Best Whiskey Under $500 in 2025

Best Whiskey Under $500 in 2025

They say money talks, and in the whiskey world, it certainly does. You don’t have to splurge for a solid bottle, but stepping into the high-end range opens the door to incredible craftsmanship, rare editions, and flavors that really command attention.

Not every bottle reaches this level, which is why we’ve rounded up the best whiskey under $500. These picks bring complexity in flavor, masterful production, and limited-edition releases that make each bottle an experience worth savoring. All the bottles listed below are available on Flaviar.

Curious for more options? Explore our guide to the best whiskey bottles and see what’s worth adding to your collection

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Our Best Whiskey Under $500 List 2025

Whiskey under $500 is where the adventure begins. These bottles bring layered flavors, daring finishes, and unforgettable character, perfect for those who love exploring the heights of whiskey craftsmanship.

Blanton's Gold Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Blanton's Gold Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1.

Blanton's Gold Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blanton's
About Blanton's Gold Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The first thing people point out is how beautiful this bottle is, but when they try the juice within, that’s all they talk about. It’s complex, sweet, and quite superb with its rich notes of oak and fruit. Now, it’s pretty tough getting one of these as everyone, and their...

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$401.99
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

2.

Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Yamazaki
About Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.   Shinjiro Torii, the father of Japanese Whisky founded Suntory in 1923 by opening the first distillery in Japan, called Yamazaki. Shinjiro, who started out as a pharmaceutical wholesaler and later Wine importer had found his passion for Whisky after discovering...

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$215.99
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color
Dark gold with gold highlights.
 
Nose / Aroma / Smell
Floral character, jasmine, cinnamon, candied orange, peach and red apple. Plenty of nut oils and tropical fruits.
 
Flavor / Taste / Palate
Full-bodied and smooth. Sweet with vanilla, citrus notes with an undercurrent of spice just underneath all the candied notes balancing dusty cigarette ash and cedarwood dryness.
 
Finish
Lingering with fruit and spice notes. Woody and sweet - dried apricots, peaches, pineapple.
W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

3.

W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

W.L. Weller
· 750ml · 45% ABV
About W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

A rich and sweet Wheated Bourbon at an exceptional value with specs to die for. The name "Weller" has been around the horn a few times. It all started with the Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company — founded in 1935 and closed in 1972 during the famous "Whiskey...

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$286.99
W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color
Warm Amber

Nose / Aroma / Smell
The aromas are remarkable and rich delivering notes of cinnamon, vanilla, caramel/ butterscotch, and wood.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
The flavors come in distinct waves in notes of spice cake, leather, mint, vanilla, and exotic fruits.

Finish
When sipped neat, the finish is long and downright elegant with a nice warmth of heavy oak and sweetness.

Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon
Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon

4.

Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon

W.L. Weller
· 750ml · 57% ABV
About Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon

A flavor rockstar… a Bourbon bomb… a perfect dram. The name "Weller" has been around the horn a few times. It all started with the Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company — founded in 1935 and closed in 1972 during the famous "Whiskey Recession." The had a bunch of great brands when they...

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$286.99
Weller Full Proof Wheated Bourbon Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color
Warm Amber

Nose / Aroma / Smell
The aromas are powerful and complex — you get everything from stone fruits to leather and baking spices with plenty of oak.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
If you can take it neat — and many men cannot — the mouth waters with intense notes of english toffee and apricot with a rich mouth feel. With ice, the flavors open up in delectable waves of pecan praline and dark chocolate.

Finish
The finish is long and lingering — making a full glass a seamless and continual experience from first sip to the last.

High West A Midwinter Night's Dram
High West A Midwinter Night's Dram

5.

High West A Midwinter Night's Dram

High West
· 750ml · 49.3% ABV
About High West A Midwinter Night's Dram

It’s cold, it’s damp…and frankly, it feels like spring and summer are taking their sweet ol’ time to get here. Before you get all mopey on us, look on the Rye side: High West Distillery has a dram that’s dedicated to just that very thing. This Rye blend...

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$209.99

How to Choose the Best Whiskey Under $500?

Spending up to $500 on a whiskey is a serious decision, so it pays to think it through. Start with the style that excites you, whether it’s a rich Bourbon, a layered Scotch, or a spirited Irish whiskey. Then start exploring the flavors that catch your attention, from smoky to fruity or floral. Finally, see if a limited-edition release fits your plans, as rare bottles can add an extra thrill to your collection.

Best Way to Enjoy a Whiskey Under $500

Whiskey under $500 is perfect for memorable moments. Sip it neat to explore the full depth of flavors, or experiment in classic cocktails to experience how each layer unfolds with every taste.

What Occasions to Spend Under $500 on a Whiskey?

The best whiskey under $500 turns any celebration into an event. Crack open a bottle for milestones, big wins, or just because you feel like treating yourself and your friends to something memorable.

What to Expect at the $500 Price Range?

Whiskeys around $500 show off extended aging, rare cask finishes, and complex flavor layers, from toasted oak and dried fruits to warming spices and subtle citrus notes. You can also find lots of limited-edition bottles at this price range, giving you access to exclusive flavors.

What Other Price Ranges for Whiskey Are There?

Whiskey comes in all kinds of price points, starting with the best whiskey under $50, perfect for casual sipping or mixing into cocktails. Move up to the best whiskey under $100 and best whiskey under $200, where you’ll find richer flavors, layered notes, and more adventurous finishes that show off the craft and creativity behind each bottle.

Notable Whiskey Brands Under $500

Among whiskeys under $500, Blanton’s offers single-barrel Bourbon with rich, layered flavors. Alternatively, Yamazaki has a global reputation for its careful aging and complex taste profile.

More Top Whiskey Options Under $500