Top 10 Scotches Under $50 (Voted By The Scotch Community)
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- Опубліковано 25 жов 2020
- We polled our scotch community and asked, what are your top 10 scotches under $50. With over 250 bottles submitted globally, we totaled all the bottles by votes and ranked them in order. Who was #1?
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Great list. Of the scotches on your list my favorites are Highland Park 12, Deanston 12, Bunnahabain 12 and Naked Grouse. I would have to go back and forth as to which is my favorite but you can't go wrong with any of them! They are all well worth the price.
This is the first video i watch of you guys and i absolutely love the fact that you guys list the information at the bottom of the screen!
Really helpful.
Same for us! Great format
Highland Park 12 is absolutely fantastic no matter what price range. It’s a great value.
It was my first single malt. ❤it
Great to watch guys...myself new to whisky, and all there's to offer. Glad I have a few of those bottles lying around....but definitely need to try the peeted stuff
Welcome to the journey!
Great list. A little surprised at the order, but I would certainly enjoy any of them. Cheers!
I love the highland park 12. I'm drinking some now. Also the ardbeg is very good
Thanks guys! I would love to see a comparison of the new Deanston 12 bottling vs. the old bottling that you guys have. I have the new and I like it, but don’t love it like most seem to. 🤔🥃
Fantastic idea!
If you're watching this is 2023, sadly most of these are solidly over $50 now.
Naked Grouse and Monkey Shoulder I think are the only two (in my area at least) that are still under that price point. I've never tried Naked Grouse, but I just looked it up at my local store and its selling for $27 right now on sale (normal $35 price) so I should give it a try at that price. Its barely more than Jack Daniels. What a steal, I'm excited.
Not a typical Islay Scotch
However, as someone who enjoys a sweeter dram with a lot of flavors along the way, I’ll bluntly say that Bunnahabhain’s 12-year-old was exceptionally pleasing to taste rating a 4.5/5. Beyond the creamy sweetness, it had a symmetry and consistency between the scent and the flavors that I don’t often find appealing in Islay Scotch. But, as an enthusiastic Scotch lover whose love of all Scotces has developed by tasting and recommendations, I appreciate when I do encounter an Islay Scotch that surprises my taste bud. Simply because my palate has developed to enjoy Speyside scotches. Especially, Macallan 15 and Glenrothes. The Bunnahabbin 12 has a pleasant and consistent experience, while it comes at a fairly affordable price.
However, if you’re jonesing for the one of the Islay’s heavily peated whiskies that has made the Island famous, this is not the whisky you’re looking for. It’s sweet, lightly peated gentle flavor will probably leave something to be desired for those looking for a tipple of something peat smoky. However, for those wishing to try a lightly peated Scotch this is a great place to start.
Just came across your channel. That is a good list. Some of them I have not had. I do like my peated scotch. For the list I would have voted for Jura 10, Jura 12, Compass Box Glasgow Blend and Compass Box Artist Blend.
With the Tariff there is so few good bottles at $50 or less. My favorites in particular no order: Bunnahabhain 12, Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10, Ardbeg 5, Arran 10, Highland Park 12, Glengoyne 12, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14, Deanston 12, and Bruichladdich Classic Laddie. Honorable mentions: Compass Box Great King blend , Glendronach 12 and Old Pulteney 12. Stuff like Glenfiddich 12, Monkey Shoulder, and Glenlivet are too watered down.
that is an excellent list
I've been trying the really low priced Scotch and it's really not bad. There's Aerstone, very Laphroaig-like peaty and a sea cask without the peat. Just two under $30, both 10 year olds.
You named 3/4 of my whisky cabinet. LOLZ cheers . I'm having a Arran right now
@@Dirtytechnique Arran is so good!
Now this is a superb list, I might add a few others. Perhaps should not say this being a Scot but I fell out of love with whisky for a number of years, Bunna 12 tempted me back. Just love the stuff. It is interesting to see Arran being given a shout, not one people often mention but go buy a bottle, it is simply superb and a very reasonable price. Nice to see that it states it is non-chilled filtered and no colour added just a pure beauty.
Some heavy hitters on this list for sure! One omission IMO is Tomatin Legacy... Absolutely incredible complexity for a no age statement single malt
Great video! Getting better with everyone. Agree with alot of the bottles. Might have to get some naked grouse. Loved drew's mini reviews.
Oh man scotch under $50 and nobody mentioned Johnny Walker Black? My daily sipper.
I've read people say it tastes like licking an ashtray. Doesn't sound too appealing.
That's a scandal 😂😂😂🤣🤣
@@mydogeatspukeLol! Not a completely unfair description tbh. I don't hate it, but it has a very strong artificial/liquid smoke flavor
I agree the best top shelf scotch as valuable at most bars
@@thesuccessfulbarber very peaty? Lmao is the black and the red the only stuff you drank before? “IT’s VeRY pEaTy” lmao smh
Wow! Just finished with this year's run of trick-or-treaters on a Halloween evening after having cooked Sunday chow (a turkey breast in the rotisserie) and cleaning up the kitchen. Just settled back with a good "two fingers" of "Monkey Shoulder" when I caught this video by chance. Curious, I was blown away by the fact that this blended scotch was rated "No 1" on the list as it has always been my personal "go to" sipping scotch. Never the less, I have saved my very last bottle of my all-time favorite single malt to share for when by two sons find their way home for the Christmas holidays from Chicago & Philly - Dalmore "Cigar Scotch". Regretfully, discontinued some time ago and the Dalmore 12 YO replacement is akin to a "close by no cigar" (pun intended) attempt. Some limited bottles are still available on the collector resale sites but at close to $400 a bottle(!), I don't love it quite that much...
The end of this video contains the shenanigans I'm here for! Lol!
Really loving the new intro and chill music !
I wanna live where you do and get Bunna 12 and Deanston for under $50
I just want to mention this... At Houston, they are both $52-54.
$70 and up here in DC area for Bunna
$57 for Bunna 12 and $55 for Deanston 12 here in central CA
$83 for Bunna in Canada
Bunna 12 costs 39€ in Germany 😎
I know the comparison is by price, but I do not think you can compare blends with single malts. Also, peat vs non-peat? Islay vs. highland? Each region has its own character. So, what do I like? Less expensive: Aberfeldy. Peaty: Ardbeg. Highland: Macallen. Pricey: Laugavulin. Blend: JW Black. Mixer: Dewars White. Fun discussing.
Tried 8 out of 10 of these . Only the naked grouse and the Ardbeg to try. Whilst i love monkey shoulder i wouldn't put it above Glenfiddich or Glenmorangie. All decent though and everyone has different taste i guess.
Old Pulteney 12 better not have a run thanks to you guys! It's my daily dram!
....started WAY back as a teen with Sandy Scot and Cutty Sark (phew....couldn't handle that now!). The single malt I ended up snugglin' in with over the years was Glenlivet. It was always available and decently priced. I do keep a Monkey Shoulder around, but agree it should be toward the bottom, but above any hint of peat (sorry...never developed that particular palate). I do recommend a try of the Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve....not too shabby, really - again, especially for the price point.
Definitely going to try some of those.
Just got into scotch! I've struggled with bourbon and my palette just isn't meant for it! But Scotch? HOLY CRAP. Just bought the macallan 12 year sherry oak and loved it!
if you like sherry, try the glen allachie 12, great value and nice sherry aroma
Same here. I can understand loving bourbon, kind of like coffee, but they just ain't for me. I love scotch. My firsts were Ardbeg 10 and Glenlivet 12.
Great drop you got there Scott!
I love the Macallen 12 yo, but I can’t taste the diff btw the 12 and 15. Certainly not enough to justify the price increase. The 18 on the other hand, oh yes, but at $300+ for a bottle, not a frequent purchase.
I went to the Macallan distillery in Scotland and they gave us each a thimbleful of a 30 yo, which was sublime. If you go, pay for the upgrade tour. That’s where they bring out the rare stuff.
There is very little quality added to scotch after 10-12 years to justify the jump in price. Brora is a scotch worth grabbing
Naked Grouse is a highly underrated whisky and you can get it in Scotland for £26. Top value
Naked grouse is gross
'Monkey Shoulder' is excellent..but my favorite is Grant's 'Ale Cask' edition. That is my first choice if the store I'm shopping at has it.
Lol it’s going to be like minesweeper with that ardbeg in there
I'm looking for a dominant Tobacco nose and finish, but I would like the recommendations to be of a more dry Tobacco rather than sweet Tobacco and the bonus would be an oily finish. So please recommend me some good whisky to try no matter if it's a blend, single malt, or a bourbon.
Benromach 10.
@@riancreamer6904 That one was on my list, thank you very much
Great list
Great selection. You don’t need to spend a fortune for high quality whisky. I have a few of those in my bar now.
I've seen Deanston and Monkey Shoulder on the shelves in stores but never tried them, so I may give them a shot sometime. I guess "under $50" depends on where you live, but I got a bottle of Balvenie Double Wood for $47 at Total Wine and I would put it at the top of my "under $50" list. The rest of the selections here are decent and dependable. I wouldn't refuse a glass of any of them.
yeesh, it's $63.99 in Ohio
@@dougfunk01 yep, just bought a bottle for this exact price, I really enjoy it.
I kinda saw a excersize bike ad under this vid. Promise ill go to the gym today.
Great list and thrilled that Monkey Shoulder is on top! My go-to.
MS is my go to scotch. I haven't really explored much, but I keep coming back. I would gladly have MS as my only daily drinker. Thx guys
Try Chivas Regal
@@thebestever333 chivas is niiice. But it's totally different
Same here
I dont even like scotch but I've been binging this channel lol
Ha - that's awesome! Thanks for much for hanging out with us. I hope that it's somewhat informative and entertaining. Thanks for stopping by!
Why the cold shoulder for blended Scotch? There are a couple cheap ones that are fantastic.
The Signatory Vintage Bunna 2007/2019 from the Cask Strength Collection has me ready to die happy. One of my fave 12's on the shelf. 🤯
(Not under $50, but is so much better that I am justifying it)
That cost $50? What a steal.
I'm a JW double black fan! but I drank monkey shoulder for the first time on Saturday, I have to admit it was great! I need to buy another bottle.
Great list. I will never understand people's obsession with Monkey Shoulder, but hey, everyone has different palates. I would probably rate it last out of those ten if it were up to me.
Because it's a $30 blend of single malts from renowned distillers. By contrast a typical mid-shelf single malt like Highland Park 12 costs $70 (at least in the US), which most people can't afford as a regular / everyday sipper. Also many brand-name single malt prices and availability vary a LOT depending on region whereas Monkey Shoulder can be found almsot everywhere at equal price.
That's why Monkey Shoulder and Naked Grouse are popular - universal value and availability.
Great list except Aardbeg at Nr 2. Just cannot suit my palate. Very surprised there is no Balvenie.
Respect for selection and correct pronunciation of glenmorangie, but puzzled by UK flag behind, rather than Scottish saltire.
Hahah...no, not satire. Drew's parent's are both British so it's a heritage thing at most and he's also a musician and it's a oversized guitar pick, so it's just decoration at least! Funny though you're not the first to question! Lol. Cheers!
But can I add Highland Black from Aldi. Its £14.00 in Scotland (minimum price) but it is outrageously good for a budget blend.
Agreed. I love it too.
This is a pretty solid grouping. I think anyone could finagle with the order, or swap something out for something that didn't make the cut, but this is going to be pretty fun to watch the blind brackets.
My only complaint is some of these need to be higher abv. The Glenlivet and even Maccallen. Barrel strength I believe would up sales. Not that sales are bad but still. As far as American whiskey I don't drink anything under 45% and prefer 50+.
I took your advice and went for the monkey shoulder and really it’s not close to Ardbeg or Old Pulteney. Surprised you gave it such a high score, I didn’t notice anything special.
They didn't give it a high score the community did
Laphroaig 10, Talisker 10, Caol Ila 12. Mysteriously missing from this list!
Due to price.
At the time this video was made, I could get Lap for 49 but the other two were both more. Now all three are over 50. Lap 65, Caol Ila 70, Talisker 77
@@wingracer1614 in UK now Talisker 10 is £30, Laphroaig same and Caol ila £37
The bulk of those bottles you will find on the base the numbers EO8.......they all come from my factory based in alloa......mind blown eh
Blended vs Single malt? Whatever. If it tastes good and eases one’s aches, then Happy New Year! 🥳
My first taste of the monkey I wasn’t overly impressed. But now o have a totally different feeling about it. For the price it’s pretty damn good. I am surprised more of the Glenmorangie line didn’t show up. The Quinta Ruban is fabulous and Lasanta is really good. Wasn’t fond of the original Glenmorangie.
I’m surprised Jura 10 sherry cask didn’t make the list. It’s really good.
Glenfarclas 12 is very nice.
Great to see some blended malts on the list, those that snub their noses at blended whiskies simply do not deserve to be whisky connoisseurs.
I m happy w the list since I drink them all
Nice video but with the title I would have expected pricing
Ardbeg 10 under $50? I wish. My fave Scotch
Damn!!!! Hp12 is #1 for me.
My favorites under or around $50 bottles for my area: Glenfiddich 12 ($30-$32), Naked Grouse($34), Glendronach 12 ($49), Laphroaig 10 (used to be under $40, but now is $52), Bunnahabhain 12 ($54), Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban ($54 but can sometimes be found on-sale around $49), Johnnie Walker Green Label ($48), Glenfarclas 12 ($47). I am not a fan of Monkey Shoulder. It's like drinking way too young and rough Glenfiddich and the 12 year GF is like $3-$5 more, why wouldn't you spend the extra $3-$5? Also, surprised Laphroaig 10 did not make the list. I like peat, but can't seem to get into Ardbeg style peat. Lagavulin and Laphroaig though? Good stuff.
Bunnahabhain 12 for under $50? Cheapest I can find it in southeast louisiana is $87. Where is it less than $50?
Here in The Netherlands €38.95 (47 dollar)
Good list but I think Bunna 12 is far superior than the rest of the bunch. Just my two cents.
Can you make a video with blended malt whiskeys ?
Do you have a list?
@@Scotch4Dummies I'm new to this, don't you have your own list ? My country's market is so small and I don't know much
@@Scotch4Dummies make a video of what you consider the best blended malt whiskeys.
@@tasosdimitriou8685 the famous grouse.
I am a huge fan of Shieldiag 12 yro. Best bang for buck.
What kind of rating scale tops out at 4?
I think they should pour a shot out of each of the ten bottles and mix them together and compare it to ten of the most expensive scotches.
Drew looks v tired. Community - we need to look at ourselves long and hard. We're working these guys too hard. Community - we also need to look at ourselves about this selection, too. I'll grant a few of these make it into my top ten- always on the shelf - namely Bunna 12, ArdB 10, Deanston 12 (nearly) and OP 12 - no argument. But The Glenlivit, The GlenMo? Couldn't scrounge a 2 average from the Scotch4Dummies. Nor from me. Where is Kilkerran by the way? We're watching these great vids to get better whiskies - not the mass market. Disclaimer - Monkey's Shoulder I've tried and it was great - but I was in Greenland two days away from the next single malt and it was one of the most welcome drams. And I've not tried the Naked Grouse - but if it got such a high mark from the S4D, that's a rec in anyone's book. So trust the Dummies, not the community - that's my take away. Great video Drew - now get some rest.
A lot of these are up to and over $70 in my area.
This vid is nearly two years old, prices have jumped up on everything. 2 years ago I could have got all but maybe 2 of these (Ardbeg was 55-60 then) for 50 or less. Now Monkey Shoulder and Glenmorangie are about the only ones I can get for that. I used to get my favorite Laphroaig 10 for under 50, now it's 60-70.
Not a blended is a vatted malt no grain in it, and mist of those singles.are above the 50 mark
Agree.
Pleasantly surprised my go to scotch was at number 1. The people have spoken.
🤢
On trying Monkey Shoulder for the first time, my review was short. I said "This is dangerously smooth." And I stand by that. For a "cheap" scotch, it is excellent value.
I bought a bottle a while back didn't love it but I still got a little bit left in the bottle I have to go re try it
Monkey shoulder is one of my favourites
I've got give Deanston 12yo a try. Thanks for the vid guys!
Monkey Shoulder at #1? Wow... OK. I've been told by some friends that it isn't that good so I have never tried it. I might have to see for myself then. Interesting.
in australia monkey shoulder is currently $62 and ardbeg 10 is about $105. booze is ridiculously over priced here
It is overpriced, but you quoted in Australian dollars so it is a meaningless compairson - AUD $62 is about USD $40, and AUD $105 is about USD $68.
Laphroig 10 should be nr 1..
First five are nearly $100 in Australia.
Our taxes suck.
I really enjoyed monkey shoulder also
Don't know where folks are getting Bunnahabhain 12 under $65, but I can't find it.
And nowhere can I find Highland Park 12 for under $50.
And the Deanston 12 is $66, minimum.
What about talisker 10 ????
Big fans of Talisker over here and it's been too long. We'll get back on that journey.
MS before Ardbeg 10 - I can not support that ;-)
There is scotch less than $50 a bottle?
Haha, that was my first thought too.
Yeah, shitty blends
Scotch 4 Dummies: I dunno. Is this an Ardbeg or a Glenfiddich? NOT. ;-)
Bunnahabhain 12 is the best of the bunch in my opinion. Glenlivit 12 and Glenfiddich 12 are really pretty much beginner scotches. Bunnahabbain 12 is far more complex. Yes, it goes for about 60 bucks where I live, but its worth it. Monkey Shoulder at about 30 bucks is a great value. IMO.
Just saw this video. I've tried many on the list but I have to disagree with Monkey Shoulder. It was like medicinal syrup, I almost poured it down the drain. I'll never understand how people like this one. Worst $32 I've ever spent. YMMV of course.
Im not a fan of it either. I think its “ok” but i dont understand the hype.
I'm not a huge fan either. But I assume people like it because it's a cheap scotch that is meant to be a mixer. I don't know many people who would drink it straight or even on ice.
Good video. If I try any it will probably be the ones you rated the lowest. Monkey shoulder IMO is awful.
I don't think Naked Grouse is available in Ohio unfortunately
For
Ardbeg 10 is the goat
Monkey shoulder is good but a tad too sweet for my liking.
Don't know what Scots you were talking to. I would not have ranged Monkey Shoulder within these parameters; there are others more worthy; try Bowmore from Islay.
John Barr
Johnny Walker Red or Black
I agree with the #1 choice. I always suggest Monkey Shoulder to everyone. It doesn't taste like a blend either.
I like the burn of whisky I don't like to have it smooth just not bitter or alcoholic smell
Shackletons. I found no issue with that scotch whatsoever. Can't believe it didn't make the list.
It is a Blended Scotch! However, I agree it is great!
I've found Monkey Shoulder ok but not overly interesting, HP12 here in UK is just one of the most disappointing malts I've ever tasted. Bunna 12 for the price is one of if not the best value for price single malt (£30 on offer). OP12 is such a solid supermarket pick and frequently on offer.
Completely agree with this analysis. HP12 v disappointing. Ardbeg 10 knows what its doing and does it. Couldn't see Bunna 12 for less than £30 without buying a few.
@@precariousdave Ardbeg 10 definitely top pick for peat lovers I prefer Ugi myself but 10yo was my gateway to peat so it has a special spot in my heart
@@flying_hussar3034 Interesting - Prefer the 10yo, the outstanding peated Islay. But initially liked Uigy until I had an Uigy from 14 years or so ago - what a difference. Now a shadow of one of the greats.
@@precariousdave so I've heard! Can't even imagine how good it must've been if I enjoyed the more current version so much.
Glenlivet 12 goes for like $90 now lol
Should be interesting. #10 is the best of the bunch IMO
I agree that it should have been higher on the list because it is wonderful
Highland Park 12 is my favorite Scotch Ive ever had and Glenmorangie 10 is my least favorite. Funny how they ended up like this
The good news... you are NOT wrong! ;-) The beauty of it is we're all unique just like the scotch we enjoy. Thanks for the comment. ~Mark
Ardbeg 10 here is $96...sigh
No Glengoyne 10??? Wow
Pretty good list guys. I'm certain the Bunna 12 will do a hell of a lot better than 10th in the blind
My thoughts exactly
Never has the 12...but had the 18yr. ...& my goodness...my best scotch yet right now.
I wonder how many of these will still actually be under $50 now? I'd gather most are not.