TheNeatNeat
What Are the Best Affordable Scotches?
We love Scotch whisky. But there’s no getting around it: It can be spendy.
But it doesn’t have to be.
At Mash & Grape, we stock Scotch whiskies priced from $30 to almost $8,000, and every price point in between. That means you’re sure to find something that suits both your budget and your palate.
Need a couple pointers? Here are a few ideas about where to start when you’re not looking to spend a ton.
There’s a reason this super-affordable whisky is the best-selling whisky brand in Scotland: It hits the bullseye on value. From the same group behind Glenrothes, the Macallan, and Highland Park, the Famous Grouse is a blended Scotch whisky that includes both malt and grain whiskies. It’s the perfect choice for cocktails or drinking over ice.
It’s a funny thing to say about the most popular Scotch whisky brand in the world, but Johnnie Walker is something of a well-kept secret, in that it’s way better than you might expect.
The peated Johnnie Walker Black Label is a particularly solid choice for affordable neat pours or cocktails that call for a hint of smoke. Even though it’s a blended whisky, it has a 12-year age statement. That means every whisky that goes into the blend–including both malt and grain whiskies–is aged at least 12 years.
This Scotch whisky from William Grant & Sons is a blended malt, which means it’s a blend of multiple single malt whiskies. There’s no official age statement, but the brand says the constituents range from six to 12 years of age, with most in the eight to 10 range. It’s super easy to drink, with sweet notes of vanilla, malt, and banana.
If you love sherry cask matured whisky, you’ll love Dalmore. The rich, nutty influence of Oloroso sherry is front and center in this single malt whisky. Many of the older Dalmores are fantastically expensive, but the 12-year-old is one of the most affordable sherried single malts on the market. Look for flavors like candied orange peels, dates, raisins, and cocoa.
Think all cheap Scotches are mild and flavorless? Think again. This five-year-old Ardbeg single malt is its youngest whisky, but don’t equate youth with blandness.
Ardbeg’s signature peat reek comes billowing from the glass when you pour yourself a dram of Wee Beastie, complemented with lively pepper and spice. It was aged in ex-bourbon casks as well as ex-Oloroso sherry barrels, then bottled at a hearty 47.4% alcohol.
Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
Bruichladdich is an Islay distillery, but if you go in expecting intense smoke, you’ll be surprised. The Classic Laddie is their signature unpeated single malt, which dishes up a fresh, elegant, delicate combination of honeyed caramel, bright floral tones, and refreshing sea air. Each batch is aged in a different combination of casks, ranging from ex-bourbon and sherry to wine, port, and rum casks. You can visit Bruichladdich’s website to get the full rundown on the constituents of your bottle.
This rock-solid Speyside single malt is a light, easy-going, and easy-drinking sipper that’s not so precious you can’t mix a generous pour into your next cocktail. Aged in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and European oak sherry casks, it’s a fresh and fruity whisky with a long, mellow finish.
Aberfeldy Scotch Single Malt 12 Year
This classic Highland single malt is the “heart malt” of Dewar’s, one of the most popular blends in the world. Clean, fresh, and polished, with just a touch of spice and plenty of sweet honey, it’s easy to fall in love with Aberfeldy–especially given its affordable price.
Ready to stock up on Scotches that won’t break the bank? Visit Mash & Grape for more, and to order whisky delivered straight to your door.