Whisky expert Becky Paskin has declared a £25 supermarket single malt as the best option for both sipping neat and mixing in cocktails. The Waitrose No.1 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, part of a new own-label range, impressed Paskin with its balance and affordability.
Expert Endorsement
Becky Paskin, who has tasted hundreds of whiskies, highlighted the Waitrose offering as a standout. “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,” she wrote. The Speyside expression joins a no-age-statement Highland and Islay in the range.
Flavour Profile and Versatility
Paskin described the whisky as “a deliciously sessionable whisky, whether you're on a budget or not.” Tasting notes include “juicy apples, pears and dried tropical fruits, mingling with overripe banana, digestive biscuits and warming baking spice.” She praised it as “excellent value for money” and “a really easy-drinking and balanced whisky that's beautiful to sip neat or mix in a summer highball.”
Market Shift Toward Affordability
The endorsement comes amid a broader trend of whisky lovers seeking affordability over prestige. Supermarket whiskies have gained recognition: three Aldi bottles were named among the best in the world, and Lidl previously won gold at the World Whisky Awards. This democratisation reflects changing perceptions, with younger generations like millennials and Gen Z embracing whisky in cocktails such as old-fashioneds and whisky sours.
Historical Context
Whisky historically shifted from a working-class drink to an upper-class staple in the late 1800s, but today it is more popular than ever, especially among younger drinkers. Cocktail culture in London is booming, and supermarket aisles now offer excellent bottles at accessible prices.
The Waitrose No.1 Speyside Single Malt is available exclusively at Waitrose for £25.
