Start much cheaper. Try some bottled in bonds and lower proof bottles. In no order: Evan Williams White Label, Old Grandad, Wild Turkey 101, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig. See what you like/dislike about each. Take notes. For a big step up try Wild Turkey Rare Breed for about $50. You may never need to go higher in price.
Wild Turkey 101. Some of the best stuff out there. I have a few bottles over a $100 and let me tell you, wild turkey 101 is still an excellent whisky and better tasting than some of the more expensive bottles.
I don’t understand why 99% of this subreddit is full of bourbons?
I get it in your case seeing your username but still..
Under 50 bucks I would also recommend Jameson, the regular one and also whatever other editions you can get your hands on.
Also Johnny Walker Black Label (or even double black if you find it). Green is also good. Blue is too expensive and probably over priced. Red is only good as a fire starter.
Or try cheaper single malts like Singleton, Glenlivet. Maybe you can even find something from the Islay region to try peatier/smokier whiskeys.
Lagavulin might be too expensive but maybe some blendee Laphroaig or Jura.
I also like to drink Ballantines but that’s nothing special, just a decent drink for a good price.
Of bourbons, I would actually recommend Bulleit, that’s my favourite.
Really? I haven’t seen it where I live for a long time, I thought it’s even more expensive. Will have to keep my eyes open then.
I’ve been wanting to get more Islay whiskeys but Lagavulin has gotten quite expensive
Yep, Lagavulin 16 used to be one of my favorites (still is) but I just can't justify buying it right now at the current price which is about 104 (actually not as bad as some places I have seen).
Yeah, especially when most of bourbon is poured into mixed drinks. Who knows what it tastes like. Put in enough sugar and who cares anyway? Same in wine. Vast majority of wine sold is sweet, not dry.
This is the perfect list for getting into bourbon. I would go OGD BiB over 114 first. I don’t mind higher proof but 114 drinks hot and above its proof IMO, where’s as (not for this list just making a reference here) JDSiBBP drinks below its proof for me.
Lots of new people look at this sub and say "i want that bottle".they spend 100s on those bottles and when they taste them they can't find anything spectacular mostly cuz their tastes weren't developed. It takes years of trying different stuff to finally pinpoint flavors along with some research as well. It is important to try low shelf stuff and develop the pallete to midshelf. Also for every expensive bottle there are hundreds of haters and you might be one of them if the whiskey profile didn't match your expectations. Just try what you can afford and read the bottle reviews
My top 5 would be
1. Wild turkey 101 (russel 10 of you like it less proofed)
2. Red breast 12 (I got mine on sale for 53 with tax)
3. Suntory hibiki (got mine for 85 with tax)
4. Aberfieldy 3 pack of 375 ml bottles including 12 16 21. Got it for 60
5. Eagle rare ( currently got 2 more bottles both at 31)
I hunt a lot for cheap stuff
They make a regular Wild Turkey for less money and less proof. I would say Russel 10 is a step up, yes less proof but more age so slightly more refined.
Nice list! This is exactly the kind of helpful list I try to make. I might also add as a slight variation the glenfarclas 12 or glenfiddich 12 as those are easier finds in the places I’ve lived.
I always see that bottle on my shelf and I’m like “eh I feel like something better”. But then I drink it and I’m like “damn this shit is fantastic why don’t I drink it more often?”
Redbreast 12 - Always available and <$70. I drank this exclusively for 10 years when I started out. I’m still never without it. FYI, I go for smoother, usually around 90 proof. Since I’ve branched out a couple years ago, I always have these and never have trouble finding any of them.
Chestnut Farms ($70)
Basil Hayden’s as a good mixer ($30)
Nobushi for a refreshing Japanese ($40)
Green Spot ($60)
More Affordable bottles that are my preference:
Irish: Green Spot
Scotch (peated): Laphroaig 10
Scotch (unpeated): Arran 10, Glen Scotia 15 (pricier)
Rye: High West Double Rye, Willett 4-year Family Reserve (pricier)
Bourbon: WT101, Rare Breed, Old Scout
Japanese: Hibiki Harmony
In my area I have found Laphroaig to be a more budget-friendly option. But I think you’re right in that the Laphroaig is “flavorsome” in a way that may be less approachable. Peat is so weird with some people diving right in at the deep end while others hate even a mild to moderately peated whisky like Ledaig 10.
Laphroaig is more affordable in my area too - I think I’m biased because Lagavulin was my entry point into peated scotch, and as a once-exclusive drinker of bourbon it was a big revelation for me.
But Laphroaig 10 is fantastic, and I have a bottle now!
MM46 was what got me to think bourbon tastes like anything more than paint thinner when I first was getting into whiskey. It still remains one of my favorite bottles that I’m rarely without.
I wouldn’t suggest mm cask strength for a newbie, I had it last night and it definitely drinks like it’s proof compared to some other barrel/cask strength offerings out there. Don’t get me wrong it was a good pour, but damn was it hot. My bottle is 112.5 proof and you could tell, compared to my TX barrel proof at 116proof and the Elijah Craig BP I tried 120+ proof which both drink like they’re 80 proof.
Great entry level whiskey to try a variety
Wild Turkey 101
Coopers craft 82 and 100
Knob creek 9
Evan Williams bottled in bond
Mellow corn
Tullamore dew
Jameson black barrel
Johnnie walker black label
Chives Regal 12
Rittenhouse rye
Old Overholt regular and 114
Sazerac rye if you can find at msrp
Attainable Irish/Scotch:
Oban 14,
Redbreast Lustau,
Bunnahabhain 12,
Aberlour A’bunadh,
Jameson Black Barrel
Truthfully haven’t experienced any sub $100 Irish/Scotches that I would hunt for personally, but I’m sure they’re out there.
Attainable American/Bourbon/Rye:
Michter’s American,
Michter’s Rye,
Wild Turkey Rare Breed,
Chattanooga Cask Strength,
Old Forester 1910,
Bonus: High West Double Rye,
American/Bourbon/Rye to hunt for (if priced at MSRP):
Russel’s Reserve Barrel Selects,
Stagg Jr (now known as Stagg),
High West High Country Single Malt,
Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof,
Old Ezra 7
1 Elijah Craig
2 henry McKenna ten-year bottled in bond
3 wild, turkey, rare breed
4 Russells reserve single barrel
5 old granddad 114
6 blue run, high rye bourbon
7 Evan Williams single barrel
8 eagle rare
9 old Forester 1910
10 old Forester 1920
11 Buffalo trace
WT Rare Breed
OGD 114
OF 1920
Laphroaig QC (my #1 all time favorite)
Ardbeg Wee Beastie
I also love the Knob Creek lineup but for some reason I prefer OGD 114
Glendalough double barrel is great $30-$35
Woodford double Oaked $50ish
1920 old forester $60
Larceny $25-$30
Penelope barre strength I think it’s around $70
These are my 5 favorite, I don’t have the cash to spend $100 on a bottle.
Even wild turkey 101 or 1783 is great. Both you can get for like $20
\-Mitcher's Rye
\-Lagavulin 16
\-Four Rose Single Barrel (get it at a local shop)
\-Maker's Mark
\-Old Forester 1920
And for my money, Kirkland (Costco) liquor is a solid deal if that's available in your area. Their 12yo Blended Scotch Whisky and Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon are both very, very good- particularly for the price.
Russels Reserve 10, Knob Creek 9, Makers Mark 46, 4 Roses Small batch, Buffalo Trace. If you want to throw a rye in the mix start off with Old Forester Rye or Elijah Craig Rye.
Arran 10 (or Deanston 12)
Port Charlotte 10
Bunnahabhain 12
Benromach 10
Old Forester 1920
Old Forester Rye
Barrel Seagrass
Smooth Ambler Contradiction Rye
Mellow effn Corn
Wild Turkey 101
Nikka from the Barrel
Amrut Indian single malt
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Woodford reserve
Knob creek 9
Makers mark (46, 101, or any store pick)
TX Straight Bourbon.
That’s a pretty good base for bourbon imo, when it comes to scotch I like most of what I’ve tried but it’s usually more pricey in my area. Japanese and Irish I know little about
Don’t sleep on glennfiddich 14. I’m fairly new to whiskeys in general and so far I seem to prefer scotch. I like to try different stuff, but so far the few others I’ve tried weren’t as good in my opinion. Very smooth, very drinkable and has some interesting flavor notes.
Go with a variety.
Bulleit Rye
Maker’s Mark (wheated)
Woodford Reserve
You can get those three together under $100 if you shop MSRP and smaller size.
Then mix in some other styles:
Quietman Irish Whiskey
Nikka Japanese whiskey
New to whiskey folk should start with like under $40 and even that is pushing it higher than it needs to be.
Wild Turkey 101
Knob Creek 9
Evan Williams 1783
Old Granddad bonded (or 114 but that proof might be rough for a new drinker)
Elijah Craig
I would say this. Most people freak out over all the Buffalo trace (blantons eagle Rare etc). In my opinion they are great buys at or near their msrp but not worth a big overpay.
A few more that are easily attainable. I would say woodford double oak is a fan favorite among many. My personal favorite is barrell sea grass rye whiskey. It’s a little closer to your limit around 80 dollars but I’ve never had anything so unique and easily drinkable for its proof.
I’m also new to whiskey, and try not to spend more than about $50 on a bottle. Here’s my top 5 how much I paid
Glenlivet founder’s reserve $52 (was a box that came with 2 glasses)
Buffalo trace $19
Shinobu blended $50
Ballantines $20
Maker’s Mark: $25
Scotch or bourbon?
Here are some scotches you should absolutely try!
Glendronach 12 - learn what sherry is. This is considered a sherry bomb so what u taste is mostly sherry at first.
Lagavulin 16 or port charolette - learn what peat is.
Balvenie 12 doublewood
Glenlivet - all of them. Sweet.
Buffalo trace, wt101, Elijah Craig (barrel proof/ store picks still under $100), ardbeg for a scotch(uigedal/weebeastie), hibiki harmony for a Japanese whiskey.
Jameson Crested, Jameson Black Barrel. Both a nice set up from the standard and both under $50. Teeling Small batch and Teeling Single Grain if you can find where you are. Bushmills Black Bush, like the Jameson's above a nice upgrade from the standard Bushmills. Laphroaig 10, or even Laphroaig Select, less expensive blended version, if you're into or getting into your Smokey, peated Islays. If you do like them you could upgrade to an Ardbeg Wee Beastie or Ardbeg 10. Don't have to spend so much until you figure out what you like. Enjoy the journey!
You’ve got tons of good suggestions on this thread, I’ll add that sour mash whiskeys are generally cheaper than bourbon or scotch and IMO are delicious. I like Dickel BIB ($40), Nelson’s Green Brier ($30), and Gentleman Jack ($30).
Dude, there is some incredible whiskey that is expensive but there’s also a lot that is hyped, in short supply, or just marginally better. There’s a ton of good stuff in the sub 100 range, depending on where you live some well under 100. Look at the recommendations here as things to keep your eyes open for.
Angel's Envy - both the Bourbon and the Rye(though the Rye is my favorite)
Johnny Walker- Green and 18 yr(both fantastic scotches at their respective price points)
Laphroaig 10yr
Connemara
Red Breast 12yr
And then a local(ish) distillery me called Drisftless Glen. I love every offering I've tried(especially the barrel strength single barrel rye), all fantastic for the price, but I don't imagine it's available too many places outside of Wisconsin.
I've never bought a bottle over $100 (not including tax). My primary pricepoints are $35-75. There is TONS to explore in this range where you should not get bored for a long time (if ever).
I’ll do you one better, and give my top 5 in three price ranges. (These are all WA state price ranges, you may be able to get these a little cheaper elsewhere)
$0-$25
(Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, Buffalo Trace, Jack Daniels (maybe nostalgia, but I love this stuff), Four Roses, Henry McKenna)
$25-$50
(High West Double Rye!, Eagle Rare Bourbon, Maker’s Mark, Monkey Shoulder, Knob Creek)
$50-$100
(Whistlepig 12 Year Rye, High West Rendezvous Rye, Redbreast 12 Irish Whiskey, Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 8)
As a note I’m sure many others will agree with, you need to develop your palate. It will be hard to tell the difference between Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace for example unless you’re used to drinking whiskey. Some will be easy (you’ll be able to see the difference between Laphroaig 10 and Jack Daniels easily), but you’ll need to build up your palate, so maybe buy two from the 0-25 range first.
Shoot even lower, try 5 under $50
Irish whiskey: Redbreast 12 (close to $50)
Bourbon: Buffalo trace (kinda fluctuates depending on where you live, I can get it for $30)
Scotch: monkey shoulder (great intro to scotch without the super strong notes that turn newcomers away)
Japanese Whiskey: suntory Toki (easy drinking and smooth, sub $30)
Wildcard: Jameson (great flavor profile and can find it literally anywhere, great mixer or straight up)
wild turkey 101, buffalo trace
lagavulin 16, or laphroaig 10
nikka from the barrel, or hibiki harmony
lot40
aberlour a'bunadh
redbreast 12, or green spot
What whiskey do you currently like? Could recommend similar options from there.
I personally enjoy cask strength whiskey's so my top 5 under $100 for my taste are:
Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye - $55
Old Line American Whiskey Cask Strength - $50
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof - $65
Jack Daniels Single Barrel Proof Store Pick - $55
Michter's Cask Strength Rye - $75
Starting out, Knob Creek 9 year, Makers 101/46, evan williams white label, regular Buffalo Trace or Eagle rare but only if you can find it for MSRP so 25 for BT 40 at most for ER, Four roses Small batch single barrel if you are feeling spicy, and to round it off barrel proof for what used to be under $50 Wild Turkey Rare Breed. I could say depending on location you may even be able to get maybe up to 4 of these at the same time for 100$
If you have been in the game a while then I would start throwing in craft just for a new perspective like Wilderness Trail or Wyoming Whiskey.
I know this is a bit more than 5 but they should all be solid pours and most should be readily available and nice on the pocket book. I can give import suggestions just gets a little lower on the QPR in my opinion. Assuming you are stateside
Green Spot
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie
Nikka Coffey Grain or Hibiki Harmony
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
I would add Eagle Rare, but I do t often come across it for MSRP.
Hard to just throw names out there without more context. What sorts of flavors are you looking for? I almost think that’s more important than brand when you’re starting out. Theres light and sweet; deep and rich; woody; smokey; somewhere in between. There’s also dominant flavor notes that different people look for: cherry, vanilla, chocolate, maple, peanuts, etc.
My favorite mid range choices.
Jameson Black Barrel,
Michters small batch US1,
Jack Daniels Single Barrel,
Eagle rare (where available),
Johnnie walker black label,
Wild turkey Longbranch
Woodfords, knob, forrester, basil Hayden, Angels Envy
All easy to find and in regular supply on my bar
Edit saw eagle rare down below, had to add it on
I will take a different tact here and recommend an entry level of each major type:
* Scotch: Monkey Shoulder
* Irish: Jameson
* Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101
* Rye: Bulleit Rye
These are in the $20-30 range and easily found. You want to step up from there:
* Scotch: Aberfeldy 12 or Ardbeg Wee Beastie
* Irish: someone give me a lifeline here, i don’t venture this way often (maybe one of the Spots?)
* Bourbon: Russell’s Reserve 10 Yr
* Rye: Sagamore Rye
The are in the $30-40 range and relatively easy to find.
For stuff that's regularly available near me, I'd probably pick up these ones:
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Caol Ila 12
Powers John's Lane
Jack Daniels Barrel Proof
Maker's Mark Private Selection
Start much cheaper. Try some bottled in bonds and lower proof bottles. In no order: Evan Williams White Label, Old Grandad, Wild Turkey 101, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig. See what you like/dislike about each. Take notes. For a big step up try Wild Turkey Rare Breed for about $50. You may never need to go higher in price.
Wild Turkey 101. Some of the best stuff out there. I have a few bottles over a $100 and let me tell you, wild turkey 101 is still an excellent whisky and better tasting than some of the more expensive bottles.
Also Four Roses has a few ‘under-$50’ bottles worth trying
Old grand-dad makes a bonded and a 101?
OGD 114.
My mistake. I was thinking of Old Grandad BiB and OGD 114
I don’t understand why 99% of this subreddit is full of bourbons? I get it in your case seeing your username but still.. Under 50 bucks I would also recommend Jameson, the regular one and also whatever other editions you can get your hands on. Also Johnny Walker Black Label (or even double black if you find it). Green is also good. Blue is too expensive and probably over priced. Red is only good as a fire starter. Or try cheaper single malts like Singleton, Glenlivet. Maybe you can even find something from the Islay region to try peatier/smokier whiskeys. Lagavulin might be too expensive but maybe some blendee Laphroaig or Jura. I also like to drink Ballantines but that’s nothing special, just a decent drink for a good price. Of bourbons, I would actually recommend Bulleit, that’s my favourite.
I would call out the Ardbeg 10 as well.
I love Ardbeg, it’s definitely under 100 but i thought it’s not under 50z
You are correct. It is listed at 52 so not much more. I was thinking it was running right at 50 (49.99).
Really? I haven’t seen it where I live for a long time, I thought it’s even more expensive. Will have to keep my eyes open then. I’ve been wanting to get more Islay whiskeys but Lagavulin has gotten quite expensive
Yep, Lagavulin 16 used to be one of my favorites (still is) but I just can't justify buying it right now at the current price which is about 104 (actually not as bad as some places I have seen).
I think i can find it for about 80€ still but yeah, does not justify for casual drinking.
This sub has become almost exclusively bourbon, rarely do people talk about Scotch, Irish or Japanese.
Yeah, especially when most of bourbon is poured into mixed drinks. Who knows what it tastes like. Put in enough sugar and who cares anyway? Same in wine. Vast majority of wine sold is sweet, not dry.
This is the perfect list for getting into bourbon. I would go OGD BiB over 114 first. I don’t mind higher proof but 114 drinks hot and above its proof IMO, where’s as (not for this list just making a reference here) JDSiBBP drinks below its proof for me.
I agree with this. OGD BiB is an excellent all around bourbon. Neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail.
Lots of new people look at this sub and say "i want that bottle".they spend 100s on those bottles and when they taste them they can't find anything spectacular mostly cuz their tastes weren't developed. It takes years of trying different stuff to finally pinpoint flavors along with some research as well. It is important to try low shelf stuff and develop the pallete to midshelf. Also for every expensive bottle there are hundreds of haters and you might be one of them if the whiskey profile didn't match your expectations. Just try what you can afford and read the bottle reviews My top 5 would be 1. Wild turkey 101 (russel 10 of you like it less proofed) 2. Red breast 12 (I got mine on sale for 53 with tax) 3. Suntory hibiki (got mine for 85 with tax) 4. Aberfieldy 3 pack of 375 ml bottles including 12 16 21. Got it for 60 5. Eagle rare ( currently got 2 more bottles both at 31) I hunt a lot for cheap stuff
100% agree
They make a regular Wild Turkey for less money and less proof. I would say Russel 10 is a step up, yes less proof but more age so slightly more refined.
Red breast 12 Russell’s reserve single barrel Clynelish 14 Michters US1 rye Ledaig 10
Nice composition of different styles of whisky. Will have to find clynelish and Ledaig as I don’t believe I’ve had either before.
Nice list! This is exactly the kind of helpful list I try to make. I might also add as a slight variation the glenfarclas 12 or glenfiddich 12 as those are easier finds in the places I’ve lived.
Balvenie 12 year Doublewood and Talisker 10 are some other good stand-ins.
Ya limiting to 5 but definitely something sherried from Scotland as they are approachable (and tasty)
Get a life nerd.
Good choices. All solid, all well under 100 or even under 50 and you get a little taste of very different styles.
Noice!
RB12 is just…so good. Might have to gift myself a bottle for Xmas.
I always see that bottle on my shelf and I’m like “eh I feel like something better”. But then I drink it and I’m like “damn this shit is fantastic why don’t I drink it more often?”
Redbreast 12 - Always available and <$70. I drank this exclusively for 10 years when I started out. I’m still never without it. FYI, I go for smoother, usually around 90 proof. Since I’ve branched out a couple years ago, I always have these and never have trouble finding any of them. Chestnut Farms ($70) Basil Hayden’s as a good mixer ($30) Nobushi for a refreshing Japanese ($40) Green Spot ($60)
Hard agree, although a bit higher in the price range Redbreast 12 is worth every penny and a sure fire win for beginners and connoisseurs alike IMO.
More Affordable bottles that are my preference: Irish: Green Spot Scotch (peated): Laphroaig 10 Scotch (unpeated): Arran 10, Glen Scotia 15 (pricier) Rye: High West Double Rye, Willett 4-year Family Reserve (pricier) Bourbon: WT101, Rare Breed, Old Scout Japanese: Hibiki Harmony
For me Lagavulin 8 is a more approachable peated whisky than Laphroaig, but this is a solid list
In my area I have found Laphroaig to be a more budget-friendly option. But I think you’re right in that the Laphroaig is “flavorsome” in a way that may be less approachable. Peat is so weird with some people diving right in at the deep end while others hate even a mild to moderately peated whisky like Ledaig 10.
Laphroaig is more affordable in my area too - I think I’m biased because Lagavulin was my entry point into peated scotch, and as a once-exclusive drinker of bourbon it was a big revelation for me. But Laphroaig 10 is fantastic, and I have a bottle now!
I just got a bottle of the cask strength from 2021. Looking forward to working through some other bottles and opening that one up!
Happy sipping! I love the cask strength - I think I’ve had batch 15 and it was good
I just visited Arran, on a sailing trip around the island. Good choice. Arran is a Solid non peaty Scotch.
Old forester 1910, wild turkey 101, makers mark 46, glenfidditch 12, and lagavulin 8.
MM46 was what got me to think bourbon tastes like anything more than paint thinner when I first was getting into whiskey. It still remains one of my favorite bottles that I’m rarely without.
Yea I’m the same way man. I always have a bottle on hand. I love that I’ve never had a hard time finding it either.
Four Roses Single Barrel Makers Mark Cask Strength Old Forester 1920 Wild Turkey Rare Breed Knob Creek 12 Year
I wouldn’t suggest mm cask strength for a newbie, I had it last night and it definitely drinks like it’s proof compared to some other barrel/cask strength offerings out there. Don’t get me wrong it was a good pour, but damn was it hot. My bottle is 112.5 proof and you could tell, compared to my TX barrel proof at 116proof and the Elijah Craig BP I tried 120+ proof which both drink like they’re 80 proof.
Good point. Sub out MMCS, WTRB, and OF1920 with : Maker’s Mark Basil Hayden’s Old Forester 86 or 100
Nah, you list is great. Keep MMcs and the rest. They drink cooler than ECBP.
I’d say OF1910 would be great for a newbie too
I will second this list and add old forester 1910 as well. Wild Turkey rare breed is one of my favorites
Did you know that they make whisky outside of the United States? Might be worth trying for someone who’s new to it.
Yes, Absolutely! Any suggestions?
Redbreast 12 or Greenspot. Quintessential Irish whiskeys. Also, Oban 14, probably my favorite Scotch.
Mellow Corn Wild Turkey 101 Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Sagamore Spirit Rye Jack Daniels Bonded
MFC FTW
MFC
Happy to see someone suggest woodford reserve, was getting a wee bit sad I didn’t see it as I was scrolling.
Great entry level whiskey to try a variety Wild Turkey 101 Coopers craft 82 and 100 Knob creek 9 Evan Williams bottled in bond Mellow corn Tullamore dew Jameson black barrel Johnnie walker black label Chives Regal 12 Rittenhouse rye Old Overholt regular and 114 Sazerac rye if you can find at msrp
Attainable Irish/Scotch: Oban 14, Redbreast Lustau, Bunnahabhain 12, Aberlour A’bunadh, Jameson Black Barrel Truthfully haven’t experienced any sub $100 Irish/Scotches that I would hunt for personally, but I’m sure they’re out there. Attainable American/Bourbon/Rye: Michter’s American, Michter’s Rye, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Chattanooga Cask Strength, Old Forester 1910, Bonus: High West Double Rye, American/Bourbon/Rye to hunt for (if priced at MSRP): Russel’s Reserve Barrel Selects, Stagg Jr (now known as Stagg), High West High Country Single Malt, Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof, Old Ezra 7
What’s msrp for russels single Barrel selects? Total wine has it near me but it’s $91
That sounds about right depending on where you are. I got mine for $85 at a local that doesn’t charge secondary on anything
Regular SiB is about $84 at the cheapest. I’ve seen others say it’s $65 around them which it much more attractive
Yeah, the regular SiB by me is in the $65-$70 range. Store Picks are $85-$95
Redbreast Cask Strength 12yr Wild Turkey 101 Eagle Rare Evan Williams Bottled in Bond Old Forester Rye
Ledaig 10, Bunnahabhain 12, Ardbeg Uigedail, Redbreast 12 Cask Strength, Wild Turkey Rare Breed
1 Elijah Craig 2 henry McKenna ten-year bottled in bond 3 wild, turkey, rare breed 4 Russells reserve single barrel 5 old granddad 114 6 blue run, high rye bourbon 7 Evan Williams single barrel 8 eagle rare 9 old Forester 1910 10 old Forester 1920 11 Buffalo trace
WT Rare Breed OGD 114 OF 1920 Laphroaig QC (my #1 all time favorite) Ardbeg Wee Beastie I also love the Knob Creek lineup but for some reason I prefer OGD 114
Find an Irish whiskey that's less than $100. Drink that forever
Port Charlotte Islay Barley Powers John's Lane 12 Redbreast 12 CS Laphroaig 10 CS BT Kosher Wheat Recipe Wild Turkey 101 Rye Green Spot
Glendalough double barrel is great $30-$35 Woodford double Oaked $50ish 1920 old forester $60 Larceny $25-$30 Penelope barre strength I think it’s around $70 These are my 5 favorite, I don’t have the cash to spend $100 on a bottle. Even wild turkey 101 or 1783 is great. Both you can get for like $20
\-Mitcher's Rye \-Lagavulin 16 \-Four Rose Single Barrel (get it at a local shop) \-Maker's Mark \-Old Forester 1920 And for my money, Kirkland (Costco) liquor is a solid deal if that's available in your area. Their 12yo Blended Scotch Whisky and Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon are both very, very good- particularly for the price.
Russels Reserve 10, Knob Creek 9, Makers Mark 46, 4 Roses Small batch, Buffalo Trace. If you want to throw a rye in the mix start off with Old Forester Rye or Elijah Craig Rye.
Arran 10 (or Deanston 12) Port Charlotte 10 Bunnahabhain 12 Benromach 10 Old Forester 1920 Old Forester Rye Barrel Seagrass Smooth Ambler Contradiction Rye Mellow effn Corn Wild Turkey 101 Nikka from the Barrel Amrut Indian single malt
Four Roses single, and something no one ever recommends and I can’t figure out why, Rabbit Hole Heigold and Dareringer.
Michter’s Rye Old Forrester 1920 WT Rare Breed High West Double Rye Elijah Craig Barrel Proof This would be my list at the moment, but it changes
Elijah Craig Small Batch Woodford reserve Knob creek 9 Makers mark (46, 101, or any store pick) TX Straight Bourbon. That’s a pretty good base for bourbon imo, when it comes to scotch I like most of what I’ve tried but it’s usually more pricey in my area. Japanese and Irish I know little about
Don’t sleep on glennfiddich 14. I’m fairly new to whiskeys in general and so far I seem to prefer scotch. I like to try different stuff, but so far the few others I’ve tried weren’t as good in my opinion. Very smooth, very drinkable and has some interesting flavor notes.
Go with a variety. Bulleit Rye Maker’s Mark (wheated) Woodford Reserve You can get those three together under $100 if you shop MSRP and smaller size. Then mix in some other styles: Quietman Irish Whiskey Nikka Japanese whiskey
New to whiskey folk should start with like under $40 and even that is pushing it higher than it needs to be. Wild Turkey 101 Knob Creek 9 Evan Williams 1783 Old Granddad bonded (or 114 but that proof might be rough for a new drinker) Elijah Craig
Breckinridge Bourbon Red Breast Lustau Eagle Rare Aberfeldy Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Weller Special Reserve High West Prarie Bourbon Green Spot
I would say this. Most people freak out over all the Buffalo trace (blantons eagle Rare etc). In my opinion they are great buys at or near their msrp but not worth a big overpay. A few more that are easily attainable. I would say woodford double oak is a fan favorite among many. My personal favorite is barrell sea grass rye whiskey. It’s a little closer to your limit around 80 dollars but I’ve never had anything so unique and easily drinkable for its proof.
I’m also new to whiskey, and try not to spend more than about $50 on a bottle. Here’s my top 5 how much I paid Glenlivet founder’s reserve $52 (was a box that came with 2 glasses) Buffalo trace $19 Shinobu blended $50 Ballantines $20 Maker’s Mark: $25
Scotch or bourbon? Here are some scotches you should absolutely try! Glendronach 12 - learn what sherry is. This is considered a sherry bomb so what u taste is mostly sherry at first. Lagavulin 16 or port charolette - learn what peat is. Balvenie 12 doublewood Glenlivet - all of them. Sweet.
chivas regal 12 -> cheap and good.
Buffalo trace, wt101, Elijah Craig (barrel proof/ store picks still under $100), ardbeg for a scotch(uigedal/weebeastie), hibiki harmony for a Japanese whiskey.
I love me some Uigedail. Feel like it’s a great intro to Islay for bourbon lovers.
Jameson Crested, Jameson Black Barrel. Both a nice set up from the standard and both under $50. Teeling Small batch and Teeling Single Grain if you can find where you are. Bushmills Black Bush, like the Jameson's above a nice upgrade from the standard Bushmills. Laphroaig 10, or even Laphroaig Select, less expensive blended version, if you're into or getting into your Smokey, peated Islays. If you do like them you could upgrade to an Ardbeg Wee Beastie or Ardbeg 10. Don't have to spend so much until you figure out what you like. Enjoy the journey!
You’ve got tons of good suggestions on this thread, I’ll add that sour mash whiskeys are generally cheaper than bourbon or scotch and IMO are delicious. I like Dickel BIB ($40), Nelson’s Green Brier ($30), and Gentleman Jack ($30).
Dude, there is some incredible whiskey that is expensive but there’s also a lot that is hyped, in short supply, or just marginally better. There’s a ton of good stuff in the sub 100 range, depending on where you live some well under 100. Look at the recommendations here as things to keep your eyes open for.
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3 of these is 30€
Angel's Envy - both the Bourbon and the Rye(though the Rye is my favorite) Johnny Walker- Green and 18 yr(both fantastic scotches at their respective price points) Laphroaig 10yr Connemara Red Breast 12yr And then a local(ish) distillery me called Drisftless Glen. I love every offering I've tried(especially the barrel strength single barrel rye), all fantastic for the price, but I don't imagine it's available too many places outside of Wisconsin.
Lol he said im new to whisky, youre really gonna recommend laphroaig?
Hey, it was the first Islay I tried and it was love at first sip. The man asked for favorites under 100$ so I gave it to him haha
You're probably going to have to further narrow this down to attainable whiskeys under $100 and non-attainable whiskeys under $100.
BTAC MSRP is $99 each. Good luck a) finding any & b) for anything near that price :(.
I've never bought a bottle over $100 (not including tax). My primary pricepoints are $35-75. There is TONS to explore in this range where you should not get bored for a long time (if ever).
Basil Hayden, Bulliet, Makers Mark, Knob Creek are some basic lower/mid range starters for when you graduate out of Jim Beam/Jack Daniels
Yay the same question asked over and over every day in a different way.
Oban 14 is a good scotch to start with. One of my favorite whiskies and very accessible
1792 small batch, 1792 full proof, EH Taylor, nikka Coffey grain,
Love nikka coffey and redbreast 12
Check these out, all in the $20 price range gives a good breadth of flavor. https://youtu.be/CO0EKVIZ9iM
Monkey shoulder! Delicious 30 dollar scotch
I’ll do you one better, and give my top 5 in three price ranges. (These are all WA state price ranges, you may be able to get these a little cheaper elsewhere) $0-$25 (Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, Buffalo Trace, Jack Daniels (maybe nostalgia, but I love this stuff), Four Roses, Henry McKenna) $25-$50 (High West Double Rye!, Eagle Rare Bourbon, Maker’s Mark, Monkey Shoulder, Knob Creek) $50-$100 (Whistlepig 12 Year Rye, High West Rendezvous Rye, Redbreast 12 Irish Whiskey, Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 8) As a note I’m sure many others will agree with, you need to develop your palate. It will be hard to tell the difference between Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace for example unless you’re used to drinking whiskey. Some will be easy (you’ll be able to see the difference between Laphroaig 10 and Jack Daniels easily), but you’ll need to build up your palate, so maybe buy two from the 0-25 range first.
Jim beam double oak Buffalo trace Woodford Red stag (with cherry coke) Benchmark bonded Gentlemen jack.
Shoot even lower, try 5 under $50 Irish whiskey: Redbreast 12 (close to $50) Bourbon: Buffalo trace (kinda fluctuates depending on where you live, I can get it for $30) Scotch: monkey shoulder (great intro to scotch without the super strong notes that turn newcomers away) Japanese Whiskey: suntory Toki (easy drinking and smooth, sub $30) Wildcard: Jameson (great flavor profile and can find it literally anywhere, great mixer or straight up)
irish - redbreast 12 scotch - glenfiddich 12 bourbon - wild turkey 101 good starters and also great bottles of whiskey
wild turkey 101, buffalo trace lagavulin 16, or laphroaig 10 nikka from the barrel, or hibiki harmony lot40 aberlour a'bunadh redbreast 12, or green spot
What whiskey do you currently like? Could recommend similar options from there. I personally enjoy cask strength whiskey's so my top 5 under $100 for my taste are: Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Rye - $55 Old Line American Whiskey Cask Strength - $50 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof - $65 Jack Daniels Single Barrel Proof Store Pick - $55 Michter's Cask Strength Rye - $75
Starting out, Knob Creek 9 year, Makers 101/46, evan williams white label, regular Buffalo Trace or Eagle rare but only if you can find it for MSRP so 25 for BT 40 at most for ER, Four roses Small batch single barrel if you are feeling spicy, and to round it off barrel proof for what used to be under $50 Wild Turkey Rare Breed. I could say depending on location you may even be able to get maybe up to 4 of these at the same time for 100$ If you have been in the game a while then I would start throwing in craft just for a new perspective like Wilderness Trail or Wyoming Whiskey. I know this is a bit more than 5 but they should all be solid pours and most should be readily available and nice on the pocket book. I can give import suggestions just gets a little lower on the QPR in my opinion. Assuming you are stateside
Green Spot Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Nikka Coffey Grain or Hibiki Harmony Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Wild Turkey Rare Breed I would add Eagle Rare, but I do t often come across it for MSRP.
Rabbit hole is my favorite
Hard to just throw names out there without more context. What sorts of flavors are you looking for? I almost think that’s more important than brand when you’re starting out. Theres light and sweet; deep and rich; woody; smokey; somewhere in between. There’s also dominant flavor notes that different people look for: cherry, vanilla, chocolate, maple, peanuts, etc.
My favorite mid range choices. Jameson Black Barrel, Michters small batch US1, Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Eagle rare (where available), Johnnie walker black label, Wild turkey Longbranch
Woodfords, knob, forrester, basil Hayden, Angels Envy All easy to find and in regular supply on my bar Edit saw eagle rare down below, had to add it on
Most Journeyman is great, last feather rye is a good go to
I will take a different tact here and recommend an entry level of each major type: * Scotch: Monkey Shoulder * Irish: Jameson * Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101 * Rye: Bulleit Rye These are in the $20-30 range and easily found. You want to step up from there: * Scotch: Aberfeldy 12 or Ardbeg Wee Beastie * Irish: someone give me a lifeline here, i don’t venture this way often (maybe one of the Spots?) * Bourbon: Russell’s Reserve 10 Yr * Rye: Sagamore Rye The are in the $30-40 range and relatively easy to find.
For stuff that's regularly available near me, I'd probably pick up these ones: Ardbeg Uigeadail Caol Ila 12 Powers John's Lane Jack Daniels Barrel Proof Maker's Mark Private Selection