While low-cost offerings are a bit diminished these days, there are a few bottles to be found that won’t require a second mortgage. To that end, here are five excellent single malts you can snag for less than $40.
Glenmorangie The Original
Made in Scotland’s tallest stills and aged 10 years in air-dried, white oak from the Ozarks, Glenmorangie Original is a deeply satisfying Highland whisky. Fruity, malty, and just plain delicious, it’s a dram that punches way above it’s price point. Buy Now $40
Laphroaig Select
It’s hard to find an Islay under $40, so Laphroaig Select is a bit of a steal. While the medicinal flavors you find in the Select are a bit more subdued than in the original, caramel and vanilla balance nicely with Laphroaig’s signature smokey iodine notes. Buy Now $35
Aberfeldy 12
A major component in the blended juggernaut known as Dewars White Label, Aberfeldy 12 is a lovely whisky that stands brilliantly on its own. A dozen years in ex-bourbon wood gives the spirit a wonderfully thick mouthfeel while flavors of sweet honey, citrus and heather make Aberfeldy 12 a solid go-to evening dram. Buy Now $32
Talisker Storm
Some connoisseurs obsess over age statements but it’s really nothing but a number. The important thing is flavor and the no age statement Talisker Storm is a delicious whisky. An impressive amount of smoke and salt are balanced out by a caramel sweetness and spice that gets deeper with every dram. At this price, we’d buy it by the case. Buy Now $40
Glenfiddich 12
Sure this one might seem a bit obvious, but there is a 50/50 shot this was the first single malt you ever had and with good reason. It’s the best selling single malt in the world, a classic and you can still get it at a reasonable price. Notes of orchard fruit, vanilla and cinnamon make this soft, supple whisky a great daily drinker. Buy Now $40
