An honest opinion from Don Luxo, whisky collector & enthusiast
This is one of the most common questions I get—not just from beginners, but even from people who’ve been enjoying whisky for years:
“Is expensive whisky really worth it?”
Or even more directly: “Does it actually taste better than the cheap ones?”
As someone who has tasted and collected whiskies from €20 entry-level blends to rare bottles worth over €2,000, I’ll give you my honest, unfiltered answer.
🥃 Sometimes… Yes. But not always.
I’ve had “cheap” whiskies that surprised me. A bottle under €30 can absolutely be enjoyable—especially if it’s well-balanced, fresh, or smoky in just the right way. There are some great everyday bottles that punch way above their price tag.
On the other hand, I’ve also tasted expensive whiskies that didn’t impress me. Fancy packaging, big names, and limited releases don’t always mean better flavor. Sometimes, the hype exceeds the reality.
🧠 But here’s where expensive whisky can shine:
- Complexity. Older, well-aged whisky often has more layers: dried fruits, oak spice, smoke, chocolate, leather… you discover more with every sip.
- Mouthfeel. The texture is often smoother, creamier, more refined.
- Finish. The aftertaste lingers longer, and the evolution on your palate is richer.
- Rarity & storytelling. Some bottles aren’t just about taste—they’re about time, history, and craftsmanship. That adds value, even if it’s not purely “flavor.”
🍷 My personal approach as Don Luxo:
I don’t buy whisky just because it’s expensive. I collect and enjoy bottles that have soul—whether they cost €35 or €350. I believe whisky should bring joy, not just sit on a shelf.
I keep a few affordable bottles I always come back to (like Benromach 10, Laphroaig Select, or GlenDronach 12), and I open the rare ones on special occasions—because whisky is made to be shared, not locked away forever.
And yes—sometimes the expensive bottles truly blow me away. But they don’t always.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Expensive whisky isn’t always better—just different. If you’re new to whisky, don’t be afraid to try cheaper bottles first. Train your palate. Learn what you like. Then, when you do taste something rare or costly, you’ll know the difference—and you’ll enjoy it even more.
Sincerely,
Don Luxo
Collector | Founder | Whisky Lover
Luxo Wine Museum Kaba
