8 Great Starter Whiskies You Can Find at the Grocery Store

8 Great Starter Whiskies You Can Find at the Grocery Store

With the ever-increasing popularity of single malts, you'll now find a wider variety of whisky in your local supermarket than ever before. Best of all, they offer great value and are an excellent choice if you're considering taking your whisky drinking to the next level. We've picked out a selection of some of the best for you to check out and let you know where you can pick them up.

Auchentoshan American Oak

The ideal single malt for novices, Auchentoshan, is one of Scotland's rare triple-distilled single malts, making it exceptionally smooth. Despite its smoothness, it is still packed with flavor, offering a perfect starting point for your whisky journey with one of the country's biggest names and a malt that is both tasty and accessible. Buy it now!

Glen Moray Classic

The Glen Moray Classic, a single malt Scotch whisky, is a light, smooth, and fruity expression that serves as the perfect introduction to the world of Scotch. Capturing the beloved flavors of Glen Moray and the Speyside region, it is approachable and easy to enjoy. With a light gold hue, the nose offers delightful notes of citrus fruits, butterscotch, and warm freshly baked shortbread. The taste unfolds with malty toffee sweetness, complemented by blackcurrant and a fragrant lemongrass citrus edge. The finish is comforting and warm, as caramelized citrus fruits gradually give way to subtle spice. Matured entirely in American oak casks, the Glen Moray Classic is not only a stand-alone delight but also an invitation to explore the diverse range of whiskies offered by Glen Moray. With an ABV of 40.0%, it embodies the charm and craftsmanship of Speyside Scotch whisky. Buy it now for $34.99.

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old

The Balvenie's DoubleWood 12 Year Old showcases the art of dual cask maturation. Starting in bourbon casks and finishing in sherry casks, it offers a rich and honeyed profile with layers of vanilla and dried fruit. Buy it now for $69.99.

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

This 12-year-old Islay single malt marks the inception of the Bunnahabhain core range, celebrated for its remarkable introduction and widespread acclaim. Uniquely non-chill filtered and presented in its natural color, this whisky showcases a captivating harmony of sweet fruit, nuts, vanilla, and subtle coastal influences. What sets Bunnahabhain apart is its dedication to crafting non-peated whiskies, positioning it in competition with Speyside and other whisky regions rather than traditional Islay powerhouses. With its accessible price point of around $67 per bottle, Bunnahabhain earns its place among the top whiskies worldwide for exceptional value. Buy it now!

Glenfiddich 14 Year Old

Glenfiddich, meaning "The Valley of The Deer," is renowned for its exceptional whiskies. Their 14-year expression is no exception, initially aged in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in charred new American oak barrels, similar to those used for aging bourbon. This process imparts a unique flavor profile, combining the rich, smooth notes of bourbon with the classic Speyside character. Buy it now!

Aberlour A’bunadh

Aberlour A'Bunadh, meaning 'the original' in Gaelic, is a meticulously handcrafted whisky that showcases a rich and intricate flavor profile characterized by luscious notes of moist raisins and homemade fruit cake. Bottled at cask strength, this Speyside gem is renowned for its robust and full-bodied character, delivering an authentic and unadulterated tasting experience. As part of the Chivas Brothers portfolio, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, Aberlour stands as one of the leading Scotch Single Malt brands, celebrated for its commitment to quality and tradition. Each batch of A'Bunadh is carefully crafted to uphold the brand's legacy of excellence, making it a prized choice among whisky enthusiasts seeking bold and intense flavors. Buy it now!

Monkey Shoulder

Monkey Shoulder, despite its whimsical name, doesn't involve actual monkeys sipping Scotch, much to the potential disappointment of enthusiasts envisioning a Scotch-drinking primate named Angus. The name originates from the stooped shoulders of men manually turning malt with large shovels in days past, a nod to their hardworking dedication. Owned by William Grant and Sons, known for their Highland presence, Monkey Shoulder stands alone as a unique product. In the realm of large spirit companies, premium single malts usually get individual branding, while the rest becomes part of blends for entry-level offerings. However, Monkey Shoulder breaks this mold, being a "Triple Malt" exclusively blending top-notch whiskies from Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie distilleries—a Speyside Trifecta of consistently exceptional Highland quality, too refined to be considered anything less than a premium product. Buy it now!

Tomatin 12 Year Old

While it's crucial not to automatically equate lesser-known with underrated, there's value in acknowledging whiskies that may not receive the attention they deserve. For those who have sampled an array of expressions, Tomatin 12-year emerges as a hidden gem, particularly well-suited. Hailing from the Highlands, this single malt offers an exquisite balance of flavors and a smoothly approachable character. The inviting nose presents a warm medley of orchard fruits, honey, and subtle malt, enticing enthusiasts into a delightful tasting experience. On the palate, a remarkable interplay of flavors unfolds, featuring the distinctive essence of ripe apples, harmonized with vanilla and spice, creating an impressive depth uncommon for a 12-year Scotch. Achieving a harmonious blend of youthful vibrancy and the sophistication of a mature whisky, Tomatin 12-year may not boast the widespread recognition of some other single malts, yet it stands as a meticulously crafted and hidden treasure for those who appreciate the finesse of a smooth Highland whisky. Buy it now!