With the economy the way it is, most of us probably won't be splurging on The Macallan 1963 anytime soon, even on gifts for dear friends, family, and coworkers. It's a fact that everyone, whether through limited funds or familial pressure, looks to cut costs on spending. This also rings true with one of our favorite hobbies, purchasing, collecting, and consuming whiskey, either for ourselves or when introducing that friends of ours that Scotch is a whole new worlds to dive into. And that brings us to the topic of this here blog article—the best scotches available at an affordable price. Most under $50.

Meet the Glens

Glenmorangie Original 10 Year Old - This is a fantastic option for Scotch lovers seeking quality under $50 for a mere $45.99. As the backbone of the Glenmorangie range, this elegant single malt is crafted using Scotland’s tallest stills and matured in first and second-fill American white oak casks. Its soft vanilla notes blend beautifully with citrus and ripe peaches, creating a delightful burst of floral fruitiness that lingers on the palate. With a clean finish and hints of orange, this award-winning whisky, recognized with 94 points in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible for nine consecutive years, is a must-try for those seeking smoothness and balance.

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old - At $49.99, The Glenlivet 12 Year Old offers a smooth, fruity, and sophisticated experience, making it a fantastic choice for Scotch enthusiasts. A global favorite, this classic malt is matured primarily in ex-American oak casks, lending it a distinctive smoothness with vanilla undertones. The mineral-rich water from Josie’s Well and the unique shape of the copper stills contribute to its delicate yet complex character. Praised by The Original Malt Whisky Almanac as “a first-class malt,” The Glenlivet 12 is a timeless and entertaining whisky, perfect for those seeking quality at an accessible price.

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Glenfiddich 12, priced at just $49.99, is an outstanding choice for those exploring single malt Scotch whisky. Flowing from the same Highland spring since 1887, this whisky boasts a signature fruity freshness and is carefully matured in the finest oak casks for over a decade. Its smooth, mellow finish and sweet oak notes make it a perfect introduction to Glenfiddich’s celebrated Speyside style. As the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch, this bottle delivers premium quality at an unbeatable price.

Other Fine Choices

Laphroaig Select - This peated choice, available for $49.99, is an excellent introduction to peaty Scotch whiskies, making it ideal for those looking to explore bold, smoky flavors. Crafted from a selection of Laphroaig's key styles and aged in American oak casks, this expression blends peat, oak, and sweetness with a remarkable balance. The spirit, drawn from a combination of Quarter Cask, PX Cask, Triple Wood, and a touch of 10-Year-Old, offers complexity and depth while maintaining Laphroaig's signature peat smoke. It’s a fantastic value for anyone curious about the distinctive taste of Islay Scotch.

Johnnie Walker Black Label, priced at a mere $34.99, is a fantastic introductory Scotch, perfect for sharing with a friend who’s new to Scotch. A blend of whiskies aged for at least 12 years, it offers a smooth and rich character, combining tropical dark fruits, sweet vanilla, and creamy toffee notes. The warming, smoky finish makes it a versatile choice, whether you’re enjoying it neat or as a base in cocktails. Its balanced flavor profile and approachable price point make it an ideal Scotch to see if you’d like to explore more in the whisky world.

Monkey Shoulder, priced at just $34.99, is a fantastic Scotch for beginners, offering a fun and approachable introduction to the world of whisky. With zesty orange on the nose, mellow vanilla, honey, and spiced oak, it delivers a smooth and inviting flavor profile. The creamy vanilla taste with a touch of spice makes it easy to enjoy neat, on the rocks, or in a wide range of cocktails. Its versatility and playful character make it a great choice for someone trying Scotch for the first time, with a smooth finish that’s sure to impress without overwhelming.

Fifty Plus a Little More

Glendronach 12 Year Old - Let's say you find another $20 on the ground or that new YouTube upload went viral and now you have extra $19.99. The Glendronach 12 is an exceptional choice at $69.99. This richly sherried single malt is matured in a mix of Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks, delivering a deep amber-red gold color. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 43%, its nose opens with sweet vanilla, ginger, and spiced pear, while the palate boasts a silky-smooth texture with warm oak, sherry sweetness, and hints of raisins and soft fruits. The finish is long, firm, and slightly nutty, making this dram worth every extra penny.

So there you have it! Hopefully we all become wealthier or at least have more disposable income to up our Scotch game soon. But for now, cheers to affordable Scotch!