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With so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to know which whiskeys are worth the splurge. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help.

First, look for whiskeys that have been aged for at least 10 years. This aging process helps to mellow the harsh flavors of the alcohol, resulting in a smoother taste.

Second, check the label for indications of quality, such as “single malt” or “small batch.” These whiskeys are usually made with higher-quality ingredients and receive more attention from the distiller.

Finally, don’t be afraid to follow our list of the 10 best whiskeys for under $100.

Best Whiskeys Under $100

Some of the best whiskeys under $100 can be found on our list. There are many factors that go into finding the best whiskey, but we made sure to consider only the finest options available.

Best Bourbon

The first bourbon on our list is Elijah Craig Small Batch. This bourbon is aged for 12 years, which gives it a rich and complex flavor profile.

It’s perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, and it also makes a great addition to cocktails. At around $45 per bottle, it’s an excellent value for the price.

Elijah Craig is distilled by Heaven Hill Distillers, a unique distillery in that they are one of the oldest and largest Bourbon distillers in the world, they have the second largest standing inventory of aging Bourbon, and they have grown to become the seventh largest supplier of spirits in the US. It is also still family-owned.

In fact, they are the only family-owned production house left in Kentucky. This gives them a level of quality control that is unmatched in the industry. As a result, their bourbons are some of the best tasting and most consistent on the market today.

If you’re looking for a high-quality bourbon that won’t break the bank, Elijah Craig Small Batch is a great option.

For a classic bourbon flavor, try Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Small Batch Bourbon. This bourbon is a product of Jefferson’s distillery, which was founded in 1997 by Trey Zoeller and his father Chet.

The Jefferson family has a long history in the Bourbon industry, with Chet being a famed Bourbon historian and author of “Bourbon in Kentucky: A History of Distilleries in Kentucky”.

The distilling process is something that is definitely in their blood, as eight generations ago their super-great grandmother was arrested for the production and sales of Spirituous liquors.

The Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Small Batch Bourbon is made with a unique blend of corn, rye, and wheat that gives it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other bourbons on the market.

It is aged for at least eight years in oak barrels. The result is a well-rounded whiskey with notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel.

Best Rye

Angel’s Envy Rye Finished in Plantation XO Rum Casks is a limited-release whiskey that is only available twice a year.

The rum casks used to age this whiskey were previously used to age French cognac, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the palate.

The collision of bold flavors from the raw, spicy rye and the mellow sweetness of the rum results in a uniquely delicious spirit. At 50% ABV, this whiskey is sure to pack a punch.

The Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye is a higher-proof version of the award-winning Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey.

This extra-aged, uncut, and unfiltered straight rye whiskey takes the rich and savory notes of the original and amplifies them for an even more intense flavor experience.

At 59% ABV, this whiskey is not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a bolder flavor profile, the Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye is definitely worth seeking out.

Also, at $70, it’s a relatively affordable option compared to other cask strength whiskeys on the market.

So if you’re looking to add another dimension to your whiskey collection, be sure to give the Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye a try.

Best Scotch Whisky

The Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a whisky that originates from the Islay region of Scotland. The whisky has an ABV of 51.1% and has tasting notes of smoke, tobacco, and coffee.

The Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a popular choice for many whisky drinkers due to its unique flavor profile. The smoke and tobacco flavors give the whisky a unique taste that makes it so popular.

The Ardbeg Corryvreckan can be purchased for around $85.

The Balvenie 14 Year Peat Week is a 2003 vintage single malt Scotch whisky from the Speyside region. This whisky has been matured for 14 years in oak casks and then finished in peated whisky casks.

The result is a rich and smoky whisky with notes of caramel, spice, and vanilla. The Balvenie 14 Year Peat Week is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.

Best Single Malt Whiskey

The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is a non-peated single malt that has been matured in sherry casks. This gives the whisky its distinctive flavor and aroma.

The whisky is bottled at 40% ABV for most markets and 43% ABV for the US. The Macallan 12-Year-old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is smooth and easy to drink, thanks to its additional maturation in sherry casks, the whisky has a complex flavor that is perfect for those who enjoy a more robust whisky taste.

Glenmorangie’s The Original is a 10-year-old, single malt scotch whisky that originates from the Scottish Highlands. It is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland and then matured in the finest oak casks that are only used twice.

Glenmorangie distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in whisky making, uniting tradition with innovation.

The Original has a 40% ABV and has received multiple awards, including a Gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2015 and a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits 2015.

Best Blended Whiskey

Johnnie Walker Green Label Blended Malt Scotch is a truly unique spirit, crafted from a palette of Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Island malts and matured for at least 15 years.

This award-winning whisky delivers all the character of single malt, but with a greater depth of flavor being a blend.

Enjoy poured over ice in a whisky tumbler for an elegantly simple drink. Johnnie Walker was also recognized as one of the world’s top-trending Scotch whiskies at the 2020 Drinks International awards.

JP Wiser’s 18-Year Blended Canadian Whisky is a premium spirit that has been aged over 18 years. It is “blended to deliver a smooth, award-winning whisky”.

This multiple-award winner is something you’ll want to have on hand to serve and enjoy on special occasions. The blended Canadian whisky retails for $65.