Ten Bottles of Good Whiskey Under $20

We all have our favorite high-end spirits but sometimes you don’t need something expensive, you just want a drink. Or, maybe you’re going to an event hosted by someone you don’t know well and aren’t prepared to drop a day’s pay for a host gift. Enter the good whiskey, good price decision. We’ve gathered some top selections for your consideration in the four major whiskey categories : Scotch, Irish, Bourbon and Canadian. Yes, there are other types and there’s also the discussion about the correct spelling of whiskey – with or without an e? They’re not topics for today.

Created in 1899, Dewars White Label has won over 100 awards. Yes, it’s a blended Scotch, but at this price point you won’t find many single malts. Notes of Scottish heather and honey on the finish. A classic drink served neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water.

We broke the bank and went $2 over our limit. For that extra investment you get the entry level scotch from a label known world-wide. Nobody will sneer at your Red Label. It’s the best selling scotch around the globe for good reason. It combines light whiskeys from Scotland’s East coast and more peaty versions from the West. The result is extraordinary flavor.

Kavanaugh is offered in 4 versions; Blended, Single Malt, Single Grain and 16 year old. The blended Irish whiskey is aged in ex-bourbon barrels for over four years. It’s been awarded a double Gold-Medal from the San Francisco Spirits competition and a scored a 90 from Wine Enthusiast.

Another blended whiskey, Kilbrin is crafted with rich malt whiskey produced from malted barley combined with the finest grain whiskey in Ireland. It’s aged in oak with a nose of pears and vanilla. Wine Enthusiast gave it a 91 and the San Francisco Spirit Competition awarded it a Silver Medal.

A signature small-batch bourbon honoring the year that Evan Williams founded his first distillery, extra aged for smoothness. A semi-sweet, oaky taste with a slight honeyed finish.

Two Stars is aged a minimum of four years and is bottled at 86 proof. It’s a light to medium bodied whiskey with no alcohol burn. Expect an easy sipping whiskey that’s a good option for mixing in cocktails. Wine Enthusiast gave it a 91, a great score for a reasonably priced bourbon.

Yes, this one was too easy. Sorry to disappoint you. One of the bestselling whiskeys in the country for a reason. It’s not bourbon, it’s Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey. Made from corn, rye, and barley malt then charcoal filtered. On the rocks, with a splash of water or mixed with Coke, everybody has their favorite way to drink Jack.

Aged for six years, this proprietary blend of Canadian rye is spicy and subtly sweet. Great on the rocks or as part of a Manhattan.

We first learned of this whiskey when it was served on a late night flight and there weren’t other whisky options. It quickly became a go-to selection. For drinkers that prefer deeper oak notes, this whisky has a unique richness with hints of nutmeg. Perfect to drink on its own.

A Canadian made from rye, barley, and corn whisky aged in separate casks before being blended into the finished product. It has a sweet finish that may be unusual for some, but notes of butterscotch, vanilla, maple and toffee make it the perfect after dinner sipping drink.

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