The 8 Best Single Malt Whiskeys Under $60, According to Beverage Pros

Finding a high-quality single malt Scotch whisky that doesn’t break the bank is a rewarding pursuit. Based on recommendations from bartenders, distillers, and spirits writers, here are 8 of the best single malts you can find for under $60.

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🥃 The 8 Best Single Malt Whiskies Under $60

Here’s a curated list of exceptional value-driven single malts, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

1. Glenmorangie The Original 10 Year

Profile: The quintessential Highland single malt. Light, approachable, and elegant.
Tasting Notes: Citrus, vanilla, peach, and a hint of floral honey.

Why Pros Love It: A perfectly balanced, smooth introductory single malt. It’s a benchmark for quality at this price point.
Perfect For: Sipping neat or as a refined highball.

2. The Glenlivet 12 Year

Profile: The classic Speyside whisky that defined the category.

Tasting Notes: Summer fruits, orchard blossoms, and a soft, sweet finish with a touch of oak.
Why Pros Love It: Consistently delicious, well-made, and widely available. It’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason.
Perfect For: An easy-drinking everyday dram.

3. Laphroaig 10 Year

Profile: The iconic Islay malt for peat lovers.
Tasting Notes: Bold smoke, medicinal peat, seaweed, and a surprising hint of sweetness.
Why Pros Love It: It offers an intense, complex experience that is unmistakably Islay. Unbeatable for its bold character.

Perfect For: Those who want to explore peated whisky or love a campfire-in-a-glass.

4. Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year

Profile: A young, feisty, and affordable Islay from a legendary distillery.
Tasting Notes: Intense peat smoke, black pepper, dark chocolate, and a burst of tangy citrus.

Why Pros Love It: It’s brash, full of flavor, and incredible value for an Ardbeg. Proof that age isn’t everything.
Perfect For: Peat heads on a budget.

5. Monkey Shoulder

Profile: A blended malt whisky (meaning it contains only single malts, no grain whisky) from three Speyside distilleries.

Tasting Notes: Creamy vanilla, spicy oak, zesty orange, and honey.
Why Pros Love It: Exceptionally smooth and versatile. It’s a bartender’s darling for a reason—it works brilliantly in cocktails but is also pleasant to sip.
Perfect For: Whisky cocktails (especially penicillin, rusty nail) or sipping on the rocks.

6. Old Pulteney 12 Year

Profile: A maritime malt from the northern coastal town of Wick.
Tasting Notes: Salty sea air, green apple, honey, and a dry, briny finish.
Why Pros Love It: It has a unique coastal character that stands out from the crowd without being peaty. Distinctive and refreshing.

Perfect For: Seafood pairings or anyone looking for a non-smoky coastal dram.

7. Glenfarclas 12 Year

Profile: A family-owned distillery known for its sherry-cask influence.
Tasting Notes: Rich dried fruit, toffee, dark honey, and oak spice from its sherry casks.

Why Pros Love It: It delivers a rich, sherried experience typically found in much more expensive bottles. Incredible depth for the price.
Perfect For: Sherry bomb lovers who want value.

8. Aberfeldy 12 Year

Profile: A honeyed Highland single malt.

Tasting Notes: Heady heather honey, vanilla, citrus, and a warm, spicy finish.
Why Pros Love It: Its signature honeyed character is consistent and delicious. A reliably smooth and sweet option.
Perfect For: Dessert whisky or an after-dinner sip.

💡 Pro Tips for Shopping

Prices Vary: While these are generally under $60, prices can fluctuate based on your location and taxes.
Explore: Use this list as a starting point. If you like one, explore other expressions from the same distillery.
Taste Over Age: Don’t be swayed by age statements alone. A younger whisky like Wee Beastie can be more complex and exciting than many older, more expensive bottles.

This list proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a world-class single malt Scotch whisky. Slàinte mhath!