We’re all secretly searching for it aren’t we. You know… that whisky that costs about 60 odd bucks and somehow punches way above its weight, or speaks to you on a level that you only usually find in top-flight whiskies.

Track down that dram and you’re done. You can check out of the whisky rat race and retire a happy chappy…

I’m still searching to be honest, but a few at our affordable whisky tasting last month would certainly fill the gap whilst the search continues.

This was a lineup of nine affordable, sherry influenced drams spanning about $50 to $100.

Did they offer exemplary sherry cask maturation - well, no.

But what they did offer was a lineup of interesting, well crafted whiskies - after all, let’s not forget that these drams are the result of hundreds of years of whisky making heritage. This doesn’t just evaporate when the price point drops.

There was certainly a lot to be said about these whiskies (just look at write ups on the board) and they commonly offered texture, sweetness and outright quafablility.

What’s more, and arguably more importantly - they achieved what all whisky somehow does. They brought a bunch of like minded people together, lubricated an element of social rapport and stimulated friendship and fun.

I’m hoping the search continues as, let’s face it - sometimes it’s more about the journey than the destination...

Here’s how the whiskies fared on the night (click to purchase) - a tight pack one might say.

Johnnie Walker Black 40% 6.81
Jura Winter Edition Sherry Cask Finish 40% 7.13
Naked Malt Blended Malt Scotch Whiskey 6.6
Bowmore 10yo Dark & Intense 1 Litre 40% 7.07
Glenturret Sherry Cask Edition 43% 7.06
Tomintoul 'Seiridh' Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish 40% Mystery whisky 7.39
Glencadam Reserva Andalucia Oloroso Cask Finish 46% 7.33
Glen Moray Elgin Classic Sherry Cask Finish 6.91
Tamnavulin Double Cask Single Malt Whisky 40% 7.29