Summer 2021 Best Values: Kilbeggan, Loch Fyll, Starlight Distillery

In each issue of Whisky Advocate, the editors select three great value bottles: whiskies with solid scores, modest prices, and wide availability. For the Summer 2021 issue, an Irish blend and a blended scotch, plus a bourbon, all ranked as Best Values.

Check out the Buying Guide for a complete list of whiskies reviewed in the Summer 2021 issue.

High Scores, Low Prices: Best Value Whiskies

Kilbeggan Traditional Blended Irish
90 points, 40%, $25

Cereal-led aromas on a classic Irish whiskey nose with wood shavings, straw, crisp spices, hints of honey, burlap, extra virgin olive oil, and other savory notes. A scrumptious palate of lemon, white chocolate, soft-serve vanilla ice cream, and sweet honey followed by tangerine, gentle peppery spices, hints of lemon and lime, and an ebullient spicy aftertaste. Perfect for a lazy Sunday: There’s very little wrong with this. —Jonny McCormick

Loch Fyll Blended Scotch
88 points, 43%, $20

Bakery shop character throughout, starting with raspberry thumbprint cookies, hazelnuts, orange peel, and crème brûlée on the nose. The creamy palate is sweet with black and white cookie, frosted vanilla cake, coconut pudding, and chocolate-covered frozen banana, finishing with more of the same. Balanced and well textured, with a simplicity that’s easy to enjoy. —Susannah Skiver Barton

Starlight Distillery Carl T. Huber Signature Indiana Straight (Batch 0217)
88 points, 46%, $35

From Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards in Indiana comes this well-made whiskey with elements of originality and surprise. Hickory wood spice, cinnamon candy, and coffee cake on the nose. The palate is full of spice with some tropical fruit—mango and guava—plus good balance and body. These notes shine brighter without water. Guava carries over to the palate where it’s joined by mint, more cinnamon, and oak. This is one to keep an eye on as stocks mature. —Ted Simmons

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