Top 10 Scotches Under $50 (Voted By The Scotch Community) 

Great list. Of the scotches on your list my favorites are Highland Park 12, Deanston 12, Bunnahabain 12 and Naked Grouse. I would have to go back and forth as to which is my favorite but you can't go wrong with any of them! They are all well worth the price.

Highland Park 12 is absolutely fantastic no matter what price range. It’s a great value.

Not a typical Islay Scotch However, as someone who enjoys a sweeter dram with a lot of flavors along the way, I’ll bluntly say that Bunnahabhain’s 12-year-old was exceptionally pleasing to taste rating a 4.5/5. Beyond the creamy sweetness, it had a symmetry and consistency between the scent and the flavors that I don’t often find appealing in Islay Scotch. But, as an enthusiastic Scotch lover whose love of all Scotces has developed by tasting and recommendations, I appreciate when I do encounter an Islay Scotch that surprises my taste bud. Simply because my palate has developed to enjoy Speyside scotches. Especially, Macallan 15 and Glenrothes. The Bunnahabbin 12 has a pleasant and consistent experience, while it comes at a fairly affordable price. However, if you’re jonesing for the one of the Islay’s heavily peated whiskies that has made the Island famous, this is not the whisky you’re looking for. It’s sweet, lightly peated gentle flavor will probably leave something to be desired for those looking for a tipple of something peat smoky. However, for those wishing to try a lightly peated Scotch this is a great place to start.

This is the first video i watch of you guys and i absolutely love the fact that you guys list the information at the bottom of the screen! Really helpful.

If you're watching this is 2023, sadly most of these are solidly over $50 now. Naked Grouse and Monkey Shoulder I think are the only two (in my area at least) that are still under that price point. I've never tried Naked Grouse, but I just looked it up at my local store and its selling for $27 right now on sale (normal $35 price) so I should give it a try at that price. Its barely more than Jack Daniels. What a steal, I'm excited.

I love the highland park 12. I'm drinking some now. Also the ardbeg is very good

The end of this video contains the shenanigans I'm here for! Lol!

With the Tariff there is so few good bottles at $50 or less. My favorites in particular no order: Bunnahabhain 12, Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10, Ardbeg 5, Arran 10, Highland Park 12, Glengoyne 12, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14, Deanston 12, and Bruichladdich Classic Laddie. Honorable mentions: Compass Box Great King blend , Glendronach 12 and Old Pulteney 12. Stuff like Glenfiddich 12, Monkey Shoulder, and Glenlivet are too watered down.

Some heavy hitters on this list for sure! One omission IMO is Tomatin Legacy... Absolutely incredible complexity for a no age statement single malt

Great to watch guys...myself new to whisky, and all there's to offer. Glad I have a few of those bottles lying around....but definitely need to try the peeted stuff

Great list. A little surprised at the order, but I would certainly enjoy any of them. Cheers!

Oh man scotch under $50 and nobody mentioned Johnny Walker Black? My daily sipper.

Thanks guys! I would love to see a comparison of the new Deanston 12 bottling vs. the old bottling that you guys have. I have the new and I like it, but don’t love it like most seem to. 🤔🥃

Naked Grouse is a highly underrated whisky and you can get it in Scotland for £26. Top value

Old Pulteney 12 better not have a run thanks to you guys! It's my daily dram!

I know the comparison is by price, but I do not think you can compare blends with single malts. Also, peat vs non-peat? Islay vs. highland? Each region has its own character. So, what do I like? Less expensive: Aberfeldy. Peaty: Ardbeg. Highland: Macallen. Pricey: Laugavulin. Blend: JW Black. Mixer: Dewars White. Fun discussing.

Tried 8 out of 10 of these . Only the naked grouse and the Ardbeg to try. Whilst i love monkey shoulder i wouldn't put it above Glenfiddich or Glenmorangie. All decent though and everyone has different taste i guess.

Wow! Just finished with this year's run of trick-or-treaters on a Halloween evening after having cooked Sunday chow (a turkey breast in the rotisserie) and cleaning up the kitchen. Just settled back with a good "two fingers" of "Monkey Shoulder" when I caught this video by chance. Curious, I was blown away by the fact that this blended scotch was rated "No 1" on the list as it has always been my personal "go to" sipping scotch. Never the less, I have saved my very last bottle of my all-time favorite single malt to share for when by two sons find their way home for the Christmas holidays from Chicago & Philly - Dalmore "Cigar Scotch". Regretfully, discontinued some time ago and the Dalmore 12 YO replacement is akin to a "close by no cigar" (pun intended) attempt. Some limited bottles are still available on the collector resale sites but at close to $400 a bottle(!), I don't love it quite that much...

Lol it’s going to be like minesweeper with that ardbeg in there

Just got into scotch! I've struggled with bourbon and my palette just isn't meant for it! But Scotch? HOLY CRAP. Just bought the macallan 12 year sherry oak and loved it!

I wanna live where you do and get Bunna 12 and Deanston for under $50

'Monkey Shoulder' is excellent..but my favorite is Grant's 'Ale Cask' edition. That is my first choice if the store I'm shopping at has it.

Just came across your channel. That is a good list. Some of them I have not had. I do like my peated scotch. For the list I would have voted for Jura 10, Jura 12, Compass Box Glasgow Blend and Compass Box Artist Blend.

I kinda saw a excersize bike ad under this vid. Promise ill go to the gym today.

I've seen Deanston and Monkey Shoulder on the shelves in stores but never tried them, so I may give them a shot sometime. I guess "under $50" depends on where you live, but I got a bottle of Balvenie Double Wood for $47 at Total Wine and I would put it at the top of my "under $50" list. The rest of the selections here are decent and dependable. I wouldn't refuse a glass of any of them.

Definitely going to try some of those.

MS is my go to scotch. I haven't really explored much, but I keep coming back. I would gladly have MS as my only daily drinker. Thx guys

Great selection. You don’t need to spend a fortune for high quality whisky. I have a few of those in my bar now.

I dont even like scotch but I've been binging this channel lol

Great video! Getting better with everyone. Agree with alot of the bottles. Might have to get some naked grouse. Loved drew's mini reviews.

The Signatory Vintage Bunna 2007/2019 from the Cask Strength Collection has me ready to die happy. One of my fave 12's on the shelf. 🤯 (Not under $50, but is so much better that I am justifying it)

Great list

Great list. I will never understand people's obsession with Monkey Shoulder, but hey, everyone has different palates. I would probably rate it last out of those ten if it were up to me.

I'm looking for a dominant Tobacco nose and finish, but I would like the recommendations to be of a more dry Tobacco rather than sweet Tobacco and the bonus would be an oily finish. So please recommend me some good whisky to try no matter if it's a blend, single malt, or a bourbon.

Really loving the new intro and chill music !

....started WAY back as a teen with Sandy Scot and Cutty Sark (phew....couldn't handle that now!). The single malt I ended up snugglin' in with over the years was Glenlivet. It was always available and decently priced. I do keep a Monkey Shoulder around, but agree it should be toward the bottom, but above any hint of peat (sorry...never developed that particular palate). I do recommend a try of the Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve....not too shabby, really - again, especially for the price point.

Great list and thrilled that Monkey Shoulder is on top! My go-to.

Laphroaig 10, Talisker 10, Caol Ila 12. Mysteriously missing from this list!

I took your advice and went for the monkey shoulder and really it’s not close to Ardbeg or Old Pulteney. Surprised you gave it such a high score, I didn’t notice anything special.

I'm a JW double black fan! but I drank monkey shoulder for the first time on Saturday, I have to admit it was great! I need to buy another bottle.

This is a pretty solid grouping. I think anyone could finagle with the order, or swap something out for something that didn't make the cut, but this is going to be pretty fun to watch the blind brackets.

Great list except Aardbeg at Nr 2. Just cannot suit my palate. Very surprised there is no Balvenie.

Glenfarclas 12 is very nice.

But can I add Highland Black from Aldi. Its £14.00 in Scotland (minimum price) but it is outrageously good for a budget blend.

Blended vs Single malt? Whatever. If it tastes good and eases one’s aches, then Happy New Year! 🥳

My only complaint is some of these need to be higher abv. The Glenlivet and even Maccallen. Barrel strength I believe would up sales. Not that sales are bad but still. As far as American whiskey I don't drink anything under 45% and prefer 50+.

Respect for selection and correct pronunciation of glenmorangie, but puzzled by UK flag behind, rather than Scottish saltire.

I’m surprised Jura 10 sherry cask didn’t make the list. It’s really good.

Why the cold shoulder for blended Scotch? There are a couple cheap ones that are fantastic.

The bulk of those bottles you will find on the base the numbers EO8.......they all come from my factory based in alloa......mind blown eh

Good list but I think Bunna 12 is far superior than the rest of the bunch. Just my two cents.

I m happy w the list since I drink them all

Great to see some blended malts on the list, those that snub their noses at blended whiskies simply do not deserve to be whisky connoisseurs.

I think they should pour a shot out of each of the ten bottles and mix them together and compare it to ten of the most expensive scotches.

My first taste of the monkey I wasn’t overly impressed. But now o have a totally different feeling about it. For the price it’s pretty damn good. I am surprised more of the Glenmorangie line didn’t show up. The Quinta Ruban is fabulous and Lasanta is really good. Wasn’t fond of the original Glenmorangie.

On trying Monkey Shoulder for the first time, my review was short. I said "This is dangerously smooth." And I stand by that. For a "cheap" scotch, it is excellent value.

Ardbeg 10 under $50? I wish. My fave Scotch

Damn!!!! Hp12 is #1 for me.

Bunnahabhain 12 for under $50? Cheapest I can find it in southeast louisiana is $87. Where is it less than $50?

Nice video but with the title I would have expected pricing

My favorites under or around $50 bottles for my area: Glenfiddich 12 ($30-$32), Naked Grouse($34), Glendronach 12 ($49), Laphroaig 10 (used to be under $40, but now is $52), Bunnahabhain 12 ($54), Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban ($54 but can sometimes be found on-sale around $49), Johnnie Walker Green Label ($48), Glenfarclas 12 ($47). I am not a fan of Monkey Shoulder. It's like drinking way too young and rough Glenfiddich and the 12 year GF is like $3-$5 more, why wouldn't you spend the extra $3-$5? Also, surprised Laphroaig 10 did not make the list. I like peat, but can't seem to get into Ardbeg style peat. Lagavulin and Laphroaig though? Good stuff.

I am a huge fan of Shieldiag 12 yro. Best bang for buck.

Pleasantly surprised my go to scotch was at number 1. The people have spoken.

Just saw this video. I've tried many on the list but I have to disagree with Monkey Shoulder. It was like medicinal syrup, I almost poured it down the drain. I'll never understand how people like this one. Worst $32 I've ever spent. YMMV of course.

Laphroig 10 should be nr 1..

Not a blended is a vatted malt no grain in it, and mist of those singles.are above the 50 mark

A lot of these are up to and over $70 in my area.

MS before Ardbeg 10 - I can not support that ;-)

First five are nearly $100 in Australia. Our taxes suck.

Agree.

Drew looks v tired. Community - we need to look at ourselves long and hard. We're working these guys too hard. Community - we also need to look at ourselves about this selection, too. I'll grant a few of these make it into my top ten- always on the shelf - namely Bunna 12, ArdB 10, Deanston 12 (nearly) and OP 12 - no argument. But The Glenlivit, The GlenMo? Couldn't scrounge a 2 average from the Scotch4Dummies. Nor from me. Where is Kilkerran by the way? We're watching these great vids to get better whiskies - not the mass market. Disclaimer - Monkey's Shoulder I've tried and it was great - but I was in Greenland two days away from the next single malt and it was one of the most welcome drams. And I've not tried the Naked Grouse - but if it got such a high mark from the S4D, that's a rec in anyone's book. So trust the Dummies, not the community - that's my take away. Great video Drew - now get some rest.

I've found Monkey Shoulder ok but not overly interesting, HP12 here in UK is just one of the most disappointing malts I've ever tasted. Bunna 12 for the price is one of if not the best value for price single malt (£30 on offer). OP12 is such a solid supermarket pick and frequently on offer.

Can you make a video with blended malt whiskeys ?

in australia monkey shoulder is currently $62 and ardbeg 10 is about $105. booze is ridiculously over priced here

Monkey Shoulder at #1? Wow... OK. I've been told by some friends that it isn't that good so I have never tried it. I might have to see for myself then. Interesting.

What kind of rating scale tops out at 4?

I agree with the #1 choice. I always suggest Monkey Shoulder to everyone. It doesn't taste like a blend either.

I really enjoyed monkey shoulder also

Bunnahabhain 12 is the best of the bunch in my opinion. Glenlivit 12 and Glenfiddich 12 are really pretty much beginner scotches. Bunnahabbain 12 is far more complex. Yes, it goes for about 60 bucks where I live, but its worth it. Monkey Shoulder at about 30 bucks is a great value. IMO.

For

There is scotch less than $50 a bottle?

Don't know where folks are getting Bunnahabhain 12 under $65, but I can't find it.

John Barr Johnny Walker Red or Black

I don't think Naked Grouse is available in Ohio unfortunately

Monkey shoulder is good but a tad too sweet for my liking.

I like the burn of whisky I don't like to have it smooth just not bitter or alcoholic smell

Should be interesting. #10 is the best of the bunch IMO

Highland Park 12 is my favorite Scotch Ive ever had and Glenmorangie 10 is my least favorite. Funny how they ended up like this

Ardbeg 10 is the goat

I've got give Deanston 12yo a try. Thanks for the vid guys!

Don't know what Scots you were talking to. I would not have ranged Monkey Shoulder within these parameters; there are others more worthy; try Bowmore from Islay.

Glenlivet 12 goes for like $90 now lol

Ardbeg 10 here is $96...sigh

What about talisker 10 ????

I wonder how many of these will still actually be under $50 now? I'd gather most are not.

Scotch 4 Dummies: I dunno. Is this an Ardbeg or a Glenfiddich? NOT. ;-)

In Australia let’s call it under AUD$90 because we have a Nanny State Socialist government... in no particular order... Ardbeg 10, Bunnahabhain 12, Deanston 12, Arran 10, BenRiach 10, Ancnoc 12, Glenfarclas 12, Bladnoch 10, JW Green Label 15, Ledaig 10.

Y'all getting HP 12 for under $50? Damn it's $65ish in MN before tax

Shackletons. I found no issue with that scotch whatsoever. Can't believe it didn't make the list.

Pretty good list guys. I'm certain the Bunna 12 will do a hell of a lot better than 10th in the blind