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More great whiskies for under $100

Fred Siggins

Nikka whisky.
Nikka whisky.Supplied

All your mates are drinking whisky. You're keen to get involved but you don't want to max out your credit card, and finding a bargain is more fun anyway. Also, it's Father's Day and you know the old bloke would love a bottle of something tasty. For whisky lovers both rookie and veteran, these inexpensive drams will do the trick.

1. Stronachie 10yo

Single malt scotch, $80

Stronachie whisky.
Stronachie whisky.Supplied
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Easygoing, floral, not at all smoky, and with the honey-and-butter texture you'd expect from a quality single malt, this new release from private bottler A.D. Rattray is excellent value for money.

2. Lagavulin Limited Edition 8yo

Single malt scotch, $90

If you love Lagavulin, or powerful, smoky whiskies in general, this is a must try. Half the age of their standard 16yo bottling, this limited release 8yo is an outstanding example of the Islay style; young and vibrant, with surprising complexity and ease of drinking.

3. Nikka Whisky from the Barrel

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Blended Japanese whisky, $70

Reasonably priced Japanese whiskies are increasingly hard to find as stocks dwindle and demand continues to surge. Thankfully, this little beauty is still widely available and very well priced. One of the best blended whiskies on the market, Nikka from the Barrel expresses all the complexity and subtlety we expect from Japan, with the added oomph of 51.4 per cent alcohol.

4. Johnny Walker Green Label

Blended malt scotch, $65

A highlight of the Johnnie Walker range, Green Label was discontinued for a number of years due to dwindling stocks. Now back on the market to the joy of its many fans, this whisky is complex and easy to drink, with the signature Johnnie Walker whiff of smokiness.

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5. High West Double Rye

Rye whiskey, $90

Whether you're a scotch or bourbon drinker, rye whiskey is a category worth exploring. Dry, spicy, fruity and oaky, think of it as bourbon for a more savoury palate. High West Double Rye has fantastic quality and complexity, made from a combination of spicy two-year-old rye, and softer 16-year-old.

6. Starward Wine Cask

Australian single malt whisky, $85

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Essendon's only whisky distillery is faring far better than their footy team this year, continuing to produce excellent, inexpensive single malt whiskies. Their latest release, aged in shiraz barrels, has heaps of red fruit character, and is a great example of the new trend in Australia of ageing whisky in ex-wine casks.

7. Craigellachie 13yo

Single malt scotch, $90

A relative newcomer to the single malt market, Craigellachie 13yo has a brandied sweetness and a sulphurous note that gives this whisky outstanding depth, especially for the price. If you want something rich and textural, but not smoky, this is a great one to try.

8. Kavalan Concertmaster

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Taiwanese single malt whisky, $90

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique won the award for "World's Best Whisky" a couple of years ago, and since then has been nearly impossible to find, and a mint when you can. But this version is a low cost insight into what makes Kavalan tick. Aged in port barrels for a fruity and spicy palate, this is a great example of new-wave whisky.

9. Teeling Single Malt

Irish single malt whiskey, $80

The Irish whisky market is dominated by inexpensive blends like Jameson and Bushmills, but there's been a resurgence recently in traditional styles. Teeling Single Malt is an excellent example, aged in a combination of five different types of barrel including sherry, port, madeira, white burgundy and cabernet sauvignon.

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10. Paul John Brilliance

Single malt Indian whisky, $85

For the whisky fan who loves a bit of adventure, Paul John whiskies from India are a fascinating and exceptionally priced option. "Brilliance" is their entry-level whisky. Aged in American oak barrels, its flavour is oak, grain, tropical fruits and incredible fresh curry spices.

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