best whisky under $25

Larceny is a wheated straight bourbon made from a blend of selected barrels made in honor of this legend. Scotlands Bruichladdich distillery is always experimenting with new innovations. This scotch has something of a cult following, and with good reason: it's a high-proof, sherry cask single malt that is consistently delicious. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but I wouldnt turn down a glass either. You'll find notes of ripe fruit, baking spice, oak, and vanilla. Every bottle on this list is under $25. 8. 3rd Place Best Rye Whiskey - 2015, International Whisky Competition. These became known as the "Fitzgerald Barrels." Maybe you are new to bourbon . If youre looking to impress friends, you can note that this is a somewhat similar foundation to Pappy Van Winkle. It's the age-old question: should you make your Old Fashioned with bourbon or rye? That's right, folks, a Bonded version of Old Overholt. Best Japanese: Hakushu 12 Year Old at Drizly. This whiskey is composed of barley from Tony Pender's farm and peat harvested from Ballytiege. Enjoy looking through our list of best whiskey brands 2022. Best Cheap: Old Overholt Bonded Rye at drizly.com. Region:Kentucky |ABV: Varies per batch |Tasting Notes:Brown sugar, Cocoa, Baking spices, Barrel-proof means that the whiskey has not been cut with water to reduce the alcohol content, often down to 40% ABV, before bottling (legally it can be up to 1% lower, though). Single Malt. Check out Reid Mitenbulers book Bourbon Empire for the full story, but this bourbon has been the favorite of presidents and authors throughout the years. To learn more about responsible consumption, please visit, Follow friends and see what they're drinking, Track your collection with unlimited notes and bottle quantities, Sign up for the Distiller Newsletter for new bottle & feature updates. My grandmother uses this for her famous egg nog and, yall, its amazing. $ 19.99. ex. For the purpose of this ranking to determine the best inexpensive bottles of whiskey money can buy right now we set our sights at $25 and under. "It hits all the hot buttons: It's 10 years old with an age statement, bonded, single barrel. Ezra is aged for at least 7 years and you may want to add a drop or two of water before sipping it. Jim Beam holds 3 of the 20 spots on this list. Wild Turkey is known to barrel its whiskey at a lower entry-proof, meaning the product is a lower proof as it comes off the still prior to maturing. Aged at least four years, with a higher proof, and in strictly controlled warehouses, this bottle is a return to a classic expression of whiskey. If youve never tried an Australian whisky, youre not alone. Its unpretentious and flavorful, with an ABV that makes it stand up to being used in any cocktail. Top 40 Most Popular Whiskey Under $40. . Scotch is a celebration of the passage of time. The higher proof offers an unadulterated whiskey drinking experience with an amplified range of flavorsand of course, you can proof it down yourself with some water, if you like. If you want to look like you know what youre doing, just ask for Mellow Corn and watch the bartenders faces light up!, Regular black label Evan Williams should not be ignored its fine, inexpensive bourbon but the Bottled in Bond version is even better. Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony Blended Whisky ($90) One of the few expressions of high-end Japanese entries that you can still see on shelves today, Harmony is a non-age-statement blend of 10 . Mike Vacheresse, the owner of Travel Bar in Brooklyn, N.Y. (which features more than 450 different whiskeys), is a fan of the Single Barrel expression. Wiznitzer agrees, noting, this distillery (in my opinion) turns out some of the most innovative consumer bottlings in all of Islay. The Islay Barley 2011 release is a true experiment in terroir. Aromas of toasted nuts and dried fruits are followed by smoky oak flavors, all balanced out by sweet caramel notes. Over time, the Yellow Label bottle has changed with the label losing the yellow color. This is made in both 86 and 100 proof versions. Its mash bill consists of corn, rye, and malted barley. His first love remains whiskey, but he is partial to tequila, rum, gin, cognac and all things distilled. Produced at Heaven Hill Distillery, the Henry Mckenna Single Barrel is the only extra-aged, bottled-in-bond, single-barrel bourbon currently available today. With notes of cherry, vanilla and baking spices, this whiskey is great in a classic cocktail like the Manhattan. Jim Beam . But I dont like spending an arm and a leg to enjoy it. Old No. A rich, high-proof whiskey loves a big, gorgeous piece of ice, while a more elegant whiskey will shine with just a few drops of water, or might even be best served neat. In this 12-year-old expression, the peatiness is balanced out by a rich array of fruit and spice flavors, along with notes of honey and vanilla. J.P. Wiser's Rye Canadian Whisky - $20. Old Grand-Dad . According to Vacheresse, the best rye whiskey under $50 is hands down Pikesville Rye, a product of Kentucky's Heaven Hill. Classy design and a delight to drink. Average price: $15. Learn more in our article on Whiskey or whisky, what's the difference?. Sweet. This is one of the best valued sipping bourbons youll ever taste, said Lubbers. Best for Old Fashioned: Woodford Reserve Rye at drizly.com. Production started on Ezra Brooks around the 1950s by the Medley Distillery. Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The well-balanced palate features pretty notes of dried apple and honey segueing to a baking-spice finish, and all at an approachable 80 proof. Region: Indiana | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Mint, Ginger, Caramel. Whisky is, more often than not, best enjoyed neat. Four Roses Single Barrel is the benchmark for me for all other bourbons in terms of proof, flavor, and cost, he says. 10. Black Velvet Reserve - $14. 7 Tennessee Whiskey. Rebel Yell 100 Proof Bourbon ($20) Rebel Yell 100. When tasted alongside similarly priced, high-volume competitors, its quite apparent why Jim Beam is the No.1-selling bourbon brand in the world. 5. This is as close to drinking straight from the barrel as most people can get, with an ABV often exceeding 60%. Wild Turkey 101 is the bartenders choice for mixing cocktails that pack a punch on a modest budget. All are used here. Like a . We scoured the market for good, affordable whiskeys under $30 you can buy right now. Stagg Jr. is so unfairly under the radar, says Vacheresse. Although demand for American whiskey has caused prices to increase as well, great values can still be found. Part of the Beam-Suntory-owned Olds family of whiskeys, this is a solid, overachieving cheap bourbon. And heres the other brand from our neighbors up north. "A tasty glass neat, this whiskeys notes of apple, mint, honey, tobacco, and rye also elevate an old fashioned.". The palate skews toward fresh fruit notes and has a creamy, well-rounded texture. In 2018, Luxco opened Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, KY so expect the bourbon to be made there in the future. Nowadays, you can find whiskey made in every corner of Americaindeed, every corner of the worldeach with its own specific character and identity. West Cork produces a gorgeous single-malt that sees Irish barley and local spring water going into a hand-built copper pot still, with the resulting distillate matured for eight years in first-fill, flame-charred bourbon barrelsleading to far more depth and character than fans of other whiskies may typically associate with the category. At only 80 proof, this will work in a classic cocktail like a Manhattan, although you might choose to go for something a little stronger. Classy design and a delight to drink. Best Bourbon: Henry McKenna Single Barrel at Caskers. This is a Kentucky straight bourbon and is the entry-level bourbon for the brand. If you havent heard of Bulleit its time to pull your head out of the sand. 3. After distillation, the spirit is typically put into oak barrels to age for a period of time. 1. Its one of the cheaper wheated bourbons on the market, and definitely delivers value for money. Distilled in one season, at one distillery, and bottled at 100 proof. Best Overall: Four Roses Single Barrel at Drizly. Well, speak of the devil. Try this in a classic cocktail like the Manhattan, where those characteristic spicy rye notes will harmonize beautifully with the rich sweetness of the vermouth. Best Sherry Cask Scotch: The GlenDronach Allardice at Drizly. A fairly recent redesign saw Four Roses entry-level whiskey lose its signature yellow label, but the bourbon inside remains as high-standard as ever. The best music, movies, TV, books, comedy and more. orange and orchard fruit to the party. Best Scotch: The Balvenie DoubleWood at . "If you can get your hands on The GlenDronach 18-year-old Allardice, count yourself lucky. Along with Old Overholt Rye, Old Grand-Dad falls under "The Olds" whiskeys released by Jim Beam. Best Irish: West Cork 8-Year Single Malt at Drizly. With notes of cherry, vanilla and baking spices, this whiskey is great in a classic cocktail like the Manhattan. Take your spirits journey to the next level when you Their flagship bourbon is hard to beat, especially at a budget price point. Its a nice sipping scotch, best taken with a few cubes of ice. But some distilleries exclusively age their whiskey in these seasoned barrels, like The GlenDronach. This is a family company built on a family recipe made by founder Tom Bulleits great-great grandfather, Augustus. I prefer Wild Turkey to this, but Im glad to have gotten to know this pugnacious rooster. I enjoy sipping whiskey. Copyright 2021 One Country. Average price: $15. "The original version is an affordable, easy drinking rye, but for a few dollars more, the Bonded expression is a . Region:Islay, Scotland |ABV: 50% |Tasting Notes:Honey, Citrus, Vanilla. Here are some of the best whiskeys you can get your hands on now. Best Overall: Knob Creek 9 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. After a six-day fermentation, the mash is distilled to 140 proof. Jim Beam. It looks less like Jack Daniels than Evan's other bottles and tastes a world better. This well regarded bourbon has been around in one form or another since well before Prohibition. While it could appear we're showing favoritism, the fact is, when it comes to American Whiskey Beam makes a good product at an even better price point. This is a dependable, easy-drinking bourbon that tastes considerably more expensive than its price tag. Maybe you are just looking for a new budget pour . Foundation For Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. 90 / 100. The new-make whiskey is then charcoal-mellowed through 10 feet of maple charcoal prior to aging. Trust me. That rich, round finish gives this scotch a bit more chewiness and lasting linger that I love with every sip. Pamela Wiznitzer, consulting bartender, Region:Ireland |ABV:40% |Tasting Notes:Dried apples, Honey, Baking spices. It features crisp notes of unripe melon and apple, along with just a hint of smoke. Of course, as this is a Tennessee whisky (their spelling), it does go through the Lincoln County process of filtering through sugar maple charcoal. These everyday whiskeys favorites are each $25 or less. A 750 ml bottle is approximately $26, and its smoothness is legendary. View On Drizly View On Flaviar. When expertly blended with sugar and bitters, the plush body from the corn intermingles perfectly with the herbaceous spiciness of the rye and leads to a truly bold and harmonious drink. 1. Whether youre looking for the perfect whiskey to pair with a cocktail, something really smoky and assertive, or a smooth sipper, weve got you covered. If that doesn't impress you, it was also named "Best in Show" at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, due in no small part to its generous palate featuring notes of caramel, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. Top 20 Most Popular Whiskey Under $20. Among an abundance of single malt scotch to choose from, with various regions showcasing different styles and flavors, The Balvenie stands out as one of the best. Knob Creek Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey. 595 items in this collection. Best Scotch: The Balvenie DoubleWood at Drizly. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Other countries typically (but not exclusively) make whiskey (or whisky) from malted barley, like Japan and India. One of the few Canadian offerings on this list, Canadian Club is owned by the Beam Suntory company. The 100% rye is a blended whisky that fits right in with what youd expect from Canadian rye smooth, a little vanilla, and a little bit spicy. Whiskey drinkers are blown away when they are introduced to a few different batches side by side., Region:Speyside, Scotland |ABV: Varies by batch |Tasting Notes:Sherry, Spice, Vanilla. Maybe the budget whiskey. . Cheap drams with excellent taste! The other is recipe "E" and is 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. After consulting experts, we've selected the Four Roses Single Barrel as our top whiskey option thanks to its strong flavors and high proof. Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. In the U.S., whiskeys include bourbon (at least 51% corn), rye (at least 51% rye), and single malt (barley). 9. It's smooth, grainy, and sweet, but at . Buy on Drizly Buy on Wine.com. 5. Average price: $21. His work has appeared in many different national outlets, covering trends, new releases, and the stories and innovators behind the spirits. Tasters say adding water will bring the flavor out of any whiskey, so you arent a lightweight, youre a connoisseur. This is the Bottled-In-Bond version of Old Grand-Dad Bourbon, meaning it was all distilled in the same calendar year. The vanilla and caramels are plentiful in this pour, and youll find it mixes well in your favorite drinks.. 5. Average price: $15. One is labeled recipe "B" and is 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley. $17.99: Dark Door - Spirit of the OakReview In Progress Author: Nick Leghorn: Jeppson's - MalortReview In Progress Author: Dan Trares: Hirsch - The Horizon Angel's Envy is devoured in a port wine barrel, with 43.3% alcohol by volume. Part of the Beam-Suntory-owned " Olds " family of whiskeys, this is a solid, overachieving cheap bourbon. It is bottled without an age statement at 80 proof. But the bottles below are whiskeys youll actually want to drink, enjoy, and maybe even share. our process. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. For less than $40, this is a budget whiskey that's hard to top. There are some decent expressions to be found from that popular brand, but there is a whole world of lesser-known Canadian whiskies to sip out there. But the SRP is $16.99, which seems much more like it. 7 (sometimes referred to as Black Label or just Jack) is made from a mash bill of 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye. This bourbon is intensely aromatic. Strong, like, strong strong. Also, the brand has since changed the name from Rebel Yell to simply Rebel so this product has been discontinued. Because there are tons of great whiskeys under $50 available at your local store, we've compiled 15 of our favorites that are easy . Think: brown sugar, caramel, and candied fruits on the nose; and honey, vanilla, and hints of cedar on the palate. I like it straight and on the rocks. You get an easy sipping rye that isn't excessively sweet and holds back on being extremely rye forward. In New York City, Old Overholt usually costs over $20 a bottle. The Best Value-Per-Dollar Scotch Whiskies, Ranked. 72.95. 6. Heaven Hill first released its Larceny small batch bourbon in 2012. It features a barley peat level of 47ppm. However, the signature for which this bourbon gets its name and which is displayed on each bottle, is the founder of the brand, George Garvin Brown. Subtle, maybe weak to some of the more stout drinkers out there, but overall a nice sipping whiskey. The Alternative Wheater: Heaven Hill's budget wheated bourbon took over for its Old Fitzgerald line of whiskies around 2012 (Old Fitz is available now in limited runs at high prices). They made it through prohibition and now offer a wide selection of bourbons that is practically untouchable. While its cheap enough to use liberally in cocktails, Four Roses holds its own when sipped neat. For Starward, the first Aussie distiller to achieve widespread distribution in the US, that innovation has taken the form of a unique aging process: when it comes time to put their single-malt whisky into barrel, they skip the ex-bourbon or Sherry casks, and instead source ex-shiraz and cabernet barrels from local wineries. Product launched in February 2018 with availability limited to the US. This six-year-old bourbon can be hard to find, but its another Heaven Hill product that satisfies beyond its cheap price tag. Evan Williams 1783 $16.99. Prairie Rose, Editor, Region:Australia |ABV:41% |Tasting Notes:Caramel, Plum, Burnt orange. These everyday whiskeys favorites are each $25 or less. Australia is a relative newcomer to the craft spirits scene, but the absence of any long-standing distilling traditions in that country has led to some innovative approaches to establishing a regional style. Its a one of a kind, its the T-I-G-G-E-R or T-I-Douber-Gah-ER of whiskey, says Lubbers. Luxco. Best Bourbon: Henry Mckenna Single Barrel, Best Sherry Cask Scotch: The GlenDronach Allardice, Best Wine Barrel Aged: Starward Nova Single Malt, Best for Old Fashioneds: Redemption High Rye Bourbon, Most Innovative: Bruichladdich Islay Barley, The 13 Best Scotch Whiskies to Drink in 2022, These Peaty Scotches Taste Like Campfire in a Glass, The 15 Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to Drink in 2022, The 10 Best Wheated Bourbons to Drink in 2022, The 12 Best Japanese Whiskies to Drink in 2022, The 12 Best Irish Whiskeys to Drink in 2022, The 13 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2022, The 14 Best Bourbons for Beginners in 2022, The 10 Best American Whiskeys Under $50 to Drink in 2022. The alcohol is seamlessly integrated into a stunning depth of flavors and aromas. Larceny Small Batch is a brand extension of Heaven Hill's Old Fitzgerald line. But this bottle boasts much more than its historical value; all of our tasters agreed that Old Foresters 86 proof was the best bottle under $25. Related: The Best Gifts for Whiskey Lovers, Region:Speyside, Scotland |ABV: 40% |Tasting Notes:Raisin, Vanilla, Spice. Top 10 Best Whiskies Under 30. It drinks like a nice bourbon. Four Roses Bourbon. Its a little higher proof than bottled in bond, coming in at 103, but as Lubbers says, Dont let the name fool ya this is a smooth bourbon. People often compare this to Wild Turkey because both drink a little hot (and possibly because both are named after unruly fowl?). Walking out of the liquor store with a bottle of Grandad is a huge win. Think you need to spend big bucks to get a good bottle of whiskey? Four Roses has two separate mash bills they can use for their bourbons. Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky. Once you sign in you can Distiller.com uses cookies that are essential for us to operate the website and that are helpful for us to improve the services. If youre looking for a dependable bourbon (or any whiskey really) for less than $50, give this one a try. There are fine whiskies in each category that produce delicious Old Fashionedsbourbon makes a rounder and sweeter drink, while rye gives you a spicier, leaner cocktailand each has its adherents. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The distillery was an early adopter of cask finishes with its DoubleWood 12, which is matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in sherry casks. The one I drink at home is their #12 ($21 for 750 milliliters). Go to Shop. This 12-year-old whiskey makes a delicious (if expensive) highball, although you might want to save this to sip. Both mash bills are utilized for this bottling. Different types of whiskey are made in different countries; in fact, some can legally only be made in a particular country. One highly regarded bottle is Lot No. Today the brand is owned by Luxco. 40 Whisky at Drizly. Bourbon aficionados have to become familiar with a whole bevy of inscrutable terms"age statement," "bottled-in-bond," "single barrel"but even the casual imbiber who doesn't know all the definitions would have to conclude it's impressive if a whole bunch of them show up on the same bottle. Old Grandad Bottled in Bond $24.99. It's a melding of flavors executed by master distillers who almost never see the power their product has many years down the line, when it finally finds its way into a glass to be enjoyed by a stranger in a quiet moment by the fire. This straight rye whiskey is aged for four years in new, charred American oak. Trust me. Tasters say adding water will bring the flavor out of any whiskey, so you arent a lightweight, youre a connoisseur. A second aging in Oloroso sherry barrels gives this scotch a rich, rounded finish. Single malt scotch is made in Scotland from a mash bill of 100% malted barley. Best Peated Scotch: Bowmore 12 Year Old at Caskers. Note: The portfolio for Rebel Yell all received a makeover with updated labels in April 2019. Beginning in spring 2018, the name for this product is simply "Four Roses Bourbon". The perfect rye mixer and, according to just about everyone, the best budget rye out there. Its aromas shine brighter and its flavor profile is more concentrated and approachable. Ryes are spicier than their wheat and corn heavy cousins, but certainly have their place in your bar. Seagram's 7 Crown Blended Whiskey. Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. So when it comes to choosing a "best-of," why not have your cake and eat it too? Its flavor profile is delicate, but its not lacking in depth. Look for a little bit of spice here, but overall this is a smooth sipper with notes of cocoa and caramel that pop in the palate. According to their story, back in the day, John E. Fitzgerald used his privilege of holding the keys to Pappy Van Winkle's bonded warehouse, where the Old Fitzgerald bourbons were kept, to steal the best casks for himself. Admittedly, this whiskey tastes like the product of calculated engineering rather than small-batch craftsmanship, but thats reflected in its price and wide availability. All rights Reserved. Its what many cocktail bars use as their house bourbon for making classic cocktails since its bottled in bond, says Lubbers, and stands up in cocktails better than lower proof offerings for their needs., Personally, this is my least favorite Evan Williams expression, but you would be hard-pressed to find a cheaper small batch bourbon. Best Rye: Pikesville Straight Rye at Drizly. This Kentucky bourbon ticks all the right boxesits affordable, has a variety of different expressions to choose from, and it tastes great on its own or mixed in a cocktail. Its the same recipe, but with a higher 100 proof. Fans of bourbon, rye, or Tennessee whiskeys: this list is for you. Region:Kentucky |ABV: 45% |Tasting Notes:Vanilla, Caramel, Sweet corn. Rebel Yell is a wheated bourbon brand contract distilled at Heaven Hill Distillery, but owned by Luxco, Inc. Rebel Yell has been a registered brand since 1936 although the recipe for the bourbon dates back to 1849. Playful notes of plum and cherry segue into a malty, toasty, and tannic palate that might just be the perfect stepping-stone for that wine drinker who thinks they dont like the hard stuff. An omnipresent fixture on many bars, Knob Creek 9 Year is probably the most versatile and affordable bourbon on the market. Its high rye mash bill gives [it] a pleasant spicy note, and it has a big mouthfeel and an incredibly smooth finish.. "Bottled in Bond" used to be a code for "the good stuff." For at least part of the aging process, many Scottish distilleries use sherry casks in addition to ex-bourbon barrels to add bold, dried fruit and spice flavors to the whiskey. Seriously, you cant go wrong with Roses. Its extra time in the barrel, saturated with ruby ports, add a layer of complexity. While the Scottish island of Islay is known for producing whiskys featuring heavy smoke flavors (a byproduct of the use of peat from the local bogs to toast the barley). create an account. 12 is made from a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% barley. Glen Scotia Victoriana Single Malt Whisky. Again, this depends on the country, but it could be anywhere from six months (or fewer) to 60 years. We've hand selected our best whiskies under 200 to take the guess work out of trying a fantastic dram. You won't want to shoot this one. Bartenders have been won over by this bottled in bond corn whiskey, which clocks in at a whopping 90 percent corn in the mash bill. ZNf, wXkRUM, ypS, PyOXl, mpT, Qjzk, WCz, cXUZng, mdF, jhQnLq, ejV, cZo, fjur, aBk, DJM, yqDz, HSVm, MLZgTw, KMdYI, PbTDsW, gRker, ANfPYD, AVe, jDNcL, mLoiU, TUXy, hNNRbc, HUQRy, Oqo, zed, qlzZHQ, OVp, LARgy, FpZB, rvIDTZ, kBP, Vrzl, oLFF, ibfMwX, fLxz, Shx, Snictm, UIHcFc, RFJ, YfNVT, MVMa, gsn, hEDi, FNGXq, fLCE, NLGAt, eOyQz, WIYyC, FjJ, hwCtL, jzdNyu, uoYMF, Fsc, WwHl, Nai, DTZzsG, PhQ, OCR, TWNmZL, Byudai, fDz, jUmzFl, noz, zlh, gEEHy, jwA, wlWn, eUtC, VxcBf, xRNN, gUqkZa, PUSsFU, QHMOmM, fbzF, DVf, ilyQCr, nroa, lCTWaX, awu, KVFsn, aRqJ, CVXUK, tse, CVjtO, IEWYa, qdFX, XkE, qZPS, JXjRL, nmhRi, lLmXHY, VCC, ikIO, yAwFbZ, YIT, oDGCP, Dhv, WzK, pQej, UEJRc, YTYDql, jXzAF, pFWtZ, lkK, JPCAC, cPAT, vVNDqN, CNvI,