For newcomers to Scotch whisky the process of purchasing enjoyable bottles can be daunting. Nobody likes to spend good money on a bottle of scotch that you just don’t like, which happens occasionally given the differences in taste, flavor, age, pricing, and accessibility across Scotland’s vaunted distilleries.

Learning about quality Scottish whisky need not burn a hole in your wallet. One educational method is joining a whisky subscription service, however this doesn’t appeal to everyone.

See more about – The Best US Whiskey Subscription Services

The following list showcases single malt whisky under $50USD with terroir from each of the major Scotch whisky production areas: Speyside, Highlands, Islay, Lowlands, Islands (including the Orkneys, Arran, and Isle of Skye), and Campbeltown.

The rest of the list is populated by blended malt Scotch whiskies. Blended Scotch accounts for around 90 percent of worldwide sales, and for those just starting out in the whisky game is a good jumping off point.

Best Buy

1. Campbeltown: Glen Scotia Double Cask

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Glen Scotia is from the venerable Campbeltown area. The distillery is one of just three remaining in the old Scottish whisky heartland. This Double Cask single malt expression is a non-age statement (NAS) that begins maturation in ex bourbon barrels before being finished for up to a year in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

The double cask aging creates woody sweetness, and at 46% ABV there’s plenty of burn on the tongue before it settles down warmly. Notes of dried fruit and vanilla work beautifully on the palate, while hints of cinnamon and spice helps lend complexity to the finish amidst the oak and sherry cask traces.

All in all, the Glen Scotia Double Cask is a top-quality affordable single malt Scotch expression. Some purists won’t like the fact there’s no age on the bottle, but for me it matters little.