Update!!! On January 4th 2022 Ireland implemented a Minimum Unit Pricing – MUP – policy on alcohol with all 40% whiskey in 700ml bottles now costing a minimum of €22.09.
With whiskey prices inevitably spiraling northwards & putting many punters out of the buying game – it’s still possible to find a selection of whiskeys for under €20.
At this price point you can hardly expect non chill filtering, natural colour, fanciful back stories, the strain of barley used nor the name of the field it grew in – what you get is plain simple unpretentious whiskey.
Here’s a few I’ve enjoyed over the years.
Clontarf Classic Blend, 40%, Aldi
I found Clontarf to be a robust little number.
‘It’d put hairs on yer chest’ some would say – but I say it possesses a proud character all of it’s own.
Plain simple & straightforward ex-bourbon cask matured.
It hits the mark.
Old Samuel Bourbon, 40%, Tesco
It’s cheap, it’s cheerful & it’s more enjoyable than some well established brands.
Nice!
JG Kinsey Special Reserve, 40%, Dunnes
This one took me by surprise.
It had flavour, depth & a bit of a pedigree too.
I polished it off in a week – which is highly unusual.
Very pleasant.
Under €20
Being under €20 is no barrier to good taste or flavour. The above 3 demonstrate the variety that is available. Something to suit all palates. You may have to try a few to get the one that satisfies – but at the price point – that’s part of the adventure!
Happy hunting!
Sláinte
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 