As premium whisky prices soar due to collectibility and scarcity, a significant market shift is seeing consumers turn to supermarkets for their dram. Whisky lovers are increasingly prioritising affordability over prestige, with millennials mixing old-fashioneds and Gen Z discovering whisky sours.
The Democratisation of Whisky
This trend represents a democratisation of a spirit once seen as a stodgy 'old man' drink. Billy Abbott, author of 'A Philosophy of Whisky', confirms: "You can find great whisky available at almost every price point. While more affordable whiskies will often not have the bells and whistles of more expensive bottles, you can find great quality wherever you look."
Historically considered a working-class drink, whisky transformed into an upper-class staple in the late 1800s. For over a century, it remained a luxury spirit, but social media, cocktail culture and the availability of high-quality affordable options have made it more popular than ever among younger generations.
Expert-Recommended Supermarket Whiskies
Our panel of three spirits experts - Joanne Gould, Jonathan Hatchman and Aidy Smith - have handpicked these exceptional supermarket whiskies for 2025.
Bankhall Single Malt - £25
ABV: 40%. Crafted in Blackpool but inspired by American styles, this small-batch English whisky uses English barley and ages for just over three years in charred virgin oak. Aidy Smith describes it as "bold, youthful whisky bursting with personality" with notes of orange marmalade, vanilla and dark chocolate. Available at Sainsbury's, it's even cheaper with a Nectar card at £18.
Glenmorangie The Original 12 Years Old - £29
ABV: 40%. Joanne Gould recommends this "approachably smooth and silky dram with lots of stone fruit and sweetness." Currently on offer at Waitrose (down from £41), it works beautifully as a nightcap or paired with gingery mixers.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old - £28
ABV: 40%. Jonathan Hatchman always keeps a bottle of this Islay single malt at home, praising its "unapologetically bold character with a punch of medicinal peat smoke, iodine and just a whisper of seaweed." Available at Waitrose Cellar for £28, down from £43.
Smokeshead Islay Single Malt - £41
ABV: 40%. Gould advises Islay fans to head to Morrisons for this "uber-peaty, woody whisky" with a slight sherried style. "Not for the fainthearted," she warns, making it perfect for autumn evenings.
Michter's Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon - £52
ABV: 45.7%. Hatchman's favourite from one of his preferred distilleries features "gorgeous vanilla and corn notes, plus a really nice richness alongside slight caramel notes." Best enjoyed neat or with a couple of ice cubes. Available at Waitrose Cellar, reduced from £62.
Redbreast 12-Year-Old - £55
ABV: 40%. This excellent introduction to Irish whiskey matures in American oak barrels and Spanish oak Oloroso sherry butts. Hatchman notes its "smoothness associated with Irish whiskey" combined with "loads of baking spice character and a delicious, buttery finish." Waitrose offers it for £55, down from £60.
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon - £20
ABV: 40%. Smith explains this award-winning bourbon delights with "a complex nose of vanilla, mint, and molasses" and a palate offering "brown sugar, spice, and smooth sweetness." Perfect for old-fashioned cocktails, it's currently just £20 at Tesco, reduced from £28.
Why Supermarket Whiskies Excel
The quality of supermarket whiskies has dramatically improved, with three of Aldi's whiskies named among the best in the world and Lidl winning gold at the World Whisky Awards. The five main whisky styles - Scottish scotch, Irish whisky, American whisky, Canadian whisky and Japanese whisky - are all well represented across production methods including single malts, blends, cask strength and peated varieties.
Whether you're exploring American distilleries or staying closer to home with Scottish single malts, these expert picks prove exceptional whisky doesn't require exceptional spending. For those interested in lighter beverages, we've also rounded up the best supermarket wines and champagne.
