If you believe that good whisky always has to be expensive, you're not necessarily right. While there are many cheap whiskies that you really should steer clear of, there are also some gems that impress with solid quality and surprisingly refined taste. We've selected 10 affordable whiskies under 25 euros that impressed us in our tasting.
1. Bushmills BLACK BUSH Irish Whiskey
The Bushmills BLACK BUSH Irish Whiskey is not only an affordable Irish Whiskey, it is also distilled in Europe's oldest licensed whiskey distillery – the Old Bushmills Distillery. This can be taken as the first sign of the quality of this blend of exquisite malt and grain whiskies; the second and more relevant is the excellent tasting: While the nose already encounters mild and slightly fruity aromas during tasting, these continue in a graceful and full-bodied intensity during the taste test, lingering long and providing pure pleasure. If you are looking for a good quality inexpensive Irish Whiskey, you can safely choose this one.
2. Glen Moray Elgin Classic Cabernet Cask Finish
We move a little further northeast, to the second homeland of whisky: to Scotland – more precisely, to the Speyside region, which is famous for its mild-sweet and fruity Single Malts. Typical for a genuine Speyside Scotch Whisky is the Glen Moray Elgin Classic Cabernet Cask Finish 40 % Vol. from the Glen Moray Distillery, active since the 19th century. During tasting, notes of sweet apple jelly, honey, and toffee unfold, while the palate is caressed by vanilla, oak, pepper, spices, and chocolate. Particularly noteworthy are the delicious nuances of sweet cherries and blackcurrants, thanks to the finish in Cabernet Sauvignon casks, after the whisky previously matured in oak casks. Our conclusion: This is inexpensive whisky in perfection!
3. Jack Daniel's Sour Mash Tennessee Whiskey LEGACY EDITION No. 3 - GREY DESIGN
We take a big leap west across the pond, because there are also excellent cheap whiskies there. Tennessee, USA, is home to the world-famous brand Jack Daniels, which produces the world's best-selling whisky here. The legendary distillery therefore has the resources to produce first-class yet inexpensive whiskies. Our favorite is the Jack Daniel's Sour Mash Tennessee Whiskey LEGACY EDITION No. 3 - GREY DESIGN 43 % Vol., whose label design harkens back to bygone eras and is intended to evoke the time before Prohibition in America.
However, it is not only the visual aspect that gives this Grain Whiskey the makings of a classic; it also scores in taste. This is announced by the scent of sweet, ripe fruits and a hint of toasted oak, culminating in a very balanced taste experience of notes of caramel, vanilla, wood, and peppery spice.
4. Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey
We stay with world-renowned whiskey brands and would like to present the probably most famous Jameson Whiskey next – the Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey with 40% Vol. It stands for typical Irish whiskey enjoyment like hardly any other: triple distilled, exceptionally mild, and therefore ideal for beginners who want to try their first Irish Whiskey.
Even when opened, this Jameson Whiskey unfolds its characteristic wood and sherry notes, which it owes to maturation in former sherry, port wine, or bourbon oak casks. On the palate, it is delicate, soft, and balanced – with a mild sweetness and fruity nuances that make Jameson's style so unmistakable.
In the edition presented here, two tasting glasses are included for a small surcharge – perfect for enjoying a shared tasting. If you already have enough glasses, simply opt for the classic standard edition.
5. Grant's TRIPLE WOOD Blended Scotch Whisky
A Scotch Whisky from the oldest family business in the whisky industry at an outrageously low price? What's the catch? Well, we're still looking for it. There's certainly nothing to complain about in the wonderfully complex and rich taste of Grant's TRIPLE WOOD Blended Scotch Whisky 40% Vol. from Grant's Whisky – quite the opposite: While you can identify soft aromas of summer fruits and pear in the nosing, the taste surprises with strikingly full-bodied and floral notes of malt, oranges, and chamomile. This is largely due to its maturation in three different wooden casks: Virgin Oak, American Oak, and Refill-Bourbon Casks. If you're looking for inexpensive whiskies from Scotland, you can't go past Grant's Triple Wood.
6. Islay Mist THE ORIGINAL PEATED BLEND
If you're particularly fond of Scotch-typical peat aromas in whisky and are looking for a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive Islay Single Malts, then the Islay Mist THE ORIGINAL PEATED BLEND 40% Vol. is perfect for you. This excellent blend of various Malt and Grain whiskies is produced at the legendary Laphroaig Distillery on the aforementioned island of Islay and offers peat fans the desired smoky aromas. A discerning nose may also perceive a hint of herbs and seaweed, while the soft and creamy taste also reveals notes of barley, salt, and oak. It's no coincidence that this whisky won the gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2016.
7. Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey CIDER CASK Finished
Another very well-known Irish whiskey is Tullamore Dew, which is an essential item in any well-stocked bar. A special bottling of the whiskey, first distilled in 1829, is the Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey CIDER CASK Finished 40% Vol., as it was re-aged in cider casks after traditionally maturing in bourbon and sherry casks. This special finish is, of course, noticeable during tasting: the sense of smell can look forward to aromas of cider, and in the sweet-soft taste, pronounced notes of fresh apples can also be identified, in addition to aromas of oak and malt. The long-lasting sweet-fruity finish then makes tasters completely forget that this is an inexpensive whiskey.
8. Sir Edward's SMOKY Blended Scotch Whisky
The cheapest whisky in our Top 10 is the Sir Edward's SMOKY Blended Scotch Whisky 40%, which is even available for under €10. Here too, fans of smoky Scotch Whiskies will get their money's worth, as the SMOKY is a lightly peated bottling of the original Sir Edward's Blended Scotch Whisky. For a whisky in this price range, however, the taste experience is exceptionally well-rounded and complex. While salty-maritime notes can be discerned alongside the peat aromas, notes of honey, lemon, and sugar syrup join the characteristic smoky peat taste on the palate. If you are looking for a truly affordable whisky but don't want to compromise on a solid taste experience, you should take a closer look at Sir Edward's Scotch.
9. Four Roses Bourbon
Bourbon fans shouldn't miss out on this list of the best affordable whiskies either. The Four Roses Bourbon from Kentucky impresses with incredible lightness and softness, which never gets boring thanks to fresh, fruity aromas. So, if you don't like the smoky notes of Scottish Single Malts, this is exactly the right place for you. The nosing also brings joy: here, fruity and floral nuances meet pleasantly spicy aromas with a hint of honey. All in all, with the Four Roses, you get a top Bourbon whiskey at an outstanding price.
10. Tenjaku Whisky
The Tenjaku Whisky from Japan proves that good yet affordable whiskies don't always have to come from Scotland, Ireland, and the USA. Japanese whiskies now enjoy a high reputation among connoisseurs, and with this Blended Whisky, there is a worthy representative of Japanese whisky distilling art even in the low-price segment. Tenjaku Whisky is characterized by a balance of taste that is unparalleled in this price range. The soft taste is rounded off by a slightly smoky scent and sweet phenols of pears and dried fruits, thus creating an all-around successful overall experience. Kanpai!
We hope that with this Top 10 of affordable whiskies, we've been able to do some groundwork in selecting a good, inexpensive whisky for your home bar. Which of these whiskies is the best, however, you'll have to find out for yourself, which should be affordable thanks to the low prices. We wish you a lot of fun!
FAQ – Questions and Answers
Can a whisky under 25 euros still be of good quality?
Yes, many whiskies in this price range convince with solid quality and a balanced taste. Brands like Jameson, Ballantine's or Johnnie Walker also offer reliable and pleasantly drinkable whiskies in the entry-level segment.
Which affordable whiskies are particularly suitable for beginners?
For beginners, mild and easily accessible whiskies are particularly suitable. These include, for example, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Glen Grant The Major's Reserve or Ballantine's Finest, which can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
How can you best enjoy affordable whisky?
Whiskies under 25 euros are excellent for mixing, for example in Whisky Sour, Highball or with cola. However, many bottlings can also be pleasantly drunk neat or on the rocks and offer versatile enjoyment.
Where can you find a wide selection of affordable whiskies?
A wide selection of whiskies under 25 euros can be found in the delicando online shop. There you will find both well-known classics and inexpensive alternatives for uncomplicated enjoyment.
What is the difference between affordable and expensive whiskies?
More expensive whiskies generally mature longer in the cask, developing more complex aromas. Affordable whiskies are usually younger and simpler in taste, but offer solid quality and are well suited for cocktails or everyday enjoyment.
