5 Affordable Whiskies (2026)

There have been some serious shifts in the global whisky market over the past year. Between rising costs of living, ongoing alcohol excise increases in Australia, and changes to global distribution, you’d be forgiven for thinking that genuinely affordable whisky no longer exists. The good news? It does — if you know where to look. Each year, I put together a list of affordable whiskies that are cheap enough to be considered good value, but still enjoyable neat, not just as mixers. For 2026, that sweet spot remains under $80 AUD, with many of these bottles regularly appearing closer to $70 if you keep an eye on sales. Thanks to a bit of a glut in the whisky market and some interesting distribution shifts, there are still some excellent bargains out there. Before we dive in, honourable mentions go to whiskies from last year’s list that continue to represent great value year after year: Glen Moray’s Classic range, Spey River, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, and 36 South. All remain…