Getting a decent bottle of scotch under $50 isnt actually as tough as you might think.
Theres good, and then theresblack magic.
The focus when choosing an inexpensive scotch is on clarity more than anything.
by Michael Njunge via whiskyintelligence.com
The finish is dry, complementing the full, savory mouthfeel of the spirit.
Lemon and caramel with malt make it pure poetry at a price that would make frugal drunks weep.
Never one to ruin a party, but a mellow comfort tonic in a world gone mad.
Johnnie Walker Double Black
Johnnie is forever the safeguard name.
Double Black is a notch or two above standard Black Label in being a darker, more serious tipple.
Like nighttime in the worlds tastiest swamp.
Only, you know, good.
Bowmore 12 Year
Let it be known that this is a true Islay.
Fans of peat and earth can savor, with sea salt singing backup.
Iodine is cut with sweet flowers to take the acrid sting off the lower keys.
Laphroaig 10 Year
Heres where the Islay devotees should spend their money.
Smoke, salt and pepper, the only sweetness here hides in the background.
Only showing up to offer some succor in thiscoastal tempest.
Theres citrus and fruit, but at this kick its mostly for quick lobotomies via ingestion.
The outcome is chocolatey, with fruit highlights.
Glenlivet
Make this your never-fail cheap scotch.
Aged in barrels that formerly held bourbon, Spanish and American sherry, its hard to pin down.
Spend the moneyto try ityourself, if only to see if it’s possible for you to crack it.
Auchentoshan American Oak
Auchentoshan is cagey about adding products to their permanent stable.
TheAmerican Oakis their most recent fixture, and its easy to see how it got the job.
Speyburn Arranta
Gaelic for Boldthe Arrantauses nothing but first-fill bourbon casks to make it.
What comes out is oozing butterscotch candy with enough smoke to feel like arson at Willy Wonkas factory.
Then, it hops to apples and caramel, with chocolate to finish it off.
Each quaff is a miniature visit to your grandmothers house.
