For many whisky lovers, enjoying a good dram doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, some of the best whiskies on the market can be found for under $50. From smooth bourbons to rich Scotch whiskies to flavorful Irish whiskies, there is something for every taste preference and budget. In this article, we will explore the top 20 whiskies under $50 that you should consider adding to your home bar.
Bourbon Whiskies
Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. It is known for its sweet, caramel, and vanilla flavor profile and is a popular choice among whiskey drinkers.
1. Evan Williams Black Label
Price: $15-$20
Evan Williams Black Label is a budget-friendly bourbon whiskey that is aged for at least four years. It has a smooth and mellow flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whiskey that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
2. Old Grand-Dad Bonded
Price: $20-$25
Old Grand-Dad Bonded is a high-rye bourbon whiskey that is aged for at least four years. It has a spicy flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and pepper. It is a great option for anyone who enjoys a whiskey with a bit more kick and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
3. Buffalo Trace
Price: $25-$30
Buffalo Trace is a budget-friendly bourbon whiskey that is aged for at least eight years in new charred oak barrels. It has a complex and smooth flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whiskey that is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or in cocktails.
4. Wild Turkey 101
Price: $25-$30
Wild Turkey 101 is a high-proof bourbon whiskey that is aged for at least six years. It has a bold and spicy flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whiskey with a bit more kick and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
5. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Price: $30-$35
Elijah Craig Small Batch is a small-batch bourbon whiskey that is aged for at least eight years. It has a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whiskey with a bit more depth and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
Scotch Whiskies
Scotch whisky is a type of whisky that is made in Scotland and aged in oak barrels. It is known for its smoky, peaty, and complex flavor profile and is a popular choice among whisky drinkers.
6. The Famous Grouse
Price: $20-$25
The Famous Grouse is a budget-friendly blended Scotch whisky that is aged for at least three years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile with notes of honey, vanilla, and oak. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
7. Johnnie Walker Red Label
Price: $20-$25
Johnnie Walker Red Label is a blended Scotch whisky that is aged for at least three years. It has a slightly smoky flavor profile with notes of fruit, vanilla, and spice. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky with a bit more complex and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
8. Glen Moray Classic
Price: $25-$30
Glen Moray Classic is a budget-friendly single malt Scotch whisky that is aged for at least six years in ex-bourbon barrels. It has a smooth and creamy flavor profile with notes of vanilla, toffee, and oak. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
9. Speyburn 10 Year Old
Price: $30-$35
Speyburn 10 Year Old is a budget-friendly single malt Scotch whisky that is aged for at least ten years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. It has a fruity and spicy flavor profile with notes of apple, pear, cinnamon, and vanilla. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky with a bit more complex and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
10. Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Price: $40-$45
Laphroaig 10 Year Old is a budget-friendly Islay single malt Scotch whisky that is aged for at least ten years in ex-bourbon barrels. It has a smoky and peaty flavor profile with notes of seaweed, salt, and iodine. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky with a unique and intense flavor profile and can be enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.
Irish Whiskies
Irish whiskey is a type of whiskey that is made in Ireland and aged in oak barrels. It is known for its smooth and approachable flavor profile and is a popular choice among whiskey drinkers.
11. Tullamore D.E.W.
Price: $20-$25
Tullamore D.E.W. is a budget-friendly blended Irish whiskey that is aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. It has a smooth and sweet flavor profile with notes of honey, vanilla, and citrus. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whiskey that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
12. Jameson
Price: $20-$25
Jameson is a budget-friendly blended Irish whiskey that is aged for at least three years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile with notes of honey, vanilla, and spice. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whiskey that is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or in cocktails.
13. Bushmills Original
Price: $25-$30
Bushmills Original is a budget-friendly blended Irish whiskey that is aged for at least three years in ex-bourbon barrels. It has a smooth and light flavor profile with notes of honey, vanilla, and fruit. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whiskey that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
14. Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey
Price: $25-$30
Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey is a budget-friendly blended Irish whiskey that is aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. It has a smooth and mellow flavor profile with notes of honey, vanilla, and oak. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget friendly whiskey with a bit more complexity and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
Japanese Whiskies
Japanese whisky is a type of whisky that is made in Japan and is known for its smooth and delicate flavor profile. It is made using similar methods as Scotch whisky, but it is also influenced by the local culture and ingredients.
15. Suntory Toki
Price: $35-$40
Suntory Toki is a budget-friendly Japanese blended whisky that is made using whiskies from the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries. It has a light and delicate flavor profile with notes of citrus, vanilla, and honey. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
16. Nikka Coffey Grain
Price: $45-$50
Nikka Coffey Grain is a budget-friendly Japanese single grain whisky that is made using a Coffey still. It has a sweet and fruity flavor profile with notes of pear, vanilla, and coconut. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky with a unique flavor profile and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
Canadian Whiskies
Canadian whisky is a type of whisky that is made in Canada and is known for its smooth and easy-drinking flavor profile. It is made using a variety of grains, including corn, rye, and wheat.
17. Canadian Club
Price: $15-$20
Canadian Club is a budget-friendly Canadian whisky that is aged for at least three years in ex-bourbon barrels. It has a smooth and mellow flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
18. Crown Royal
Price: $25-$30
Crown Royal is a budget-friendly Canadian whisky that is aged for at least three years in a variety of barrels, including ex-bourbon, new oak, and ex-sherry. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile with notes of vanilla, fruit, and spice. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky that is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or in cocktails.
19. Pendleton
Price: $25-$30
Pendleton is a budget-friendly Canadian whisky that is aged for at least three years in ex-bourbon barrels. It has a smooth and sweet flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and fruit. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
20. Black Velvet
Price: $15-$20
Black Velvet is a budget-friendly Canadian whisky that is aged for at least three years in ex-bourbon barrels. It has a smooth and mellow flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is a great option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly whisky that is easy to drink and can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
Conclusion
There are many budget-friendly whiskies that are available for under $50, and they come in a variety of styles and flavor profiles. Whether you prefer Scotch, Irish, Japanese, or Canadian whisky, there is a budget-friendly option out there for you.
Some of the best budget-friendly whiskies include Glenlivet 12, Monkey Shoulder, Four Roses Bourbon, Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Jameson, and Canadian Club. These whiskies offer a great balance of flavor and affordability, making them a great choice for anyone
