This is our round-up of affordable whiskies for the budget-conscious drinker.
Whisky doesn’t have to be expensive. Great flavour can come with affordability. The bottles we’ve picked allow you to enjoy the whisky experience without breaking the bank.
We’ve created a list of seriously budget-friendly whiskies. Most of these are below or around £20 (at the time of writing) and, frankly, what can you get for that these days?
Affordable whiskies for the budget-conscious drinker
The Glenlee Blended Whisky
Price: £15.41.
Summary: A smooth and well-rounded blended whisky, The Glenlee is a reliable option for everyday sipping. It delivers a pleasant malt sweetness, making it approachable for beginners while still satisfying for seasoned drinkers.
Tasting Notes: The nose reveals sweet malt and vanilla, with hints of fresh citrus. On the palate, you’ll experience soft honey, light spices, and a creamy mouthfeel that finishes with gentle oak undertones.
The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth Irish Whiskey
Price: £24.57 (Now £22.99 with a price drop)
Summary: Our Irish whiskey pick, The Busker Triple Cask stands out as a sophisticated yet affordable sipper thanks to its triple cask maturation, with bourbon, sherry, and marsala casks adding the kind of depth you expect to pay big bucks for. It’s great value for those seeking a layered whiskey experience.
Tasting Notes: Fruity aromas combine with toffee and subtle spices on the nose. The palate reveals dried fruits, rich caramel, and vanilla, with a finish that’s long, smooth, and slightly sweet with hints of spice.
The Ardmore Legacy Whisky
Price: £24.43
Summary: A single malt for the price of a blend. And one perfect for those who enjoy a mild smoky flavour. The Ardmore Legacy is a real favourite of ours here at MoM Towers. It delivers the perfect balance of peat and sweetness, making it an ideal gateway into the world of peated whiskies. Especially for those not yet ready for the full Islay experience.
Tasting Notes: The nose has delicate smoke, sweet honey, and toasted oak. The palate offers light peat smoke with vanilla and citrus notes, followed by a gentle spice. The finish is smooth with a lingering hint of smoke.
Jim Beam White Label Whiskey
Price: £19.95
Summary: A staple bourbon, and boy have we really hammered home the point that there is a treasure trove of value in that market, but none offer the value of Jim Beam White Label. You know exactly what you’re getting with this bourbon, which delivers consistent quality at a great price.
Tasting Notes: The nose offers notes of caramel, vanilla, and light oak. On the palate, there’s a smooth blend of sweet corn, rich vanilla, and mild spice, leading to a clean and slightly oaky finish with a hint of warmth.
High Commissioner Blended Scotch Whisky
Price: £16.79
Summary: Just look at those reviews. For a whisky that costs less than £17 to rack up an average of four stars after 122 reviews says a lot. High Commissioner has a friendly, mellow profile that means each sip is wholly welcome. A High Commissioner Highball is a nice summer drink too.
Tasting Notes: The nose opens with light fruit, vanilla, and malt. The palate is smooth with honeyed sweetness, light spice, and a gentle touch of smoke. The finish is short but pleasant, with a warming glow.
That’s our round-up of affordable whiskies for the budget-conscious drinker. Do you have any suggestions we should know about? Let us know in the comments below.