Which whisky offers the best value for money? Introducing top picks for highballs and on the rocks.

Even as whisky prices continue to rise, there are surely people who want to know about good value whiskies suitable for everyday drinking.

Since value for money can vary depending on how you drink your whisky—such as in a highball or on the rocks—it's important to choose a whisky that matches your preferred style.

By selecting a variety of whiskies with different flavor profiles—including Japanese whiskies and authentic Scotch—you can expand your options and enjoy more variety.

In this article, we introduce the best value-for-money whiskies by drinking style, focusing on affordable options that are easy to purchase.

Top recommended value-for-money whisky brands for highballs

Here are the best value whisky brands for highballs, one of the most popular ways to enjoy whisky for everyday drinking.

Suntory Kakubin

Image source: https://products.suntory.co.jp/d/4901777284289/

Suntory Kakubin is known as a whisky that is reasonably priced and easily available at convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide.

It features a harmonious blend of vanilla, subtle fruitiness, and a light malt character, resulting in a clean and refreshing taste.

When mixed with soda water, its refreshing citrus-like aroma stands out, making it easy to enjoy glass after glass.

It's a great choice for those who prioritize affordability while still seeking consistent quality.

Types and tastes of Suntory square bottles, and recommended ways to drink them

Nikka Session

Image source: https://www.asahibeer.co.jp/products/whisky_brandy/nikkamaltwhisky/session/session.html

Nikka Session is a blended whisky from Nikka Whisky, made by combining Japanese and Scottish whiskies.

It offers a well-balanced profile of gentle fruitiness, subtle smokiness, and a mild grain-derived sweetness.

When mixed with soda, it has a light aroma and is especially easy to drink.

Even those who aren't fond of strong flavors will find it easy to drink, and it makes an exceptionally well-balanced highball.

Even if the price is higher, this is a recommended choice if you prioritize performance when selecting a whisky for highballs.

What are the characteristics and flavors of Nikka Session? The recommended way to enjoy it is as a highball!

Kirin Whisky Riku

Image source: https://products.kirin.co.jp/alcohol/whisky_brandy/detail.html?id=6485

Kirin Whisky Riku is a high-proof whisky offered at an accessible price point.

It features a light malt character, a hint of toasted aroma, and a clean finish, and is designed specifically with highballs in mind.

When mixed with soda, the gentle malt sweetness and subtle peat notes blend nicely, resulting in a flavor you won't tire of.

It's ideal for those who want to keep costs down for their daily drink, yet are looking to try a new flavor different from the classic Kakubin highball.

Since it is available in a large 4,000ml bottle, you can get even better value compared to buying the standard 500ml size.

Types and flavor profiles of Kirin Whisky Riku, and recommended ways to enjoy it

Ballantine's Finest

Image source: https://www.ballantines.ne.jp/products/finest.html

Ballantine's Finest is one of the most widely distributed and relatively easy-to-find Scotch whiskies.

It offers a balanced combination of floral aromas, honey and toffee-like sweetness, and a touch of light spice.

When made into a highball, it isn't overly sweet, and its elegant aroma is enhanced by the soda, making for a relaxing and enjoyable drink.

Considering its price range, it is affordable yet offers a touch of luxury, making it a great choice for elevating your at-home drinking experience.

Introducing the taste of "Ballantine 's Finest" and recommended ways to drink it

Dewar's 12 years

Image source: https://www.bacardijapan.jp/products/items/dewars-12years-old/

Dewar's 12 Year Old stands out for its high level of refinement compared to other bottles from the same brand, making it a product with excellent value for money.

You can sense notes of honey and vanilla, along with subtle fruity aromas reminiscent of apple and pear, all harmoniously balanced with a gentle malt character and a light smokiness.

When mixed with soda, its fruity notes spread refreshingly, resulting in a highball with a pleasant, lingering finish.

Although the price is slightly higher, it is well worth it for those who want to enjoy a deeper flavor, and it will certainly enhance the quality of your highball.

What is Dewar's? Types, tastes, and recommended ways to drink

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years

Image source: https://www.johnniewalker.com/ja-jp/our-whisky/core-range/johnnie-walker-black-label/

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old, affectionately known as 'Joni Kuro' in Japan, is one of the most iconic Scotch whiskies.

It features notes of citrus and toffee, with a hint of smoke, striking a perfect balance between complexity and drinkability.

When made into a highball, its deep aroma is lifted by the carbonation, and a pleasant, subtle bitterness emerges in the finish.

It's ideal for those who want a higher level of flavor while keeping the price reasonable.

Types, Flavor Profiles, and Recommended Ways to Enjoy Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years

Glen Grant Arboraris

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Glen Grant Arboralis is one of the most affordable single malt Scotches, offering excellent value for money.

It features vibrant fruity aromas, citrus nuances, and a light malt character, with a smooth and appealing taste.

When made into a highball, its fruity notes stand out, resulting in a refreshing drink.

It's recommended for those who want to enjoy a vibrant highball or are looking to make single malt whisky their everyday drink.

What is Glen Grant Arboraris? Introducing the taste and recommended way to drink

Old Crow

Image source: https://products.suntory.co.jp/d/5060045581365/

Old Crow is a bourbon that is relatively affordable and easy to find.

It features notes of corn and caramel, with aromas of vanilla and oak, while remaining light and easy to drink.

When made into a highball, the bourbon's characteristic sweetness and spiciness are refreshingly enhanced by the soda, leaving a clean finish.

While it is sometimes considered difficult to drink straight, it offers excellent value for money when enjoyed as a highball.

Types and Flavors of Old Crow, and Recommended Ways to Enjoy It

Busker

Image source: https://whisk-e.co.jp/products/buskerirish/

The Busker is a relatively new release, but it has quickly gained popularity and is now considered a new staple among Irish whiskies.

You’ll notice a light and clean mouthfeel, gentle fruitiness and cereal sweetness, and a mellow depth of malt that gradually unfolds.

When made into a highball, it delivers a light and refreshing taste, making it especially enjoyable during the warmer months.

Its signature Irish rounded sweetness makes it ideal for those who want to create a lighter highball, and it also pairs well with meals.

This is a top-value brand for highballs that can be recommended not only to whisky lovers but also to those new to Western spirits.

Types and Flavors of Busker (BUSKER), and Recommended Ways to Enjoy

Canadian Club

Image source: https://products.suntory.co.jp/d/080686816072/

Canadian Club is a Canadian whisky that is easy to find in Japan and offers excellent value for money.

Light vanilla and grain sweetness harmonize with subtle barrel aromas, offering a smooth and refreshing taste.

When made into a highball, its gentle sweetness is accentuated by the soda, creating a crisp and refreshing drink.

It's suitable for those who prefer milder flavors or want to enjoy a gentle taste at an affordable price.

Types and Flavors of Canadian Club (C.C.), and Recommended Ways to Enjoy

Top recommended value-for-money whisky brands for drinking on the rocks

If you're looking for cost-effective brands to enjoy in ways other than the classic highball, it's a good idea to allow yourself a slightly higher budget when making your selection.

Here are the best value-for-money whisky brands recommended for drinking on the rocks.

Suntory Old

Image source: https://www.suntory.co.jp/whisky/products/0000000038/0000002351.html

Suntory Old is a whisky that has long been loved in Japan, and despite its luxurious-looking bottle design, it can be purchased at an affordable price.

You can sense vanilla, subtle dried fruits, and a hint of barrel nuances.

When served on the rocks, the slow melting of the ice gently opens up the flavors, softens the alcohol's sharpness, and enhances its smoothness.

It's ideal for those who want to take their time and enjoy whisky with ice.

This is recommended when you want to prioritize keeping costs down while enjoying a consistently high-quality whisky on the rocks.

Types and tastes of Suntory Old, and recommended ways to drink them

Black Nikka Deep Blend

Image source: https://www.asahibeer.co.jp/products/whisky_brandy/nikkablended/blacknikka/48613.html

Black Nikka Deep Blend is a brand that is easily available at convenience stores and supermarkets, yet it offers high quality that makes it easy to enjoy even on the rocks.

You can detect a light peaty note, gentle grain-derived sweetness, and a subtle hint of fruit.

When served on the rocks, the slight dilution from the ice mellows the sharpness and makes it smoother to drink.

It doesn't become too light, retaining just the right depth, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a daily glass of whisky on the rocks.

Types of Black Nikka, Taste, and Recommended Drinking Methods

Chivas Regal 12 years

Image source: https://www.pernod-ricard-japan.com/sp/brands/domestic/whisky/chivasregal/

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old is one of the most iconic blended Scotch whiskies, and it's a product where you can really feel its great value for money.

Honey, citrus, a touch of light smoke, and gentle grain sweetness blend together harmoniously.

As the ice melts, the fruity notes and gentle sweetness gradually spread, leaving a faint bitterness in the finish for a well-balanced flavor.

Recommended for those who want to enjoy a whisky on the rocks that's easy to drink yet still offers a sense of maturity.

Chivas Regal 12 Years Types and Tastes, Recommended Drinking Methods

Glantz Triple Wood 12 Years

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Grant's Triple Wood 12 Year Old is a 12-year-old expression from Grant's, and among whiskies suited for drinking on the rocks, it's an accessible choice.

You can sense fruity sweetness and a light, spicy nuance from the oak.

Chilling it with ice will open up its aroma and highlight its smooth mouthfeel.

Because you can gently experience the changes brought by the ice, it's suitable for those who want to try a slightly more complex flavor on the rocks.

What is Grant's? Types, Flavors, and Recommended Ways to Enjoy

Buffalo Trace

Image source: http://www.meidi-ya.co.jp/goods/alcohol/buffalo_trace/bt01.html#tab2

Buffalo Trace is a bourbon whisky highly regarded for its excellent balance of quality and price.

Caramel, vanilla, nuts, and a touch of light spice blend together nicely.

As the ice melts, the sharpness softens, and the aroma expands, resulting in a smoother mouthfeel.

It has a robust flavor yet is easy to drink, making it recommended for those who want to savor the classic character of bourbon.

Types and Flavors of Buffalo Trace, and Recommended Ways to Enjoy It

Jim Beam Black

Image source: https://www.suntory.co.jp/whisky/products/0000000071/0000003190.html

Jim Beam Black is a premium bottle from Jim Beam, a leading American whiskey brand, and it is also relatively affordable and easy to find.

You can sense vanilla, caramel, barrel aroma, and a hint of smokiness.

As the ice melts just right, the alcohol sensation is subdued, and the sweetness and barrel-derived richness spread smoothly.

It's suitable for those who want to enjoy a bourbon with depth or simply want to casually drink whisky on the rocks as a daily choice.

Types and Flavor Profile of Jim Beam, and Recommended Ways to Enjoy

Gentleman Jack

Image source: https://www.asahibeer.co.jp/products/whisky_brandy/tennessee/jackdaniels/44956.html

Gentleman Jack is known for its exceptionally smooth mouthfeel, making it perfect for drinking on the rocks.

You can sense gentle notes of fruit, vanilla, and oak, with a pleasant aftertaste that lingers.

Chilling it with ice makes the mouthfeel even smoother, allowing its refined sweetness and barrel aroma to gently unfold.

Recommended for those who want to slowly savor a sweet and smooth taste on the rocks.

Types of Gentleman Jack, their tastes, and recommended ways to drink them

Wild Turkey 8-year-old

Image source: https://www.wildturkeybourbon.com/ja-jp/products/wild-turkey-8-yo/

Wild Turkey 8 Year is a distinctive bourbon whiskey known for its robust body and pronounced spiciness.

You can sense notes of vanilla, oak, and strong spices, giving it a bold impression.

As the ice slightly dilutes the drink, the alcohol's sharpness softens, allowing the spiciness and mellow sweetness to spread in a balanced way.

Ideal for those who want to enjoy a bold flavor while still seeking an easy-to-drink whiskey on the rocks.

What is Wild Turkey 8 Year? Explaining its flavor and recommended ways to enjoy it

Bushmills Black Bush

Image source: https://www.asahibeer.co.jp/products/whisky_brandy/irish/bushmills/47804.html

Bushmills Black Bush is an Irish whiskey distinguished by its use of spirits matured in sherry casks.

Dried fruits and nuts from sherry casks blend with a light toffee note, creating a mellow character.

As the ice melts, the sweetness gently spreads, allowing you to gradually enjoy its fruitiness and moderate richness.

Recommended for those who want to casually try the soft, quintessentially Irish flavor on the rocks.

Types and Flavor Profiles of Black Bush, and Recommended Ways to Enjoy It

Crown Royal

Image source: https://www.crownroyal.com/canadian-whisky/crown-royal-deluxe/

Crown Royal is a Canadian whisky known for its mellow and gentle flavor, presented in a distinctive bottle inspired by a crown.

The sweetness of fruit, vanilla, and grains harmonizes to create a light and refreshing impression.

Chilling it with ice gives it a crisp mouthfeel, while the gentle sweetness and barrel aroma gradually unfold.

It's not overly intense, making it suitable for those who want to enjoy it on the rocks with a meal or while relaxing.

Types and Flavors of Crown Royal, and Recommended Ways to Enjoy It

At Last

Finally, we've summarized the whiskeys introduced this time by price range and type, such as Scotch and Japanese.

[List of the Best Value Whiskeys Recommended in the 1,000 to 3,000 Yen Range]

Price Range	Highball (whisky with sparkling water)	On the Rock
1,000 yen range	Suntory Kakubin Kirin Whisky Riku Ballantine's Finest Old Crow Canadian Club	Black Nikka Deep Blend
2,000 yen level	Dewar's 12 years Glen Grant Arboraris Busker	Suntory Old Chivas Regal 12 years Bushmills Black Bush
3,000 yen range	Nikka Session Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years	Glantz Triple Wood 12 Years Buffalo Trace Jim Beam Black Gentleman Jack Wild Turkey 8-year-old Crown Royal

*The above list is based on prices researched at the time of writing. Prices may vary depending on the time of purchase and the store.

[Comprehensive List of the Best Value Whiskeys Covering the World's Five Major Whiskeys]

classification	Highball (whisky with sparkling water)	On the Rock
Japanese	Suntory Kakubin Kirin Whisky Riku Nikka Session	Suntory Old Black Nikka Deep Blend
Scotch	Ballantine's Finest Dewar's 12 years Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years Glen Grant Arboraris	Chivas Regal 12 years Glantz Triple Wood 12 Years
American	Old Crow	Buffalo Trace Jim Beam Black Gentleman Jack Wild Turkey 8-year-old
Irish	Busker	Bushmills Black Bush
Canadian	Canadian Club	Crown Royal

Using the information above as a reference, try finding your favorite cost-effective whisky that's perfect for everyday drinking.