What Are the Best Whiskey‘s You Can Buy at Walmart? Here Are My Top 5 Picks

Hey friend! If you enjoy sipping on a nice whiskey, you‘ve probably wondered which bottles are actually worth buying at a big retailer like Walmart. Their prices are definitely appealing, but how‘s the quality?

Well after extensive research and tasting, I‘m here to report that Walmart actually offers some seriously amazing whiskies! I‘ll share my top 5 favorite picks that you can grab for an absolute steal during your next Walmart run.

These are whiskies I‘d be delighted to serve at a party or relax with neat after a long day. And the best part? Most are under $30! Keep reading for the full list.

Why Walmart is Surprisingly Great for Buying Whiskey

Now I know you might be skeptical about buying liquor at a superstore like Walmart. But during my exploration of their whiskey selection, I was thoroughly impressed!

Here‘s why Walmart is actually a smart place to buy whiskey:

• Low prices: Walmart‘s massive buying power lets them offer rock-bottom prices that smaller liquor stores can‘t match. For example, you can get a 1.75 L bottle of quality bourbon for less than $60. At a typical liquor store, you‘d pay $75 or more.

• Price matching: Walmart offers price matching if you find the same whiskey cheaper somewhere else. This guarantees you get the best deal.

• Huge selection: A typical Walmart liquor section has 30+ whiskey options spanning all major categories: bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, and more. Lots of variety!

• Rare/limited releases: Surprisingly, Walmart often gets limited edition and small batch whiskeys that sell out fast elsewhere. For instance, they had Old Forester Birthday Bourbon which can be hard to find.

• Online ordering and delivery: Many locations allow you to buy whiskey online and pick up in store or get it delivered. Super convenient!

So don‘t overlook Walmart when stocking your home bar. Let‘s look at 5 amazing whiskies I recommend grabbing on your next trip.

1. Jack Daniel‘s Tennessee Fire Whiskey

Best for: Cocktail mixing
Price: $2.27 (50 mL)
Awards: N/A

If you‘re a fan of spicy Fireball or Goldschlager, I think you‘ll really enjoy Jack Daniel‘s Tennessee Fire. The iconic Jack Daniel‘s impart its signature smoothness, then it‘s amped up with intense fiery cinnamon flavors.

Here are a few tips if you‘re considering a bottle:

• This is technically a cinnamon liqueur, not a straight whiskey. Jack Daniel‘s takes their standard Old No. 7 whiskey and blends it with cinnamon extracts to create the Fire.

• On the nose, you‘ll smell plenty of hot cinnamon along with notes of clove, allspice, and vanilla.

• Flavor-wise, it starts out sweet with vanilla and maple syrup tones before the cinnamon heat kicks in. There‘s a warming tingle that lingers on the finish. It reminds me of those addictive Hot Tamales candies!

• While delicious sipped straight over ice, Fire truly excels as a mixer. It makes a mean Fireball and Cola or pairs perfectly with apple cider for a "Fire Cider." I also like using it in place of grenadine in cocktails.

• At 70 proof, this has slightly less alcohol burn than something like 99-proof Fireball. I find it a tad more drinkable, though still nice and spicy.

• Walmart sells this in 50 mL minis for just over $2. It‘s perfect for trying it out or throwing in your flask as an on-the-go mixer.

Overall, if you dig spicy cinnamon whiskey, I highly recommend picking up some Jack Daniel‘s Tennessee Fire next time you‘re at Walmart. Let me know what you think!

2. Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch

Best for: Sipping or mixing
Price: $31.97 (750 mL)
Awards:

• Double Gold, San Francisco Spirits Competition 2018
• 95 Points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017

When it comes to affordable yet luxurious blended Scotch, you simply can‘t beat Johnnie Walker Black Label. This is hands down one of the best whiskeys under $35.

Here‘s what you need to know about this staple bar pour:

• Johnnie Walker proudly boasts that they use whiskies aged a minimum of 12 years for Black Label. That‘s pretty exceptional maturity for the price.

• To achieve the complex flavor profile, they expertly blend malt and grain whiskies from Scotland‘s four whisky-making regions: Lowlands, Highlands, Islay, and Speyside.

• On the nose, you‘ll enjoy some light smoke along with rich dried fruit – think apricot, fig, and sultana raisin. There‘s a touch of sea salt brininess too.

• Flavors tend toward sweet cream, vanilla, peppery spice, and fresh citrus. It has nice weight and viscosity on the palate.

• The finish is smooth and warming with a subtle smokiness. This is a sippable whisky you won‘t need to mix.

• While delicious neat or with an ice cube, it really excels as an affordable yet delicious mixer. Use it for whisky cocktails in place of a basic blended Scotch.

For less than $32 per 750 mL bottle, Johnnie Black is quite simply one of the top bang-for-your-buck whiskies at Walmart or anywhere else. Keep a bottle on hand for whenever the mood strikes!

3. Buchanan‘s 12 Year Old Blended Scotch

Best for: Sipping or gifts
Price: $28.98 (750 mL)
Awards:

• Gold Medal, 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• 96 Points, 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

If you‘re looking for a quality sipping Scotch, Buchanan‘s 12 Year Old is a fantastic option that won‘t demolish your budget.

Here‘s why this 12-year-old blend stands out:

• It‘s aged far longer than most blended Scotch whiskies, which are typically aged 5-7 years only. Those extra aging years impart richer flavors.

• The blend includes both malt whiskies (made from 100% malted barley) and lighter grain whiskies (made using more wheat and corn).

• Additionally, they finish the blend in sherry casks. This adds lovely dried fruit sweetness.

• On the nose, you‘ll detect honey, citrus, floral blossoms, and a waft of sherry.

• Flavors tend toward orange chocolate, baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and dried red fruits.

• It has a nice weighty, creamy mouthfeel and a smooth finish with lingering sherry sweetness.

• This makes a fine gift bottle or a nice step up for someone wanting to explore premium Scotch. Offer it neat or over ice.

For under $30, Buchanan‘s 12 Year Old is tough to beat. The elegant, complex flavors rival much pricier Scotches. Keep this bottle handy for entertaining fellow whisky aficionados.

4. Crown Royal Regal Apple Flavored Whisky

Best for: Mixing
Price: $23.98 (750 mL)
Awards: N/A

In the mood for an easy-sipping flavored whiskey? Check out Crown Royal Regal Apple. This combines Crown Royal‘s signature smooth, creamy Canadian whisky with flavors of fresh Gala apples.

Here‘s the scoop on this fan favorite:

• The base whisky is Crown‘s top-selling Crown Royal Deluxe blend. It brings hints of oak, vanilla, and spice.

• They infuse the blend with Regal Gala apple flavors. These apples offer notes of ripened red apples, cinnamon, allspice, and lively citrus.

• You‘ll notice bright, juicy apple aromas upfront. On the palate, sweet apple and tart apple skin flavors mingle with Crown‘s vanilla and baking spices.

• It has a silky, smooth mouthfeel that isn‘t overly syrupy like some flavored whiskies. The finish is quick and clean.

• Enjoy Crown Apple neat over ice for casual sipping. It also mixes deliciously into fall-inspired cocktails.

• As a 70 proof liqueur, this goes down easy. It‘s ideal for sharing with friends who don‘t regularly drink whiskey.

At just $24 for a 750 mL bottle, this is one of the most affordable and tasty flavored whiskies at Walmart. Keep it stocked for sweet apple mixes all autumn and winter long.

5. Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon

Best for: Sipping
Price: $59.98 (1.75 L)
Awards:

• Double Gold, 2013 San Francisco Spirits Competition
• Gold Medal, 2014 International Whisky Competition

When you‘re craving a truly top-shelf bourbon but don‘t want to spend $80+ on a bottle, pick up Woodford Reserve at Walmart. This beloved small-batch Kentucky bourbon has won legions of fans thanks to its balance, complexity, and flavor depth.

Here‘s what you need to know about this whiskey:

• It‘s produced at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery founded in 1812 – the oldest distillery site in Kentucky.

• This bourbon ages for a minimum of 7 years in charred oak barrels, longer than many inexpensive bourbons.

• The mashbill uses 72% corn along with rye and malted barley. It‘s also distilled in copper pot stills, an important point of distinction.

• You‘ll notice alluring aromas of vanilla, chocolate, cherry, roasted nuts, and tobacco leaf.

• On the palate, there are lovely layers of maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried fig, and cocoa. So robust for the price.

• The finish is smooth, warm, and satisfying. This 90-proof bourbon goes down very easily neat or over ice.

While delicious sipped on its own, Woodford Reserve also elevates any bourbon cocktail. Old Fashioneds and Manhattans are sublime with this small batch bourbon.

At Costco or BevMo, a 1.75 L bottle costs over $70. But at Walmart, you can snag it for around $60. Now that‘s a steal!

Walmart vs. Other Retailers for Buying Whiskey

As you can see, Walmart has some sensational whiskies on offer. But how does buying it there compare to other national retail chains?

Here‘s a quick comparison of Walmart vs. other major whiskey retailers:

Walmart

• Prices 20-40% cheaper on average
• Price matching policy guarantees the lowest price
• Wide selection of 30-40+ major whiskey brands and styles
• Often carries rare/limited release bottles
• Helpful staff but less whiskey expertise than specialty shops
• Online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery available

Target

• Pricing very similar to Walmart‘s
• Large stores carry 20-30 whiskey selections
• Smaller footprint stores have more limited range
• Helpful mobile app to locate inventory
• Staff knowledge about whiskey can be mixed

Costco

• Excellent prices, especially on large format (1.75 L) bottles
• Carries major brands but more limited diversity (10-15 options)
• Kirkland brand bourbon is a top value pick
• Free samples let you taste before you buy
• Requires a membership to shop there

Total Wine

• Marketed as the ultimate adult beverage store so huge whiskey selection
• Prices very competitive but not always the absolute lowest
• Staff are knowledgeable about spirits
• Frequent sales, coupons, and store picks
• Locations not as ubiquitous as Walmart

Local Liquor Store

• Hand-curated selection by the owner means unique finds
• Higher prices than chains but often worth it for rare bottles
• Owners and staff provide excellent recommendations
• Smaller inventory but can special order bottles
• Not always convenient locations

The Bottom Line: Don‘t Overlook Walmart for Great Whiskey

After all this, what‘s the verdict? Is Walmart a good place to buy whiskey? The answer is a resounding yes!

Walmart simply can‘t be beaten if you want incredible whiskies at bargain bin prices. We‘re talking big savings of 20% or more compared to other retailers.

While the selection isn‘t as vast as specialized liquor stores, there‘s still excellent variety across all major whiskey categories. And Walmart often carries limited editions you won‘t find elsewhere.

Don‘t let the bargain prices make you think the whiskies are bottom shelf quality either. Premium award winners like Johnnie Walker Black and Woodford Reserve taste like a million bucks.

Next time you need to restock your home bar, check Walmart first. Grab one of my top five recommended bottles or explore and find a new favorite.

Here‘s to amazing whiskies that won‘t demolish your wallet! Cheers, my friend!