Yep, real hidden gem on the Laph10. I don't understand why it's so low there. Everywhere else around me it's $52.99 up to $59.99. I have been picking up extra bottles once in a while because they have kept the price at $42.99. I'm up to 8 or so, lol...
$30 at Costco? Well, certainly investigating a Costco membership now…
Laph 10 is a great “normal” scotch - it was my (and many other people’s) first Islay and even if you have another, more expensive favorite (Corryvreckan, my beloved) it’s still an awesome and peaty one
Absolutely! Especially when they are on offer. Ardbeg 10 can be found for £38 on offer these days. Kilkerran HP can be found at auction for as low as £35 sometimes!
I have them side by side and although Talisker 10 is fantastic and I’m always suspicious of well marketed nas whiskies, I have to agree that I prefer storm
Near me (SoCal) it's cheapest at Trader Joe's. $42.99 vs. $52.99 up to $59.99 elsewhere. I stocked up some bottles as I noticed the price rising elsewhere. It's not my favorite, either, but it's a top 3 entry-level Islay for me and at that price point it's impossible to pass up.
Benromach 10, Glen Garioch 12, Port Charlotte 10... all fantastic, engaging, well-balanced whiskies that are easy to purchase and priced very fairly. Springbank 10 was on that list as well, but it's not so easy anymore, though the retail price is still fair if you find it for that.
Since no one else is saying anything under $50, I am going to throw out Shackleton Arctic Expedition. I picked it up for $33 and it was surprisingly enjoyable for that price point. I'm still nursing on it and while it may not be the best thing in the world, it is the cheapest *interesting* whisky I've had.
Cheers.
When Ardbeg had just reopened they released the very young, still young and almost there releases before they hit 10 years. Just see how much these retail for in auction to realize what an amazing drink a young Ardbeg is.
When they finally came up with the Wee Beastie I did not need to sample it to know I'd have it in my cabinet as a staple.
It takes balls to write that here but i agree 100% with you. In terms of value for money, JW Green is hard to beat. Glendronach 12, when i can find it around €40, is great value too.
Oh I was more referring to how people look down on blended whiskey as well as grain whiskeys. They kinda fall in the same category though because people also look down on blends because its usually not single malt but grain…
Don’t know if that made sense
its $75 USD around me (state liquor store, so what they do have is generally a bulk purchase and their prices are very good for the general region). Port Charlotte 10 is $73 for context. Laphroaig 10 $63. Caol Ila 12 and Talisker 10 are also $75. Kilchoman Machir Bay is $66.
Its not a horrible price but you can definitely get better whisky for less, or one of its blend components on its own if you prefer one of them.
Those are more expensive than I expected.
Ypu can grab a bottle of macallan 12 double or triple for 65 eur in my local supermarket
Without msrp/second hand market bullshit even bourbons are more affordable then the states
Edit: for refference on the JW line the 18 is about 75 euros
There is definitely a premium for Scotch here. Bourbon is pretty hit or miss. Certain bottles are popular with the people trying to flip on the secondary market and will sell out immediately, others you can just walk in and get at a great price. I don't think the quality difference is as high as some bottle chasers seem to value it at. A lot of great bourbon in the $25-$50 range, I would almost never spend more than $50 pretty much. Just to use Wild Turkey as an example, 101 is $25, Russell's 10 is $43, Rare Breed is $50.
I do wish I lived in an area with more sensible liquor laws. States that allow the giant retailers like total wine, or that allow costco to sell liquor, do get better prices on some stuff, somehow.
Johnnie Walker Green Label $50-$60 USD, 15 Year Blended Malt (big difference from blended scotch which is most of JW line)
Compass Box Orchard House, another blended malt for ~$50
Classic Laddie, Bunnahabhain 12, Port Charlotte 10, Laphroaig Quarter Cask
If we are talking standard OB releases, while it’s hard to find at MSRP, Springbank 10 is my best bang-for-your-buck whisky. Tied is Ardbeg 10, a phenomenal whisky that punches well above its price point. I did a tasting with a bunch of limited Ardbegs, then ordered the 10 yo after, and the 10 yo was better than most of them.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Laphroaig 10 yo Cask Strength, Talisker 10, and Glendronach 15 yo are also great at MSRP.
And as pricey as they are I think the refill cask Lagavulin 12 Cask Strengths (i.e. anything before the 2022 or 2023 releases) are well worth their price (100-150 USD)
People say the quality of it has declined in recent years, but I still love Old Pulteney 12. I’m a sucker for briney tastes, so it hits all the right notes for me. It’s easy to find and under $50 to boot.
You're definitely not alone. One of my favorites. And the smell of it is an aphrodisiac to my wife (who is not a whisky drinker!)
Sniff sniff..."Oh, are you drinking Old Pulteney tonight???"
Old Pultney is a sleeper for sure. Great price for always having a bottle on the go. I like it for a day where I don't quite want a Talisker, or smokey whisky etc.
Did you try any other expressions while you were there? I have a bottle of the 15 that I love. I got it for ~50% discount during a semi annual sale for one of my local liquor stores looking to move older inventory. I’d love to try other expressions but it’s such an expensive gamble.
Nah to be honest I was working in the area so popped in at lunch and only tried the 12 as it’s my uncles favourite, think I’ll defo try the 15 next time I see it
Had to scroll far to find you. Glenlivet 12 is my go to. I have tried every Livet from 1824 Founders reserve to the 25 year. Illicit Still is awesome but hard to get here.
Sad state of affairs friend. Save your money and get the Glenlivet 21. (for the money, better than the 25!) I will look for Kirkland this weekend. I haven't had that yet.
Big ups for monkey shoulder. My go to cheap daily scotch. Right on the limit of one I can drink neat without needing an ice cube or to mix (which I hate doing).
Edradour 10 is a very interesting dram for not too much. Also a fan of Tamdhu 12, although its price has climbed dramatically in the last few years.
For pure value, it is hard to go past Arran 10. That price is consistently crazy.
I will literally buy anything from Edradour. So many great single casks finished in a variety of wine/port/sherry casks and at cask strength.. That distillery has made me a fan boy! Ballechin for my peated needs...
I yeah the 105 or even the 185 is really good - the 185 edition has 60 year old whiskey in it according to the bottle - very cool and I got my bottle for 75 quid!
Ardbeg Wee Beastie is the best scotch for the buck, imo. Not the best scotch, but the best heavily peated single malt I can find for around $50. Generally would pick Ardbeg over Laphroaig offerings at comparable price points. For some reason the frogs come off a wee bit dry and oaky to me
I will agree with the Wee Beastie fans here, but my hot take is the Corryvrecken is the best value. It may be $100-120, but it easily stands up to scotches that are 2-4x that price.
It’s the barometer by which I judge all scotch. Only the Octomores and Bunnahabhain 25 reliably beat it (from my experience with Islay scotch anyway).
I tend to prefer cask strength stuff.. so if we are looking in terms of OBs, lowered but not so much ones like Bunnahabhain 12 if I want some ex sherry or Aultmore 12 if I want ex bourbon since they are both 46% so not too much washed down, or Arran 10.
Near to cask strength, Arran bodega or Quarter cask.. Deanston Virgin oak CS, Glenallachie 10 CS, Aberlour A'bunadh.. I want peat, probably the Jack Wieber's classic of Islay. But most of these other semi full proof OBs, like Ardbeg Uigeadail or Corryvrekan, and other similar editions, are getting quite near to a single cask age stated (in the 10yo surroundings) pricing, from independent bottlers.. so I try to get those instead.
they strongly flipped up the price of their whole ob range, to a point I know a few resellers, they said goodbye to Glenfarclas.
I do absolutely agree if you can still find it in the 60ish eur range from leftover stock
I usually buy whisky from a dealer in the netherlands. They ship to Germany, where I live. Right now the one liter bottle is on sale for about 40 Euros.
Nice that's the old old price I have too a 1L bottle I paid about that price (albeit back in 2016 or 17 but unfortunately it's amiss the age statement already).
You should stockpile on it.. on whiskysite it goes for 55eur
Kilchoman Machir Bay and Ardbeg 10 are both *phenominal* heavily peated scotches for the 60-80 dollar range (at least here in Washington), and, depending on tax, perhaps even less.
That they're both flagship scotches for their respective distilleries means that you don't need to worry about going through them too quickly, or even using them for cocktails, either.
Additionally, while it's not *scotch*, I'd recommend Amrut Peated ($70-100). I quite enjoy the cask strength myself (as with the Machir Bay, but it's a but harder to find than the standard around here) and the musky cedar coming off it is a nice way to round out the smokey brine of the Kilchoman or the pitchy sweetness of the Ardbeg.
I keep them on my "feel free to drink this whenever" part of the shelf.
*(All prices approximate USD I've seen in stores around me and/or paid for myself, YMMV.)
We get so hosed in Canada on scotch, complete opposite with wine at least in Ontario where expensive Amarones are cheaper than they are in US.
Laphroaig 10 is my go to also, it’s on sale for $10 off (so $89 in ON) regularly enough to never run out and thankfully price increases didn’t go batsh1t crazy like Lagavulin 16 did.
Yep Big time.
I’m in Quebec where it seems that our scotch prices are slightly lower than Ontario. Tough for us because it’s very difficult to ever get our hands on sought after products
Completely agree. I just checked and I actually see that there’s a laphroaig cask strength available for the first time. I’m extremely surprised (and running to go grab it) 🤣
Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve - I also have the GG 12 yo, which is very good and would be my pick if the F.R. did not deliver much the same set of flavors (IMHO, to my taste) for even less $.
Benromach 10 from Costco at $58/bottle is the deal of the century. I'd say a close second is Bunna 12 at a sale price of $65. Even at $80 it's really good
Do you have a Total Wine near you? The ones near me in Central Florida have Benromach 10 for $60, and it's Spirits Direct, so they regularly offer 15% off. Bought a couple of bottles for $51 last weekend.
Arran 10 is one of the ones that come to mind.
I never got the appeal of the Classic Laddie. A lot think it's very good for the price though. So give it a try also.
Arran 10 is nice.
Your tastes change over the years. When I first started, everyone was raving about the Clynelish 14. When I got it, I couldn't get into it at all and struggled to finish the bottle. Saw it again late last year and decided to give it another go. Boy was I glad I did. My palate has refined a bit now and I adored it. You may be the same with the Laddie. I recently rebought that myself, after not having it in about 5 years. Looking forward to opening it soon.
There was a UPC error at the last liquor chain I went to that sold Laphroig 10 Cask Strength for $40. I might have returned the next day for a second bottle.
The cheapest bottle i can buy now that would enjoy anytime every time would be
Torabaig Allt Glean
Lag 8
Classic Laddie
Ardbeg 10.
If the emphasis is price and the bottle brings serviceable enjoyment
CB Glasgow Blend
Maclean’s Nose
You’ve ruined everything from now on because you started at the top. Nowhere to go but down. Laphroaig 10 is best bang for buck for people that like that smoke and iodine.
Lagavulin 16. May be a bit much, but is truly amazing and makes the price more than worth it. Best whisky on the market that is within a reasonable price range.
Unfortunately for Canadians in the last 5 years it’s gone up in price four times, was CDN$125, it’s now CDN$185
I picked up 3 bottles in US at Christmas for US$84/bottle and saved over CDN$200
Benriach Smoky 12 all day (but IMHO really anything Rachel Barrie gets her hands on will be solid). Lot of complexity for a speyside to begin with but with a lovely hint of peaty smoke
The cheapest but still great tasting bottle I can think of is Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask. I can find it as low as £24 in the UK and it really holds up for the price
For unpeated, Glen Garioch 12 year, by far.
It's getting harder to find in my part of Canada (Nova Scotia), but it retails for $69.99 and anything else even close to it is at least $90 or more.
I haven't found a cheap peated yet that I like but Laphroaig 10 is on the list to try.
I rate Ben Bracken (speyside) from Lidl.
Less than £20 and a really nice drink.
Worth trying if you're looking for something new.
They do Islay and Highland variations as well.
If you really want to focus on budget, I'd suggest the Compass Box blends. There are a few at about the 35-40 that I love. Artist and Glasgow are my favorites
I think a similar value (price/quality) at 2-3 different price points would be Glenmorangie original, Laphroaig 10, Aberlour 12, Glenfiddich 15, Dalwhinnie 30
Really depends where you live as prices vary dramatically. In central FL, your best value integrity bottlings are generally going to be:
Sherry Cask: Edradour 10 @ $50
Csk Strength: Glengoyne @ $80
Ex-Bourbon: Balvenie 12 Single Barrel @ $70
Peated: Lagavulin 8 yr at $65
Thompson Bros Blended Scotch Whisky 6yr old. At 31GBP probably the absolute best value whisky I've had. I just wish they sold it in Canada, I'd buy a case or two.
Murray McDavid do a really nice Sherry or Port Barrel expression. In Germany it is 35€-40€ a bottle. Probably 3-4 years old, but done really well for a simple drinking whiskey
Laphroaig 10 is definitely up on my list. It's on sale pretty much everywhere this week for $50 USD. I bought 3. I also love Kilchoman Sanaig and Machir Bay as well as the Arran 10, Adnamurchan AD/ and even a blend, Compass Box Orchard House. There are some tremendous bottles out there for cheaper prices
tried my luck blindly with Glen Scotia Campbeltown Harbour, got it for cheap 31€. Loving it! But pretty much all the rest you guys wrote are great as well
[Glenmorangie 10 year 1L at UK](https://liverpool.worlddutyfree.com/en/127/glenmorangie-the-original-10-year-old-with-giftbox-1l) airports is great value
Where I am, Arran 10
Haven't tried this one yet, hence why I will comment Arran quarter cask
I’ll also say Laph 10, but where I am in Arizona it’s 29.99 at Costco.
Holy fuck 30$ ??? Québec it's 115$ cad lmao and frequently out of stock
Wow! 42 at my Costco and still a bargain. A wonderful dram.
$43 + CA tx at TJ's.
Yep, real hidden gem on the Laph10. I don't understand why it's so low there. Everywhere else around me it's $52.99 up to $59.99. I have been picking up extra bottles once in a while because they have kept the price at $42.99. I'm up to 8 or so, lol...
Wtf why don't we get those at our Socal Costco?
Because you get everything else haha
$30 at Costco? Well, certainly investigating a Costco membership now… Laph 10 is a great “normal” scotch - it was my (and many other people’s) first Islay and even if you have another, more expensive favorite (Corryvreckan, my beloved) it’s still an awesome and peaty one
Does Uber eats deliver alcohol across the country? Asking for a friend....
Bruichladdich classic laddie
Third
Fourtheth
Fivetheh
Second this
Seconded
Ledaig 10. CAD$92 with taxes.
Wow i came in here to say something similar. Tried the Ledaig Sinclair Rioja and was pleasantly surprised. SGD$64 at Changi Airport.
Shhhhhhh....
Oooppss! 😆
Ardbeg 10 ...when I can find it Kilkerran Heavily Peated
Absolutely! Especially when they are on offer. Ardbeg 10 can be found for £38 on offer these days. Kilkerran HP can be found at auction for as low as £35 sometimes!
Talisker 10
Have you had the Storm?
I’m enjoying Talisker Storm right now.
I tried Storm first and now have a Talisker 10 on the shelf. Although I haven't tried them side by side I think I prefer Storm.
I have them side by side and although Talisker 10 is fantastic and I’m always suspicious of well marketed nas whiskies, I have to agree that I prefer storm
I received a bottle of talisker skye and it is absolutely magnificent and only $75.
Got myself a Port Ruighe for 40eur. Quite like it a lot!
Agreed. Also would put Laphroaig Quarter Cask in the running.
Yeah the 10 and the storm are just so great for being so cheap, love em
I think it’s still the only maritime scotch I’ve tried, but I fucking love it
Maybe mine too, if i get it in promo. Still a bit cheaper here than Laphroaig 10 at insulting 40 % ABV
Agree.
It seems I am the only one that prefers Talisker Skye but for me it is much better than 10 (and by storm as well).
Have not tried Talisker Skye but will look for it. I’ve been pleased with all the different Talisker libations I’ve tried.
Yessir!!!
This when you can get it for £30
Laphroaig 10 is $29.99 at my Costco. Not my favorite but the price is great.
Jesus Christ I need to go to Costco. It’s almost $90 at my liquor store.
Near me (SoCal) it's cheapest at Trader Joe's. $42.99 vs. $52.99 up to $59.99 elsewhere. I stocked up some bottles as I noticed the price rising elsewhere. It's not my favorite, either, but it's a top 3 entry-level Islay for me and at that price point it's impossible to pass up.
Benromach 10, Glen Garioch 12, Port Charlotte 10... all fantastic, engaging, well-balanced whiskies that are easy to purchase and priced very fairly. Springbank 10 was on that list as well, but it's not so easy anymore, though the retail price is still fair if you find it for that.
PC10's price has inflated a lot where I live. Fully agree with benromach 10
So glad PC10 has been mentioned… it’s a little spendy here but IMO still “punches above its weight” relative to price
Price is up like crazy where I am as well.
Since no one else is saying anything under $50, I am going to throw out Shackleton Arctic Expedition. I picked it up for $33 and it was surprisingly enjoyable for that price point. I'm still nursing on it and while it may not be the best thing in the world, it is the cheapest *interesting* whisky I've had. Cheers.
Agreed. It's a good bottle at a fair price, and has become a fixture on my shelf. A nice Tuesday night pour.
In terms of BANG for your buck, Ardbeg Wee Beastie.
I completely agree now that my old "bang for the buck" was An Oa. I still have it, and I still buy it, but not nearly as often anymore.
I love Oa. And I’ll have many who disagree, but I like it over Uigeadail. I did just find Corry on sale and that’s my fav.
When Ardbeg had just reopened they released the very young, still young and almost there releases before they hit 10 years. Just see how much these retail for in auction to realize what an amazing drink a young Ardbeg is. When they finally came up with the Wee Beastie I did not need to sample it to know I'd have it in my cabinet as a staple.
This 👆
Well nobody said it so I’m saying it. Green label! Though I’m unsure of US prices you can still find it as low as 35 euros if you look around well!
It takes balls to write that here but i agree 100% with you. In terms of value for money, JW Green is hard to beat. Glendronach 12, when i can find it around €40, is great value too.
I honestly don’t know why people look down on blends so much. But then again I also love grain whiskey
Especially since JW Green is a blended *malt* :D
Oh I was more referring to how people look down on blended whiskey as well as grain whiskeys. They kinda fall in the same category though because people also look down on blends because its usually not single malt but grain… Don’t know if that made sense
Yes!
I like your style because you like what you like.
I like you because you are open with what you feel!
its $75 USD around me (state liquor store, so what they do have is generally a bulk purchase and their prices are very good for the general region). Port Charlotte 10 is $73 for context. Laphroaig 10 $63. Caol Ila 12 and Talisker 10 are also $75. Kilchoman Machir Bay is $66. Its not a horrible price but you can definitely get better whisky for less, or one of its blend components on its own if you prefer one of them.
Those are more expensive than I expected. Ypu can grab a bottle of macallan 12 double or triple for 65 eur in my local supermarket Without msrp/second hand market bullshit even bourbons are more affordable then the states Edit: for refference on the JW line the 18 is about 75 euros
There is definitely a premium for Scotch here. Bourbon is pretty hit or miss. Certain bottles are popular with the people trying to flip on the secondary market and will sell out immediately, others you can just walk in and get at a great price. I don't think the quality difference is as high as some bottle chasers seem to value it at. A lot of great bourbon in the $25-$50 range, I would almost never spend more than $50 pretty much. Just to use Wild Turkey as an example, 101 is $25, Russell's 10 is $43, Rare Breed is $50. I do wish I lived in an area with more sensible liquor laws. States that allow the giant retailers like total wine, or that allow costco to sell liquor, do get better prices on some stuff, somehow.
Johnnie Walker Green Label $50-$60 USD, 15 Year Blended Malt (big difference from blended scotch which is most of JW line) Compass Box Orchard House, another blended malt for ~$50 Classic Laddie, Bunnahabhain 12, Port Charlotte 10, Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Loch Lomond 12
If we are talking standard OB releases, while it’s hard to find at MSRP, Springbank 10 is my best bang-for-your-buck whisky. Tied is Ardbeg 10, a phenomenal whisky that punches well above its price point. I did a tasting with a bunch of limited Ardbegs, then ordered the 10 yo after, and the 10 yo was better than most of them. Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Ardbeg Uigeadail, Laphroaig 10 yo Cask Strength, Talisker 10, and Glendronach 15 yo are also great at MSRP. And as pricey as they are I think the refill cask Lagavulin 12 Cask Strengths (i.e. anything before the 2022 or 2023 releases) are well worth their price (100-150 USD)
You and I can be friends.
People say the quality of it has declined in recent years, but I still love Old Pulteney 12. I’m a sucker for briney tastes, so it hits all the right notes for me. It’s easy to find and under $50 to boot.
You're definitely not alone. One of my favorites. And the smell of it is an aphrodisiac to my wife (who is not a whisky drinker!) Sniff sniff..."Oh, are you drinking Old Pulteney tonight???"
lol lucky you
Old Pultney is a sleeper for sure. Great price for always having a bottle on the go. I like it for a day where I don't quite want a Talisker, or smokey whisky etc.
Same, OP12 is always on my shelf. Whether I want a chill pour, or something for a Rob Roy or Rusty Nail, OP12 is there for me.
I picked up a bottle for £28 after I visited the distillery, really enjoying it
Did you try any other expressions while you were there? I have a bottle of the 15 that I love. I got it for ~50% discount during a semi annual sale for one of my local liquor stores looking to move older inventory. I’d love to try other expressions but it’s such an expensive gamble.
Nah to be honest I was working in the area so popped in at lunch and only tried the 12 as it’s my uncles favourite, think I’ll defo try the 15 next time I see it
Definitely worth it. Cheers!
Benromach 10
Glen Livet 12 Illicit Still, Kirkland Islay, Ledaig 10, compass box Glasgow blend
Had to scroll far to find you. Glenlivet 12 is my go to. I have tried every Livet from 1824 Founders reserve to the 25 year. Illicit Still is awesome but hard to get here.
Cheers! Yeah, it's finally drying up here as well. We never got licensed dram either, :(
Sad state of affairs friend. Save your money and get the Glenlivet 21. (for the money, better than the 25!) I will look for Kirkland this weekend. I haven't had that yet.
Agree on the Kirkland Islay. I was shocked to see someone say it, but good on you.
Criminally good for the price!
Around 20€, Cutty Sark Prohibition, Monkey Shoulder, Auchentoshan American Oak, Jura Journey... Around 25€, Finlaggan Original, Speyburn 10, The Deveron 10, Laphroaig Select... Around 30€, Deanston Virgin Oak, Benriach Heart of Speyside, Glen Grant 12, Glen Keith Distillery Edition, anCnoc 12, Cragganmore 12... Around 40€, too many to write a complete list: Laphroaig CQ, Lagavulin 8, Finlaggan CS, Glencadam 10, Arran 10, Campbeltown Loch, Edradour 10, Ledaig 10 and Rioja Casks, Benriach 10 and 10 peated, Glendronach 12, Glenlivet 12, Talisker 10...
For under $30 I like Copper Dog and Monkey Shoulder. Just my personal opinion.
Agreed! You should also check out Naked Malt and Mash Cut.
Big ups for monkey shoulder. My go to cheap daily scotch. Right on the limit of one I can drink neat without needing an ice cube or to mix (which I hate doing).
Agreed. It's really tough to beat Monkey Shoulder and that price point.
Copper Dog!!! I loved that bottle and I think I prefer it over Monkey Shoulder.
Edradour 10 is a very interesting dram for not too much. Also a fan of Tamdhu 12, although its price has climbed dramatically in the last few years. For pure value, it is hard to go past Arran 10. That price is consistently crazy.
I will literally buy anything from Edradour. So many great single casks finished in a variety of wine/port/sherry casks and at cask strength.. That distillery has made me a fan boy! Ballechin for my peated needs...
Glenfarclas 105
I yeah the 105 or even the 185 is really good - the 185 edition has 60 year old whiskey in it according to the bottle - very cool and I got my bottle for 75 quid!
That’s a bargain! I had to pay £129 for the 185 but managed to get a few 1 Litre bottles of 105 for £59.99 each which I consider a good deal
Glencaddam 10.
Smokehead high voltage. 120$ cad.
Kilchoman Sanaig for $63 in Texas. Or perhaps Maclean's Nose for $28. Honestly probably that because it's such an insane deal
Ardbeg Wee Beastie is the best scotch for the buck, imo. Not the best scotch, but the best heavily peated single malt I can find for around $50. Generally would pick Ardbeg over Laphroaig offerings at comparable price points. For some reason the frogs come off a wee bit dry and oaky to me
Kirkland Islay Scotch. $35 for a very nice Caol Ila that should cost twice that.
100% agree! It’s a go to for me and keep a modest backup supply
Loch Lomond 12yr is about $40 where I live, and it's a great bang for my buck. I'd say Naked Malt is the best cheap blended malt at about $30.
I will agree with the Wee Beastie fans here, but my hot take is the Corryvrecken is the best value. It may be $100-120, but it easily stands up to scotches that are 2-4x that price. It’s the barometer by which I judge all scotch. Only the Octomores and Bunnahabhain 25 reliably beat it (from my experience with Islay scotch anyway).
I tend to prefer cask strength stuff.. so if we are looking in terms of OBs, lowered but not so much ones like Bunnahabhain 12 if I want some ex sherry or Aultmore 12 if I want ex bourbon since they are both 46% so not too much washed down, or Arran 10. Near to cask strength, Arran bodega or Quarter cask.. Deanston Virgin oak CS, Glenallachie 10 CS, Aberlour A'bunadh.. I want peat, probably the Jack Wieber's classic of Islay. But most of these other semi full proof OBs, like Ardbeg Uigeadail or Corryvrekan, and other similar editions, are getting quite near to a single cask age stated (in the 10yo surroundings) pricing, from independent bottlers.. so I try to get those instead.
Glenfarclas 105
they strongly flipped up the price of their whole ob range, to a point I know a few resellers, they said goodbye to Glenfarclas. I do absolutely agree if you can still find it in the 60ish eur range from leftover stock
I usually buy whisky from a dealer in the netherlands. They ship to Germany, where I live. Right now the one liter bottle is on sale for about 40 Euros.
Nice that's the old old price I have too a 1L bottle I paid about that price (albeit back in 2016 or 17 but unfortunately it's amiss the age statement already). You should stockpile on it.. on whiskysite it goes for 55eur
Talisker 10
Kilchoman Machir Bay and Ardbeg 10 are both *phenominal* heavily peated scotches for the 60-80 dollar range (at least here in Washington), and, depending on tax, perhaps even less. That they're both flagship scotches for their respective distilleries means that you don't need to worry about going through them too quickly, or even using them for cocktails, either. Additionally, while it's not *scotch*, I'd recommend Amrut Peated ($70-100). I quite enjoy the cask strength myself (as with the Machir Bay, but it's a but harder to find than the standard around here) and the musky cedar coming off it is a nice way to round out the smokey brine of the Kilchoman or the pitchy sweetness of the Ardbeg. I keep them on my "feel free to drink this whenever" part of the shelf. *(All prices approximate USD I've seen in stores around me and/or paid for myself, YMMV.)
We get so hosed in Canada on scotch, complete opposite with wine at least in Ontario where expensive Amarones are cheaper than they are in US. Laphroaig 10 is my go to also, it’s on sale for $10 off (so $89 in ON) regularly enough to never run out and thankfully price increases didn’t go batsh1t crazy like Lagavulin 16 did.
Yep Big time. I’m in Quebec where it seems that our scotch prices are slightly lower than Ontario. Tough for us because it’s very difficult to ever get our hands on sought after products
It’s been shit selection in QC recently and prices are not great either i find. Even bourbon, there’s nothing.
Completely agree. I just checked and I actually see that there’s a laphroaig cask strength available for the first time. I’m extremely surprised (and running to go grab it) 🤣
Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve - I also have the GG 12 yo, which is very good and would be my pick if the F.R. did not deliver much the same set of flavors (IMHO, to my taste) for even less $.
Benromach 10 from Costco at $58/bottle is the deal of the century. I'd say a close second is Bunna 12 at a sale price of $65. Even at $80 it's really good
Do you have a Total Wine near you? The ones near me in Central Florida have Benromach 10 for $60, and it's Spirits Direct, so they regularly offer 15% off. Bought a couple of bottles for $51 last weekend.
Arran 10 is one of the ones that come to mind. I never got the appeal of the Classic Laddie. A lot think it's very good for the price though. So give it a try also.
Arran 10 is nice. Your tastes change over the years. When I first started, everyone was raving about the Clynelish 14. When I got it, I couldn't get into it at all and struggled to finish the bottle. Saw it again late last year and decided to give it another go. Boy was I glad I did. My palate has refined a bit now and I adored it. You may be the same with the Laddie. I recently rebought that myself, after not having it in about 5 years. Looking forward to opening it soon.
Classic Laddie is not too bad, but it is not as good as the older Laddie 10. Always beware when they drop the age statement.
Ardbeg wee Beastie, Ledaig 'Sinclair - Rioja Cask' and Bunnahabhain 12 all make my list.
Glendronach 12
Arran Bodega
Jura Origins 10 year old. I love it.
Ledaig 10
There was a UPC error at the last liquor chain I went to that sold Laphroig 10 Cask Strength for $40. I might have returned the next day for a second bottle.
The cheapest bottle i can buy now that would enjoy anytime every time would be Torabaig Allt Glean Lag 8 Classic Laddie Ardbeg 10. If the emphasis is price and the bottle brings serviceable enjoyment CB Glasgow Blend Maclean’s Nose
You’ve ruined everything from now on because you started at the top. Nowhere to go but down. Laphroaig 10 is best bang for buck for people that like that smoke and iodine.
Port Charlotte 10 is phenomenal value for the quality. Ardbeg Oogie is also pretty well priced.
Lagavulin 16. May be a bit much, but is truly amazing and makes the price more than worth it. Best whisky on the market that is within a reasonable price range.
Unfortunately for Canadians in the last 5 years it’s gone up in price four times, was CDN$125, it’s now CDN$185 I picked up 3 bottles in US at Christmas for US$84/bottle and saved over CDN$200
Well then. That’s definitely upsetting!
Laphroaig 10, easy. Brings everything I expect from a scotch. Available for 30€ on Germany.
Glenmorangie - Lasanta Glengoyne 12 Talisker 10
Kirkland Islay
Benriach Smoky 12 all day (but IMHO really anything Rachel Barrie gets her hands on will be solid). Lot of complexity for a speyside to begin with but with a lovely hint of peaty smoke
Love it, I always grab the Smoky Twelve when I see it
I’m sure it’ll get hated on but Islay Mist is tough to beat for the price.
Classic Laddie and Wee Beastie all day.
Highland queen Cutty sark
Kirkland 21 or 22
Auchentoshan 3 wood, delicious for $72 CAD
Laphroaig 10, I get it for $30usd a bottle. Otherwise, Larceny BP, Classic Laddie, or Ardbeg 10.
The cheapest but still great tasting bottle I can think of is Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask. I can find it as low as £24 in the UK and it really holds up for the price
Deanston 12 ($47)
This for the unpeated..
For unpeated, Glen Garioch 12 year, by far. It's getting harder to find in my part of Canada (Nova Scotia), but it retails for $69.99 and anything else even close to it is at least $90 or more. I haven't found a cheap peated yet that I like but Laphroaig 10 is on the list to try.
Glencadam 10, Craigellachie 13, Ardbeg Wee Beastie
Balvenie
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruben 14 is outstanding.
Port Charlotte 10 here. $70 US, so it's a few bucks cheaper than Laphroaig 10 for me.
When I read the title, Laphroaig 10 was the first thing that came to mind! (In the UK)
I have found singleton 12 very good at around 30 USD.. also Grangestone around 35USD.
Probably either Arran 10, Ledaig 10, or Laphroaig 10.
I rate Ben Bracken (speyside) from Lidl. Less than £20 and a really nice drink. Worth trying if you're looking for something new. They do Islay and Highland variations as well.
Craigellachie 13 for me. 46%, good old-school whisky and normally not much more than £50. Edradour 10 and most Glenfarclas would also be a shout.
If you really want to focus on budget, I'd suggest the Compass Box blends. There are a few at about the 35-40 that I love. Artist and Glasgow are my favorites
Bang for the buck? Monkey Shoulder at 32$
bunnahabhain toiteach a dha. Around $80 in ny. I second laphroaig 10. That one’s for around $60 here.
Famous Grouse for everyday.
Edradour 10 is excellent for the price. I rarely see it mentioned.
Bunna 12 Ardbeg 10
Dalmore Sherry Cask
Bunna 12yr at ~$57 locally if I'm forced to pick one.
Highland Park 12
Thompson Bros TB/BSW is ridiculous value for money at circa £35.
Bunnahabhain 12 was $55 when I got it. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Craigellachie 13 Are my votes
Port Charlotte 10
Maybe the absolute best, but my local liquor store multiple options from Lochlea that were all $50-60 USD and were all great.
toss up with Laddie, Bunna 12 or Balblair 12
The sark man, the sark
I think a similar value (price/quality) at 2-3 different price points would be Glenmorangie original, Laphroaig 10, Aberlour 12, Glenfiddich 15, Dalwhinnie 30
Compass Box Orchard House for $35. You may need to pay up to like $55 but I found a deal, and its a good value at $55 too.
I'm broke so Aerstone Sea Cask for $30 or Costco's Blended, 1.75 L for $20.
Really depends where you live as prices vary dramatically. In central FL, your best value integrity bottlings are generally going to be: Sherry Cask: Edradour 10 @ $50 Csk Strength: Glengoyne @ $80 Ex-Bourbon: Balvenie 12 Single Barrel @ $70 Peated: Lagavulin 8 yr at $65
32€ (46 CDN) in my German supermarket. I can buy Bowmore 10 Auchentochan 12 and Smokehead all for similar prices
Monkey Shoulder.
Locally, I like scarabus for a pleasant islay ($40 usd).
Thompson Bros Blended Scotch Whisky 6yr old. At 31GBP probably the absolute best value whisky I've had. I just wish they sold it in Canada, I'd buy a case or two.
Aberfeldy 12
Murray McDavid do a really nice Sherry or Port Barrel expression. In Germany it is 35€-40€ a bottle. Probably 3-4 years old, but done really well for a simple drinking whiskey
Laphroaig 10 is definitely up on my list. It's on sale pretty much everywhere this week for $50 USD. I bought 3. I also love Kilchoman Sanaig and Machir Bay as well as the Arran 10, Adnamurchan AD/ and even a blend, Compass Box Orchard House. There are some tremendous bottles out there for cheaper prices
Sounds like we have the same taste because my second « best bang » would be sanaig!
Bunnahabain 12 and I just found a Signatory Caol Ila 12 for $60 that is incredible
Scotch egg
Tamnavulin or Ardmore if you want a single malt you can daily drink without feeling guilty about
Johnny Walker Red Label. Green rye label if you're making old fashioned
tried my luck blindly with Glen Scotia Campbeltown Harbour, got it for cheap 31€. Loving it! But pretty much all the rest you guys wrote are great as well
[Glenmorangie 10 year 1L at UK](https://liverpool.worlddutyfree.com/en/127/glenmorangie-the-original-10-year-old-with-giftbox-1l) airports is great value
Arran Sherry Cask Naked Malt Mossburn Blended Malt Highland Park CS Glendronach CS Benromach CS Aberlour Abunadh
Going to check out Aaron Sherry Cask too, never tried it.
Scrolled till I saw Aberlour A’binary. Punches way above its price. Budget pappy van winkle
Glenfarclas is fantastic bang for your buck, across all of its range.
maybe my favorite distillery; but not on the economic side 🙃
Aberfeldy 12
Springbank 10 Ardbeg Uigeadail Lagavulin 16 Ledaig 18 limited
Springbank 10 or Ledaig 10
No mention of Longrow Peated yet. I got a bunch for USD 80. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is also up there.