Best Scotch Whiskies Under $50 » Top-Rated Brands in 2023 (2023)

1.

A classic.Talisker distillery was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskil at Carbost, on the Isle of Skye. In all these years Talisker's distillation method has remained virtually unchanged, refusing to go with the flow of the industry, well...asides from the necessary health and safety improvements. As the only distillery on the Isle of Skye, Talisker's drams are quite idiosyncratic, defining an Island Malt style that is very much their own.Talisker 10YO is a true house representative that sticks to the distilleries definition of what their Single Malt should be all about. Distilled by the seaon the shores of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, it just delivers that smoky soul from the beginning to the end. A wonderful full-bodiedexpression that is just a great intro to what Talisker has to offer.Oh and it earned a double gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 94 points at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.*Talisker has recently changed their labels, and as the original labels are being phased out, there is still a chance that you might receive a bottle different than what is pictured. But rest assured, the liquid remains the same, regardless of the label.

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2.

Classic Laphroaig.Laphroaig distillery was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston and is located in Port Ellen,Isle of Islay. Although Laphroaig isn't allowed to put the prefix ‘Royal’ in its name (yet), rumour has it his royal princenessCharles of Walesis a fan of the ‘L’ Whisky. The 15-year-old is reportedly theprince's favouriteScotch. For a long while there’s beenfrenzyfor Laphroaig’s Scotch, especially those less-available expressions.Laphroaig 10 Year Old is the original Laphroaig, distilled the same way today as it was when Ian Hunter invented over 75 years ago. It’s the quintessential Islay Scotch, heavily peated and very medicinal. Indeed, many-a-Scotch lover has lost its flavour virginity to it.

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A Quintessential GlenDronach. James Allardice was the second person to apply for a license to distill Whisky in Scotland, way back in 1826. Them’s some good times, my friend! Over the years, The GlenDronach has been owned by a veritable Who’s-Who of the historic lineage of Whisky masters; from Walter Scott, to Captain Charles Grant, and William Teacher & Sons.The late 1990’s saw some troubled times for the proud distillery, and many thought that the Spirit suffered. But the good times roll again! The BeRaich Distillery Company bought out the property and has restored this Highland Single Malt to its former glory, and then some. Their entire Whisky line is "Sherried,"meaning matured only in Oloroso Sherry casks. Highland, Single Malt, Sherry casks, proper aging… We'resold! This classy 12-year-old Single Malt was re-launched in 2009. Aged in a mixture of ex-Sherry casks for a minimum of 12 years. Non-chill filtered, and naturally colored... bottled at 43% ABV, this release is a sweet, creamy dream… err, Dram… with warm, rich oak, and classic un-peated, Sherried notes. This Single Malt has GlenDronach written all over it. Not to mention it's won a fair share of Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the World Whiskies Awards, and the IWSC.

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4.

In what could be our favorite Single Malt limited release from The Glenlivet without the risk of jail-time.George Smith was running an illegal still on the estate of the Duke of Gordon in the wee early 1800’s — to whom he covertly supplied the occasional dram.The Duke sponsored legislation in 1823 that made whiskey distilling legal in the UK, it just so happens that George Smith was the first one granted a license.Total coincidence.Today The Glenlivet is one of the “Big Three” Single Malt producers.Their Whiskies are Speyside in both location and character and the water for the mash comes famously from “Josie’s Well” nearby. The Glenlivet produces a wide variety of Single Malt agings and cask combinations, with the remaining spirit serving as an indispensable component in some of the most famous blends.When Glenlivet decided to try to recapture the flavor and feel of George Smith’s original Single Malt — you know, the one that may or may not have been distilled in secret — they could have decided to name the limited edition “bootlegger,” scofflaw,” “tax dodger,” or “fugitive.” But they ultimately chose a different direction.The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskyis fundamentally the classic Single malt we all love. But it’s been aged a full twelve years and bottled at a stunning 48% ABV without chill-filtration so it tastes even more Glenlivet-y, more Speyside-ery and definitely more legal-ish.

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5.

A ticket into the wonderful world of Aberfeldy.Aberfeldy Distillery was founded by John Dewar & Sons, Ltd. in 1896, they opened their doors in 1898. It sits on the eastern outskirts of Aberfeldy, on the southern bank of the upper Tay. Aberfeldy sources its water from the Pitilie Burn, which runs alongside the distillery and is rich in alluvial gold. You won't find any nuggets in the bottle, but it is at least known to be exceptionally pure. Needless to say, these laddies make a pretty damn decent drink. Oh, and they are partnered with local beekeepers as well, raising awareness one hot toddy at a time.The Aberfeldy 12 Year OldSingle Malt Scotch Whisky comes from the Last Great Malts series and is a great showcase as well as the perfect entry point into the lineup. It's a Highland Single Malt made from 100% malted barley that has spent its dozen years in American oak ― some ex-Bourbon, some ex-Sherry. Fruity & creamy, full-bodied, and well balanced, it's a treat for the senses that is bound to make you want to delve deeper into Aberfeldy.

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