Best Scotch for Under $50

Even if you don’t know Aberfeldy by name, odds are you’ve already had it in another form - it’s a key element of Dewar’s Blended Scotch.

With its honey-filled tasting notes, this single malt is for anyone who finds joy in the simple things in life.

Double matured in American oak and sherry casks.

Anyone who shies away from the smoke and brine found in a typical Islay single malt will benefit from an introduction to this dram, which is the essence of a Speyside single malt.

A 5 year old expression that lives up to every aspect of its name.

For those who love the peatiest, peaty, peated single malts, this peat monster is for you!

Located (not surprisingly) on the Isle of Arran, which is often referred to as “Scotland in Miniature” due to its varied landscape.

Those looking for something off the beaten path will find this no age expression, that’s aged entirely in ex-bourbon casks, easy drinking.

This is the rare Scottish whisky that’s triple, and not double, distilled. The result? A particularly light feel and smooth finish.

For anyone who mistakenly associates all Scotch whisky with peat and smoke, this is a nice dram to set the record straight.

Coming in at the minimum 40% ABV (80 proof), this makes for a nice introduction to the Bowmore lineup.

Those intrigued by Islay single malts who aren’t quite ready for the bonfires to the face offered by Laphroig and Ardbeg.

The “helmsman” - this sherried cask whisky is nicely balanced by the distillery’s coastal location.

Imbibers looking for the brine of Islay single malts wrapped in a sherried bow.

Made with young whisky that, as the name suggests, is finished in brand new oak casks from Kentucky.

Not surprisingly, bourbon lovers won’t go wrong with this choice.

While less well-known than many of its Highland neighbors, Glen Garioch makes lovely whisky and the 1797 Founder's Reserve is no exception.

Those looking for multifaceted flavor at a reasonable price, this is a wonderfully surprising single malt.

This no age statement is first aged in ex-bourbon barrels and then finished in Oloroso sherry casks.

Truly an everyday type of Scotch; easy to drink in all seasons.

This younger sibling of the much beloved Glenfarclas 12 is definitely not to be overlooked.

Those looking for whisky matured in a sherry cask with a little spice to keep it interesting.

It’s a staple of bars and restaurants for a reason; this crowd-pleaser also has the pedigree to back it up.

Anyone looking for a comforting friend in liquid form at the company holiday party, college roommate’s wedding or family reunion.

Aged in first-fill (meaning they’ve never been used before) American oak casks

Those waiting in an airport lounge or at a bar before friends arrive; perfect for enjoying a quick dram before moving on with your day.

This 10 year single malt is made using the tallest stills in Scotland and then aged in bourbon casks.

Light and delicate, this is a great first dram for those who are new to single malt Scotch.

The Highland Park Distillery is located on the Orkney Islands; essentially, north of almost everything.

For the sherry bomb lover and the ardent Islay supporter, it’s the middle of the flavor Venn diagram; the dram that will cause both sides to, momentarily, smile in agreement.

American white oak ex-bourbon barrels with an aged Oloroso sherry cask finish made on an island with less than 200 full-time inhabitants.

Anyone who wants to explore what lies beyond the better known whisky regions.

Located on the northern-most shores of mainland Scotland, Old Pulteney proudly claims the title of “maritime malt”.

Aged solely in bourbon casks, this single malt offers a nice sweetness to mellow out the salt and brine influence of the North Sea making it a nice offering for those who’d like a hint of smoke.

If you look up “tlàth” in a Scottish Gaelic dictionary, you’ll see words like “gentle”, “mild” and “smooth”. Needless to say, the folks at Tomintoul were right on point in naming this single malt.

For those looking to dip a toe in the Scottish single malt waters, this is a safe place to start.