Best Whisky Under $50
Great whisky doesn't have to be expensive. We tested over 50 bottles under $50 to find the ones that deliver premium quality without the premium price tag. These are the bottles that enthusiasts keep stocked and beginners love discovering.
Best Value Picks
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
4.8/5 stars - Outstanding value in the bourbon category
Glenlivet 12 Year Single Malt Scotch
4.6/5 stars - Outstanding value in the scotch category
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
4.7/5 stars - Outstanding value in the bourbon category
Why Under $50 is the Sweet Spot
The $25-$50 price range represents the best value in whisky. You avoid the harshness and simplicity of bottom-shelf bottles while steering clear of the premium markup for rare or aged expressions. Many bottles in this range:
- Are made by the same distilleries as $100+ bottles
- Receive expert blending and quality control
- Spend 8-12 years aging (the sweet spot for flavor development)
- Come from proven, consistent producers
What You Get at This Price Point
Bourbon ($25-$40): At this price, expect well-balanced Kentucky straight bourbon with classic vanilla, caramel, and oak notes. Small batch and single barrel options become available, offering more complexity than entry-level bottles.
Scotch ($35-$50): You'll find excellent 12-year single malts from Speyside and Highland regions, plus quality blends that offer surprising complexity. This is where scotch really starts to shine.
How We Choose
Every bottle on this list has been:
- Tasted blind by our expert panel
- Compared against bottles at higher price points
- Evaluated for availability and consistency
- Tested neat, with water, and on ice
- Scored on value relative to price
All Whisky Under $50
Browse by Type
Bourbon Under $50
Scotch Under $50
Common Questions
Can you get good whisky for under $50?
Absolutely. Some of the best-reviewed whiskeys in the world cost under $50. Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 101, and Glenlivet 12 consistently win blind tastings against bottles twice their price.
What's the best whisky under $30?
Buffalo Trace bourbon (around $27) and Maker's Mark (around $24) offer exceptional value. For scotch, try Monkey Shoulder blended malt at $32.
Is expensive whisky worth it?
It depends. Bottles over $50 offer diminishing returns on quality. You're often paying for age statements, rarity, or branding. The $30-$50 range typically offers the best quality-to-price ratio.
How often do these prices change?
We update prices weekly. Whisky prices are relatively stable, but availability can vary by region. Check our deals page for current pricing.