Diminishing returns on price

[MaltArfa]

I'm new to the whisky game and increasingly to single malts as my palate develops. Thus far, I've been leaning towards NAS and 10 or 12 year old bottles when I browse and buy, going for those that have offer prices in the low £20s to around £30 that may have had RRPs around £30-£40.

I've tried some lovely bottles so far - Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish; Old Pulteney 12; Abelour 12 Double Cask; Glengoyne 10.

I find myself looking at more expensive bottles at £50, £70 or even much higher and wonder whether these really are worth the extra money for the experience offered...

Is there a price point (or age) for you where know you're going to get excellent value, but beyond which the step up in quality does not follow the exponential increase in the price? Also, how much do things like chill filtering and E150 colouring, that some YouTube reviewers balk at, "spoil" a single malt? Have any of you experienced types gone full circle on this, having tried the really expensive stuff only to return to bottles at your value for money price point?

[arqueturus]

Oh, this is a super interesting post, well done!

Are we talking purely Distillery OB's here? Or do we want to include Indy bottlers?

I think it's natural for your palate to think of £30 as a sweetspot when you start your Whisky Journey but this progresses as you develop knowledge and experience and can detect more nuances and complexity which is often the province of a higher price point which can relate to age but more often volume of spirit produced in my experience.

I'm now around the £60 to £70 when I want something that I find interesting/intriguing/challenging but look back to the £30 to £40 for my good daily drams or sippers.

[Brummie]

The good thing about Scotch whisky is that quality can be found at every price point you mention unfortunately the same goes for poor quality which isn't a big loss at the bottom end of the price range but when I am buying something higher up the price range I like to either taste it if I can or read a reliable review on it rating the whisky as good.

Whisky like most things in life nowadays is subject to what I would call "fake pricing", prices are inflated then the whisky is offered with a dramatic reduction, this is very common in the £20 - £50 price range. It is very common to see a £40 whisky with £15 off. You do get to know the whiskies and brands that do this and I personally stock up on my favourite every day dramming malts when they are on offer.

[DF]

I’ve bought bottles in the past that cost three figures, that have come NOWHERE near the enjoyment or experience of something I’ve picked up for 37 quid at the supermarket, on several occasions. There are some absolute cracking whiskies out there that haven’t fallen foul of over pricing. I know it’s horses for courses and all that, but for me it’s rare to see a direct correlation between enjoyment and price....... so far. Good luck .

[ralfy legend]

I once said I would never pay £80 for a bottle and I think it was Sorren who told me never say never, well I have, my pal managed to get a highland park 18 for £64 which was a cracking dram at a fantastic price, Costco. I found the experience of that and a glenlivit 18 also at £66 a great experience ,