Uisge Beatha Whisky prices compared

Cask strength whisky

A cask strength whisky is bottled at the strength it came from the cask, rather than reduced with water to a standard strength. Its ABV can therefore vary between batches, and the label states the batch strength. This page lists cask-strength bottles in stock at the UK retailers we check, including Arran, Highland Park, Glenfarclas, GlenAllachie, Maker’s Mark and Indri.

Adding water to taste is normal. Cask strength does not mean single cask, and these whiskies are usually non-chill-filtered rather than always so. For dilution ratios, warehouse physics and how strength varies by batch, see our guide to cask strength whisky.

Prices are the best current in-stock offer from the UK retailers we check (how we compare prices).

122 bottles in stock, with the best current price from the UK retailers we check.

Learn more on Whiskipedia

Questions

What is the cheapest cask strength whisky?
The cheapest cask strength whisky is Peats Beast Batch Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (52.1% ABV, 70cl), at £44.95 from Hard To Find Whisky. That is £50.90 delivered to the UK mainland for one bottle. Next cheapest: The Ileach Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (£44.95) and Old Perth Cask Strength Sherry Cask Matured Blended Malt Sco Whisky (£45.50).
How much does cask strength whisky cost?
Cask strength whisky costs from £44.95 to £2,450.00, with a median of £95.95 for a full-size bottle. The dearest is Lagavulin 200th Anniversary Islay Single Malt Scotch 25 year old Whisky.
What is the oldest cask strength whisky you can buy?
Linkwood 2016 Special Release Single Malt Scotch 1978 37 year old Whisky, at 37 years old, from £999.95.
What does cask strength mean?
The whisky was not diluted with water to a standard strength before bottling. There is no fixed minimum strength for the term: an old cask can fall to just above 40% and still be bottled at cask strength.
Why does cask strength vary from batch to batch?
Every cask loses spirit to evaporation (the angels’ share) at its own rate, depending on its size and age and on the warehouse temperature and humidity. In Scotland the loss is about 1% to 2% a year and strength usually falls. In dry climates like Kentucky’s, more water than alcohol can evaporate, so bourbon often gets stronger in the barrel.
How much water should I add to cask strength whisky?
As a rule of thumb, one part water to three parts whisky takes a 60% ABV whisky down to about 45%. Adding it a few drops at a time lets you find the strength you prefer.
Is single cask the same as cask strength?
No. Single cask means the whisky came from one cask; cask strength means it wasn’t diluted. Most single casks are bottled at cask strength, but many cask strength whiskies are vattings of several casks.