In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 best Scotch whiskies under $100. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the success of Scotch, the resurgence of Scotch tourism, and Scotch whisky as an investment, head to 20 Best Scotch Whiskies Under $100.
5. Talisker 10 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 8
Price: $64
Aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks, this welcome member of Diageo’s Classic Malts series has been recognised numerous times for its excellence. The Talisker 10 bagged a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017, and was also awarded ‘Best Islands Single Malt’ at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards.
Established in 1830, Talisker whisky has been made by the sea in the oldest Single Malts Scotch Whisky distillery on the shores of the Isle of Skye. This Top Scotch Brand was acquired by the Distillers Company in 1925 and is now part of Diageo.
4. Aberlour A’bunadh
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Price: $99.99
Meaning ‘the original’ in Gaelic, A’bunadh is a whisky hand-made from start to finish with each batch being created to ensure a rich and complex flavor of moist raisin, and homemade fruit cake. Bottled at cask strength, this Speyside whisky is known for its robust and full-bodied character.
Owned by Chivas Brothers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, Aberlour is among the Best-Selling Scotch Single Malts. The brand’s single malts are made from expertly crafted new spirit, usually double cask matured for at least 12 years in the finest hand-picked Oloroso Sherry butts and American Oak casks. Aberlour was, in fact, Pernod Ricard’s first Scotch whisky distillery purchase.
3. Lagavulin 16 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 10
Price: $99.99
Aged in oak casks for at least 16 years, this highly sought-after single malt has the massive peat-smoke flavor that’s typical of southern Islay, while also offering the richness, dryness, and smoothness that turns it into a truly interesting dram.
Lagavulin is said to be one of the oldest distilleries on Islay and is world-renowned for its smoky, peaty whiskies. The Lagavulin Single Malt has converted untold numbers of people to whisky drinking and remains the firm favorite of countless malt fans worldwide. The brand is now owned by Diageo.
2. Ardbeg Uigeadail
Insider Monkey Score: 10
Price: $91
Named after the Ardbeg distillery’s water source, this whisky is a marriage of sweetness, spice, and deep smokiness. However, what truly renders this expression special is a unique vatting method that marries the deep, smoky notes from ex-Bourbon American oak with the luscious, raisin-like character of ex-sherry Oloroso casks.
Called ‘as close to perfection as makes no difference’ by whisky connoisseurs, Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay for over 200 years. The distillery fell into disrepair and closed its doors in 1996, but reopened after it was acquired by The Glenmorangie Company, which is part of the LVMH group, for $8.3 million in 1997.
1. Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 12
Price: $59
Laphroaig 10 is the definitive Islay peated single malt, distilled following traditions laid over the last 200 years by passionate master distillers. Its unique flavor profile is conjured from malted barley which is first cold-smoked over peat fires, like only a handful of distilleries.
Best served neat or poured over ice, the rich flavor of Laphroaig makes it a staple choice, ideal for novices and connoisseurs alike. The Laphroaig distillery and brand are owned and operated by Beam Suntory, the American subsidiary of Japan’s Suntory Holdings.
Laphroaig 10 is the Number 1 Scotch Under $100 in our list.
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