There’s nothing like capping off the night with a glass of Scotch. Relax and enjoy the wonderful flavors and sweet aromas of a full-body whisky. While there are plenty of expensive options that cost hundreds of dollars, you don’t have to spend a ton to get a great-tasting Scotch or Canadian Rye whisky. It’s a hobby anyone can enjoy and it’s a ton of fun to enjoy a glass with a friend or significant other. If you are confined at home right now, there’s no better time to experience the finer things in life, especially during this stressful time. As you try more and more whiskies, you’ll begin to appreciate the nuances of different whisky brands and become a real connoisseur. If you are interested in the best Scotch and Canadian whisky brands for under $100, read on to learn more.
Lagavulin 16 Yr. from Islay, Scotland is one of the best Scotch brands for under $100 and a great beginner whisky thanks to its balanced flavors. It’s a little dry but also a little sweet with plenty of fruity notes. There’s also a hint of smoky flavor that gives it a real complexity. Aged for 16 years, this Scotch is one you are sure to appreciate. You can purchase it at Total Wine & More for just $84.99 depending on your location. Also from Islay, is the Caol Ila 12 Yr. for $87.99 at Total Wine & More. This Scotch is perfect for pairing with a meal such as fish. It’s a popular whisky thanks to its smoky and citrus flavor. It’s also light enough to be appreciated by those who aren’t accustomed to the flavor of whisky.
One popular and excellent-tasting Scotch is the Glenlivet 18 Yr. which available at Total Wine & More for $96.99. It has received numerous awards including a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition for its complex citrus and winter spice flavor, rich fruit and toffee aroma, and balanced palate. Aged in American oak and Sherry casks, experts also praise the honey and walnut notes. Glenfiddich 18 Yr. is another popular Scotch that is easy to find. It is matured and finished in sherry and bourbon casks. It offers a unique flavor that is somewhat tangy and spicy. The small-batch reserve single malt whisky is available for $99.99 at Wine.com and BevMo. It also received a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.
If you are looking for something a lot more affordable, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask from Islay, Scotland is great budget Scotch that’s so inexpensive because it doesn’t take as much time to make. The maturation process is speeded by aging in smaller casks. It offers a slight sweetness that’s not overpowering, and it goes down smooth. It is just $57.99 at Total Wine & More.
Canadian whisky is often cheaper than Scotch but that doesn’t mean its any less good. You can find a ton of superb Canadian whiskies if you know where to look. You’ve probably heard of Crown Royal which is inexpensive but what you really want is the Crown Royal Collection French Oak Cask whisky available at Bevmo for $59.99 and Total Wine for as low as $49.99. It is a blend of rye, barley and corn which makes it something of a hybrid between Bourbon, Irish whisky and Rye. This gives it a balanced and complex flavor. Other good Canadian whisky options under $100 include Whistlepig 10 Yr. Straight Rye ($84.99 at Wine.com) made from 100% Rye and aged in oak and bourbon casks, and Pike Creek Canadian Whisky ($25.99 at Total Wine) with orange blossom and honeysuckle aromas and flavors of maple, citrus and peach.
If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck, the above-mentioned whiskies are excellent choices. Look for a whisky in your budget at your local liquor store and supermarket or order online.
