Top 20 Whisky Brands to Try Under a Budget: Best Picks for 2025

When it comes to whisky, people are generally well aware that finding the perfect bottle can both delight and intimidate one to a degree, especially while trying to stay within a reasonable budget. Fortunately, there are some fantastic and premium whisky brands out there that offer you great taste and quality without putting a hole through your bank account. And so, with 2025 let's dig into the top 20 best whisky brands worth trying: not only for sipping at your favourite sports bar but also for mixing the best cocktail at home. Whether enjoyed straight up or mixed into a classic whisky cocktail, you'll find something on this list to suit your taste.

1. McDowell’s No.1

McDowell's No.1 is India's most well-known whisky brand with a smooth, friendly flavour profile. With caramel, oak, and a hint of sweetness, it's an all-around option for mixing with bar drinks or sipping neat. McDowell's is frequently seen in top cocktails and is a major component of many signature cocktails, so it's a fixture on bar drinks menus nationwide. It's reasonable price and good consistency make it a favorite among creating good cocktail choices, either at a sports bar or hosting an event at home. McDowell's No.1 is a go-to choice for one looking for a cost-effective but pleasant whisky experience. It’s perfect for creating signature drinks and is a staple in many bar cocktail drinks.

2. Royal Stag

Royal Stag is a well-liked Indian whisky that boasts an exclusive mix of Indian grain spirits and foreign Scotch malts. With its silky and lightly smoky taste, it's an adaptable drink to mix into regular bar drinks or create bar cocktail drinks. Royal Stag frequently appears in well-known bar drinks such as whisky highballs or cola cocktails, so it's a favorite on bar drinks menus. Its affordability and easy-drinking nature make it a go-to for creating great cocktail options, whether you’re at a local bar or experimenting at home. Royal Stag’s accessibility and consistent quality have made it a staple in the world of top bar drinks and popular cocktails.

3. Imperial Blue

Imperial Blue is a silken and bargain-priced blended Indian whisky that has become popular due to its easy-drinking style and value for money. With a grainy, oaky, and slightly sweetish hint, it's ideal for mixing into popular bar staples like whisky sodas or cola-based cocktail drinks. The light and easy-drinking style of the whisky also makes it a favorite among social bar cocktail drinks. Although it is not the most intricate whisky, its price and flexibility make it a favorite for mixing good cocktail alternatives. Imperial Blue is commonly included on bar drink menus throughout India, so it is a dependable option for anyone looking for an affordable yet pleasant whisky experience.

4 . Bagpiper Deluxe

Bagpiper Deluxe is a smooth, well-balanced whisky featuring a sweetened flavour profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. Perfect for those exploring whiskey brands under a budget, it stands out among famous bar drinks. Its rich taste and affordability make it one of the top bar drinks for everyday celebrations.

5. DSP Black Deluxe

DSP Black Deluxe offers a bold and refined taste, perfect for those looking to try whiskey under budget. With its rich flavour and smooth finish, it’s a go-to choice in many bar drinks menus. Affordable yet satisfying, DSP Black Deluxe delivers a premium feel without the high price, making it a smart pick for whiskey lovers on a budget.

6. Jameson Irish Whiskey

Jameson Irish Whiskey is an internationally renowned spirit famous for its silky, triple-distilled combination of malted and unmalted barley. Vanilla, nuttiness, and a touch of sherry characterize its flavor, making it an ideal choice for sipping neat or mixing with bar drinks. Jameson is a classic fixture on any bar drinks list, commonly used in well-known cocktails such as the traditional Irish Coffee or a Jameson Ginger and Lime. Its balanced flavour profile makes it a key ingredient in great cocktail recipes, earning it a spot among the best cocktails in the world. Whether you’re crafting a top cocktail or enjoying it in a bar cocktail drink, Jameson’s accessibility and quality make it a favourite for both casual drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts.

7. Monkey Shoulder

Monkey Shoulder is a high-end blended malt Scotch whisky with a smooth, rich, and subtly sweet flavor profile. With hints of vanilla, honey, and a touch of spice, it's a go-to for bartenders to make the best bar drinks and signature cocktails. Monkey Shoulder is used in renowned bar drinks such as the Whisky Sour or Old Fashioned, making it an excellent option for bar cocktails. Its flexibility and potency have made it known as being amongst the topmost cocktails worldwide when used as a base. Experimenting with brilliant cocktail recipes or sipping straight, Monkey Shoulder offers excellence that whisky drinkers and cocktail people will not reject.

One does not have to break the bank while enjoying whiskies. The top 20 whisky brands above have great options for every taste and budget. Whether sitting at your favourite sports bar while experimenting with the best cocktail recipes, or a pour at home, these whiskies are going to heighten your experience.

The next time you go out at the bar or plan a gathering with friends, consider these top 20 whisky brands. Representing a blend of tradition, quality, and affordability, you can enjoy the richness of whisky without breaking the bank. Cheers to discovering your new favourite whisky in 2025!

8. Oaksmith International

Oaksmith International is a premium whisky born from the fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and Indian tradition. Launched by Beam Suntory, it offers a smooth, sweet profile with subtle hints of oak, spice, and peat. Carefully blended for a rich and balanced taste, Oaksmith is priced affordably, making it a popular choice for whisky lovers seeking quality with a global touch.

9. Royal Challenge Finest Premium

Royal Challenge Finest Premium is the kind of whisky that invites you to relax and enjoy every sip. With its smooth, woody base and rich oaky notes, it reveals layers of milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and a hint of fruitiness. The finish is clean and mellow, leaving you with a satisfying, easygoing aftertaste.

10. Ballantine's

First in our ranking is Ballantine's, one of the premium whisky brands with the reputation of a smooth flavour and a rich taste. Its history started in 1827, and so this Scottish blend should be "scented" with honey, spice, and vanilla notes. Ballantine's Finest is a rather reasonably priced option if you drink it straight or mix it with others. So, this is a great entrance for those starting with the top 20 whisky brands. It’s a versatile choice for bar drinks and can easily be used to create a good cocktail or even a great cocktail.

11. Black Dog

A standout in the whisky world, Black Dog offers a bold yet accessible taste, instantly recognizable by its striking black label. This finely blended Scotch whisky delights the palate with rich notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruits, delivering a smooth, well-rounded experience. Perfect for both newcomers and connoisseurs, it’s a versatile bar drink—savor it neat or elevate your favorite cocktails. Black Dog never disappoints.

12. Johnnie Walker Black Label

Johnnie Walker Black Label is a celebrated name in the whisky world, admired for its remarkable depth and complexity. Crafted from a blend of around 40 different whiskies, it delivers a smooth harmony of dark fruit notes, gentle smokiness, and a touch of sweetness. Though slightly pricier than some budget options, it remains an accessible pick for those looking to experience one of the finest whisky brands. Whether enjoyed at your go-to cocktail bar or from the comfort of home, it’s a staple in bar cocktail drinks and often stars in classic cocktail recipes.

13. Black and White

Black and White is a timeless blend that remains a favourite among whisky lovers. With its smooth, light-bodied profile and gentle notes of fruit and warmth, it’s easy to enjoy anytime, anywhere. Whether sipped neat or mixed into cocktails, it’s often featured in common bar drinks and ranks high among famous bar drinks for its affordability and approachable taste.

14. Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is the epitome of smoothness and richness. At an affordable price, the 12-year-old blend is well-flavoured with honey, vanilla, and ripe fruits. Thus, it gives one a classy drink without breaking the bank. Chivas Regal would be a great choice for a gathering as either neat or in a mix. Well, it goes without saying that it will surely figure on anyone's list of top 20 whisky brands. It’s perfect for creating signature drinks and is a staple in many bar cocktail drinks.

15. Jack Daniel's No.7

f there is any whisky that epitomises the overall American whisky characterization, it is truly not anything else but Jack Daniel's No. 7. So smoother and milder, with a character so perfect for sipping or using in cocktails, this Tennessee whisky would surely make people go crazy for it. The distinctive flavour is due to its charcoal mellowing process. As a crowd favourite, Jack Daniel's often comes at affordable prices, which is one reason why this is on the list of the top 20 best whiskys for 2025. It’s a key ingredient in many top bar drinks and the best cocktails in the world.

16. Jim Beam

Another quality American whisky is Jim Beam, well-known for its iconic bourbon flavour. This legend has a history and offers a fair share of expressions from the most preferred and pocket-friendly, Jim Beam White Label. It has caramel notes and not to forget, hints of vanilla and oak, Jim Beam is excellent in cocktails and can often be seen hanging around every local bar all around the United States of America. Due to its budget-friendly prices, it figures in the top 20 whiskys. It’s a go-to for bar drinks and is often used in popular cocktails.

17. Teacher's

The teacher's is blended Scotch whisky. Sold at ridiculously cheap prices, this is one of the best whisky brands for great value for money. This whisky will have a smoky flavour and glides down the throat. This is a whisky for people who want to experience a full-bodied drink. Though it can be enjoyed pure, you can easily mix it up with some cocktails. With this odd taste profile and price, this is one of the best whisky brands for clients seeking good quality at an affordable price scale. It’s a great addition to any bar drinks menu and can be used to create great cocktail options.

18. Antiquity Blue

There is something remarkable to take away from the Indian whisky landscape in Antiquity Blue, a blended whisky known for its smooth, rich taste, flavoured and noted with honey and fruit. It's very popular among whisky consumers in India as it quite carries a reasonable price tag, making it an unmissable whisky when picking from the best whisky brands without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic choice for bar cocktail drinks and is often featured in common bar drinks.

19 Signature Rare Aged

Crafted with precision and aged to perfection, Signature Rare Aged is a sublime blend of rich flavors and smooth sophistication. Each sip reveals deep notes of caramel, oak, and a hint of spice, delivering an unparalleled tasting experience. Ideal for connoisseurs, this premium whiskey embodies elegance and tradition, making every moment truly exceptional. Raise a glass to rare indulgence.

20 . Blenders Pride

Coming last is Blenders Pride, yet another Indian whisky that has gained popular fan support. Its blend tastes soft and light to blow over with ease or straight out in cocktails. Being an accessible flavour profile that's also reasonably priced, it can be enjoyed socially, well, we see lots in sports bars and cocktail bars. It’s a great option for top-bar drinks and is often used in signature drinks.