Many whiskies—and many single malt Scotches—are “finished,” which is to say aged for a briefer period of time in a previously used cask (e.g. Famous for a reason, a great value. Figgy pudding cut with walnuts mingles with apples and caramel on the nose. The juice is a blend of around 40 whiskies that are each aged for a minimum of 12 years. The GlenDronach Original 12 Year. So it’s not a single malt. This is one of those blends that can lead to an “ah-ha” moment when you realize how great and complex these bottles can be on the rocks or with a drop or two of water. Balvenie DoubleWood 12 year old —88 points, $55 Balvenie malt master David Stewart was one of the first distillers to practice secondary maturation, a technique that is common today but was revolutionary three decades ago. Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve 14 Years. You’ll get light cereal/grain notes with some delicate buttery notes, honey, soft orchard fruits and light, grassy spring florals. But it’s really the conversation about Antarctica it opens up that’s the star of the show. Maybe it’s best to call it a “blended” whisky and just leave it at that. Dewar’s White Label and 12 get a lot of attention, and rightfully so. ... Laphroaig’s 10-year-old scotch is slightly sweet with a luxuriously silky body and an oceanic finish. $50 to $75 1. Purchase: ~$47. A bit of a dueling single malt—but the duel is interesting. Maybe both. Decanter recommends a varied selection of whiskies under £50 - from Scotland, Ireland and the US, and that deliver great value for money ... Best whiskies to buy under £50/$50. The end result is meant to entice bourbon fans into the wonders of well-made blended scotches. Ever wonder what the best 12 year old Scotch under $40 is? You’re greeted with a nose of salted caramel, cedar, citrus, anise, vanilla cream, and a note of distant banana. The extra three years this blend gets in the barrel adds a nice depth that speaks to how good blended scotch can be while still being affordable. This edition of Famous Grouse is a nice step up from their entry-level blend (which is a great highball base, by the way). One of the most famous single malts out there, and an archetypal Speyside whisky (on the lighter, grassier end of the Speyside style). Okay, this isn’t technically a Scottish blended whisky. It is often considered a blend for grown-ups and is a phenomenal introduction to Scotch whisky. Good for cutting your teeth on, or coming back to again and again. Definitely drop in some water to help it reach its full potential or just drink it on the rocks as I do. Cinnamon and spice intermingle with the balancing spicy oak, warming and opulent but not overwhelmingly so. Read the tasting notes to find a bottle that hits the flavor notes you love, deep freeze a few ice cubes, and enjoy! Citrus and orange peel are pronounced on the nose of this Scotch, “like an Old... 3. The taste is light and accessible with a lean toward apple fruit, honey sweetness, and a nice cut of orange zest. This actual expression was recreated from bottles found in Shackleton’s Antarctic camps nearly 100 years later, alongside recipes from the 1800s for the actual whisky. The end result is the best of Speyside in one, award-winning bottle. Chivas Regal 12 and 18 year old whiskies are triple blended. Dram A Lot: The 14 Best Scotch Whiskeys Under $50 Highland Park 12 Year. This, along with Chivas, is one of the best selling whiskeys in the world. Laphroaig — 10 Year Old Single Malt ($50) “In Ohio, this bottle is $62.99 retail. Speyside is known for its delicate, honey-driven single malts, and BenRiach’s celebrated 10 Year... Highland Park Magnus. Another unapologetically peated Islay, and a great value for all the complexity. Single Malt just means the whisky is 100% malted barley and the product of one distillery. Another Islay, but on the lighter side, aged in Sherry butts (not what you think) with a delicately pale gold look to it. But if you just want something to sip on your own, with the significant other or with close friends that will let you feel the satisfaction of having bought a great scotch without paying too much, by all means, check out our list of the 8 best scotches under $50. While Chivas is a real powerhouse in South, East, and Southeast Asia, it’s regaining much-deserved popularity back in the U.S. Browse the top-ranked list of Scotch Under $50 below along with associated reviews and opinions. The taste embraces that fruit while adding more caramel with plenty of cinnamon-forward spices and a dusting of cacao when water is added.