Great whisky doesn’t need to cost a great amount, and we are always on the lookout for the most worthwhile buys. With holiday party season looming, consider one of these whiskies with solid scores, modest prices, and wide availability. For all whiskies reviewed in the Fall 2018 issue, visit our Buying Guide.

The Tyrconnell Original
90 points, 43% ABV, $45

Repackaged at a higher strength, the nose is grassy, with lemon zest, hints of apple and pear, vanilla seeds, almonds, and fresh florals. Light honey and summer fruits, barley notes, and vanilla, becoming juicier over time with base notes of whole spice, before serving up a lemon-and-honey lozenge finish. Very assured, this double-distilled single malt is a must for your Irish whiskey shelf. —Jonny McCormick

Glenfiddich 14 year old Bourbon Barrel Reserve
87 points, 43% ABV, $54

After 14 years in bourbon wood, this was finished in heavily-charred new American oak barrels, sourced from Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky. Malt, vanilla, and fudge on the nose, with ripe apples and lively oak. Toffee, caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon on the palate, while the finish is nutty, with notes of char. The closest Glenfiddich gets to producing a bourbon! —Gavin Smith

Wild Turkey Longbranch
87 points, 43% ABV, $40

Redolent of marshmallow and vanilla, this is restrained on the nose, but revels in pretty sweetness, with peaches and cream, ripe banana, and circus peanuts candies. On the palate, this collaboration with actor Matthew McConaughey betrays some of its Wild Turkey pedigree, capturing the house earthiness. For its modest proof, it pours a bit hot on the palate, with plenty of oak tannins, making it a nice sipper on the rocks or with water. —Jeffery Lindenmuth