Alright, let’s talk whiskey—and more importantly, let’s talk value. I’m not just here to rant about rising prices; I’m here to do you one better. I’ve lined up some brilliant whiskies that won’t break the bank, still taste fantastic, and will give you plenty of bragging rights next time you’re chatting with your mates about hidden gems and underrated bottles.
It’s no secret that whiskey prices have shot up in recent years—exponentially, in some cases. And with Irish whiskey in particular basking in the glow of well-deserved praise and booming popularity, it feels like the easiest move has been to simply hike up the price. Classic supply and demand, right?
Okay, I’m saying that with a wink, of course. I know it’s not just about popularity. There’s a whole mix of factors that influence how much a bottle costs—production methods, scale, age, labour, and plenty more all play a role in shaping the final price tag.
That said, there are still some gems out there—whiskies that have held their ground and kept prices fair, or even deliberately priced themselves lower to give drinkers, collectors, and curious newcomers a chance to enjoy quality whiskey without breaking the bank. It’s refreshing, really.
But here’s the catch: a lot of these tend to be the usual suspects—the kind of bottles you’ve walked past a hundred times on supermarket shelves without a second glance. Think White Bush, Jameson, Glenmorangie… solid drams in their own right, sure, but they don’t always bring that excitement or spark that makes you sit up and really enjoy a whiskey. Sometimes, you just want something a bit different—something with character.
So, the time has come. I’ve taken the liberty of putting together a list of five seriously affordable whiskies that punch well above their price tag. These are bottles you can enjoy without wincing at the checkout—or feeling that twinge of guilt when you find yourself subtly sneaking another one past your partner. (Come on, we’ve all been there, right?)
Hinch 4-year-old Madeira Cask
Price: £39.99 (only from the distillery, big thanks to the legend @Whiskeybeercigarguy for sorting me out!)
Why should I buy it? Hinch might not be brand new on the scene—they’ve been around since the Irish whiskey boom started picking up—but they’re starting to really make moves with their own stock now hitting shelves. And let’s talk about the price: it’s absurdly low for what you’re getting.
This bottle doesn’t skimp on flavour or strength. At a whopping 61% ABV, it delivers serious punch and character without burning a hole in your wallet. It’s bold, rich, and surprisingly refined for the price—definitely one to grab before everyone else catches on.
Price: £26 via Sainsbury’s (get your Nectar card out!)
Why should I buy it? Now, I’ll be honest—I’m not the world’s biggest bourbon fan. But I am a fan of a good sipping bourbon, and Wild Turkey 101 fits that bill perfectly.
Clocking in at 55% ABV, it brings serious flavour and warmth, and get this—I picked up a bottle for just £26 (and it’s often even cheaper around Christmas). That’s wild when you consider that anything above 50% ABV usually rockets well past the £70 mark.
With Wild Turkey, you’re not just paying for the proof—you’re getting pedigree, consistency, and genuinely great liquid. It’s insanely good value.
Price: £32.95 via The Whiskey Exchange
Why should I buy it? Rye done right is a thing of beauty—peppery, bold, full of flavour, and impossible to ignore. While it’s long been a staple in the American whiskey scene, it hasn’t really had its moment in Ireland… until now.
Enter Powers. The big dogs stepped up and dropped a rye that absolutely delivers. Powers Rye ticks all the classic boxes—spice, depth, character—and still manages to feel fresh and distinctly Irish.
The best part? The price. If rye hasn’t won you over before, this one might just change your mind. And at this price point, it’s pretty much a no-risk move.
Shortcross Peated Belfast Whiskey Week Exclusive (Picked by Jonathon)
Price: £55 from Shortcross
Why should I buy it? It’s a perfectly balanced whiskey. If you’re familiar with the flavour wheel, this whiskey is bang in the middle with equal parts peaty, feinty, sulphury, woody, winey, cerisl, fruity, and floral.
Lochlea Our Barley (Picked by Mike)
Price: £44.95 from Master of Malt
Why should I buy it? There is no other single malt whisky under £50 that has as much going for it as Lochlea’s Our Barley. The design is stylish, the distillery has a great connection to Scotland’s Bard, Robert Burns, and the whisky itself is light while complex.
Final Thoughts
Whiskey prices might be on the rise, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to enjoy a proper dram. Whether it’s a bold cask strength Irish whiskey from Hinch, a surprisingly affordable bourbon like Wild Turkey 101, or an Irish rye that breaks the mould from Powers, Lochlea or Shortcross—there are still plenty of bottles out there delivering serious value.
Of course, everyone’s got a different budget when it comes to whiskey—what’s affordable to one might be a bit of a treat for another. But with this list, we’ve tried to cover a range of price points without compromising on quality, flavour, or character.
This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about discovering whiskies that stand out, that punch above their weight, and that you’ll actually want to talk about with your mates. So next time you’re tempted to splurge, maybe give one of these a go instead. Your wallet, and your taste buds will thank you.
And for those wondering about bottles that just missed the cut—don’t worry, we see you. Dunville’s Palo Cortado 10 earns a solid nod for its rich, elegant finish (if you’re ready to stretch the budget a bit). Two Stacks’ cans are an excellent low-commitment option—perfect for dipping your toe into something new without the pressure of a full bottle. And of course, Bushmills Black Bush remains a consistently reliable dram that often gets overlooked—sherried, smooth, and always worth having on the shelf.
The Water Of Life 