You might be enticed to sample some of the less expensive whiskey brands available if you’re a whiskey enthusiast on a tight budget. But not every inexpensive whisky is the same. You might get a literal and metaphorical unpleasant taste in your mouth from drinking some of the worst inexpensive whiskey brands. To save you the heartache of drinking subpar whiskey, we have created a list of the top 10 least desirable budget whiskey brands. These liquors, including bourbons and whiskeys, are notoriously low-quality and flavorless. If you’re looking for an affordable bottle of whiskey, read on to learn which brands to avoid. There are a few fundamentals about whiskey that will help you find your way around the world of inexpensive whiskey. If you can grasp the fundamentals, you will be more equipped to decide which brands to try and which to pass on.
Types of Whiskey
There are many varieties of whiskey, the most common of which are bourbon, rye, and scotch. When it comes to ingredients, rye whiskey must have at least 51% rye and be matured in oak barrels, whereas bourbon must contain at least 51% corn. The traditional method of making Scotch involves fermenting malted barley with wood chips for a minimum of three years.
Making Alcohol and Fermentation
A fundamental stage in making whiskey is fermentation, which involves turning sugar into ethanol. The mash, a combination of grains and water, is fermented by adding yeast. Distillation is the process of removing water and other contaminants from fermented mash to obtain the alcohol.
Finalizing and Ageing
Aged in oak barrels, whiskey gains color and flavor after distillation. The result could vary greatly depending on the kind of wood utilized. To further enhance the whiskey’s flavor, some manufacturers age it in sherry or port casks.
Various Blends and Single Malts
Only one distillery may produce single malt whiskey, which is crafted from only malted barley. Conversely, blended whiskey is a mixture of whiskies from various distilleries. Scotch whisky, also known as single malt scotch, is produced only from malted barley.
Cheap Whiskey Brands That Are the WORST
It could be tempting to buy the cheapest bottle of whiskey when money is tight. But not every inexpensive whisky is the same. I can’t even stand to drink some of them. You should stay away from these 10 low-quality whiskey brands.
The Four Roses
Kentucky bourbon from the Four Roses brand has been around since the 1800s. Regrettably, the quality of their inexpensive products is lacking. A sharp alcohol burn and an absence of nuance characterize the flavor, which is thin.
Sacred Valley
Several whiskeys are made at Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky. Some of these include Elijah Craig and Evan Williams. Nevertheless, you should not spend your money on their inexpensive products. A powerful alcohol burn and an absence of nuance characterize the flat and harsh flavor.
Canadian Mist
American consumers often seek Canadian Mist, a brand of whisky made in Canada. The whiskey is cheap, but it’s not a terrific pick. A strong alcohol burn and a lack of flavor characterize the thin and watery taste.
Town Branch
Bourbon and rye whiskeys, among others, are made in the Town Branch distillery in Kentucky. You will not get your money’s worth from their inexpensive products. Lacking in subtlety and accompanied by a robust alcohol burn, the flavor is shallow and harsh.
Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand
For those on a tighter budget, one popular Kentucky bourbon is Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand. Having said that, it’s not a wise decision. Lacking in subtlety and accompanied by a robust alcohol burn, the flavor is shallow and harsh.
David Nicholson
Bourbon made in Kentucky by David Nicholson has a long history, dating back to the 1800s. You will not get your money’s worth from their inexpensive products. Lacking in subtlety and accompanied by a robust alcohol burn, the flavor is shallow and harsh.
Kentucky Tavern
For those on a tighter budget, one affordable option is Kentucky Tavern, a bourbon made in Kentucky. Having said that, it’s not a wise decision. Lacking in subtlety and accompanied by a robust alcohol burn, the flavor is shallow and harsh.
Maker’s Mark
The iconic red wax seal of Maker’s Mark Kentucky bourbon has become instantly recognizable. In contrast to their highly regarded premium products, the regular Maker’s Mark is a waste of money. Lacking in subtlety and accompanied by a robust alcohol burn, the flavor is shallow and harsh.
Evan Williams Premiere Collection
Many different types of premium whiskey are made by the well-known Kentucky bourbon distillery Evan Williams. Their low-priced white-label service, meanwhile, is lacking in quality. Lacking in subtlety and accompanied by a robust alcohol burn, the flavor is shallow and harsh.
Old Grand-Dad
One Kentucky bourbon brand that has been around for a long time is Old Grand-Dad. You will not get your money’s worth from their inexpensive products. Lacking in subtlety and accompanied by a robust alcohol burn, the flavor is shallow and harsh.
The Argument Against These Whiskeys
When shopping for whiskey, it’s important to obtain the most value for your money. Sadly, there is a noticeable quality difference among inexpensive whiskies. While bargain brands could be hard to resist, you should be wary about compromising quality for a lower price. The following are a few arguments against these whiskeys:
The amount of time that whisky has been aged is a major component in its overall quality. As they age, the flavors can deepen and evolve. Having said that, a lot of inexpensive whiskeys aren’t matured for very long or at all. Because of this, the flavor is less complex and has a sharper edge.
The main ingredients in bourbon, a whiskey kind, are maize and charred oak barrels. There are lots of excellent bourbons available, however some of the more affordable brands skimp on quality by employing shorter maturation periods and less expensive components. The end product may be a bourbon that is too sugary, too harsh, or too simplistic.
One of the most well-known varieties of whiskey is Scotch, which is produced in Scotland. The smokiness and peatiness of its flavor profile are its trademarks. On the other hand, to pass themselves off as premium scotch, some inexpensive whiskies may utilize artificial coloring or flavorings. As a result, the whiskey may not have the natural depth of flavor found in scotch whisky and may even taste manufactured. When creating whiskey, aging is an essential step. On the other hand, to cut corners and age faster, certain inexpensive whiskeys may use smaller barrels. The smoothness and depth of aged whiskey can be lost in this process.
To keep costs down, many inexpensive whiskeys include cheaper grain alcohol or other additions. This could make the whiskey taste harsh and nasty, not like high-quality whisky. You can’t get enough of a high-quality whiskey, as any true connoisseur of the spirit will tell you. There are many excellent whiskey brands available, but you should be cautious of the inexpensive ones. To your homework before hitting the town for a night on the town or going to a whiskey event. Before you buy, do some research on the brand and check out customer reviews to be sure it’s good. If you’re looking for a certain whiskey, don’t be shy about asking the bartender or other customers for suggestions.
Whiskey is about more than only the flavor, as any whiskey connoisseur can tell you. It delves into the background, method, and tradition of the beverage. That’s why you should only buy whiskey from reputable brands that are proud of their work and adhere to the whiskey-making traditions. When choosing which whiskey companies to back, you should be picky. Make sure you’re getting the most out of your whiskey experience by staying away from low-quality brands and going for the good stuff. Raise a glass of quality whisky!