Last updated: 30 October 2026. Prices are correct at the time of update and may change. All picks below were in stock when we updated this guide.
Whether you are a seasoned whisky enthusiast or just beginning your single malt journey, you can find a quality bottle for under $100 in New Zealand. At Whiskey Online we have picked six single malts under $100 that are in stock now and delivered throughout New Zealand.
What is Single Malt Whisky?
Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley at a single distillery and, for Scotch, aged in oak casks for at least three years. Unlike blended whisky, single malts carry the distinct character of their region and distillery, which makes every bottle different. Scotch single malts are the most famous, but Japan, Ireland and other countries also produce excellent examples.
Quick Comparison
| Whisky | Price | Style | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt | $94.99 | Light and fruity | Isle of Arran, Scotland |
| Laphroaig 10 Year Old | $85.99 | Smoky and peaty | Islay, Scotland |
| Highland Park 12 Year Old Viking Honour | $88.99 | Honey with light smoke | Orkney, Scotland |
| Glendronach 12 Year Old Sherry Cask | $97.99 | Rich and sherried | Highlands, Scotland |
| Talisker 10 Year Old | $94.99 | Maritime and spicy | Isle of Skye, Scotland |
| Glenmorangie 12 Year Old The Original 1L | $99.99 | Classic and elegant | Highlands, Scotland |
1. Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt: $94.99
Arran 10 Year Old is a bright, fruity Island single malt from the Isle of Arran, bottled at 46% without chill filtration for extra texture. Expect fresh citrus, green apple and vanilla with a touch of sweet spice. It is an easy, modern style that suits both new and experienced drinkers.
Tasting notes: Citrus, green apple, vanilla, soft spice
Region: Isle of Arran, Scotland
ABV: 46%
Shop Arran 10YO at Whiskey Online
2. Laphroaig 10 Year Old: $85.99
If you love bold, smoky whisky, Laphroaig 10 Year Old is a must. Made on the Isle of Islay, it delivers intense peat smoke, sea salt and iodine, followed by a surprisingly sweet vanilla finish. It is one of the most distinctive whiskies in the world and one of the best value Islay malts in New Zealand.
Tasting notes: Peat smoke, sea salt, iodine, vanilla
Region: Islay, Scotland
ABV: 40%
Shop Laphroaig 10YO at Whiskey Online
3. Highland Park 12 Year Old Viking Honour: $88.99
Highland Park 12 Year Old comes from Orkney, Scotland's northernmost whisky island. Matured in sherry seasoned European and American oak, it balances heather honey and dried fruit with gentle aromatic peat smoke. It won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024 and Gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2024.
Tasting notes: Heather honey, orange, fruitcake, light smoke
Region: Orkney, Scotland
ABV: 40%
Shop Highland Park 12YO at Whiskey Online
4. Glendronach 12 Year Old Sherry Cask: $97.99
Glendronach is famous for sherry cask whisky. The 12 Year Old is matured in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks, giving a rich, rounded Highland malt with dried fruit, raisin and warm spice. If you like a dessert style dram after dinner, this is the bottle to try.
Tasting notes: Raisin, dried fruit, toffee, warm spice
Region: Highlands, Scotland
ABV: 43%
Shop Glendronach 12YO at Whiskey Online
5. Talisker 10 Year Old: $94.99
Made on the rugged Isle of Skye, Talisker 10 Year Old is one of the most iconic single malts in the world. It combines maritime saltiness, warming black pepper and a long, smoky finish. Bold, complex and unique, it is a bottle every whisky lover should try at least once. Note this is the 750ml bottle.
Tasting notes: Sea salt, black pepper, peat smoke, dried fruit
Region: Isle of Skye, Scotland
ABV: 45.8%
Shop Talisker 10YO at Whiskey Online
6. Glenmorangie 12 Year Old The Original 1L: $99.99
Glenmorangie has the tallest stills in Scotland, which create a light, floral and elegant spirit. The Original is aged in American white oak ex bourbon casks for honey, peach and citrus in a silky smooth package. At this price you get a full 1 litre bottle, making it excellent value.
Tasting notes: Honey, peach, vanilla, citrus
Region: Highlands, Scotland
ABV: 40%
Shop Glenmorangie 12YO 1L at Whiskey Online
How to Choose the Right Single Malt for You
| If you like | Try |
|---|---|
| Light and fruity | Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt |
| Smoky and peaty | Laphroaig 10 Year Old |
| Honey with light smoke | Highland Park 12 Year Old Viking Honour |
| Rich and sherried | Glendronach 12 Year Old Sherry Cask |
| Maritime and spicy | Talisker 10 Year Old |
| Classic and elegant | Glenmorangie 12 Year Old The Original 1L |
Want to compare the two most famous smoky Islay malts? Read Laphroaig 10 vs Ardbeg 10. On a tighter budget, Laphroaig Oak Select is a softer, sweeter introduction to peated Islay whisky for well under $100.
Tips for Enjoying Single Malt Whisky
Neat or with a drop of water? A few drops of still water can open up the aromas and flavours, especially in higher strength whiskies such as Arran 10 and Talisker 10. Try it both ways and see which you prefer.
Glassware matters. A tulip shaped nosing glass such as the Glencairn concentrates the aromas and makes a noticeable difference. Whiskey Online stocks Glencairn glasses if you want to upgrade.
Temperature. Room temperature is ideal for most single malts. Ice dulls the aromas, so save it for a highball.
Storage. Store whisky upright and away from direct sunlight. Unlike wine, whisky does not keep maturing once bottled, so there is no need to wait to open it.
Shop Single Malt Whisky Online in NZ
Whiskey Online stocks one of New Zealand's largest ranges of single malt Scotch, Japanese, Irish and world whiskies. Many of our spirits are direct imported and sold at wholesale prices. Delivery is included on orders over $250, and you must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol. See our shipping and refund policy for delivery times and rates.
