The Absolute Best Tasting Scotch Whisky Around $80

The Absolute Best Tasting Scotch Whisky Around $80

Approaching the $100 mark in the Scotch whisky aisle brings us closer to exceptional bottles. However between $70 and $80 lies a sweet spot where a diverse array of great whiskies awaits. From peated malt bombs to unique finishes, cask strength offerings, and subtle unpeated malts, the selection at this price point is rich and varied. Lifestyle writer Zach Johnston of UPROXX highlights 10 Scotch whiskies around $80 per bottle, each offering distinct and captivating profiles. Shop Scotch Whisky!

10. Port Charlotte Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt Aged 10 Years

Bruichladdich showcases their playful approach to peated whisky with this expression, striking a balance with mid to high-range peat phenols. The aging process involves a combination of first and second-fill bourbon barrels along with second-fill French wine barrels. Utilizing second-fill oak imparts a subtle wood influence, allowing the peat character to shine through with a delicate touch of woodiness. Buy it now!

9. Scapa Skiren Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Crafted in Orkney, this unpeated malt begins its journey in a unique barrel-shaped Lomond wash still, a rarity from the 1950s, with only a few still in operation. Following distillation, the whisky matures for an undisclosed period in barrels sourced from Tennessee and Kentucky. Once matured, these barrels are blended and diluted to 40% ABV before bottling, resulting in a smooth and balanced expression. Buy it now!

8. Dalwhinnie Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 15 Years

As Dalwhinnie's gateway offering, this whisky provides a remarkably smooth and approachable drinking experience. Aged for 15 years in Scotland's oldest distillery, the maturation process faces the challenges of extreme cold temperatures during winter, halting the aging process. Despite the harsh conditions, this expression delivers a refined and easy-drinking profile. Buy it now!

7. Compass Box Peat Monster Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Compass Box stands out as a notable blender and bottler in the whisky industry, known for its innovative approach. This expression showcases the art of whisky blending, bringing together six carefully selected peaty barrels, predominantly from Caol Ila and Laphroaig distilleries. A hint of Highland malt is added to introduce subtle notes of dark spice, creating a harmonious balance to the bold Islay peat flavors. Buy it now!

6. Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Unpeated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Founded in 1881 by the Harvey brothers, Bruichladdich Distillery reflects a rich legacy of whisky craftsmanship. After changing ownership several times and facing closure in 1994, the distillery was revitalized in 2000 by a group of investors led by Mark Reynier and Murray McDavid. With the expertise of master distiller Jim McEwan, who joined after years at Bowmore Distillery, Bruichladdich continues to embody entrepreneurial spirit and innovative zeal, ensuring its place in the whisky world. Buy it now!

5. Torabhaig Single Malt Scotch Whisky Allt Gleann

Torabhaig Distillery, situated on the Isle of Skye, represents the latest addition to Scotland's whisky landscape. Their expression is crafted from heavily peated malts, capturing the essence of the island's coastal character. Distilled in 2018 using specially selected barley varieties, the whisky matures in a combination of first-fill and re-fill ex-bourbon casks before being bottled at cask strength, offering a pure reflection of its origins. Buy it now!

4. Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 10 Years

Renowned as one of the most decorated single malts, this expression undergoes maturation in ex-bourbon casks at Talisker's warehouse, mere steps from the sea. The subtly peated malts absorb the coastal influence over time, resulting in a whisky imbued with distinctive seaside character, ensuring a truly satisfying experience. Buy it now!

3. Oban West Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 14 Years

This expression serves as an excellent introduction to both Oban and Scotch whisky overall. Crafted in the classic tradition, it matures for 14 years in the coastal storehouses of Oban, where the sea air imparts its distinct influence. The whisky is carefully blended and proofed by Oban's small distillery team, comprised of just seven individuals, before being bottled for enthusiasts to enjoy. Buy it now!

2. The GlenDronach Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Cask Strength

Like its predecessors, this Cask Strength release from The GlenDronach adheres to the distillery's tradition of marrying premium Spanish sherry casks from Andalucía, including Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez. The Oloroso casks infuse the whisky with fruity elegance, offering notes of dark bramble fruits and subtle spices, while the Pedro Ximenez casks contribute a robust richness characterized by dark chocolate and stewed fruits. Selected by the Master Blender, each release is bottled without chill filtration at high strength and natural color, reminiscent of traditional practices. Adding a drop of water reveals a diverse array of flavors, from wild figs and brambles to baked apple and damson plum. Buy it now!

1. Johnnie Walker Green Label Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 15 Years

Johnnie Walker’s Green Label represents a meticulously crafted whisky that showcases Diageo’s esteemed collection of distilleries throughout Scotland. As a pure malt or blended malt, it contains only single malt whisky, excluding grain whisky from the blend. The primary whiskies, aged for a minimum of 15 years, hail from renowned distilleries including Talisker, Caol Ila, Cragganmore, and Linkwood. Buy it now!