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?
3 years ago I would have been able to buy an 18yo from at least 18 distilleries for that money, 2 years ago that reduced to 14, last year 13 and this year it's back up to 14.
18yo prices haven't gone up as much as last year and surprisingly there have been a lot of reductions.
Largest increases:
The largest increase in the year 2023-2024 came from Bowmore: a 26% increase from £99 to £125.
Glenmorangie, Auchentoshan and Glenfiddich follow a little bit behind with increases of 16%, 13% and 12% respectively, but both of the last two bottles are still under £100.
Smallest increases:
There were actually 12 decreases in my survey and 10 prices stayed the same.
The smallest increase (largest decrease) in the year 2022-2023 was from Glen Scotia: a 20% decrease from £125 to £100. Back inside the £100 limit!
Tamdhu 18yo reduced by 10% and Glen Grant, Tomatin and Deanston also reduced their prices, by a more modest 7%
Tamdhu 18yo reduced by 10% and Glen Grant, Tomatin and Deanston also reduced their prices, by a more modest 7%
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, anCnoc, Auchentoshan, Loch Lomond, Ledaig, Arran & Glen Scotia.
Macallan still have the most expensive 'standard' 18yo at £350 (down from £360 last year), but Dalmore are catching up!
Price changes 2021 to 2024:
Note: all prices were taken from a major online retailer excluding any special offers, discounts or delivery.
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