2023 UPDATES UNDER EACH ENTRY BELOW

Sadly very few solid buys under $100 anymore in 2023. Some new replacement suggestions below.

After seeing a wonderful post by the Scotch Club YEG  a couple of the members of TWS started debating what the best scotch options were at the LCBO (the options available at $80 sadly could not justify a list here).

Click here to see our post for the Best Bourbons/American Ryes under $61 here!

And here’s a link to our post of the Best Canadian whiskies under $65!

With many releases at the LCBO having received price increases over the past few years, the number of “good” value purchases under $100 have diminished. With limited selection from independent bottlers, the scotch selection in Ontario is limited compared to many other markets.

Overall consensus pick: Aberlour A’Bunadh

For just less than $100 the Aberlour A’Bunadh is a delicious cask strength sherry bomb. The profile varies slightly between batches, but consistently the best value under $100 at the LCBO

2023 update: $125. Still a decent pick, though a better high proof, high sherry option these days is the Arran Sherry Cask for $95!

Additional scotches (single malt and blended) currently available at the LCBO for under $100, recommended by various TWS members:

Ardbeg 10 Years Old Islay Scotch Whisky – While not a great price compared to other markets, still a tasty peat offering for under $100. 2023 Update: $121. New Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5yr release is available for $84 as a lower budget option.

Auchentoshan 18 Years Old – Good value for a 18 year old lowland release, hard to find such an old age statement in this price range. 2023 Update: $131. no longer great value.

Glendronach 12 Years Old  – Although not cask strength, this is a delicious everyday sherried dram. Before recent price increases it provided better value. 2023 Update: $98. less value than 6 years ago but still solid.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask – Another Islay release makes the list, for $70 is it superior to less expensive Islay releases. 2023 Update: $106. one of the higher % increases since 2017, it was always underpriced until these changes. Sadly no longer amazing value, and the $75 Select is a poor replacement.

Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve – Balanced and great value from the underappreciated Glen Garioch distillery. 2023 Update: $90. another huge increase vs 2017’s $60. NAS juice for $90 is a hard pill to swallow.

Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow Blend – Compass box makes some of the better blends which are widely available. Good example of a balanced and interesting blended whisky. 2023 Update: no longer available, along with really most Compass Box offerings. Monkey Shoulder is $55 and a decent blended malt.

While there are limited options at the LCBO, some good values still exist at under $100. Sadly limited stocks are available for some of these releases. The last few years the LCBO has released Laphroaig Cairdeas in the fall at around $100, (2023 update: now $144 😥  ) which is a great value for a higher proof Laphroaig bottling. Keep your eyes open around November for that release.