The Whisky List has given its verdict on 10 delicious whiskies around the $100 mark that are equally at home in the glasses of beginners as aficionados and represent a particularly good value right now.

Here are TWL’s Editor Emma Cookson’s reviews of the 10 drams …

M&H Classic Israeli Single Malt ($99)

“Matured in the hot climates of Tel Aviv, M&H Classic Single Malt Whisky is made using the finest Ex-Bourbon casks and special Red Wine STR (Shaved-Toasted-Re-charred) casks, giving it a light and balanced character. A smooth, easy-drinking Classic single malt whisky, this dram is kosher certified and the basis for their World Whisky Award Winning Sherry Cask expression.”

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Single Malt ($109)

“An unusually unpeated Islay dram, this 12 year old bottling was originally launched in 1979 with some older versions still floating around the market the only noticable change over the decades has been an increase in ABV with the modern core release being bottled at 46.3%. This whisky is double matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks for a minimum combined total of 12 years (as the name suggests), is non chill filtered and has no colouring added.”

Remnant Golden Fleece Tasmanian Single Malt ($99)

“This whisky comes from a rocky past, being salvaged from the Nant Distillery by Peter Bignell and the team at Belgrove Distillery. Nowadays these former investor casks are carefully vatted together to showcase the quality of spirit that was being produced while also giving closure to the original investors. The Golden Fleece was created by marrying 14 casks of ex-American Oak Bourbon and ex-Australian Sherry (Apera). The youngest component casks are, as far as could be ascertained, at least 10 years old. Bottled at 45% ABV in 500ml sized bottle, it’s probably the best value Aussie whisky around!”

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old Single Malt ($89)

“At just five years old, Wee Beastie is a feisty young creature with a formidable taste. Ardbeg’s whisky creators set out to make the rawest, smokiest Ardbeg ever and the result is Wee Beastie. This tongue-tingling, beautifully smoky dram is the youngest Ardbeg they’ve ever made and is part of their core releases. Matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, the Wee Beastie is perfect for enjoying neat or as the mouth-watering main ingredient in cocktails (I recommend a smoky Whisky Sour!).”

Coastal Stone Nor’Easter Australian Single Malt ($100)

“A smooth & aromatic Australian single malt whisky with maritime influences from the Sydney coast. Manly Spirits have taken inspiration from their surroundings when producing their whiskies and the Nor’Easter is no exception. Intended to be an affordable local dram, this people pleaser is perfect for sipping neat or mixing however you like. Hot tip: it’s the perfect whisky to pair with fresh pressed apple juice for a refreshingly cool drink over summer!”

Penelope Four Grain Straight Bourbon ($99)

“America is experiencing a major boom in craft whiskey and while most of it is consumed by local demand, our friends at Orrsum Spirits have a talent for picking some of the best new American whiskey and bringing it down under. A brilliant example of this is the Penelope Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a blend of 3 Bourbon mash bills sourced from MGP, comprised of four grains; corn, wheat, rye and malt and aged in barrels made with #4 staves and #2 heads (charring level). It’s our pick for a top quality Bourbon around $100.”

Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Cask Finish Single Malt ($99)

“Part of a core range series all finished in bold red wine casks, the Rioja is the first expression released under it and has already become a staple Ledaig to have at home. Rioja wine hails from Spain and boasts a rich fruit-forward flavour profile with some soft herbal notes, and the casks lend that fruitiness as well as a soft pink hue to the smoky whisky. If you haven’t tried a wine cask finished peated whisky, this is a great one to demonstrate how the two styles are a match made in heaven!”

Glenglassaugh 12 Year Old Single Malt ($119)

“The flagship of Glenglassaugh’s new core range, and the oldest whisky released from distillation after they re-opened the distillery in 2008. This approachable dram crafted by the legendary Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie, has been matured in bourbon, sherry and red wine casks, creating luscious waves of ripe fruit carried on an ocean breeze.”

GlenDronach 12 Year Old Single Malt ($90)

“It’s no secret that the TWL team are big fans of GlenDronach (we’re far from unique in that regard) as a lot of ‘serious’ whisky drinkers already know it’s some of the best value sherried whisky out there. After spending 12 years in ex-Pedro Ximenez and Ex-Oloroso Sherry casks, GlenDronach 12yo is a perfect introduction to Sherry cask single malts or to premium whisky in general. This classic Scottish whisky has been a mainstay on this list for the past five years and will continue to be a must-have for any beginner and established whisky bar!”

Woodford Reserve Bourbon ($59.99)

“Based on a historical American whiskey recipe, the Woodford Reserve Bourbon is the most affordable and one of the most versatile whiskies on this list. While the team at Woodford state that this whiskey is comprised of over 200 flavour notes, there’s only one you really need to know – it’s delicious. My personal go-to for an Old Fashioned cocktail, this whiskey is the every-occasion accessible dram that is worth having on hand.”

View The Whisky List’s top 10 whiskies around $50 here