We don’t know if it’s general inflation or just increased demand (spoiler: it’s inflation), but it seems that every time you turn around, the price of whisky has increased. It’s remarkable how many bottles, including ones well loved and formerly reasonably priced, have become priced out of the “every day” category.

Since the holidays are fast approaching, at a recent TWS event, we asked the membership “what are your picks for best whiskies under $100”. (Please note that these are LCBO prices. If you live in another Province, State or Country, your prices are probably better and you may have some other favourites that do not show up on our list!) Here are the TWS members’ suggestions:

Favourite Scotch Whisky:

The hands down favourite of the group surveyed? Arran Sherry Cask – this was overwhelming the top “best value” pick. This sherry-matured cask-strength dram has a sweet, spicy, oaky aroma and a rich, fruity palate. Overall it is a very elegant whisky with notes of citrus, cherry, ripe fig, dark chocolate and mandarin with a rich and smooth finish.

Other Loved Scotch Whiskies:

Hot on the heels of the Arran Sherry Cask, an oft-mentioned fav was the Bruichladdich “Classic Laddie“. Still under $100, this whisky constantly delivers. Drink if you like aromas of honey, dried fruit, notes of apricots, banana, caramel. The colour is pale gold and the aroma is delicate with a light smokiness to its long finish.

The third place choice was the Ledaig 10 year old. Pick this one if you like some peat and fresh smoke. The spice notes are dried pear and the medium gold colour comes with a long finish.

Fourth spot went to the Benromach 10 year old. Unlike its older siblings, this 10 year old clocks in under $100. Drink this if you like your whisky hanging out in bourbon and sherry casks. Aromas of malt, prune, maple, ginger, oak and crushed almond are hiding in this pale amber tipple. You will find a long, smoky finish.

Other value Scotch worth trying:

Rounding out the Scotch suggestions under $100 were: Craigellechie 13 year old, Ardbeg Wee Beastie, The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve and Caol Ila 12 year old.

Just a Touch Over $100:

If you feel like expanding your budget a little, here are a few other picks that recently have had price increases and have squeaked up over $100: Glendronach 12 year old ($110), Kilkerran 12 year old Campbeltown ($102) and Laphroaig 10 year old Sherry Oak ($110)

Favourite Irish Whiskey:

The top Irish Whiskey pick under $100 was Writers’ Tears Double Oak. This Irish Whiskey is triple-distilled and aged in French and American oak casks (hence the name double oak). You will find aromas of dried apple, pear, vanilla as well as baking spice. Flavours of apple, orange zest, toffee and nutmeg will give you rich fruit and spice notes and a velvety finish.

Runner up in popularity for Irish Whiskey under $100? Redbreast 12 year old. The aromas are honey, lime, floral and sweet fruits. This golden amber coloured whisky is full-bodied and robust with a creamy butterscotch finish.

Favourite Indian Whisky:

Amrut Fusion was the one non-Scotch malt that got mentioned for best value under $100. It has aromas of smoke, peat and iodine, and great mineral undertones.

Favourites from America:

Eagle Rare: This one is hard to find, but if you do, snap it up as the price is under $70. The nose is vanilla custard and hints of “freshly wrapped cigar”. This bourbon will give you dulce de leche, walnuts and baking spice on the palate with a long finish.

Four Roses Single Barrel will give you earthy aromas of burnt sugar and oak, with flavours of caramel, corn, wood spice and hints of dill and nut and a slightly warm finish.

Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon features aromas of honey, toffee, dried apricots and ginger in this copper-coloured bourbon. The finish on this medium-bodied bourbon is caramel spice.

Jack Daniels Barrel Proof Select. Not a bourbon but a Tennessee Whisky (okay it’s still a bourbon), the aroma is coconut, vanilla, caramel and peach. The spicy oak palate is intense, fruity and dry with a long, smooth finish.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments. What’s your favourite whisky under $100? From all of us at Toronto Whisky Society, we wish you all the best for the holidays!

Slainté!