Whisky can be as inexpensive or as extravagant as you like. You can grab a $40 blend that’s really just for mixing, or splurge on rare, aged bottlings that fetch hundreds — even thousands — of dollars.
While some pricey whiskies absolutely earn their price tag, there’s also a sweet spot where flavour meets value. Here are five affordable whiskies under $75 that deliver serious bang-for-buck and are well worth keeping on your shelf.
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve – Scotland
A Speyside classic, The Glenlivet has been a cornerstone of the single malt world since becoming one of the first licensed distilleries in 1824. The Founder’s Reserve is a no-age-statement release, matured in a combination of traditional oak and American first-fill casks.
Appearance: Pale gold
Nose: Citrus fruit, sweet orange
Palate: Zesty fruit, toffee apples, creamy sweetness
Finish: Long and sweet
Easy-drinking and approachable, this is a great introduction to Scotch single malt — even for those new to whisky. It’s also perfectly fine over ice on a hot summer day.
💰 RRP: $73 at Dan Murphy’s (often found on special — I’ve picked it up for under $60).
Bushmills 10 Year Old – Ireland
Ireland’s Bushmills Distillery holds the record for the world’s oldest licensed distillery (1608!) and still produces consistently excellent drams. Their 10-year-old single malt is aged in Oloroso sherry casks and American bourbon barrels.
Appearance: Light gold
Nose: Honey, fruit, vanilla
Palate: Apple tart, white chocolate, malted barley, honey
Finish: Creamy sweetness
Smooth, sweet, and endlessly drinkable — this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
💰 RRP: $71 at Dan Murphy’s.
Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish – Scotland
From the Speyside town of Elgin, Glen Moray is known for quality whiskies that won’t drain your wallet. This Classic Port Cask Finish spends most of its time in American oak barrels before an eight-month finish in port pipes.
Appearance: Rose gold
Nose: Toasted vanilla, light oak, rich dried nuts
Palate: Spice, citrus zest, caramelised sweetness, cinnamon
Finish: Mellow wine, toasted oak, smooth and balanced
A great gateway into port-finished whisky — complex enough to intrigue, affordable enough to enjoy regularly.
💰 RRP: $58 at Dan Murphy’s.
Monkey Shoulder – Blended Malt, Scotland
Not your average blend — Monkey Shoulder is crafted from just three Speyside single malts: Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie. Originally designed for mixing, it’s also tasty neat or over ice.
Appearance: Golden
Nose: Orange, vanilla, honey, oak, sherry
Palate: Sweet nut, citrus, mint, orange peel, vanilla, baking spices
Finish: Short, but pleasant
A versatile all-rounder — great in a cocktail, yet still satisfying in the glass on its own.
💰 RRP: $64 at Dan Murphy’s.
Starward Twofold – Australia
Supporting Australian whisky can be tough on the wallet, but Starward’s Twofold offers quality at an approachable price. Made in Melbourne from malted barley and Australian wheat, it’s matured in Australian wine barrels that previously held shiraz, cabernet, and pinot noir.
Appearance: Gold with a blush of rose
Nose: Red berries, buttery vanilla spice
Palate: Caramel, tropical fruit
Finish: Long, dry, gently sweet
Approachable, versatile, and proudly Aussie — enjoy neat or in a cocktail without guilt.
💰 RRP: $75 at Dan Murphy’s.
Final Thoughts
These aren’t whiskies you’ll save for a milestone celebration — but they’re all affordable, flavourful drams worth keeping stocked for everyday enjoyment. Each one offers great value for money, proof that a good whisky doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.