What's a good scotch that's not too expensive?

When it comes to finding a good scotch that won't break the bank, there are plenty of options to choose from. While the more well-known and prestigious brands tend to come with a higher price tag, there are many hidden gems out there that offer exceptional quality at a more affordable price point. Here are 15 scotches that I highly recommend, listed alphabetically:

1. Aberfeldy 12 Year Old: This Highland single malt is smooth and honeyed, with notes of vanilla and a touch of spice. It's a great introductory scotch for those new to the world of whisky.

2. Auchentoshan American Oak: This Lowland whisky is triple distilled, resulting in a light and creamy flavor profile. It has hints of citrus, vanilla, and coconut, making it a refreshing and approachable option.

3. Benromach 10 Year Old: Produced in the Speyside region, this scotch is known for its balanced and complex character. It offers flavors of malt, fruit, and gentle smoke, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced whisky drinkers.

4. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie: This Islay whisky is unpeated, showcasing the natural flavors of the barley. It has a creamy texture and notes of citrus, vanilla, and a hint of sea salt. It's a great value for the quality it delivers.

5. GlenDronach 12 Year Old: This sherry cask matured scotch offers a rich and fruity flavor profile. With notes of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and warm spices, it's a great option for those who enjoy a more robust and indulgent whisky.

6. Glenfarclas 105: This cask strength single malt packs a punch with its intense flavors. It has notes of dark fruits, toffee, and spices, and the higher ABV gives it a rich and warming character. It's a great choice for those who prefer a more robust and full-bodied whisky.

7. Glenfiddich 12 Year Old: One of the most popular single malts in the world, Glenfiddich 12 Year Old offers a smooth and approachable flavor profile. It has notes of pear, apple, and honey, with a touch of oak. It's a great value for the quality it delivers.

8. Glenlivet 12 Year Old: Another Speyside classic, Glenlivet 12 Year Old is known for its floral and fruity notes. It has flavors of apple, pear, and citrus, with a hint of vanilla. It's a great option for those who enjoy a lighter and more delicate whisky.

9. Highland Park 12 Year Old: This Orkney whisky offers a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness. It has notes of heather honey, dried fruits, and a subtle hint of peat smoke. It's a great all-rounder that appeals to a wide range of palates.

10. Laphroaig 10 Year Old: For those who love a bold and peaty whisky, Laphroaig 10 Year Old is a fantastic choice. It has a distinctive smoky aroma with flavors of seaweed, iodine, and a touch of sweetness. It's not for the faint-hearted, but definitely worth a try if you enjoy peated whiskies.

11. Macallan 12 Year Old: Known for its rich and complex flavor profile, Macallan 12 Year Old is a classic Speyside whisky. It has notes of dried fruits, spices, and a hint of oak. While it may be slightly pricier than some of the others on this list, it's still a great value considering the quality.

12. Oban 14 Year Old: This coastal Highland whisky offers a unique combination of sweetness and maritime influence. It has flavors of honey, citrus, and brine, with a subtle smokiness. It's a great option for those looking to explore different flavor profiles.