Scotch whisky is a type of drink that you can enjoy at the bar and chill with your buddies. However, buying the best scotch whiskey under $50 can be challenging due to so many options. Made from malted barley and other grains, a fine scotch whiskey is distilled and then aged in oak barrels for at least three years. Different types of scotch whiskies are available in the market, including single malt, which is considered superior quality.
Scotch whiskies are known for their complex flavors including notes of peat, smoke, fruit, and spices, depending on the specific distillation and aging process used. Today, we’ll be looking at some of the finest scotch whiskies under $50 that you can enjoy with your friends and loved ones.
Here’s a list of the best scotch under $50 that you should try:
1. Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder is a single-malt scotch whisky with smooth and smokey taste notes. This scotch is made from a mix of three different Speyside single malts: Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie. The scotch derives its unique name from a Scottish slang that means a strain caused when whiskey used to be made by hand. A rich flavored scotch that goes well neat with ice or is used in making exotic cocktails. The bottle comes in a unique premium design that has a cork instead of a cap. One of the best scotch under $50 that you should sip when going liquor shopping.
Monkey Shoulder Average Price: $31.99
Suggested Read:Â Best Scotch Under $150
2. Highland Park 12 Year Old
With a stylish Viking design, Highland Park 12-year-old is a pleasant scotch with notes of honey and juicy citrus. It also has a lasting peppery spice and wood aftertaste that makes it feel super clean. The scotch is also known as an all-rounder in the world of single malt whiskies as it goes well with cocktails as well as neat paired with ice. This scotch has won a couple of accolades as well including gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2020. All-in-all, a great scotch under $50 for chilling at the bar or a house party with your buddies.
Highland Park 12 Average Price: $45.99
3. Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
One of the most popular single malt scotch whiskies of all time, Glenfiddich’s 12-year-old is a beautifully crafted scotch with a smooth and mellow finish. The scotch is matured for 12 years in the finest Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks that give it a rich and smooth texture. It comes in a neatly designed green color bottle that makes its packaging looks premium. One of the best scotch under $50 that you enjoy neat with ice or with mixers as well.
Glenfiddich 12 Average Price: $50
4. Johnnie Walker Double Black
Jonnie Walker’s Double Black scotch whiskey is a signature single malt launched in 2011 that has an intense smokey flavor. Beneath its intense flavor, it has notes of toffee, honey, ripe red apple, peach and melon. Apart from the smokiness, the scotch has a smooth lingering finish making it easy to sip and cherish the buzz. With an ABV of 40%, the scotch whiskey gives you a great buzz and is best enjoyed with mixers as well as on the rocks.
Johnnie Walker Double Black: $40.99
Suggested Read:Â Best Scotch Under $200
5. Bowmore 12 Year Old
Bowmore 12-year-old is a well-balanced scotch whiskey with notes of tropical fruit and smoke. Made with the finest quality oak casks, this scotch is sharpened by lemon zest and can be enjoyed neat along with ice. You’ll definitely notice the coastal notes and smooth finish when sipping this scotch. One of the best scotch whiskies under $50 that have Bowmore’s trademark peat smoke.
Bowmore 12-Year-Old Average Price: $45
6. Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Laphroaig 10-year-old is another smoky and bold scotch whiskey with a hint of seaweed and peat notes. This scotch is matured for 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels which gives it a unique smoky peat flavor. The scotch has won a number of accolades and awards including a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2010. One of the best scotch under $50 to try when you are looking for a new scotch at the liquor store.
Laphroaig 10-Year Average Price: $48
7. Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition
With a whopping 50% ABV, Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition will surely give you a good buzz along with a smooth texture. This fine scotch is made with the finest single malts and has a soft lingering taste of subtle spices. The scotch is made in small batches with top-quality grains that make it a top choice for scotch lovers. It comes in a dark bottle with a sleek design and goes down your throat smoothly.
Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition Average Price: $29
8. Aberfeldy 12-Year-Old
With a subtle hint of honey and spice, Aberfeldy’s 12-year-old is one of the best scotch whiskies under $50 that you should try. This whiskey is matured for 12 years in handmade oak casks which gives it a smoky yet creamy texture. Along with a smooth finish, this scotch has floral and honey notes giving it an incredible flavor. This scotch goes well with some cinnamon and lemon-based cocktails apart from the neat with ice.
Aberfeldy 12-Year Average Price: $40
Also Read: Best Scotch Whiskies Under $100
9. The Ardmore Legacy
The Ardmore Legacy is a scotch whisky with subtle woody and spicy notes that has a mix of 80% peated and 20% unpeated malt. This scotch whiskey was launched in 2014 and become a favorite for some scotch lovers across the globe. It last light charcoal and earthy notes along with a smooth smokey finish. One of the best scotch under $50 for you to add to your liquor shopping basket.
The Ardmore Legacy Average Price: $43.99
10. Ballantine’s 12 Year Old
Ballantine’s 12 year is a popular scotch whiskey with a rich and smooth blend of single malt and top-quality grains. Miltonduff and Glenburgie are the key ingredients in this blend along with whisky from around fifty other distilleries. It has notes of honey along with vanilla and a smooth refreshing finish. Undoubtedly, a great scotch whisky under the budget of $50 to try.
Ballantine’s 12 Year Average Price: $44
11. Auchentoshan Valinch
Auchentoshan Valinch is a limited-edition scotch whisky with notes of orange zest and crème brûlée. This scotch is triple distilled and comes from a rare Scottish distillery with no age statement. It has a spicy and sweet finish that goes down the throat quite smoothly. Another premium quality scotch under $50 that you should sip.
Auchentoshan Valinch Average Price: $50
12. Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old scotch whisky is a great quality spirit made with three different flavors: orchard fruit, sweet honey & soft smoke. What sets this scotch apart from the rest is that it is matured in three types of cask: bourbon, refill and re-charged. It has fruity notes along with a balanced finish. You’ll definitely smell some green apple notes and a lingering flavor of smoky marionberry.
Loch Lomond 12-Year Average Price: $48
Also Read: Best Cologne For Older Men To Wear Outdoors
We hope you had fun exploring these best scotches for under $50. Cheers!
For more related news, entertainment and reviews, follow Boomelo on Google News.
