“Single malt.” The words evoke such reverence among most whisky drinkers. Class, refinement, sophistication, wealth. But what about great single malt Scotch on a budget?
Perhaps we should first examine what a single malt is. Simply put: It’s whisky that has been pot-distilled at a single distillery using 100 percent malted barley. Such simple regulations and ingredients, however, can still lead to extremely wide-ranging aromas and flavors. When looking at Scottish single malt, specifically, the spirit’s character can be determined by everything from location to aging, the use of peat (or not) to the types of barrel finishes and so forth.
Unlike some other spirits, single malt Scotch is not bound by exact rules for the barrels it must be aged in. Many distillers use ex-bourbon barrels, which are the most widely available barrels in the world as bourbon itself is only allowed to fill them one time. Sherry-seasoned barrels are also popular for aging, and often used as a finishing vessel. Time in the barrel is critical: Single malt Scotch must be aged at least three years, though most make it at least a decade before hitting shelves. (With a $50 cap, the oldest Scotch in our tasting was aged 12 years.)
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there are five primary Scottish whisky regions, each with its own typical profile (though whiskies from the small area of Campbeltown, known for bold, rich expressions, have crept above the price cap of this particular tasting), whether that’s the mellow, more floral offerings of the Lowlands or the robust, often peaty examples from the island of Islay. All of these areas have their standouts, though, so it often comes down to personal preference.
That’s part of why we organized this tasting: to offer a diverse handful of affordable Scotches to find out what profile you gravitate toward, without breaking the bank. The last time we blind-tasted single malt Scotch at this price point was more than five years ago, and many of our previous selections—including those from Springbank, The Glenrothes and Ardbeg—are no longer available under $50, so we figured it was high time to reexamine the landscape.
Below are our top five picks, which, taken together, offer a snapshot of the best affordable Scottish single malts to try right now.
Editor’s note: Because prices vary by market, certain bottles listed below may retail for slightly above $50.