According to Fitch Solutions, a data and research firm, the alcoholic beverages sector in Singapore is projected to recover in 2021, with spending expected to grow 2.6 percent annually over the medium term (2021-2025).
It’s likely that whiskey will be a significant part of that growth. Unfortunately, buying a bottle of whiskey in Singapore isn’t cheap.
Based on the list of the top 10 most expensive countries to buy alcohol in, you may have to think outside the box to find a quality bottle of whiskey at a great price. One way to do this is to buy whiskey from alternative whiskey producing countries that offer excellent whiskey at a reasonable price.
1. India
$ 80- $ 120 for selected single malt whiskey (70cl)
Similar to Japan, whiskey lovers have recently become interested in Indian spirits. There are a good handful of excellent whiskey distilleries in India that have won major awards recently, such as Amrut and Paul John.
Coming especially from Bangalore and Goa, the hot climate is said to allow these single malt whiskeys to mature quickly and fill them with intense aromas.
While there aren’t many online retailers offering a wide variety of Indian whiskey, it’s a growing category. Singaporean whiskey enthusiasts should keep an eye out for Indian whiskey brands on the shelves.
2. Sweden
$ 100- $ 155 for selected single malt whiskey (70cl)
Distilling spirits is no stranger to Swedes, but their foray into whiskey didn’t begin until the late 20th century. There are just over a dozen distilleries in Sweden that have made a name for themselves, such as the award-winning brands Mackmrya and Box Distillery.
Since barley is often distilled with juniper and peat, many Swedish distilleries offer single malt whiskey with herbal notes. You will also find many distilleries in the area that age their whiskey with Swedish oak and add spicier flavor profiles to your glass.
While finding a bottle from Sweden isn’t as easy as it is in other countries on this list, you can still find some alcohol vendors selling Swedish whiskey on their shelves.
3. Japan
$ 85- $ 200 for selected single malt whiskey (70cl)
Without a doubt, Japanese whiskey paved the way for unconventional international single malts to gain a foothold in the world market – which is why we have them number one on our list.
After winning a number of international competitions in the early 2000s, whiskey drinkers around the world are calling for unique international brands to add to their collections.
These days consumer demand for Japanese whiskey is sky high, which means you may end up paying an extra premium for popular bottles. However, given the huge global demand, online retailers in Singapore are working overtime to stock the shelves.
This means that it is also not uncommon to find regular promotions at reasonable prices on these bottles. So if you’re lucky, you might find a bottle of excellent Japanese whiskey for under $ 100.
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4. Taiwan
$ 99- $ 150 for selected single malt whiskey (70cl)
Just a stone’s throw from Japan’s whiskey Cinderella history is Taiwan, which has recently made a name for itself in the whiskey world. As in India, Taiwan’s hot and humid climate accelerates the ripening process and produces award-winning whiskey.
Although relatively new to the whiskey world, there are two globally recognized brands from Taiwan, Kavalan and Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation. Taiwanese whiskey is growing in popularity in Singapore, so prices are slightly higher than some of the other countries on this list. However, Taiwanese whiskey is still an affordable addition to your Scotch whiskey collection.
5. France
$ 90- $ 145 for selected single malt whiskey (70cl)
From Bordeaux to Burgundy to Champagne, France is considered one of the leading wine-growing countries in the world.
But what about whiskey? This may come as a surprise, but France has been producing whiskey for over a hundred years and consuming more whiskey per capita than any other country.
Dwarfed by its cute older sister, the wine, you may not have noticed. That being said, you can find high quality blended and single malts in Singapore that will complement your whiskey cabinet and not blow your wallet.
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This article was first published in ValueChampion.
