Many people assume that an 18 year old Scotch sits in luxury territory. They picture bottles like Macallan 18 that often cost several hundred pounds. That assumption puts a lot of drinkers off exploring aged whisky. The reality is very different. There are excellent 18 year old bottles on the market that cost under £100 and still deliver the depth and maturity people expect from long aging.
So, we have put together a list of five of the best, affordable 18 year old Scotch whiskies. These whiskies show that you can enjoy proper maturity without paying a premium price.
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old – £90
Glenlivet 18 has become a reliable choice for drinkers who want a mature Speyside single malt at a fair price. It usually sits around £90 at major UK retailers. That alone makes it stand out. Many comparable age statements cost much more. Glenlivet can keep this bottling accessible because the distillery produces whisky at scale. That scale allows the brand to hold the price while maintaining quality.
The whisky is bottled at 40 percent ABV. It is matured in a mix of American oak and ex sherry casks. That combination gives it a classic Speyside profile. Reviewers often describe the aroma as rich and fruity. Whisky Advocate noted that it shows “a pure combination of fruit and flowers,” with touches of apple and pineapple.
The palate is sweet and smooth. Expect layers of vanilla, gentle oak, and soft spice. Glenlivet 18 also finishes with a warm, steady glow that many people associate with well-aged Speyside whisky.
This bottle works well for anyone who wants a refined and balanced malt. It performs above its price point, remaining one of the few widely available 18 year olds that sits comfortably under £100. Glenlivet shows how a major producer can deliver age, consistency, and value in the same package.
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old – £69
Chivas Regal 18 is one of the most approachable ways to enjoy an 18 year old whisky without overspending. It usually sells for about £70 in the UK. That price is unusual for a whisky with this level of maturity. Chivas Brothers can offer it at that level because the company manages large stocks of well-aged malt and grain whisky. That scale lets the blend stay affordable while still feeling premium.
This whisky sits at 40% ABV and is built from a selection of malt and grain whiskies that all spent at least 18 years in oak. Chivas does not publish the exact cask recipe, but the blend features malts known for rich sherry influence and smooth honeyed character. The result is a layered and welcoming profile.
Critics often highlight how polished it tastes. Our very own Charles Steele described the tasting as “like drinking a cloud”.
There is plenty of flavor. Expect notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, toffee, and a small touch of smoke. These richer flavors sit on top of a silky texture that makes the whisky easy to sip.
Chivas 18 carries the feel of a luxury blend. It has an impressive reputation, but it remains accessible for everyday drinkers. If you want an 18 year old with broad appeal and strong critical support, this is one of the best value picks you can make.
Speyburn 18 Year Old – £89
Speyburn 18 is a great choice for drinkers who want a mature single malt that feels honest and unpretentious. It usually sells for about £85-£90 in the UK, which puts it well below many other 18 year old Speyside whiskies. Speyburn stays affordable because it is a quieter name in the region. The distillery produces quality spirit, but it does not chase the prestige pricing that some larger brands command.
The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV and is non chill filtered. It matures in a mix of ex bourbon casks and Spanish oak sherry casks. That combination delivers a balanced style that sits between bright fruit and gentle oak.
Mark Bostock called the Speyburn 18 Year Old “a well-balanced malt, from what I consider an underrated distillery”.
The palate brings a mix of honey, citrus, chocolate, and peppery oak. There is also a dry tobacco note that gives the whisky a nice sense of maturity. The finish is medium in length. Expect a touch of cinnamon, some dried fruit, and a final hint of oak.
Speyburn 18 has earned strong recognition. It won Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which speaks to its quality at this price point.
This bottle shows how an underrated distillery can offer real value. Speyburn 18 is flavorful, balanced, and well made. It is also one of the easiest ways to experience an 18 year old single malt without passing the £100 mark.
Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old – £92
Johnnie Walker 18 delivers a polished experience that feels far more expensive than its shelf price. It often sits around £90 in the UK. That price is possible because Diageo draws from a huge stock of mature malt and grain whiskies. The blend brings together spirit from several well known distilleries, which gives it depth while keeping it accessible.
The whisky is bottled at 40% ABV. It uses a mix of cask types, including bourbon and sherry influenced barrels. The style is smooth, fruity, and lightly smoky. It is designed to feel elegant rather than intense.
The palate is clean and silky. Expect orange, peach, vanilla, and a gentle hint of smoke that sits in the background. The smoke never dominates. It adds shape to the sweeter flavors. A touch of chocolate and toasted oak appears toward the finish. The final impression is balanced, warm, and easy to enjoy.
Jeff Whisky commented on the value offered by Johnnie Walker 18, saying, “At around half the price of the Blue Label this 18 Year Old release stands up and shows it is not a premium blend to be overlooked. There is plenty of citrus, honey and a soft smoke to be found in this easy to enjoy bottle.”
The whisky has also earned major awards, including Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. That recognition helps confirm what many drinkers already know. Johnnie Walker 18 is one of the best value aged blends on the market.
This bottle works well for anyone who wants a refined profile that suits many drinking styles. It is smooth enough for newcomers and layered enough for experienced whisky fans. It offers a clear 18 year age statement at a price that is still friendly.
Deanston 18 Year Old – £80
Deanston 18 has become a favorite among whisky drinkers who want a mature Highland single malt that feels authentic. It usually costs about £80-£90 in the UK. The distillery is based in a converted cotton mill near the River Teith, and it has built a reputation for honest production methods.
The whisky is non chill filtered and bottled at 46.3% ABV. It matures in ex bourbon casks and finishes in first fill bourbon barrels. This approach keeps the spirit clean, bright, and full of character.
The palate has a rich, buttery texture. Expect sweet barley sugar, citrus, ginger, soft oak, and a malt core that gives the whisky real depth. There is also a gentle spice that adds interest without overpowering the softer flavors. The finish is long and comforting. Many reviewers compare it to the taste of a digestive biscuit dipped in tea, which fits the warm, mellow style.
Deanston can offer this level of quality at a lower price because it is not a mass market brand. It focuses on thoughtful production instead of prestige pricing. That approach helps the bottle stand out. It is often praised by critics and fans as one of the best value 18 year olds on the market, and an underrated one at that.
Deanston 18 suits drinkers who enjoy natural presentation and bright Highland flavor. It is mature, expressive, and priced in a way that still feels fair. It also rounds out the list with a style that contrasts nicely with the richer blends and classic Speyside malts above.
Final Thoughts
These whiskies prove that an 18 year age statement does not need a luxury price. Each bottle offers real maturity, solid craftsmanship, and a clear sense of place, all while staying under £100. Glenlivet and Chivas provide classic, reliable profiles. Speyburn and Deanston deliver value from lesser-known distilleries. Johnnie Walker 18 brings refined balance in a polished blend.
If you want depth and age without the premium markup, any of these five bottles will serve you well. They show that well-aged Scotch can still be approachable, affordable, and genuinely enjoyable.
Read the full article at 5 Surprisingly Affordable 18 Year Old Scotch Whiskies Under £100
