You’ve seen this brown liquid in many a bar or club. Whisky is a an alcoholic beverage that is very commercially available; however, more often than not, we see the same few bottles around. I’ve done some statistical analysis from 47 locations (as of 29 Feb 2024) to determine what are some of the most common drinks available in bars, as well as their pricing trends. These locations range from restaurants and bistros to super fancy specialty whisky bars that provide an online menu.
Give this article a read and find out what the top 10 most common whiskies available in Singapore bars are! Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post but a statistics post that hopefully grows with data collection.
1. Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder comes in as the crowd (more like, bar) favourite; shots and bottles are being sold in a large number of bars and restaurants, and it is also present in several clubs. Most retailers and distributors also stock Monkey Shoulder at very affordable prices.
The menus from 31 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $14
90th Percentile Price: $24
Median Price: $18
In all sincerity, for a single shot of monkey shoulder at these prices, I would probably pay no more than $10 at a bar. As a happy hour housepour, Monkey Shoulder is still somewhat reasonable.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $159
90th Percentile Price: $310
Median Price: $218
The online sale prices from 41 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Monkey Shoulder 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $64.90
90th Percentile Price: $95
Median Price: $75
I’ve tried Monkey Shoulder at one of the Cellar Fiesta events held by Cellarbration; the nose came across as a nice sweet banana but taste-wise, it strikes as an unimpressive, malty-nutty blend.
I would suggest that a cocktail utilizing a blended scotch would stretch your dollar and enhance the taste experience overall, like a Rob Roy or a Rusty Nail.
2. Glenfiddich 12
This single malt whisky is probably the first single malt whisky that most people try in their lives; while basic all around, it goes down well most ways, but is generally unimpressive. Glenfiddich 12 is probably the most common single malt scotch on the market.
The menus from 27 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $15
90th Percentile Price: $26
Median Price: $20
Interesting data here is that for the few locations explicitly offering 45ml and 60ml pours, prices average around $24.50 to $26 so searching for locations offering 60ml pours can be very worthwhile if you’re looking for Glenfiddich 12 served neat.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $167
90th Percentile Price: $293
Median Price: $225
The online sale prices from 43 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Glenfiddich 12 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $78
90th Percentile Price: $110
Median Price: $91
The first time I bought Glenfiddich 12, I intended for it to be drunk neat but it ended up as a party drink with a group of JC friends. I can see the appeal of the drink; for the undeveloped palate, it can come across as a rather genial introductory drink with light, sweet fruity notes. For the developed palate, it definitely comes across as generic with light flavour.
Glenfiddich 12 as a dram, probably not. There are many other single malt scotches available at 30ml pours for the same price with more complexity and depth in flavour.
3. Balvenie 12 Doublewood
This single malt whisky is slightly less common than the Glenfiddich 12 but definitely a standout bottle; the shape is slightly stockier and the taste is generally that of light and sweet fruit. Definitely a go-to option for a gentle single malt scotch.
The menus from 24 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $16.40
90th Percentile Price: $28
Median Price: $20
Balvenie 12 has a fair number of locations offering a Gentleman’s pour of 45ml with the 90th percentile price being $28; if a place charges high for a 30ml pour, chances are you can get more for the same price elsewhere.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $205
90th Percentile Price: $328
Median Price: $280
Clearly Balvenie 12 is seen as a fairly premium spirit here.
The online sale prices from 45 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Balvenie 12 Doublewood 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $107
90th Percentile Price: $147
Median Price: $120
Balvenie 12 Doublewood has a large sherry component which gives it more complexity, like the Glenfiddich 12. A price range of $20-24 would be a reasonable price for a glass.
Check out our review of the Balvenie 12 Doublewood here!
4. Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The Maker’s Mark bourbon is quite a crowd-pleaser; much less rough on the palate, bringing out the mellow vanillic, oaky sweetness characteristic of a bourbon. It is a very entry-level bourbon that should not burst a budget.
The menus from 22 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $14.70
90th Percentile Price: $21.30
Median Price: $18
While a few locations offer a 45ml pour, the median score points towards $20; definitely a drink that should be purchased closer to the lower end of the range.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $183
90th Percentile Price: $315
Median Price: $235
Clearly Balvenie 12 is seen as a fairly premium spirit here.
The online sale prices from 32 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon 8 year 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $64
90th Percentile Price: $97
Median Price: $72
Maker’s Mark on my undeveloped palate came across as vanillic and fruity, in an almost fruitcake manner. My first bottle of Maker’s Mark had a few dashes into a King’s Cup; to be fair, it is a very decent drink for newcomers to bourbon. Less common bourbons do have a strong advantage over Maker’s Mark when it comes to the intensity of bourbon character: oaky vanilla.
5. Macallan 12 Double Cask
The Macallan 12 Double Cask strikes me as a typical sherried whisky; well-rounded, with balanced elements of fruit, wood, and nuttiness. Definitely something more character, but the price tag tends to wave people away. The 12 year Double Cask is by no means an extremely premium spirit, with a rather high commonality and variance in price.
The menus from 22 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $17.60
90th Percentile Price: $31.20
Median Price: $22
There are outlier locations that push the percentiles up, however, there are locations that offer 45 and 60ml pours that are well within the price range of 30ml pours. Those provide equitable value in comparison.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $224
90th Percentile Price: $430
Median Price: $299
Price-wise, the Macallan brand boosts the overall pricing of the bottles.
The online sale prices from 28 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Macallan 12 year Double Cask 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $109
90th Percentile Price: $175
Median Price: $146.50
Funny story, but the first time I tried the Macallan 12 Double Cask was in a siam diu when I was celebrating a cousin’s birthday together. Definitely had an undeveloped palate then and the Macallan 12 Double Cask was very much a standout compared to most other affordable whiskies. If you’re buying it for your own drinking pleasure, there are stronger, more developed sherries at a similar price out there in the market and potentially at cask strength. A dram for the novelty and pictures, certainly a fair price to pay.
6. Glenfiddich 15
The Glenfiddich 15 and Glenfiddich 18 both share the same spot as the 6th most popular drink; personally I’m putting 15 in front because it’s nicer to count in the order of 12, 15, then 18 at the end. We’re saving the best for last; the Glenfiddich 15 is one that leverages the characteristics of the cask. Strong oaky notes, a more moderate to full body, with hints of sherry and bourbon sweetness. I’ve tried this earlier in my whisky journey with a less developed palate, and I can say that the potent oakiness is not for everyone.
The menus from 19 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $16.40
90th Percentile Price: $30.60
Median Price: $22
Similarly priced to the Macallan 12. The 10th percentile for a Gentleman’s pour is significantly higher, making 30ml pours close to the 10th percentile price of a high value.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $231
90th Percentile Price: $325
Median Price: $260
The prices of the Glenfiddich 15 are certainly not as inflated as the Macallan 12 prices listed above, but definitely a distinct character compared to it.
The online sale prices from 43 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Glenfiddich 15 year 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $101
90th Percentile Price: $155
Median Price: $124
The first time I ordered the Glenfiddich 12, a 50ml sampler of the Glenfiddich 15 came along with it. I shared it with a friend to get a more balanced opinion but it seems like based on the wood character, it didn’t really fit either of our profiles. For those chasing a more rich or medium-full bodied drink with slightly more tannic, woody and fruity components, worthwhile to get a 30ml pour in the sub $20 price ranges.
7. Glenfiddich 18
The Glenfiddich 18 is the most impressive of the age statement Glenfiddich; not as wild as the other experimental Glenfiddichs, such as the Glenfiddich IPA, with classic Scotch character. Fragrant, with distinct elements of sweet bourbon vanilla and sherried fruitiness and nuttiness. The Glenfiddich 12, 15, and 18 normally come as a threesome in stores and online.
The menus from 19 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $22
90th Percentile Price: $46
Median Price: $28
It’s almost part and parcel that with increases in age statements, so too do the prices increase. The Glenfiddich 18 would be a worthwhile spend, but only at the low $20s in my opinion. Funny enough, for 45 and 60ml pours, the low-end range costs significantly higher than 30ml pours, but the high-end range is very similar. A double pour may be worth your money if you’re in need of a long drink and want to experience the full changes in character in your drink.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $310
90th Percentile Price: $514
Median Price: $368
Prices are wild. For the Glenfiddich 18, a shot’s worth is probably the best because this is a drink that you will want to enjoy for the flavour of the spirit.
The online sale prices from 40 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Glenfiddich 18 year 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $139
90th Percentile Price: $155
Median Price: $205
I’ve only ever drank Glenfiddich 18 from a friend; his father enjoys buying Glenfiddich’s from the DFS, so far both times, the character of the Glenfiddich 18 is well preserved and it comes across as a very pleasant drink. Worth keeping as a house drink if you want something with higher availability, multiple retailers and distributors, and non-cask strength. A cask strength variation would definitely be interesting.
8. Johnnie Walker Black
The Johnnie Walker Black is, despite not being the cheapest Johnnie Walker on the market, probably the first Johnnie Walker most people will try. It will also be a light introduction to peat or the “smoky“ flavour one experiences. Johnnie Walker Black Label’s peat strikes me as being gentle to moderate, with hints of underlying fruity sweetness that creeps up the more it lingers on the tongue.
The menus from 18 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $14
90th Percentile Price: $23.10
Median Price: $18
A steep price to pay for a peated drink, dram-wise you would be better off paying for a good peated single malt Scotch whisky.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $148
90th Percentile Price: $250
Median Price: $198
The online sale prices from 43 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 years 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $56
90th Percentile Price: $70.10
Median Price: $62
Johnnie Walker Black definitely was my first Johnnie Walker ever drunk, but in my honest opinion, an appreciation of peaty flavours requires a developed palate. Like acquired taste, one should experience a diverse number of peated whiskies at different strengths to develop their personal sense or peaty spectrum. As a party drink or a cheap home drink, definitely viable. Outside, get a better peated drink; there’s soooo many out there in the market.
9. Lagavulin 16
The Lagavulin 16 is prominent among many of the Islay whiskies that would come to introduce the flavour of peat to the masses. A single malt Scotch whisky, the Lagavulin 16 brings a peaty package that provides clear distinct flavours of peat, meat, and vegetal sweetness.
The menus from 17 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $17.80
90th Percentile Price: $32.10
Median Price: $28
The Lagavulin 16 is definitely a worthwhile spend if you’re looking for a consistent peated spirit, but only at the low $20s in my opinion. Similar to the Glenfiddich 18, for 45 and 60ml pours, the low-end range costs significantly higher than 30ml pours, but the high-end range is very similar. A double pour would be wise if you’re looking to stretch your dollar on a long, peaty drink to end the night.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $295
90th Percentile Price: $377.8
Median Price: $325
Definitely on the more premium end, but peated drinks are hard to drink fast. Bottles may not be a wise buy unless sharing with a group or keeping at a locker/shelf.
The online sale prices from 36 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Lagavulin 16 year 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $135
90th Percentile Price: $183
Median Price: $154
The first time I tried Lagavulin 16 was at the Cellarbration at The Rail Mall; I went through almost the entire selection available. Lagavulin 16 was by far the most prominent peated drink of that night and I would strongly recommend a try if you ever have the opportunity to get a dram at the low $20s. The body and character is vastly different from the Johnnie Walker Black Label.
10. Jameson Irish Blended Whiskey
The Jameson Irish Whiskey is probably the most common Irish whiskey, due to it’s blended nature. I hold it in similar regard to other blended Scotches like Monkey Shoulder, Johnnie Walker, and Chivas; as a straight drink, probably not very characterful, and you’ll find it oftentimes in a mixed drink more than anything.
The menus from 17 locations in operation were used for data analysis here.
Bar Shot Prices
10th Percentile Price: $14
90th Percentile Price: $21
Median Price: $14.50
You’ll be a very funny individual if you purchase Jameson neat or on-the-rocks. Not just people, but probably the leprechauns will be laughing as you part hands with your money. Similar to Monkey Shoulder, as a housepour for $10 during Happy Hour, maybe. Best in a cocktail where dilution with water and sweetness is more prominent will help it shine.
Bar Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $150
90th Percentile Price: $258
Median Price: $200
The bottles are good for simulating a bigger, more expensive, and spicier Heineken.
The online sale prices from 34 websites in operation were used for data analysis here.
Jameson Irish Whiskey 700ml Bottle Prices
10th Percentile Price: $54
90th Percentile Price: $70
Median Price: $62
For a party drink, anywhere from $50-60 to create experimental mixed drinks is reasonable in my opinion. If you’re looking for Irish whiskies to drink by themselves, plenty of other brands with more character are available in the market.
What is worth buying?
Just because drinks are common doesn’t necessary mean they are bad, and rather than listening or reading a review, drinks are meant to be drunk. Try the same whisky across different time points of your whisky journey, and I’m sure you’ll find out more about the flavours as your palate develops.
With the namesake of Nakama Spirits, the last thing I would want friends and comrades to do would be to spend money on drinks that they do not like or hold poor value. If I were to make any recommendations from this list, I would suggest trying the Maker’s Mark, Glenfiddich 18, and the Lagavulin 16 in a glass.
As always, have a nice day.
