The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us? This guide compiles the best supermarket whiskeys, handpicked by industry experts, offering a unique and expanded perspective on affordable spirits.
The Best Supermarket Whiskeys, According to Industry Experts
From American bourbon to single malt scotch, these are the handpicked bottles to buy. Daisy Lester, Senior Shopping Writer, provides insights into the democratisation of whisky, making it accessible for all.
Our Top Picks
- Bankhall single malt – Read review £26 Buy now
- Glenmorangie the original 12 years old single malt whisky – Read review £41 £30 Buy now
- Laphroaig 10 Year Old – Read review £44 Buy now
- Smokeshead Islay single malt scotch whisky – Read review £41 Buy now
- Michter's small batch Kentucky straight bourbon whisky – Read review £64 £45 Buy now
- Redbreast 12-year-old – Read review £64 Buy now
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky straight bourbon – Read review £27 Buy now
Whisky's Renaissance and Democratisation
Whisky has undergone a significant renaissance in recent years. Once perceived as a luxury drink primarily for older generations, it has now evolved into a trendy bar cart staple with widespread appeal. This shift caters to both avid collectors and budding home mixologists, driven by expert distillation and maturation processes that create characterful depth of flavour.
The demand for the best whiskeys from around the world has surged, leading to increased prices for luxury bottles. However, supermarket shelves are providing a more accessible avenue to enjoy high-quality spirits at lower costs. While lofty prices often indicate quality, not all supermarket whiskies meet the mark. Yet, many are exceptional; for instance, three of Aldi's offerings have been named among the best globally, and Lidl has previously won gold at the World Whisky Awards.
Billy Abbott, author of A Philosophy of Whisky, notes, "You can find great whisky available at almost every price point. While more affordable whiskies will often not have the bells and whistles of more expensive bottles, you can find great quality wherever you look." This democratisation is partly due to changing perceptions. Historically, whisky was viewed as a working-class drink, but its popularity among the wealthy in late 1800s Scotland transformed it into an upper-class staple. Today, factors like social media, the home cocktail-making boom, and the availability of good whisky at fair prices are attracting younger generations.
This trend extends beyond whisky, with supermarkets such as Aldi, Waitrose, and Tesco offering excellent options for affordable wines and prosecco. Roughly speaking, there are five styles of whisky: Scottish scotch, Irish whisky, American whisky, Canadian whisky, and Japanese whisky. Production styles vary across regions, including single malts, blends, cask strength, and peated whiskies. Blended and Irish whiskeys are known for their smoothness, while American Bourbon has seen a surge in popularity due to its sweeter flavour profile, making it an ideal gateway spirit.
Meet the Experts
Our trio of experts bring years of experience in the spirits industry:
- Joanne Gould – A journalist with a decade of experience writing about food and drink, covering every type of whisky for numerous publications.
- Jonathan Hatchman – A whisky expert with extensive experience reviewing spirits, including Japanese whiskies, bourbon, and rye.
- Aidy Smith – An award-winning TV presenter, broadcaster, and journalist, known for Amazon Prime's The Three Drinkers series.
Detailed Reviews of Top Picks
1. Bankhall Single Malt
ABV 40% – Described by Aidy Smith as a "bold, youthful whisky bursting with personality," this spirit is crafted in Blackpool but inspired by American styles. Made with English barley and aged for just over three years in charred virgin oak, it offers vibrant notes of orange marmalade, vanilla, dried fruits, mint, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. Triple-distilled and matured in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and virgin oak casks, it is rich and versatile. Typically priced at £25, it can be reduced to £18 with a Nectar loyalty card.
2. Glenmorangie the Original 12 Years Old Single Malt Whisky
ABV 40% – Joanne Gould praises this 12-year-old single malt for its good value, approachable smoothness, and silky texture with stone fruit and sweetness notes. Currently on offer at Waitrose for £29, it is ideal for a nightcap or paired with gingery mixers.
3. Laphroaig 10 Year Old
ABV 40% – Jonathan Hatchman highlights this Islay single malt for its unapologetically bold character, featuring medicinal peat smoke, iodine, and a whisper of seaweed. Its consistency and maturity, with rounded edges and a complex finish, make it a standout choice.
4. Smokeshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV 40% – Gould recommends this uber-peaty, woody whisky from Morrisons for Islay fans, noting its slight sherried style and suitability for autumn evenings.
5. Michter's Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
ABV 45.7% – Hatchman favours this bourbon for its benchmark quality, with gorgeous vanilla, corn, and caramel notes. Best enjoyed neat or with a couple of ice cubes, it exemplifies Michter's distillery approach.
6. Redbreast 12-Year-Old
ABV 40% – Hatchman notes that while older expressions are celebrated, this 12-year-old offers an excellent introduction to Irish whiskey, with bold baking spice character and a buttery finish, matured in American oak and Spanish oak Oloroso sherry butts.
7. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
ABV 40% – Aidy Smith explains that this bourbon, crafted at one of America's oldest distilleries, features a complex nose of vanilla, mint, and molasses, with a palate of brown sugar, spice, and smooth sweetness. Award-winning and perfect for old-fashioned cocktails.
What Are the Best Supermarket Whiskeys for 2025?
Whether exploring American distilleries or opting for Scottish single-malts, supermarket whiskeys offer ample choice. For under £30, Bankhall Single Malt impresses with its harmonious blend of herbaceous woods, warming spices, and fruit notes. Glenmorangie the original 12 years old single malt whisky at Waitrose is a must-try for its silky-smooth texture. For more bargains, refer to expert guides on the best supermarket wines.
