The best whiskies combine expert distillation and maturation into fascinating depths of flavour. But as collectibility and scarcity drive up the prices of high-end bottles, many fans are turning to supermarkets for a dram.
A shift in the market has seen whisky lovers seek out affordability rather than prestige, whether it’s millennials mixing up an old-fashioned or Gen Z discovering whisky sours.
Though not all whiskies from supermarkets hit the mark, many are exceptional – three of Aldi’s have been named among the best in the world, while Lidl has previously won gold at the World Whisky Awards.
This democratisation of whisky is partly due to contemporary changes in perception. Historically, whisky was seen as the working-class drink of choice – but the popularity of Scottish distilleries among the wealthy in the late 1800s turned it into an upper-class staple. For more than a century, whisky was regarded not only as a luxury spirit but as a fairly stodgy “old man” drink of choice.
Now, it’s more popular than ever, particularly among younger generations. Cocktail culture is booming in London while supermarket aisles are overflowing with excellent bottles – including a £25 single malt that comes expert-approved.
Read more: 10 best whiskies, hand-picked by an expert
Waitrose No1 Speyside Single Malt
★★★★☆
Classification: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
What we love:
Take note:
“Waitrose surprised us all when it launched three new own-label single malts recently, not only at budget-loving prices but with whisky that’s actually really rather good,” Becky Paskin wrote. “The Speyside single malt (there’s also a standard, no-age-statement Highland and Islay) is a deliciously sessionable whisky, whether you’re on a budget or not, with notes of juicy apples, pears and dried tropical fruits, mingling with overripe banana, digestive biscuits and warming baking spice.”
Our whisky expert praised it as “excellent value for money,” adding that “this is a really easy-drinking and balanced whisky that’s beautiful to sip neat or mix in a summer highball.”
Buy now £25.00, Waitrose.com
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