Best Whisky under £20 | 10 Top picks and Reviews
Finding a quality whisky doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. Although at this price range you will struggle to find a Whisky to rival a single malt. The best whisky under £20 category offers some surprising gems, from classic blends to innovative expressions. We have selected and evaluated these whiskies extensively to help you find the best value for your money. Here are the top affordable Scotch whiskies that deliver quality and character without stretching your budget.
Quick Overview of our Best Whisky under £20 – Top Picks
The Famous Grouse Finest
- Nose: Citrus, honey, vanilla
- Pallet: Orange, pear, candy
- Finish: Sweet, delicate, brief
Whyte & Mackay Special
- Nose: Honey, marzipan, caramel
- Pallet: Tropical fruits, orange, macaroon
- Finish: Peaches, liquorice, marmalade
Johnnie Walker Red Label
- Nose: Sweet smoke, cinnamon, honey
- Pallet: Fresh apple, fruity, peppery
- Finish: Smoky, spiced, vibrant
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Whiskies under £20
1. The Famous Grouse Finest
Scotland’s favourite whisky for over 40 years proves why it’s earned its reputation. This golden blend offers a harmonious marriage of Highland and Speyside malts, delivering warm notes of dried fruits and buttery shortbread, with gentle spices of cinnamon and ginger on the palate. The finish is surprisingly refined for its price point, making it an excellent choice for both everyday sipping and mixing in cocktails.
2. Whyte & Mackay Special
Whyte and Mackay Special Blended Scotch Whisky offers remarkable value in a generous 1L bottle. This triple-matured blend showcases a rich mahogany-gold appearance that hints at its depth of character. On the nose, warm notes of marzipan, Manuka honey and creamy caramel create an inviting first impression, complemented by subtle hints of glazed pineapple and praline chocolate. The palate delivers an exhilarating experience of tropical fruits, rose hip syrup and caramelized orange before transitioning to a satisfying finish of peaches in syrup, liquorice and Seville marmalade. While not the most complex scotch on the market, this approachable 40% ABV blend works beautifully neat, over ice, or as a versatile cocktail base, making it an excellent everyday whisky that punches well above its price point.
3. Johnnie Walker Red Label
Johnnie Walker Red Label stands tall as the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky for good reason. This bold blend combines up to 35 different whiskies, including prestigious Scottish distilleries like Cardhu, Caol Ila, Cameronbridge and Teaninich, creating a vibrant character at an accessible price point. The nose offers an inviting mix of sweet smoke, warming cinnamon and honeyed sweetness that draws you in. On the palate, crisp apple freshness mingles with peppery spice and general fruitiness, delivering more complexity than you might expect at this price range. The finish brings a satisfying smoky quality that lingers with pleasant warmth. While perhaps not the most sophisticated sipping whisky for purists, Red Label truly excels in its intended purpose – as the foundation for highballs and mixed drinks, where its bold 40% ABV profile and distinctive character cut through beautifully when paired with ginger ale or other mixers. An iconic bottle that deserves a place in any home bar as a versatile mixing staple.
4. Bell’s Original Blended Scotch Whisky
Bell’s Blended Scotch offers remarkable value in its generous 1L format, showcasing the expertise behind this historic 19th-century recipe. The nose presents inviting aromas of sweet malt, subtle spice and gentle oak from its careful maturation in selected casks. On the palate, this 40% ABV blend delivers an approachable balance of Speyside’s honeyed sweetness alongside subtle island smokiness, all anchored by Blair Athol’s distinctive nutty, spiced character. The finish is smooth and satisfying with lingering warmth and a hint of oak. While not the most complex whisky available, Bell’s reliable profile makes it an excellent everyday option that works well neat, with a splash of water, or in simple mixed drinks – proving why it remains a beloved staple in homes and pubs throughout the UK.
5. Grants The Family Reserve Whisky Scotland Blended Scotch
Grant’s Family Reserve offers an impressive blend that showcases five generations of Scottish whisky-making expertise in a generous 700ml bottle. The nose presents refreshing, clean aromas with subtle hints of malt and light smoke. On the palate, this 40% ABV blend delivers a silky smooth experience with well-balanced notes of sweet grain, gentle spice and light caramel that develop nicely across the tongue. The finish brings a pleasant hint of smokiness that lingers just long enough to remind you of its Scottish heritage. While not overwhelming in complexity, Grant’s patient crafting results in a rich, smooth signature style that represents excellent value for everyday enjoyment, working beautifully neat or as a versatile base for simple mixed drinks.
6. The Famous Grouse Smoky Black Blended Scotch Whisky
The Famous Grouse Smoky Black (70cl, 40% ABV) presents a compelling twist on the classic blend, showcasing a dark russet-gold appearance that hints at its distinctive character. On the nose, soft smokiness mingles with rich, musky aromas and subtle dried fruit notes that invite deeper exploration. The palate delivers an expertly balanced experience where the rare peated Glenturret malt takes center stage, creating a delicious tension between smoky depth and underlying sweetness. The long, aromatic finish leaves a memorable impression with gentle peat smoke and warming spice that linger pleasantly. This approachable yet complex blend offers excellent value for those seeking to explore smokier Scotch without the intensity of an Islay malt, working beautifully neat or creating a sophisticated twist in a simple highball with diet cola.
7. Black Bottle Original | Blended Scotch Whisky
Black Bottle Original Blended Scotch (70cl, 40% ABV) honors its 19th-century Scottish heritage while delivering a thoroughly modern drinking experience. The nose offers an intriguing combination of blazing oak and fierce florals, layered with sweet, spicy smoke and subtle hints of crisp bacon that create an enticing first impression. On the palate, this award-winning blend unites fine Islay, Highland, and Speyside malts with exceptional grain whiskies, delivering waves of crisp, dry woodsmoke softened by hidden caramel sweetness. The finish provides satisfying sea-salted, spice-blackened bonfire notes with lingering hints of charred toffee. Black Bottle’s unique double maturation in charred Virgin Oak casks adds depth and complexity that belies its accessible price point, making it equally enjoyable neat or as the spirited foundation for an Elderflower Collins cocktail.
8. Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch Whisky
Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch (70cl) lives up to its charming name with a remarkably smooth character that showcases the finest malt and grain whiskies from Scotland’s Lowland, Speyside and Highland regions. The nose presents firm, rich aromas with luscious, creamy round tones that hint at its quality first-fill ex-bourbon oak maturation. On the palate, this approachable 40% ABV whisky delivers gentle sweetness balanced with a touch of spice and subtle coastal notes, all wrapped in a silky-smooth texture that makes it dangerously drinkable. The golden, sandy-highlighted appearance mirrors its bright, clear flavor profile that finishes with balanced warmth. Versatile enough to enjoy in multiple settings, Pig’s Nose works beautifully shaken into a sour, served tall in a ginger highball, or simply poured over ice for a relaxed evening sipper that offers excellent value without compromising on quality.
9. Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth 8 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth 8 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (70cl, 40% ABV) offers a brilliant tropical twist on traditional Scotch that pushes the boundaries of blended whisky. The nose presents exotic aromas of coconut, pineapple and butterscotch that transport you straight to the Caribbean. On the palate, this double-aged expression delivers remarkable complexity with notes of sweet coconut ice cream dusted with chocolate, tropical fruit sweetness, and rich toffee, all underpinned by Dewar’s characteristic smooth malt backbone. The sweet, warming finish showcases the additional maturation in Caribbean rum casks, adding distinctive tropical character without overwhelming the whisky’s Scottish heart. As the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky, Dewar’s demonstrates its versatility with this expression that works beautifully neat, on the rocks, or in tropical-inspired cocktails like a Cask to Colada or Coconut Highball, making it perfect for both whisky enthusiasts and those just beginning their Scotch journey.
10. Amazon Blended Scotch Whisky ‘Special Reserve’
Amazon’s Special Reserve Blended Scotch (1L, 40% ABV) delivers surprising quality and value in its generous bottle format. Crafted from a thoughtful selection of single malt and grain whiskies from Scotland’s finest whisky regions, this accessible blend shows the benefits of its minimum three-year maturation in American oak casks. The nose offers pleasant aromas of sweet grain, light caramel and subtle dried fruits. On the palate, this versatile spirit presents a rich, well-balanced flavor profile featuring notes of caramel sweetness, gentle spice and dried fruit that develop nicely across the tongue. The finish is smooth and satisfying with a pleasant warmth that lingers appropriately. While it may lack the distinctive character of more established brands, this house blend provides a perfectly respectable foundation for enjoying neat, on ice, or in classic cocktails, making it an excellent everyday option for the budget-conscious whisky drinker.
Conclusion
In the world of whisky, value can be found at every price point. These under £20 selections prove that enjoyable drams exist without emptying your wallet. While they may not rival premium single malts, they offer satisfying flavors perfect for everyday sipping or mixing. Ready to explore more complexity? Step up to our Best Whisky Under £30 recommendations, or discover exceptional quality in our Best Whisky Under £50 guide. Remember, great whisky is defined by your enjoyment, not just its price tag.