Best Whiskey Under $100

Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Update March 2025

1. Larceny Barrel Proof

Perfect for fans of unfiltered, high-proof bourbon, Larceny Barrel Proof stands out for its balance of bold flavors and smooth texture. Larceny Barrel Proof offers a new opportunity to experience our acclaimed wheated bourbon whiskey mashbill in its purest form: non-chill filtered and bottled at full barrel proof. Released three times per year in January, May, and September, each offering is a bold yet balanced special Small Batch bourbon whiskey rich with depth and distinction.

Tasting Notes: Larceny Barrel Proof delivers a rich flavor profile bourbon lovers will enjoy. Sweet aromas of toasted bread, caramel, and baking spices lead to a palate of honey, oak, vanilla, and dark fruits with a smooth wheated character. The finish is long and warming, with lingering spice, oak, and nuttiness.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 62.7% | 750ml

2. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye is a non-chill filtered rye whiskey made at the legendary Wild Turkey distillery. It offers an authentic cask-to-glass experience as it’s bottled at barrel proof (also called Cast Strength).

Tasting Notes: The nose offers bold aromas of cinnamon, clove, and toasted oak. On the palate you’ll receive rich caramel with spice and a hint of citrus for a well-rounded profile. The finish is long and warm.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 56.1% | 750ml

3. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked stands out thanks to its unique double-barrel finishing process. After its initial maturation in charred oak barrels, the bourbon is transferred to a second, heavily toasted and lightly charred barrel. This innovative technique enhances its flavor, creating a richer, more complex profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.

Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of toasted oak, vanilla, and caramel blend with hints of dried fruit and orange zest. The palate has a balanced mix of sweetness and spice. A long, warming finish highlights toasted wood, light smokiness, and sweet molasses.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.2% | 750ml

4. Nikka Coffey Malt

Nikka Coffey Malt is a unique Japanese whisky crafted entirely from malted barley in a rare Coffey still, which is traditionally used for grain whisky. Introduced by Nikka in 2014, their pioneering approach uses modern production and traditional aspects to set it apart from other whisky under $100. True Japanese craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes: The nose bursts with fruity and floral notes with a sweet touch of honey and orange zest. Take a sip and you'll discover vanilla, malty sweetness, and a dash of spices. The finish? Smooth, lingering, and perfectly balanced with a hint of toasted oak.

Region: Japan | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml

5. Johnnie Walker Green Label

Johnnie Walker Green Label is an iconic Whiskey that’s known for its complexity and popularity. It was introduced in 1997 and is crafted from single malts aged at least 15 years, sourced from Scotland’s four key regions. Unlike other Johnnie Walker blends, it contains only malt whiskies, making it a unique choice for enthusiasts seeking depth and character.

Tasting Notes: Imagine On the nose, you’ll get hints of fresh-cut grass, wood smoke, and rich malt wafting through the air. Take a sip and on the palette you’ll discover orchard fruits, honey, and creamy vanilla. The finish is balanced with just a whisper of peat to keep things interesting.

Region: Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml

6. Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 12 Year Old is a timeless classic with the use of traditional crafting methods that have been used since 1798. Its unique flavor comes from sherry-seasoned oak casks and aromatic Orkney peat. This whisky reflects centuries of craftsmanship and a dedication to quality, making it a favorite for those who appreciate depth and history in every sip.

Tasting Notes: The nose greets you with warm heather honey and dried fruits accompanied with a hint of citrus. Take a sip, and the palette will provide a smoky peat, sweet spices, and tangy orange notes. The finish lingers lightly with a cozy blend of gentle spice and smoke.

Region: Speyside, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml

7. Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon

Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon is bottled straight from the barrel at full proof. This creates a bourbon that delivers a rich, complex flavor profile that highlights its craftsmanship. With no watering down, it’s an authentic experience for bourbon enthusiasts seeking intense character and depth.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, expect warm aromas of toasted oak, maple syrup, and a hint of butterscotch. The palate opens with bold flavors of caramel and dark chocolate that is balanced by a touch of dried fruit. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving you with a lingering warmth with notes of charred oak and vanilla.

Region: Colorado, USA | ABV: 65.50% | 750ml

8. Redbreast 12 Year Old

Redbreast 12 Year Old is a celebrated single pot still Irish whiskey with over a century of tradition. They’re known for a unique triple distillation process and maturation in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks.

Tasting Notes: This spirit greets you with the sweet and inviting aromas of dried mango, vanilla bean, and caramel. Take a sip, and you’ll enjoy a smooth, creamy palate with hints of nutmeg, hazelnut, and just a touch of pepper. The finish is clean, dry, and packed with flavor.

Region: Ireland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml

9. Uncle Nearest 1856

Uncle Nearest 1856 is a blend of premium-aged whiskey. It has a caramel color with a beautiful deep golden hue. On the nose, you’ll get baled hay and pumpkin seeds with subtle notes of ripe stone fruit and caramel corn. It’s bold and spicy upfront, then mellows with sweet caramel and maple, like biting into an oatmeal raisin cookie. The finish is long and rich. It lingers pleasantly sweet on the palate with notes of vanilla after the spice dissipates.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, enjoy baked hay, stone fruit, and pumpkin seeds. The palate reveals layers of caramel, maple, and warm spices reminiscent of oatmeal raisin cookies. The finish is long, rich, and sweet, with lingering notes of vanilla.

Region: Tennessee, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml

10. Starward Nova Single Malt Australian Whisky

This signature single malt whisky has received several global awards, but the real gold is in the bottle. It was the Gold medal winner at San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2020 and 2019 and received 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and 91 points from Wine Advocate and Whisky Cast.

Tasting Notes: The nose features red berries, orchard fruits, and toasted oak. On the palate, flavors of caramelized banana, baking spices, and sweet malts shine. The finish is velvety with a hint of dry red wine tannins.

Region: Melbourne, Australia | ABV: 41.0% | 750ml