Whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. It is a favorite among many drinkers due to its wide variety of flavors, colors, and aromas. However, with so many different types of whiskey available on the market, it can be hard to choose the perfect one. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 17 best whiskies for under $100 with descriptions that will help you make a more informed decision.
What to Look for When Buying Whiskey
With so many brands and types of whiskey available in the market, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. However, if you know what to look for when buying whiskey, you can make an informed decision and end up with a bottle that you’ll enjoy. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider when purchasing whiskey.
Whiskey Type
Whiskey comes in various types, including bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, and Japanese. Each type has unique characteristics, such as taste, aroma, and color. It is essential to know the different whiskey types and their attributes to select the one that matches your preference.
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Age
Whiskey’s age significantly affects its taste, color, and quality. The longer whiskey is aged, the smoother and richer it becomes. However, the older the whiskey, the more expensive it is. Knowing the age of the whiskey you intend to purchase will help you determine its quality and value.
Mash Bill
The mash bill is the grain mixture used in making the whiskey. Different mash bills result in different flavors and aromas. Knowing the mash bill of the whiskey you want to buy can help you select the one with the taste you desire.
Proof
Whiskey’s proof refers to its alcohol content, which is usually displayed on the bottle. The higher the proof, the stronger the whiskey’s taste and the more expensive it is. It’s crucial to consider the proof of the whiskey you want to purchase, especially if you prefer a milder taste.
Brand Reputation
Brand reputation is a critical factor to consider when buying whiskey. Some brands are known for producing high-quality whiskey consistently, while others are known for their subpar quality. Researching the brand reputation before making a purchase can help you avoid getting disappointed.
Flavor Profile
Whiskey comes in various flavor profiles, ranging from sweet and fruity to smoky and spicy. It’s essential to identify the flavor profile you prefer and look for whiskey that matches your preference.
Price
Whiskey prices can vary greatly, depending on various factors such as age, brand, and quality. It’s essential to set a budget and look for whiskey that meets your criteria within your budget.
Bottle Design
Although not as crucial as the other factors, the bottle design can affect your buying decision. Some whiskey bottles are designed to appeal to a specific target market, while others are designed to reflect the whiskey’s quality and value.
The 17 Best Whiskies for Under $100
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is a premium and highly sought-after whiskey that is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. With its distinctive bottle design and hand-written label, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is a bourbon of exceptional quality. Aged for a minimum of six years, this bourbon has a smooth and rich taste that is marked by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is a favorite among bourbon connoisseurs who appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. ($70)
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
This bourbon is named after the Reverend Elijah Craig, who is said to have invented bourbon. It is aged for a minimum of 8 years and has a smooth, spicy flavor with notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla. It is bottled at 94 proof. ($30)
Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
This bourbon is made from a blend of ten different bourbon recipes and is aged for a minimum of 7 years. It has a smooth and mellow flavor with notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla. It is bottled at 100 proof. ($50)
Knob Creek 9-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon
This bourbon is aged for a minimum of 9 years and has a bold, smoky flavor with notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla. It is bottled at 100 proof. ($40)
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey
Maker’s Mark is a sweet and smooth bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey. It is aged for a minimum of 6 years and bottled at 90 proof. ($35)
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
This bourbon has a high proof of 101 and is aged for a minimum of 6 years. It has a bold and spicy flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla. ($25)
Larceny Bourbon
Larceny Bourbon is a smooth and flavorful whiskey that is produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery. It is made with wheat as its secondary grain, which gives it a softer and more approachable taste. With its hints of vanilla and caramel, Larceny Bourbon is a great option for whiskey lovers who enjoy a sweeter flavor profile.
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Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a premium whiskey that is aged in handcrafted oak barrels for at least six years. Its rich and complex flavor profile is a result of its unique blend of rye, corn, and barley. With notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice, Woodford Reserve is an excellent choice for whiskey enthusiasts who enjoy a bold and sophisticated taste. ($45)
Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky
Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky is a sophisticated and complex whiskey that has been crafted from a blend of over 40 whiskies. With its smoky, rich, and full-bodied taste, this Scotch whisky is the perfect choice for those who appreciate a bold and full-flavored whiskey. Notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and citrus give Johnnie Walker Black Label its signature taste, making it a favorite among whisky lovers around the world. It is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rich and complex whiskey that is aged in oak casks for a minimum of 16 years. Its distinct smoky flavor is a result of the peat used to smoke the malted barley during production. With its notes of caramel, vanilla, and sea salt, Lagavulin 16 Year Old is a bold and flavorful whiskey that is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water. It is a favorite among whisky enthusiasts who appreciate the strong and intense taste of Islay single malt whiskies. ($90)
Talisker 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Talisker 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rich and smoky whiskey that is distilled on the Isle of Skye. Aged for a minimum of 10 years in oak casks, this single malt scotch has a distinctive flavor profile with notes of peat, smoke, and sea salt. Its complex taste also includes hints of pepper, dark chocolate, and citrus, making it a bold and flavorful option for whisky lovers. Talisker 10-Year-Old is best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water to enhance its complex flavors. ($70)
Highland Park 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Highland Park 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a smooth and complex whiskey that is produced on the remote island of Orkney in Scotland. With its balance of smoky and sweet flavors, this single malt scotch has notes of heather honey, peat, and citrus. Aged for a minimum of 12 years, Highland Park 12 Year Old is a favorite among whisky enthusiasts who appreciate the unique taste of island single malts. ($55)
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Glenmorangie 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This scotch whisky has a smooth and delicate flavor with notes of citrus, vanilla, and honey. It is aged for a minimum of 10 years and bottled at 86 proof. ($40)
Redbreast 12-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Redbreast 12-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is a smooth and rich whiskey that is distilled at the Midleton Distillery in Ireland. With its unique combination of malted and nonmalted barley, this single pot still whiskey has a complex flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla, fruit, and spice. Aged for a minimum of 12 years in sherry casks, Redbreast 12-Year-Old has a smooth and creamy texture that is a result of the traditional Irish whiskey-making process. It is a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate the rich and distinctive taste of Irish single pot still whiskies. ($70)
Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve Irish Whiskey
This Irish whiskey has a complex and smooth flavor with notes of toffee, spice, and vanilla. It is aged for a minimum of 18 years and bottled at 80 proof. ($90)
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a smooth and approachable whiskey that is aged for a minimum of eight years. With its distinct high-rye mash bill, this bourbon has a spicy and slightly sweet taste that is complemented by notes of caramel and vanilla. Basil Hayden’s is a favorite among bourbon lovers who appreciate a whiskey with a bold and complex flavor profile that is still easy to drink. It is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. ($45)
Nikka From The Barrel Japanese Whisky
Nikka From The Barrel Japanese Whisky is a rich and complex whiskey that is produced by the Nikka distillery in Japan. With its blend of malt and grain whiskies, this Japanese whisky has a unique flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla, toffee, and spice. Bottled at a higher strength than most whiskies, Nikka From The Barrel has a bold and intense taste that is best enjoyed with a drop of water or on the rocks. ($60)
Conclusion
There you have it – the 17 best whiskies for under $100. Whether you prefer bourbon, scotch, or Irish whiskey, there is a bottle on this list for everyone. These whiskies offer a great value for their price and are sure to please both whiskey connoisseurs and beginners alike. So next time you’re in the mood for a good drink, give one of these whiskies a try!
FAQs
Can these whiskies be found at most liquor stores?
Yes, these whiskies are all widely available at most liquor stores.
Are these whiskies suitable for mixing in cocktails?
Yes, these whiskies can all be used in cocktails, but many people prefer to drink them neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate their flavors.
What is the difference between bourbon and scotch?
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made in the United States, while scotch is made in Scotland. Bourbon is typically made from corn, while scotch is made from malted barley.
Do these whiskies need to be aged for a certain amount of time?
Most of the whiskies on this list are aged for a minimum of 6 years, but some are aged for up to 18 years.
What is the best way to enjoy these whiskies?
Many people prefer to drink these whiskies neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate their flavors, but they can also be used in cocktails or mixed with soda or ginger ale.
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