sweet toffee, brown sugar, and vanilla custard. Notable hints of green apple, candied lemon, and toasted marshmallow add complexity, balanced by a persistent peat kick.
Stauning HØST
This Danish offering is a unique double malt, skillfully combining single malt and rye whiskies, matured in ex-bourbon barrels, heavily charred virgin American oak, and ex-Port barriques.
HØST translates to ‘harvest’ in Danish, marking the start of the Stauning lineup. It is characterized by malty and spicy notes with a medley of flavors like milk chocolate, maraschino cherry, marzipan, candied orange, cinnamon, and cookie dough.
The Antiquary 15 Years Old
This classic blend has made a quiet resurgence in popularity. Originally registered in 1888 and inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s gothic novel The Antiquary, it enjoyed significant acclaim in the 1970s and 80s before fading from view, only to be rediscovered by new whisky enthusiasts.
Matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry oak casks, it is then finished for an extended period in ex-Claret red wine casks from Bordeaux, France, offering excellent value and an abundance of flavor.
Teeling Small Batch
Leading the charge in Ireland’s whisky revival, the Teeling family established the first distillery in Dublin in over half a century.
Their small-batch blend, which forms the foundation of their selection, boasts a high ratio of single malt to grain whisky and is finished in ex-rum casks for enhanced flavor.
With tasting notes of vanilla, pear, toffee, and a unique hint of sweet tropical fruits, this whisky offers fantastic value.
Togouchi Premium Blend
This Japanese blended whisky stands out as one of the most affordable options available, partly due to its blending with Scotch single malt and Canadian grain whiskies, making it a true global blend.
Togouchi is characterized by its full-bodied richness and sweetness, with subtle hints of smoke. It features delightful notes of milk chocolate and honey, beautifully combined with vanilla and white pepper. You will surely want to pour yourself another glass.
