Update 3/12/21 - There is an updated version of this list: Starting whiskey recs v2.0
Along with the lessons and reviews, I thought it'd be a good idea to make recommendations for anyone interested in whiskey but unsure where to begin. These are good starting points for some different styles and distilleries. Within each group are two tiers, more affordable and slightly higher quality. Another day I'll go up to my real favorites.
Below are 15 different whiskies: 6 Bourbon, 7 Scotch, and 2 Irish. I think these are quality bottles so few of them are truly inexpensive. Included are name, ideal price range, proof, distillery (or producer) and some notes. The price range is my opinion after scoping numbers from three sites, meaning you'll likely see higher prices at any one store. The idea is if you see something in (or below) the ideal range, it's a good to great buy.
Bourbon
I tried to keep the price around $30. All are 'Kentucky straight bourbon.' Two are slightly lower proof and more approachable. The six whiskies come from five prominent makers.
1. Knob Creek Small Batch
$25-30
100 proof
Jim Beam distillery in Kentucky
First bourbon I liked and still a favorite, good age and classic profile
2. Buffalo Trace
$23-27
90 proof
Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky
A staple, very drinkable and affordable, seems to be getting more popular
3. Wild Turkey 101
$22-26
101 proof
Wild Turkey distillery in Kentucky
Another staple, higher rye than most so a little spicy, can be found anywhere
4. Longbranch
$33-38
86 proof
Wild Turkey distillery in Kentucky
Matthew McConaughey collaboration, mesquite/charcoal filtration, easy drinker
5. Henry McKenna 10 year Single Barrel
$30-35
100 proof
Heaven Hill distillery in Kentucky
Word is out on this hidden gem, must buy at this price, bottled-in-bond
6. Johnny Drum Private Stock
$30-35
101 proof
Willett distillery in Kentucky
No cork a surprise, robust flavor, probably should be more popular at its price
There are a few reasons Scotch is usually more expensive than Bourbon, and that's only getting worse due to recent tariffs.
Scotch
As a result, the prices here are a bit higher. A number of bottles I wanted to mention have become too costly, but this is still a good list. The two blends couldn't be more different. The single malts all come from different distilleries and cover a wide range of flavors.
1. Monkey Shoulder (blend)
$30-35
80 proof
Blend made by William Grant & Sons
Whisky included is all from Speyside and it's a good example, light and sweet
2. Johnnie Walker Double Black (blend)
$30-35
80 proof
Blend made by Diageo
Version of JW with extra Islay whisky, smoke and oil and fruit
3. Glenmorangie Original 10 year (single malt)
$35-40
80 proof
Glenmorangie distillery on the coast in the northern highlands, Scotland
Crisp citrus, well balanced, baseline for a number of 'extra matured' expressions
4. Aberfeldy 12 year (single malt)
$45-50
80 proof
Aberfeldy distillery in the highlands north of Perth, Scotland
'The golden dram' is an apt description, cream and honey, very clean
5. Aberlour 12 year (single malt)
$45-50
80 proof
Aberlour distillery in Speyside, Scotland
A favorite distillery, longer sherry maturation adds richness, sweetness and spices
6. Bowmore 12 year (single malt)
$45-50
80 proof
Bowmore distillery on the isle of Islay, Scotland
Wonderful mix of sherry and peat and sea salt, a good Islay for the uninitiated
7. Laphroaig 10 year (single malt)
$40-45
80 proof
Laphroaig distillery on the isle of Islay, Scotland
The most distinct Islay and perhaps Scotch, medicinal, fruit and seaweed and peat
Irish
To be honest, I should try more Irish in this tier (perhaps Teeling? Tyrconnell? Writer's Tears?). These are widely available and quite good if you want to change up the standard Jameson.
1. Tullamore Dew
$20-24
80 proof
Tullamore Dew distillery in Tullamore, Ireland
Another great example of easy to find, extra smooth Irish whiskey
2. Jameson Black Barrel
$32-37
80 proof
New Midleton distillery in Midleton, Ireland
Supposedly twice charred barrels give more color and flavor to a known commodity
Alright. This ended up being fairly difficult, and fun, to pick a cross-section and double-check prices. I hope it's useful. If there's something here you really like, let me know! I'd love to suggest more and there were a few that just didn't make the list (sorry Ardbeg 10). It's really striking how all the Scotch is 80 proof while the Bourbons are mostly around 100. While that's pretty typical in this range, I don't usually see it laid out like this.
Until next time.
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