Whiskey is a drink loved by a majority of the Indian population. Our country consumes about 48% of the total whiskey that is produced globally. To add to that, India is among the top producers and distributors of whiskey in the world. We also live in times when the economy is going on the steeper end and salaries are running in the opposite direction. To bury in your sorrows or celebrate small victories you can surely cheer with a glass of whiskey. And what’s better than finding a bottle that fits your budget?
So, here are 6 of the best cheap whiskeys that you will find in most local liquor stores in India.
Blenders Pride
If you like premium whiskey on a budget, you should check out Blenders Pride. It belongs to Pernod Ricard and is one of its five core brands to sell in the country. Blenders Pride was launched in 1995. Since then, it’s been a loved whiskey brand across the globe, selling millions of cases each year in India alone.
Even though premium, it’s budget-friendly whiskey that you can buy for under INR 1,000. That’s exactly why we have it on our list! This whiskey is a blend of Indian grain spirits and imported Scotch malt. It has a refined taste, is smooth, and has no added artificial flavors.
Price: Between INR 800 and INR 930 for 750 ml
McDowell’s No.1.
As a whiskey lover, we’re sure McDowell’s No. 1 has been a part of your hangout sessions with your friends. After all, it’s the highest-selling whiskey in the world. Its Platinum variant is relatively new in its collection and was launched in 2018. It’s a more refined whiskey among the wide variety that they have. McDowell’s Platinum is a blend of select Indian malts, premium grain spirits, and imported Scotch. It has some rich flavors but is very smooth to taste and also great for making cocktails. So you can enjoy your whiskey in more than just one way.
Price: Between INR 400 and INR 750 for 750 ml
Bagpiper
Featuring the iconic Bagpiper Sardar on its tamper-proof bottles and tetra packs, Bagpiper is an affordable whiskey brand that’s both iconic and world-renowned. It’s manufactured by United Spirits Ltd and has been loved by people since 1976.
The Bagpiper brand has managed to keep its quality intact along with its affordability. That’s one of the reasons why it was the ninth highest-selling whiskey in 2020. Bagpiper has a faint malt aroma with a strong woody character. It’s musky on the palate as it’s matured in a pre-identified American oak cask. It’s a classic whiskey that you can never go wrong with.
Price: Between INR 300 and INR 800 for 750 ml
Royal Stag
Royal Stag is an Indian brand of whiskey launched in 1995 belonging to the Pernod Ricard family. It’s among the best-selling Indian whiskey and has been a household name for a long time. If you have to talk about how this whiskey is made, it’s the perfect blend of grain spirits and imported Scotch malts. It has a very refreshing leafy, woody, and fruity aroma to it. Another interesting fact is that it contains no artificial flavors, so, for the price range, it’s absolutely worth it. Besides, Royal Stag tastes very smooth, has well-rounded flavors, and hints of smoke. All in all, Royal Stag is a fine whiskey that fits a small budget.
Price: Between INR 550 and INR 900 for 750 ml
Also read: Alcohol And Sustainability – How Brands Have Gone About It
Imperial Blue
Yet another household brand of whiskey on the list is Imperial Blue. It’s also that classic whiskey brand that you’ve seen your grandfather and father toast to. This one is popularly known as IB and also belongs to the Pernod Ricard family. For a whiskey that is priced so economically, Imperial Blue has great smoothness and no loss in potency. Have it with either club soda or water; that’s the best way to enjoy your Imperial Blue.
Price: Between INR 450 and INR 700 for 750 ml
Officer’s Choice
Officer’s Choice was launched in 1988 and since then has gained popularity for its varied variety of whiskeys. It’s also one of the largest exported spirits brands around the world. Officer’s Choice is sold in over 18 countries globally. They also sell rum, but their whiskey is one loved by the public the most.
One interesting thing about this brand is that it was the best-selling whiskey of 2020 according to the Brands Champions report created by The Spirits Business. The Officer’s Choice Blue is a premium whiskey bottle that’s ideal for those on a budget. This whiskey is best served on the rocks or with club soda. It enhances the flavors and makes it even smoother to taste.
Price: Between INR 350 and INR 750 for 750 ml
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Summing Up
One of the best things about whiskey is that you can have it any way you want and at any time. Plus, the ample brands in the market have helped you have plenty of options to choose from. All of the whiskey brands mentioned above are some of the best cheap whiskeys that are available on the market. So, the next time you’re on a budget and want to be in high spirits, you know which ones to pick from.
FAQs On 6 Of The Best Cheap Whiskeys
Is Jim Beam Cheap Whiskey?
Jim Beam is one of the more expensive whiskeys on the market. In India, it costs about INR 1,250 for a 750ml bottle. It’s a bottle you can buy for some special occasion or to celebrate something.
What Are Decent Whiskeys In India?
If you like to pour yourself a glass of whiskey, you have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the decent whiskeys in the Indian market are:
- McDowell’s Platinum
- Officer’s Choice Blue
- Royal Stag Deluxe
- Imperial Blue Superior Grain
Which Is The Best Affordable Whiskey In India?
There are ample affordable whiskeys that you can buy in India. From premium to local brands there’s so much for you to choose from. Some of the affordable ones you can try are:
- Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky
- Imperial Blue Superior Grain
- Paul John Edited Single Malt Whisky
- Bagpiper Deluxe
Is Blenders Pride A Good Whisky?
Blenders Pride is a whiskey that has made its mark in the world of whiskies. It’s known to be a premium whiskey that sells at an affordable price range. For those who like smooth and refined whiskey, this one is surely one of the best.
