Nothing beats the taste of good whisky on a cold day. And since the cold season is fast approaching, we finally have a solid reason to soak ourselves in this heavenly liquor. I, for one, am very excited, as I know how restricted my whisky drinking was (thanks to my wife). And if you enjoy a good glass of this great smelling and tasting nectar, you would be too.
Of course, you need not wait until the climate permits to savour the sensational feeling of great whisky. You could be a periodic drinker, enjoying a fine glass on a calm evening. Perhaps, you love to collect them, so you can wow your friends and guests. Or maybe your curiosity is peaked, and you would like to join the club of whisky enthusiasts.
And it is quite true that most quality whiskies are pricey, but do not be discouraged. Some great-tasting brands are very affordable. I have had some of the best whisky in my life without spending a fortune for them. And from my research and findings, so have a lot of other people.
With that in mind, I have created a review list, featuring the best budget whiskies I have ever tasted. A lot of people agree with me, as they had nothing but great comments about them. I also included a product guide containing important factors to consider when selecting whisky. This would help both oldies and newcomers in their hunt for the best budget whisky in the market.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Budget Whisky UK
1. Jameson Crested Irish Whisky
I love Irish whiskey, and Jameson is my number one brand from the region I deem superior distillation. This pot still whisky fuses that highly sought-after grain tastes with delicious cream. It is one combination of flavour and excitement I never regret spending a penny on.
The alcoholic taste is brilliantly masked in a blend of assorted hints, giving a flavour so rich; you never want the glass to go empty. It sits well with water, or if you love your whisky chilled like me, two cubes of ice. At 18 years, the flavour rolls smoothly on the tongue, releasing its complex taste easily and guaranteeing satisfaction.
Swirl the glass for a few seconds and take a sip. Then, roll it gently in your mouth and savour a blend of orchard fruit, cocoa, oak, pepper, melon and ginger; two flavours well known to give you that boost any day, any time.
Features
- 18+ years
- Grain whisky
- Blended
- From Dublin, Ireland
- Strong notes of sherry, with a hint of melon, ginger, and spicy undertones
2. Dalwhinnie Single Malt Scotch Whisky
A lot of my friends are whisky connoisseurs, and they will argue till Doomsday that great cheap whisky does not exist. That was until I introduced them to this bottle of divine goodness. Even the staunchest of whisky veterans admit that for an incredibly affordable bottle, this one ticks all the right boxes.
This drink is so aromatic; you spend a long time swirling the glass and teasing your nostrils. And the flavour is just divine, delivering its delicious single-malt taste with a combination of heather-honey, and a delicate hint of spice. The cream fills your mouth quite comfortably, and the taste kicks up with a little water.
To me, the Scots take the cake with this bottle, as it is a solid representation of their genius and uniqueness. My connoisseur friends had to eat their hats after tasting this suggestion of mine, and I had a few of them leaving my bar with the intention of adding one to theirs.
Features
- 15 years old
- Single-malt scotch
- Blended
- Honey-heather flavour, with a hint of spice
- From Speyside, Scotland
3. The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky
You must have noticed at this point that I love single-malt whisky, so it should not surprise you if you find more of it on this review list. And I have tried tons of it, and appreciate the wide range of flavours I experienced. This bottle, however, is one of the most impressive ones I ever tasted and I insist that you must try it as well.
The taste is so sweet and fruity, and I enjoyed it most with lots of ice. I also noticed how the whisky balances the fruit and toffee flavour, ending with the smoothest finish. I could tell its impressive maturity, as the whisky comes from traditional, first-fill oak casks. The fruity flavour is so obvious; even my wife and sister appreciate its taste.
We decided to make The Last King with it, and our experiment came out well. My wife was so excited; she intends on trying more cocktail recipes with it. I never admitted it to her, but deep down, I look forward to it myself!
Features
- 2019 Vintage
- Single-malt
- Citrus, Pear and Toffee flavours
- Suitable for vegetarians
- From Speyside, Scotland
4. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
I meet a lot of Brits who shy away from bourbon, partly because it is sweet, and partly because they want to be ‘patriotic’. While I do not judge another man’s (or woman’s) taste, I do find the occasional glass of bourbon comforting. And of all the bottles I have had, Buffalo Trace, to me, makes the best cheap bourbon American has to offer.
The sweet taste comes from a balanced blend of malted barley, rye, and Indiana corn. I find the taste quality quite outstanding, and finish every glass I pour. I enjoy it neat, though it goes well with a bit of ice as well. The former is best if you wish to fully savour the sweet taste of honey and toffee it has to offer.
Its creamy flow makes it perfect for virtually all whisky-based cocktails. And it ages quite well, sitting so well on my tongue that I have to call it the best bourbon I have ever tasted.
Features
- 8+ years
- Bourbon
- Citrus, honey, and toffee flavours
- From the USA
- Suitable for vegetarians
5. Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Whisky
One time, I had a few guests over and wanted to treat them to some good scotch. The problem was, my budget could not cover the cost for a more expensive bottle, and I was worried. That was before a close friend pulled me aside and suggested this one to me. I knew I was taking a huge risk because I had a few whisky connoisseurs among the crowd.
Surprisingly, the gamble paid off. I got tons of compliments about the drink from my guests, including the experts. And when I took a sip (I had not done so, due to being so nervous), I understood why. The flavour is a delicious rich citrus, and the finish is smooth. A bit tangy, though, but in a good way. And it rolls perfectly on the tongue, even when you drink it neat.
Do not expect just the orangey taste alone though, but also look out for undertones of marmalade and vanilla.
Features
- Single malt
- Blended
- Citrus flavour
- From Speyside, Scotland
- Suitable for vegetarians
6. TamnavulinSpeyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
If what you seek is a whisky that attracts you right from the bottle, then this is the one for you. I noticed a lot of my friends get enthralled by certain whiskies just from the colour and aroma. And when I came across this one during one of our budget-shopping sprees, it caught my attention on the spot. Like most other scotch I have tried, I took it at face value.
First, you get a rich amber-gold liquid, calling out to you. Then, as you lift, a breathtaking aroma, rich in fruits and sweets hit your nostrils, teasing your palettes. And the taste- rich, smooth and fruity, with the right balance of sweetness and strength. At the second glass, I got a creamy follow-up with the already sweet taste, and could not wait to have a third glass.
I read up more on this and discovered it is an award-winning distillation. I like to believe the double cask maturation contributes to its unique and scintillating taste.
Features
- Single-malt scotch
- Blended
- Double cask
- Honey, apple, and toffee flavour with a hint of marmalade and marzipan
- From Speyside, Scotland
7. Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Most connoisseurs I know praise Glenfiddich, and never relent to complement its great quality in malt scotch. So when I found this budget-friendly whisky on a shelf, I had to try it out. I selected three different bottles of the same brand, and this was the priciest, though still pocket-friendly. I had a few friends over, and we buckled up with the hope for an experience worth documenting.
This single malt scotch won the race. I highly commend its bright flavour and fruity aroma. One friend reported a hint of cream and oak, which I concurred. Another swore he could taste butterscotch, and the third kept us waiting while she tried the first, second and third glass. That was how we knew she agreed it to be a great bottle of scotch!
The balanced texture rides well with its spicy undertones. I was very much impressed. I got so much from this bottle, especially since it has only aged 12 years!
Features
- 12 years old
- Single malt scotch
- Blended whiskey
- Cream, malt, spice and butterscotch flavours, with a hint of oak
- From Speyside, Scotland
8. Naked Grouse Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
In my early days of scotch tasting, Naked Grouse was a household name. Everyone I know had either drunk a bottle or knew someone who had. It was no surprise, therefore, that at some point, I would give in and try some for myself. And though, they were mostly great, this particular one, I deem one of the best.
If you love the taste of toffee in whisky, then you will feel right at home with this one. The flavour is quite dominant in this scotch, but in a way, you appreciate. The buttery feel on the tongue is accompanied by a slight hint of apples, making the drink feel more like food in your mouth. And the texture is fine and goes down without any qualms whatsoever.
I like to consider this blended malt scotch as one of those budget whiskies you can easily pull from a shelf and take to a shindig with friends.
Features
- Rye whisky
- Blended malt scotch
- Toffee flavour
- From Scotland
- Sherry cask
9. Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky
My personal opinion of a good bottle of whisky is one that catches the eye right from the bottle. From what I have noticed over the years, a lot of budget whiskies do this but fail at the taste. It is no wonder why many veterans and connoisseurs consider cheap whiskies unfit for a second thought. This bottle, however, changes that narrative.
For starters, it is quite presentable. The beautifully shaped bottle reveals its golden yellow goodness to anyone who cares to take a glance. The attractive colour shimmers into your eyes and calls you to give it a trial. And when you do, it greets you with an explosive blend of flavours that have you savouring it with your eyes closed.
A wave of vanilla goodness hugs your tongue like a child glad to see her father. With each sip, your nose is tickled with a rich combination of citrus and peach aroma. Truly, this dreamy single-malt scotch is one I highly recommend for anyone who loves quality.
Features
- Ten years old
- Single-malt
- Blended Scotch whisky
- Citrus, vanilla and peach flavour
- From the Scottish highlands
10. Black Bottle Blended Scotch Whisky
Not a lot of people can appreciate the elderflower flavour, but I do. I like to believe my years of drinking different types of whisky prepared me for this sophisticated flavour. I must admit, though that finding a budget whisky with this flavour was a bit of a challenge. Not because I never saw any, but because none of those met the quality standards like this one.
Elderflower flavour is an acquired taste, so I was quite astounded by the delivery of this blended Scotch whisky. I also love how it strikes a perfect balance between sweet and smoky, creating a blend of flavour that greets the tongue with much warmth. It is also quite peaty, but as I said, such is an acquired taste for scotch drinkers. Its woody flavour also notes a hint of vanilla, that surfaces rather well in cocktails.
I prefer my elderflower flavoured Scotch whisky neat though because I like to feel the complete richness of its impressive distillation.
Features
- Blended
- Double matured
- Elderflower flavour
- From Islay, Scotland
- Suitable for vegetarians
Budget Whisky UK Product Guide
Many factors make whisky great, and these also determine its type, uniqueness in flavour, and quality. To be a whisky drinker means you know precisely what to look out for, and how to pick the ones you prefer. This trick is what separates the novices from the experts, and is why the latter always flourish at purchasing high-quality bottles.
Such features can also be analyzed even when you purchase whisky at a pocket-friendly price. So, to get the best out of your budget whisky, take note of these factors, as they help you get a hold of bottles with incredible quality.
Age
Whiskies get better with time, and the older the whisky, the deeper and finer the taste. This is because newly-distilled alcohol is quite potent, and with time, gets softer. It is why if you notice, the very expensive ones are up to 40 years old.
Regardless, you can still get good, aged whisky at a lesser price. This is why the products listed here are at least eight to10 years old; however, if you come across an older bottle at a price as less as these, consider it a great deal.
Type
All whiskies generally come from five types; scotch, Irish whisky, bourbon, Canadian whisky, and Japanese whisky.
Bourbon is American and includes Rye and Tennessee whisky. Scotch is made from Scotland and is my personal favourite. Its types include single-malt, single-grain, blended, blended malt. Irish whisky, from Ireland, comprises of single-malt, single pot still, grain and blended types. Japanese whiskey shares similarities in flavour with scotch, as the Scottish distillation style, originally influences it. And Canadian whisky is from, well, Canada.
Flavour
The flavour usually depends on the type of whisky, and the region it is made. The ingredients that make up each type result in a variety of taste. Bourbon is usually sweet and gives a hint of vanilla and caramel, combined with a certain amount of smokiness. This sweetness is noted in Rye and Tennessee whisky as well.
The taste of scotch depends on what region in Scotland it is distilled, and ranges from strong and smoky to light and sweet. And it offers a wide range of flavours including almond to honey, nectarine, grassy leather and dried fruit.
Canadian whisky, also called rye whisky, is well known for its sweeter, lighter and spicier taste. This makes them much easier to down than other types. And a smooth taste is the dominating feature in Irish whisky.
FAQs
Is whisky good for health?
According to research, a glass of whisky daily helps promote weight loss and reduces the risk of heart failure and disease. It is also great for relaxation, reducing stress, and fighting a cold. Further studies also show that controlled consumption of whisky helps digestion, reduces blood clotting and lowers the risk of dementia. And that it helps to boost the immune system, help fight cancer and controls the risk of diabetes.
What is the difference between scotch, bourbon and whisky?
Whisky is the general term used to describe alcoholic drinks distilled without hops. So basically, scotch and bourbon are types of whisky. The difference lies in the grains used, as well as the distillation processes and regions they come from. In a simpler sense, bourbon is American whiskey, while scotch is made in the regions of Scotland.
How do I get the most out of my budget whisky?
You can improve any budget whisky by employing a few tricks. First, drink from a small wine glass, instead of a crystal brandy tumbler. The cone shape of the former helps to enhance the smell of the whisky, and the wide base lets the whisky aerate more. Or if you can, just get yourself a proper whisky glass (usually shaped like a small wine glass).
If your budget whisky is below six years, you could aerate it to improve the taste. Younger whiskies are harsher in taste and tend to burn down the throat, reminding you of their cheapness. Swirl in a glass for about five to ten minutes before you drink, and the taste will improve. Or, if you can shake in a blender or cocktail mixer, then pour in a whiskey glass, and swirl for a bit.
The easiest way to improve the taste of your budget whisky, however, is to add a little bit of water. This reduces the sharp alcoholic taste while maintaining the signature flavour and taste of the malt.
Conclusion
Whisky is a great and amazing drink, enjoyable by both connoisseurs and interested newcomers. Anyone with an interesting mind can enjoy it at any time of day and in any form. And though it is believed that great whisky must be expensive, very good budget bottles are available on the market. For those who doubt, this review list features some of the most unique brands and types I have experienced.
On this review, I have pointed out a list of delicious-tasking whiskies for your consideration. I have stated their unique qualities, and also included a detailed product guide. For the newbie, this would be of great help, as it eases you into appreciating your newfound love for whisky. To get the best bottle around, combine the list and product guide next time you go budget whiskey-shopping.
To ease the stress of sorting through hundreds of attractive bottles at the supermarket, I have selected three of the best budget whiskeys you can buy from this list.
The Jameson Crested Irish Whisky is my all-time favourite. It combines the best in flavour, aroma, age, region, and price. If you still wish to spend less, regardless of already budget-shopping, Dalwhinnie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is cheapest and outstanding. And if you can afford a few extra quids for something of high quality, I suggest Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky be your premium choice.
