Top 10 Affordable Whiskies!

As whisky prices around the world are shooting up, I have decided to make a list of the best affordable, budget and good-value whiskies for the money you can buy in 2022. The whiskies in this list are mostly under $100 and should be cheap for you in your market too.
00:00 Intro
00:50 Best cheap budget affordable whiskies 2022
02:16 Affordable Ex-bourbon Cask Whisky
06:30 Affordable Ex-Sherry Cask Whisky
08:46 Affordable Smoky & Peaty Whisky
11:00 Affordable Old Whisky
12:14 Affordable Cask Strength Whisky
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[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Join the new First Phil Discord Whisky Community for whisky banter, reviews, and meet other like-minded whisky folks: discord.gg/jEQfFc737Y

[@ryuwrath]

Your love of Arran malt is infectious, glad it's getting so much attention.

[@carlmartinlinder]

Fantastic list Phil! I couldn't agree more. i have all the bottles you mentioned except for the Tamdhu 12-year. If I made my own list, I would more or less be the same.

[@DayKlight]

Got the Arran quarter cask for around 37€ shortly after release... other great whiskies for little money: 1770 glasgow rich and peaty, glengoyne 12, glenmorangie 14, clynelish 14 and for bourbon wild turkey rare breed, all those bottles were under 60€ :)

[@TheLuckyJedi]

Great list, the ones I have tried of these are real gems

[@budj13]

This is another fabulous video, Phil! In the ex-bourbon, sherry, and smoky groups I have all but the Tamdhu and Wee Beastie and I agree these are all great value and very nice drams. The Glen Scotia 15 is such a good value that I recently bout 3 bottles and I rarely buy multiples of anything. The stand out Irish for me (not in the scope of your list) is Powers Johns Lane-- perhaps one of the best whiskies for the money on the market. I'm going to recommend this video as the best shopping list on KZbin for any enthusiast. Keep up the great work.

[@glycett]

Great list and review. Thanks Phil.

[@nohandle257]

You're amazing. Really. Gifted. Your editing is mesmerizing and the information is top top notch. A little fast for my tastes but I'm adapting.

[@frankbrou7971]

Thank you- I've enjoyed learning from your videos!

[@JeffWhisky]

Loved the Glenlivet Illicit still and yet to try the second release. You certainly have tempted me on the Ileach Cask Strength. Banging list as always. Cheers.

[@vaughntongs1836]

Thanks Mate, I've added them to my watch list and will pick away at them as the $$ come available lol. Love the reviews. Cheers from Palmy

[@Alex-pr6zv]

great selection and I mostly agree with your choices!

[@spykerf1545]

Great vid! Love the list. Still the best production quality of any reviewer anywhere - not even close. The Arran 10 is my go-to as a gift whisky to whisky nerds and beginners alike. The Bunnah is the go-to value sherry. For smokey would go with Benriach The Smokey 12. Can't beat the Glenfarclas for aged whisky for the money - but look for Glenmorangie 18 - paid USD 99 - to me a great value. What we are missing is Irish Whiskey - so many truly great whiskies for the money and many far cheaper than Scotch (though getting pricer).

[@vladimirdemenko6860]

Talisker 10 was the reason I started my scotch journey. What a great balanced scotch, highly recommend

[@davidhoward7691]

It used to be for sure. The last bottle I had of Talisker 10 was sadly, a real disappointment

[@theodosios2615]

Is it crazy peaty? I like a little peat, but nor overpowering.

[@vladimirdemenko6860]

@@theodosios2615 then that's your choice. they say it's 22 ppm (pretty low smoke point)

[@user-zo5um2vu1z]

Talisker is overpriced it's more expensive than laiphroiag select in my shop .it's salty not smokey .get some laophroaig into you...Aldi in the UK do an Islay called glen marnoch that I swear is laiphroiag. People are buying it up though....17 quid. I wish I had

[@user-wy3dl2em7p]

​@@user-zo5um2vu1zI like Laphroaig 10,but Talisker 10 is simply better.

[@scottxu]

A lot of content in a shortish video, good value for money! As an Australian I envy the availability of those top brands like Arran and Glencadam in NZ.

[@VinegarAndSaltedFries]

Great video. Thanks for filling me in.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks for watching!

[@luckkhush]

Great video Phil, really appreciate it

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Khush!

[@BonjobyBasketball]

The Glendronach 12 was what made me fall in love with whisky. Unfortunately, it is not the most affordable whisky anymore, but the Australian Whisky Club released a series of Cask Strength Glendronachs that I am currently savouring.

[@denisreed4701]

It’s been a mission of mine to visit as many of Scotland ‘s distilleries as possible over the years. Starting with Glenfiddich, and on to Glenlivet, Glen Grant, Glenmorangie, Ben Nevis, Oban, Bowmore, Lagavulin, Laphroaigh, Bunnahabainn, Glengoyne, Bruichladdie, Jura, Talisker, Caol Isla, Tobermory, Highalnd Park, Glen Ord, Tomatin, Clynelish, and many more that I can’t recall, also the Lakes, St George’s and Cotswold in England and Penderyn in Wales. It’s a cracking hobby but despite my passion for whisky I am ever wary of turning into the same type of ‘snob’ as I see on wine and audio sites! Some reviews I read are pure nonsense so well done for keeping it real as the kids say! It is s simple process at the end of the day . I tend to agree with Ian Rankin in that it is about the occasion and the ceremony along with the memories it creates that are often the most important thing. Once a whisky has aged and been bottled we are ultimately be paying for exclusivity and marketing in the long run (and the tax of course!!)

[@richardkilley6838]

Some great recommendations in there bro, I've got a few of them in my stash!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Fantastic! Cheers Richard!

[@sner200]

thank Phil! that this is really philling my cabinet! :X lots of love from Romania

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks! Means a lot

[@harryborger6550]

Thanks Phil, for your insights. Indeed I'd like to add two or the suggestions to the list, you might have missed: Port Charlotte 10; around 50€; peaty Whisky at 50% Royal Brackla 12 y.o. with Oloroso Sherry Finish; around 50€, Sherry Whisky at 46% Clynelish 14; around 40€; Bourbon Cask at 46% Also I think, that the Aberlour a'bunadh should be on the list, not only mentioned. But to be honest, a Top 10 list of alle the Whiskys out there is a hard thing to do.

[@Andre-nt4dn]

Perfect list !

[@mantillam]

What a great channel! I live in Vancouver and I have to say you have some really good prices in New Zealand! I loved your list of suggestions, I’d advise to include Laphroaig Sherry or PX which are some times difficult to find but really good. For my palate also Balvenie Madeira!

[@ericmcdaniel2719]

Arran's Machre Moor CS is also a crazy good price for a lightly peated CS.

[@gatdellobregat]

Thank you, Phil, for consistently providing great quality content! As for me, I'm happy with these 10yo from Arran and Glencadam, one could get them here for 32 and 40€ respectively. Tamdhu 12 is around 40€, good value for the money, but I think even at 40% Edradour 10 OB is a damn good sherry one. And when it comes to CS, the best integrity affordable (for how long?) is by far Victoriana, snatched a second one for under 45€ two weeks ago. Cask Orkney 18 and Knockando 21 are my good priced older ones (66 and 71€ paid last summer); totally agree with you on Ledaig 10 and I look forward to hear from your project with Ileach, because I have one in mind too, but I'm thinking of getting a 5 or 10L new oak cask, conditioning it with Port and then filling it with Finlaggan CS. Cheers from Bucharest, Romania!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Victoriana is a great suggestion! Ooo I should see what I can get a Knockando 21 for. Will do! The sherry is not far away from seasoning the cask. Will do. Thanks Bogdan!

[@wizkid3295]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Hey mate, where do you buy your whiskey from ?

[@TheSveerik]

Looking forward to the new list!

[@lightplays2181]

Good choice Phil , i liked ) Cheers !

[@videosforu739]

Man u doing great job!!!

[@alexanderjohnston7283]

So I worked on Arran (the island) for 6 months last summer. As you would expect every shop, no matter how small, stocked pretty much Arran Distillery's entire range. The price variations between these shops was outrageous. I remember seeing Arran 10 at 36 pounds in one place and then about 48 or 50 pounds at a shop 50 meters further along the promenade. I feel for whatever poor tourists got duped by the sneaky islanders.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Whoa! Crazy how much the shops can inflate the price!

[@eatsmokedrink]

So many good whiskies for a good price out there, awesome vid

[@federicus1517]

For Peaty Whiskies you might have added the Laphroaig Quarter Cask which is recently priced and really accessible in Europe at least at around 50€ which I find to be pretty amazing

[@jameskennedy4222]

Great video as usual. Gonna try some of these out when I have some cash to splash haha.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks James!

[@paulshortis9012]

Thanks Phil. Tripped over this just after lunch and now I have 3 of your recommended whiskies heading to the Wairarapa! Haven't tried Arran but have been meaning to so the 10 yo and quarter cask are on the way. Also a great fan of Glenallachie and Billy Walker and need to replace my 12 yo which seemed to evaporate! As always, a great watch, keep up the easy viewing style and informative content!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Paul! Appreciate that. Grateful to have ya watching

[@sigmundsue4261]

Great video. I'm also in NZ and its getting hard to find certain bottlings. Keep up the awesome work.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Sigmund! Yeah I’ve given up trying to find Springbank in NZ now

[@riteinfo2422]

Arran 10, Glencadam, DEANSTON, Glenscotia , Glenlivet licensed dam, Bunnahabhain 12, Tamdhu 12, Glen Allachie, Ledaig, Talisker, Ardbeg, Glenfarclas, Aultmore, The Ileach, Scarabus

[@oliverbauer7774]

Thanks for this list!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks for watching Oliver!

[@chrisbergin390]

Fantastic video phil. I need to check most of these out, i have the deanston next in my to buy list. I only buy a bottle every 4 or 5 months now due to cost so i want to choose wisely

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Chris! Yeah that’s part of why I made this video, everyone seems to be buying less, so are making sure they only buy quality

[@utoobia]

I found the Deanston 12 to be pretty special stuff. Only $59 for me in the US. It’s really a $100+ whisky. Excellent.

[@MaltDaddy]

I think the Tobermory 12 should be in the ex-bourbon list, amazing quality for the price. Since you are a fan of Ledaig and Bunnahabhain, the Tobermory 12 is also from the same master blender and master distiller!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Very true!

[@icemancometh74]

Agreed! Lovely stuff!

[@Jake-us1nw]

Recently tried duncan taylor black bull peated edition, a fairly cheap whisky which is bottled at 50%, its slight smoky flavor adds savouriness and is a good introduction to peated whisky imo.

[@WhiskyRiffs]

Another excellent video, Phil. I like that some of your choices overlap with my recent Scotch for beginners video, but I wasn’t aware of The Glenlivet 12 Licensed Dram expression or the Illicit Still one. I can’t get the former here in SF, but the latter is available for $40 USD. I’m always learning about new whiskies from you. Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Fantastic! Yeah I think each year they are releasing a new version. Hopefully they keep doing it. Thanks so much!

[@Nicolas_Allende]

Excellent video Phil. Prices vary a lot in South America though. For example, Arran is a bit hard to find, and it's roughly a bit less expensive than a Blue Label, which is rather easy to find.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Ah interesting! Cheers Nicolás!

[@Thomas_Ekstrom]

That was a great selction 👌

[@njj27]

I started my journey with the Roe&Co Irish blend. For less than €30 its honestly very good!

[@davidchorbadzhiev8440]

Another great video. Time to rePhil the whisky cabinet.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great to have you watching David!

[@Dan-hn1lx]

Deanston 12 is available in Aus for 90 aud but I wait till its on special and its usually around 80 also Glen Scotia Double Cask its been on special lately for around 75-90 aud. I purchased the Arran Barrell Reserve for 75, I agree with the peated drops you mentioned and Arran Cask Strength sherry and Tamdhu Batch Strength on special I found one for 110 Aud .Great informative vid as usual mate.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Fantastic! Cheers Dan

[@laurentsteck6086]

Great video as always. For me you could add the Craigellachie 13. I agree that the arran quarter cask is a really great cask strength whisky. Cheers

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Laurent, Craigelleachie is a great choice too!

[@davidelourenco2537]

Glenfarclas 105, glenscotia double oak, Dalwhinie 15, laphroaeg quarter cask, glengarioch 12.. These are some that I would have always and are not expensive. Cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers Davide! Laphroaig Quarter Cask is a great suggestion!

[@ramanb]

I rate the Tamnavulin Sherry Cask edition! I bought it as an alternative to smashing through my Dalmore Cigar Malt and it’s pretty close, but no cigar (pun intended). At around $75 AUD it’s far cheaper than the $240 AUD you’ll pay for the Dalmore. Worth a shot of you like sherries drams.

[@linkinruss]

This is a great video. Affordable range is so interesting as todays living crisis doesn’t blow out the bank if you go wrong in your selection

[@danmaja6275]

I'll have to search through your videos to see if you have tried Aberlour 12 yr double oak. You mentioned the A'bunadh, but I found this bottle on sale here in Canada for $67 and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@MichaelMurphyCFHH]

Living in Germany, I couldn’t find anything off with what you have on the list. All great value. I think you could also add spice tree or orchard house from Compass Box to the list they tend to be well priced in all markets. I also find that the classic laddie and Kilkerran 12 although a bit more in price to be great value whiskies. My older at a good price would be An Cnoc 18 for 80€

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

AnCnoc 18 is a great choice!

[@amradzinovic4086]

And they are all cheaper than in his country. 😉

[@MichaelMurphyCFHH]

@@amradzinovic4086 I didn’t find something to disagree with from Phil’s list. Definitely have found all of those great whiskies!

[@amradzinovic4086]

@@MichaelMurphyCFHH Mate,I read it too fast,and got it wrong.My mistake.

[@josesoza5836]

I don’t know about other people but for me I can only afford Arran, I am happy to buy buffalo trace for less money and enjoyed it….you are right your selection is great….

[@maxeverest88]

15:18 You Beauty! 🥃 Cheers Phil 🎉

[@gregcooper2719]

Wow, first time I’ve seen the Ileach represented in something like this, bought a bottle a few years back and it’s really impressive! Auchentoshan Three Wood, Tullibardine 228 and Tullibardine 500 are also whisky I’d recommend checking out. I’m intrigued by those Arrans, in particular the sherry cask…

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Greg! Great suggestions! Yep - I am a bit of a fanboy with Arran 😅

[@lowlandsalmon8969]

For ex-sherry cask you could try/add the Tullibardine 500, but I don't know how available it is in NZ 😉 It's only around €40 in Europe and really tasty!

[@bognes5103]

Great video as usual Phil. I'd add Laphroaig QC to the smokies. Die hard fan of Talisker 10 but can easily share a dram of Laphroaig there... Slainte from Bonny Scotland

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great additions. Thanks mate!

[@NZDave]

Great video, and some great options. Although as Tamdhu's self appointed Kiwi defender that is readily available for $150 and offers a lot for that price point. Although I've never had a Glen Scotia 15 so will need to add that to my list. Totally agree on the Quarter Cask too that is an insanely good whisky for the price point. I'd have been tempted to throw in the Arran Port cask too but I guess that would have been a lot of Arran.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Dave! I do love a Tamdhu (I’m a huge fan of the batch strength). The 15 is an amazing dram, and if you have the money I think it’s worth while. Somehow though, I got the Glen Scotia 15 a lot cheaper and it’s definitely an excellent dram. Cheers!

[@Rohit_M]

A very good list of affordable scotches and all of those are beauties Phil. Some Edradour and Kilchoman offerings may also good candidates for the categories you laid out.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers! Definitely!

[@Canadastrong1]

Nice list of whiskeys

[@kefinsequeira]

I was very surprised not to see the Port Charlotte 10 year on this list. I'm unsure how it's priced outside the UK but here its cheaper than quite a few of these other bottles.

[@weichen7261]

Excellent Phil! Couple of years ago Spring 10 would definitely be on the list. Would be interesting to see how many of those on your list disappear in a couple of years time.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah Spring 10 would definitely be on this list a few years ago. Haven’t seen one in NZ in a while now though. Yeah true

[@edgewalker7459]

Spring 10 is hard to get even as a local ,, Arran is my favourite range , they are all good bunna cask strength 12 new release is amazing

[@The.Epicurean]

Phil knows his stuff. Every one of those is in The Cabinet and replaced often. Well, apart from the Glenlivet. I may have to rectify that!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Gav! Sounds like you have a great collection!

[@utoobia]

Well done! Out of those Arrans, I’ve only had the 10. Which would you choose, irrespective of cost, between the 10, the Sherry Cask and the Quarter Cask? Thanks

[@exoroxx]

Peaty: Ledaig 10, Talisker 10, Ardbeg 10, Caol Ila 12, Oban 14 - I was especially impressed from Ledaig 10 and Oban 14. And Talisker 10 is my all time favourite: Reasonably priced and a unique character ('chili catch'). Laphroaig is even a bit cheaper and really powerful ('Love it or hate it'), but even as a fan not as good as the others. Better try Laphroaig Quarter Cask... Without smoke I would put Glendronach 12, Aberlour 12 Non-Chill-Filtered and Glenfarclas 15 on this list. I was always a fan of the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, but I still don't know how good the 14y is in relation to the old 12y. Due to high standings I've recently bought a (still closed) bottle of Arran 10 and I guess it fits great in this list. Another great experience is the Ardmore Portwood Finish 12. Great stuff. It's for around 42 € now.

[@joshimitsu96]

Ever thought of doing a portpipe/portwood finish review? Port finish whisky is most excellent. Subbed.

[@BrianCaballes]

Bunna 12 here in Australia is $115.00 (AUD) and it is my fave non-peated Sherry Islay...it's heart breaking!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

😬 wow crazy how much more it is than it is here in NZ!

[@Dan-hn1lx]

Got it for 90 aud on special at dans.....I just wait for price drop so I don't feel ripped off.

[@gareth630]

Sorry Phil, I forgot to say great show and you're right there are some great drams at the right price. In the first 3 collections in the UK non are over £45.00 except the Glen Scotia 15 ( which I love ) £64.00 uk. Benromarch 10 43% at £36.00 not bad. Oh yer what have I told you about giving it large for Ledaig 10 yr. Nice one Phil Test match heading for a draw ;-)

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Gareth! Benromach is awesome. I have the peat smoke sherry cask, which was great value too, but I’m not sure if it’s core range yet, otherwise I would if put it on this list.

[@georgeobrien9748]

I like Ledaig. I would recommend the Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish.

[@bhubb198]

Craigellachie 13 is a good one for this list. I can find it for $45 USD in my area of southern US.

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Phil, as always a good presented video 👍. Yes there are still good value whiskies out there that are presented as natural and at a higher ABV, but they are getting less. Benromach 10, Ardbeg 10 and PC 10 are still good ,available and at a decent price single malts. Slàinte Phil.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks David! Agree, three great options. Slàinte!

[@glgsolutions]

Really enjoying Manly Spirits - Coastal Stone Single Malt Port Cask Whisky. Finding it very addictive. Only complaint and this goes for most Aussie whisky is the price....especially along are only 500ml.

[@darkoanton5]

I like the Kilkerran 12 (generally availble) and Hazelburn 10 (now a unicorn in my market).

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Love the Kilkerran 12 too!

[@mk.5706]

Very well made list, thought through carefully and there´s nothing on this list i wouldn´t buy or haven´t bought. We could argue if Glen Garioch 12 should be included instead of Deanston or Glencadam but of course it wouldn´t be wrong either way. Two whiskies i do miss: Benromach 10 and Craigallachie 13, those i´d never leave out as they have so much distinctive character.

[@ADSCP]

I would add Glenfarclas 12 and Glendronach 12 to the sherry category.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

True! Both should be around the sam price as the Tamdhu 12 too, so gives options

[@arunduvvuri7312]

another best value for money whisky you should have added is . Mac Tulla Mara. Its soo cheap and phenomenal for what it offers at that price. Its a must try

[@hakannorlings2439]

Think you missed Kilchoman Sanaig or Kilchoman what ever (46%) that has a complex taste because it's a peaty whisky from Islay that's been matured in Sherry casks and is non chill filtered. That one is also really good with a round taste (Sherry casks), not that punchy that an Ardbeg is and it's really good value for the money (45 £). 💯👍👏🙏

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

The Sanaig is great! Great suggestion

[@jameskennedy4222]

I bought that recently and it’s probably one of my all time favourites

[@carstens8339]

Oh yeah, I tried it a few weeks ago with my brother and it's amazing! My favourite so far- I prefer him even over Ardbeg Uigeadal and Glenfarclas 25 and will definately grab a bottle of it soon

[@olegbabkin5867]

I,ve tried 40 different whiskys,my favourite is Deanston 12,it smells like some sort of desert,very sweet,and tastes great. Costs around 55$ in Norway,for the price its a marvel considering its at least as good as Kavalan podium that costs 75$.

[@chopsandarchie7015]

I am a fan of Dalwhinnie 15; I love the honey and heather.

[@bourbon-rondezvous]

As a Bourbon drinker, at least I can pronounce most of these on this list! LOL ! Thanks for the video...

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great to have Bourbon drinkers watching! Cheers!

[@xXChronoTriggerXx13]

I agree with all your choices but wish you included a blended malt section. I've really enjoyed every bottle I have gotten from Compass Box, but the Orchard House is such a good reliable cheaper scotch even though it is blended. I find myself usually starting my scotch nights out with a small dram of it to get my pallet woken up for the more expensive scotch to follow.

[@HannesHanath]

And the Spice Tree is just pure beauty.

[@xXChronoTriggerXx13]

@@HannesHanath Yea I agree, it is a touch more expensive but forsure worth it. My favourite Compass Box I've owned thus far though, is the No Name #3

[@juliusgreen6793]

Love the Ledaig, such an underrated whisky. Great list. If you haven’t already could you please do a video on your whisky collection 😎

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Oh yes, I need to do another one of those. My collection has grown a lot!

[@juliusgreen6793]

@@FirstPhilWhisky can’t wait to see it

[@vangstr]

Glenscotia 15 is the gem of the whole bunch.

[@dribsanddrams]

I haven't seen a Springbank in the wild in years. I haven't had that Arran 10 yet, but I have the previous presentation. I've heard that the's changed a bit since the old bottle design. Do you feel that way? I just got that Deanston 12 last week. Good price for sure, though I haven't opened it yet. Oh, it was on allocation here in Quebec, so I guess I was lucky to get it... You are bang-on about that Ledaig. I hope they don't start pricing it accordingly. That Arran Sherry Cask is what got me over my sherry aversion. I did an episode on it, and IIRC, I gave it high marks.

[@drewyoung7307]

hi drew from scotland have you not tried as we get it at 120%-60% by volume good luck if you can it nz.

[@MitchBollig]

My value whiskies in Colorado, USA would include Tomatin 18 for older and sherry - it's what I went to when Macallan went stupid; for smoky and cask strength Laphroaig 10 Yr CS is still a bargain, balanced bourbon and sherry is Balvenie Doublewood.

[@BrianCaballes]

I just wish that there is no excise tax here in Australia. GST is understandable but anything on top..neh. Great video BTW Phil! Cheers!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah, it’s so expensive there! Cheers Brian

[@ArmandvanNormann]

Can I assume that all prices in Australia are a fair bit higher than in NZ? Hard to figure out what a good price is in AUD 😕

[@osirisgolad]

I think Loch Lomond have been great value recently as well, and such variety.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

I need to get a bottle of that. Great suggestion

[@hannocapelle9843]

I reviewed this Video and in the meantime i hit the Glenfacles 105 . II ist an outstanding cask strength Whisky for about 40€ 1 litre in Germany. Bye the way, their in a new newzealand Whisky available in Europa called Pokeno.

[@SuperDutchjohn]

I would have added the Clynelish 14 yo and the Arbeg Uigedail.........nevertheless, a really good list you made, thumbs up!

[@tider002]

Wow, our pallets must be close as I totally agree with your first two groupings and all are regulars on my bar. Just about to dabble into smoky types and Ledaig 10 and Kilchoman Sanaig will likely be my first two. If there is a lighter smoky/peaty suggestion that won't shock my palate, I'm all ears. I do have a best affordable to add: here in Florida, Glenmorangie 12 Lasanta is $50 and $20 cheaper than Tamdhu 12 and better, in my opinion. Just bought another Lasanta. Cheers!!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Ledaig 10 and Kilchoman Sanaig are great value for money. Caol Ila is known as a lighter peaty whisky if you think it might take some time getting used to smoky whisky. Oh wow, yeah Lasanta is a much better option if it's priced that much cheaper! Thanks David!

[@Dan-hn1lx]

Caol Ila is really nice and has a sweeter smoke compared too other Islay's but to be honest its still fairly "peaty". Maybe Johnnie Green Label would be a good into into smoky style whiskies. It has two peated malts and two unpeated malts.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

True. Highland Park 12 is the other one which is super light in peat - but I think I have so much peat I can hardly pick it up

[@leisuretime5132]

I agree with Highland Park 12 for a peaty starter and also Oban 14 and Clynelish 14. Both are found in the Johnnie Walker blends. Delicious imho.

[@jaime_hi-meh_not_jay-mee7095]

Whisky is an expensive hobby, so I mostly buy bottles that are on sale. Having said that, my top affordable whiskies at regular price (including taxes) here in the Philippines are Maker's Mark NZD26, Tomatin 14 NZD65, any NAS Teeling NZD35-60, Arran 12 CS (discont'd) NZD93. These are some of the ones I bought at discounted prices that were well worth it: Royal Brackla 12 (new) and Craigellachie 13 NZD56, Speyburn 15 NZD75, Arran 14 (discont'd) and Lagavulin 16 NZD85.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Glad you can still get some great bottles in the Philippines!

[@nzmarco]

Nice one Phil. I would add Glengoyne 12 and Glenfarclas 15 to the sherries. Very good value for money here in NZ. I’m keen to try Glenturret 12 but the usual outlets don’t even list it. Any idea if this is available in NZ. Thanks

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

I managed to get a Glenturret from Whisky galore last year. Hopefully they restock it again soon. Agree, both of those are great sherry options too.

[@HolyMoley2u]

USA prices today average 30% higher then you have listed. That's not including taxes. Your picks are spot on for quality but it's about value verses quality here in the states. Because of the drop in dollar value with inflation, I have cut back on buying scotch whiskey. The retailers have increased their prices to make up for lost profits with inflation and it's driving the consumer away from the market. Case in point, Aberlour has watered down their 16 year scotch from 43% to 40% here in the US market. It's gone up 100% over the Aberlour 12 year scotch without any improvement in taste. Aberlour 12 yr at $50 and 16 yr at $120 from the state liquor stores. It's just not worth buying the 16 yr Aberlour anymore. The distillers need to stop selling or limit sales to retailers that are price gouging. Do the distillers realize how much the retailers are hurting them by the over priced whisky? Auction houses will feel the pain also.

[@darkoanton5]

The Arran QC is a great whisky but the Arran Sherry Cask is amazing.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Agree!

[@cheechiakhee8232]

Arran Quarter Cask is amazing. I liked it more than Arran Sherry Cask

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Agree! One of the main reasons it’s on this list

[@crouisk]

Mate great suggestions. I Live in central belt scotland working class fella. Been drinking.whisky.since early 80s and these malts are spot on best value. One folks.should try is Aultmore 12 if ts available. Same value as what you've been talking about

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Aultmore 12 is a great option. It’s a great exbourbon spirit forward malt, a lot like the Glencadam 10. Thanks Scott!

[@gareth630]

In Fairness Phil I have give or take 3 or 4 bottles all those selections. Going on price eg under £50-0 UK I add Tobermory 12 and Glen Gerioch 12 at 48%. Isn't the Glenlivet 12 illicit still limited editions, so not as much to go round ( good dram mind ) Just ordered yesterday Kilkerran 12 yr £43-00 thats great value.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Love the Glen Garioch 12 and the Kilkerran 12! Perfect for this list if you can get them. Although, they are getting harder to find here in NZ. Cheers Gareth

[@landonlyons7951]

It really does depend on the market you live in. Even in canada, I often buy whiskey from the neighboring province because they have better prices and more availability. Like I have bought both arran 18 and acnoc 18 for around 140$CAD online, but would have never have found that in my area

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Wow fascinating how it can be so different between provinces. Love both those 18 year olds

[@sameenperera3808]

Which one worth to buy? 01.Glenfiddich perpetual collction vat 01 - 66.5$ 02.Glenmorangie 10 - 60$ 03.Glenlivet Tripple cast Matured distillers resrves - 67$ 04.The GlenDronach Forgue Aged 10 years - 69.5$ 05.Benriach Quarter Cask - 61$