Whisky Prices 2025 - 18yos

Each September I complete a survey, recording the prices of a distillery's 18yo - a standard bottle which you might buy for a special occasion like a birthday.

This year's results are in - let's see how things have changed.

I remember receiving a bottle of 18yo Glenfiddich as a leaving present when I left a job a few years back - a special occasion and a special bottle of whisky - I was surprised and pleased.

But could I afford to buy a bottle of that 18yo now? Everyone has their own 'limit' on what they will spend on a bottle of whisky - everyone's circumstances and values are different. But for a special occasion you might splash out a little more and a bottle of 18yo single malt fits that category.

Personally I have a limit of £100, based on the knowledge that there are loads of great whiskies available at less than that, so why pay any more?

4 years ago I would have been able to buy an 18yo from at least 18 distilleries for that money, 3 years ago that reduced to 14, 2 years ago that reduced to 13 and this year it's down to 12.

18yo prices have gone up by an average of 5% since last year but surprisingly there have been a few reductions.

Largest increases:

The largest increase in the year 2024-2025 came from Tomintoul: a 63% increase from £83 to £135.

Glen Scotia, Tamdhu and Auchentoshan follow with increases of 28%, 26% and 25% respectively.

Smallest increases:

There were actually 6 decreases in my survey and 10 prices stayed the same.

The smallest increase (largest decrease) in the year 2024-2025 was from Glengoyne: a 16% decrease from £143 to £120.

Bunnahabhain 18yo reduced by 13% and Glen Grant, Glenrothes and Glenlivet also reduced their prices, by a more modest 7%, 6% and 5% respectively.

Price Table:

Jura still has the cheapest 18yo but at 44% ABV it won't be appearing on my shopping list anytime soon. My minimum 46% ABV for less than £100 is only met by Deanston, Glen Moray, Speyburn, Loch Lomond, anCnoc, Ledaig & Arran

Macallan still have the most expensive 'standard' 18yo at £399 (up from £350 last year), but Dalmore are catching up at £325 (up from £300 last year)!

Price changes 2021 to 2025:

Only 2 18yo's have come down in price in the last 5 years, most have had moderate increases but Dalmore and Talisker are taking the piss!

Note: all prices were taken from a major online retailer excluding any special offers, discounts or delivery.