Overview: Premium spirits often command high prices, yet industry experts have identified seven exceptional bottles available at major retailers. From American bourbon to Islay scotch, these selections offer genuine quality without requiring a significant financial investment. While premium age-statement bottles have seen prices rise, affordable supermarket whiskies can be surprisingly impressive.
The Full Story
The Independent’s shopping writer Daisy Lester compiled this list alongside contributions from spirits specialists Joanne Gould, Jonathan Hatchman, and Aidy Smith. While premium age-statement bottles have seen prices rise, affordable supermarket whiskies can be surprisingly impressive. Experts note that production methods differ by region, offering single malts, blends, cask-strength, and peated varieties.
Blended and Irish whiskeys are widely enjoyed for their smoothness, while American bourbon has surged in popularity recently, with its sweeter flavour making it an accessible choice for newcomers. Whisky’s growing popularity has also encouraged supermarkets to raise their game. A booming cocktail culture, helped along by the younger generation’s rediscovery of classics such as the old fashioned, has turned whisky into one of the most in-demand spirits.
Production & Profile
Bankhall single malt is triple-distilled and matured in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and virgin oak casks. Glenmorangie the original 12 years old single malt whisky presents a silky texture at 40% ABV with lots of stone fruit and sweetness. Laphroaig 10 Year Old stands as an exemplary Islay single malt with unapologetically bold character, featuring a punch of medicinal peat smoke, iodine and just a whisper of seaweed. Smokehead Islay single malt scotch whisky is described as uber-peaty and woody at 40% ABV.
Redbreast 12-year-old Irish whiskey is matured in a combination of American oak barrels and Spanish oak Oloroso sherry butts at 40% ABV, offering smoothness associated with Irish whiskey with loads of baking spice character and a delicious, buttery finish. Buffalo Trace Kentucky straight bourbon is crafted using the region’s rich grains and pure limestone water at 40% ABV, delighting with a complex nose of vanilla, mint, and molasses while the palate offers a harmonious blend of brown sugar, spice, and a smooth sweetness. Michter’s small batch Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey has an ABV of 45.7%.
Brand & Industry History
Buffalo Trace carries the pioneering spirit of early American settlers, crafted at one of the country’s oldest distilleries where the liquor is aged to perfection using the region’s rich grains and pure limestone water. Bankhall single malt is crafted in Blackpool but inspired by American styles. Lidl has previously picked up gold at the World Whiskies Awards.
What This Means
A booming cocktail culture, helped along by the younger generation’s rediscovery of classics such as the old fashioned, has turned whisky into one of the most in-demand spirits. As a result, the bottles sitting alongside your weekly shop are now better than ever. Whisky’s growing popularity has also encouraged supermarkets to raise their game.
Consumer Takeaway
Whether you’re looking to delve into American distilleries or stay closer to home with a Scottish single-malt, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to supermarket whiskies. For less than £30, Bankhall single malt whisky impresses thanks to its harmonious blend of herbaceous woods, warming toasted spices and a touch of fruit, while Glenmorangie the original 12-year-old single malt whisky is a must-try for its silky-smooth texture.
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