One of the starkest changes to single malts that I have seen in the last 10 years is the dramatic rise of their retail prices. I suppose it’s the natural response to an increase in demand but that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it. Lagavulin 16, for example, is currently retailing at Binny’s for $94.99. If memory serves me, 10 years ago Lagavulin 16 retailed at Sam’s for about $55.00; this is about a 75% increase over 10 years. I think all hosts would agree with me that the price increases have really put a strain on our quarterly meeting budgets, but perhaps there is some hope out there.

Although many single malts have vacated the “affordable” price point for the $60-$80 price range, thankfully, there remain some excellent value buys out there. I set my “value buy” price ceiling at $45 and decided to see what you could still buy out there; if anything. I felt the psychological pain of the $50 price point and wanted to keep the prices closer to $40 then to $50 which is why I settled on my limit as $45 and I found a number of excellent single malts with unbelievably good value. Each of these high-quality single malts can be purchased at Binny’s for less than $45 some of them are under $40 even!

    “Bop’s Select”

  • Highland Park 12
  • Clynelish 14
  • Old Pulteney 12
  • Glen Moray 12
  • Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve
  • Laphroaig 10
  • The Macallan 12