If you’re looking for the best whisky to buy for Father’s Day or the best whisky to buy Dad for Christmas (or you’re simply a Dad looking to treat themselves), it can soon become confusing – there is a lot of whisky brands to choose from. And not all of them are great!

Thankfully, there are some fantastic whiskys available at an affordable price, that are the perfect gift for Dad.

Finding the Best Whisky on a Budget

When it comes to finding the best whisky on a budget, there are several things to consider.

First, it is important to understand what type of whisky you are looking for. Whether you prefer a Scotch, a bourbon, a rye, or a blended whisky, each of these has its own flavor profile and price point.

Additionally, consider the age of the whisky, as this can affect the price and flavor. Take the time to read reviews and ratings to ensure you are getting the best whisky for your money.

Lastly, it is helpful to talk to a whisky expert to get an idea of what is available in your price range and what will suit your tastes. That may be a family member, friend or work colleague. You won’t have to go far to find one!

With a little research, you can find the perfect whisky to enjoy on a budget. Let’s get in to it…

Difference Between Blended and Single Malt Whisky

Blended whisky is a whisky made from a mixture of different types of whisky, such as different grain whiskies and single malts.

Blended whisky is typically less expensive than single malt whisky and has a milder flavor.

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A great blended whisky that is also available for less than £30 is Shoulder Monkey. I always have some of this at home.

Single malt whisky is a whisky made from malted barley, and it is distilled from a single distillery.

It has a stronger flavor than blended whisky and can be aged for much longer. Single malt whisky is typically more expensive than blended whisky.

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An easily accessible, yet tasty example of a single malt is a Glenfiddich 12 year old. This also benefits from an accessible flavour profile.
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A special note: My favorite whiskey, and one the of best reviewed across the industry, is the Lagavulin 16 year old.

The prices have been steadily going up over the years to reflect its popularity and now sites at around the £75 mark. If you can stretch your budget, this is the one to get.

Best whisky for less than £30

If you are looking for the best whiskey for less than £30, there are some great options available.

For a single-malt whisky, the Glenfiddich 12-year-old mentioned above is an excellent choice. This whisky is aged for 12 years and has a complex flavor profile that many whisky lovers enjoy.

Other good options include The Glenlivet 12-year-old and The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-year-old.

More great choices any Dad is gong to enjoy drinking incude:

  • Talisker Skye Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Glenmorangie The Original 10 Years Old Single Malt Whisky
  • Laphroaig Select Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A blended whiskey, such as Famous Grouse or Bell’s Original, are both a great budget-friendly option. These whiskeys offer a great balance of flavor and price, and are very popular.

I’m personally not a fan of Jim Beam or Jack Daniels, but they both shift a lot of product so I assume I am in the minority.

Best whisky for between £40 and £60

If you have a budget between £40 and £60, you can find some excellent whisky options.

A blended whisky, such as The Chivas Regal 12-year-old or The Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve will usually hit the spot.

Both of these whiskeys offer a great balance of flavor and price.

For a single-malt whisky, the Glenmorangie 10-year-old is an excellent choice. This whisky is aged for 10 years and has a smooth, complex flavor profile.

Other good options include the Aberlour 12-year-old, The Ardbeg 10-year-old, and The Glenfiddich 15-year-old.

Best whisky for between £60 and £90

A blended whisky, such as The Macallan 12-year-old or The Dalmore 12-year-old, is a great choice. Both of these whiskeys offer a great balance of flavor and price.

For a single-malt whisky, the Glenlivet 18-year-old is an excellent choice. This whisky is aged for 18 years and has a smooth, complex flavor profile.

Other good options include the Laphroaig 18-year-old, The Balvenie 17-year-old, and The Highland Park 18-year-old.

Best whisky for between £100 and £120

A blended whisky, such as The Johnnie Walker Blue Label or The Chivas Regal 18-year-old deliver on what you’d want from a whisky at the price. Both of these whiskeys offer a great balance of flavor and price.

For a single-malt whisky, the The Macallan 18-year-old is an excellent choice. This whisky is aged for 18 years and has a smooth, complex flavor profile.

This is my personal favorite, although I’ve only ever owned one bottle due the to the price!

Other good options include the The Glenlivet 21-year-old, The Glenfiddich 18-year-old, and The Ardbeg 20-year-old.

Flavour Profiles of Whisky

Whisky has a variety of flavour profiles, depending on the type and age of the whisky. Generally, the flavour of whisky can be divided into two main categories: sweet and peaty.

Examples of sweet whiskey

Sweet whisky has a distinctive flavor profile that is characterized by notes of honey, caramel and vanilla.

This type of whisky is often made with malted barley, which adds a sweetness to the whisky.

The aging process can also affect the flavor of the whisky, as the longer the whisky is aged, the more sweetness it will have.

  • The Glenlivet 12-year-old (£35)
  • The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-year-old (£40)
  • The Macallan 12-year-old (£50)
  • The Glenfiddich 15-year-old (£60)
  • The Glenmorangie 10-year-old (£50)
  • The Aberlour 12-year-old (£45)

Examples of peaty whisky

Peaty whisky is whisky that has been aged in a peat-smoked cask. Peat is a type of fuel made from partially decayed vegetable matter, and it imparts a distinctive smoky flavor to whisky.

The amount of peat used during the aging process will affect the intensity of the smoky flavor, with more peat yielding a stronger smoky flavor.

The type of peat used and the type of cask used will also affect the flavor of the whisky.

While peaty whisky is a matter of personal preference, many whisky enthusiasts enjoy the unique flavor that it imparts.

  • The Ardbeg 10-year-old (£50)
  • The Laphroaig 18-year-old (£70)
  • The Highland Park 18-year-old (£80)
  • The Macallan 18-year-old (£110)
  • The Glenlivet 21-year-old (£110)
  • The Glenfiddich 18-year-old (£90)

A note on Japanese whisky

Japanese whisky is gaining in popularity in recent years and is known for its smooth and complex flavor profile.

Many people are drawn to it for its unique taste and the variety of styles available. Japanese whisky is typically more expensive than other whiskeys, however, there are some great options available in a variety of price ranges.

If you’re looking for a good Japanese whisky, look for brands such as Yamazaki, Nikka, and Hibiki.

These brands offer a range of whiskies with different flavor profiles, so you can find one that suits your tastes. With a little research, you can find a great Japanese whisky to enjoy.

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