Best Budget Whiskies

Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish

The Sinclair Series is an enchanting expression of peated perfection. Its journey begins on the Isle of Mull, at Tobermory Distillery. It is matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in hand-selected Rioja wine casks. This finishing imparts an enticing complexity of flavour with fruity and spicy undertones. On the palate, experience an enticing dance of red berries, vanilla, smoke, and peppery spice. It’s a satisfying fusion, bringing together the best of Scotland and Spain.

Purchase on Amazon (£33.90 as of 15th January)

Ex-Bourbon and Rioja wine casks
46.3% ABV
Single Malt
Peated

Benromach 10 Year Old

Benromach 10 Year Old is a testament to the classic Speyside style with a unique twist. Crafted in the smallest distillery in Speyside, it combines a majority of bourbon barrel-aged whisky with a smaller portion matured in sherry casks. The result is a beautifully balanced dram that offers rich sherry notes, woodland aromas, malty undertones, and a hint of delicate smoke. On the palate, it carries a luscious fusion of fruit, dark chocolate, and warm spices, trailing into a long, smoky finish.

Purchase on Amazon (£44 as of 15th January)

Ex-Bourbon and Sherry casks
43% ABV
Single Malt
Unpeated

Deanston Virgin Oak

Deanston Virgin Oak is crafted with a commitment to traditional methods. Un-chill-filtered and bottled at 46.3% ABV, it’s matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in virgin oak. The result is a vibrant whisky that intertwines sweet and spicy notes with aplomb. The nose welcomes you with honeyed barley and delicate citrus, while the palate surprises you with a delectable mix of gingerbread, nutmeg, and honeyed spiciness. An undercurrent of rich oakiness persists, culminating in a warm, extended finish.

Purchase on Amazon (£35.00 as of 15th January)

Virgin Oak casks
46.3% ABV
Single Malt
Unpeated

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish is an enchanting Speyside whisky, finished in carefully selected Oloroso Sherry casks. This maturation process lends it an exquisite richness, with an enticing array of dark and dried fruit notes enveloping the distillery’s renowned smooth style. On the nose, you’ll discover sweet vanilla and caramel intertwined with spicy cinnamon. The palate offers a delightful dance of blackcurrant, baked apples and ginger, beautifully balanced with Glen Moray’s signature malty core. A memorable dram that leaves a lingering sweet warmth.

Purchase on Amazon (£29.95 as of 15th January)

American oak and Oloroso Sherry casks
40% ABV
Single Malt
Unpeated

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old is an Islay single malt that stands out with its unusually gentle and nuanced character. Unlike many Islay whiskies, it’s lightly peated, allowing a symphony of coastal and fruity notes to shine through. The whisky, bottled at 46.3% ABV, is a delightful mingle of sea salt, rich fruit, nuts, and a hint of smoke. On the nose, fresh and aromatic scents lead to a palate of dried fruit, creamy nuts, and a hint of spice. The finish is long and smooth, with a delicate whisper of smoke. A true Islay gem.

Purchase on Amazon (£42.99 as of 15th January)

Oloroso Sherry casks
46.3% ABV
Single Malt
Lightly Peated

Ardbeg Wee Beastie

Ardbeg Wee Beastie is an untamed delight, a spirited 5-year-old Islay whisky. Despite its youth, it delivers an explosive depth of flavour. This ‘Wee Beastie’ roars with a mix of intense peat smoke, cracked black pepper, sappy pine resin, and a tantalizing hint of dark chocolate. On the palate, a riot of vibrant and feisty flavours, from smoky bacon and seaweed to a zesty lime finish, make it a truly memorable dram.

Purchase on Amazon (£36.99 as of 15th January)

Ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks
47.4% ABV
Single Malt
Peated

Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition

Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition is a bold and flavorful tribute to the vibrant era of the 1920s. Bottled at 50% ABV, this blended Scotch whisky delivers intense, rich flavours. The palate entices with notes of vanilla, spicy cinnamon, and nutmeg, layered over a robust malty core. Its finish is long, warming, and complex, with a touch of dark chocolate and lingering spiciness. Presented in a black glass bottle as a homage to its historical roots, it’s an exciting blend that truly stands out.

Purchase on Amazon (£27.95 as of 15th January)

American Sherry oak casks
50% ABV
Blend
Unpeated

Tullamore DEW

Tullamore DEW is a renowned Irish blended whiskey, known for its smooth and gentle complexity. Crafted with a blend of grain, malt, and pot still whiskeys, it’s triple distilled, yielding a whiskey that’s as approachable as it is rewarding. On the nose, light sweet citrus and green apple coupled with vanilla undertones make a pleasing introduction. The palate is charmingly balanced, with notes of ripe green apples, nuts, and honey, leading to a subtly spicy, lingering finish.

Purchase on Amazon (£21 as of 15th January)

Ex-Bourbon and Sherry casks
40% ABV
Blend
Unpeated