While Bangalore is known as the craft beer capital of India, when it comes to high-quality, affordable alcoholic beverages in India, whisky is the most common type of spirit you will find there. With that said, you can find a great whisky without spending an arm and a leg, as Karnataka has many quality whiskies under ₹1000 that taste great and offer excellent value for money.

If you are having a get-together at home, having a small get-together with friends this weekend, are on a tight budget, or just want to have something safe to drink at home, here is a list of the ten best whiskies priced at less than ₹1000 in Bangalore for 2026. The whiskies listed are all well made, have good flavour, are consistently made to the same level of quality, and can be used in many different recipes. Each whisky on this list has a tasting note and an approximate current price.

Bangalore’s Best Budget Whiskies Under ₹1000 (2026)

1. Royal Challenge Whisky

Price: ₹605 (375 ml)

Royal Challenge remains one of India’s most trusted budget whiskies. Made using Indian grain spirits blended with Scotch malts, it offers a smooth, crowd-pleasing profile.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Caramel, oak, dried fruit
  
  
• Palate: Toffee, honey, mild smoke
  
  
• Finish: Warm, slightly oaky
  

Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water, Royal Challenge is a solid everyday whisky.

2. 8 PM Whisky

Price: ₹620 (750 ml)

Known for its unbeatable value, 8 PM Whisky delivers a surprisingly balanced experience at a very accessible price point.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Vanilla, caramel, light oak
  
  
• Palate: Toffee, dried fruits
  
  
• Finish: Gentle spice
  

This is a versatile whisky that works neat, on the rocks, or in simple whisky cocktails.

3. Bagpiper Whisky

Price: ₹660 (750 ml)

Once India’s highest-selling whisky, Bagpiper continues to hold nostalgic and practical appeal.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Caramelized sugar, dried fruits
  
  
• Palate: Vanilla, toffee, light cinnamon
  
  
• Finish: Smooth and mildly sweet
  

A dependable option for social drinking and long evenings.

4. Amrut Prestige Blended Malt Whisky

Price: ₹860 (750 ml)

No Bangalore whisky list is complete without Amrut. Prestige is one of the best-value offerings from India’s most respected distillery.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Caramel, oak, dried fruit
  
  
• Palate: Toffee, dark chocolate, gentle spice
  
  
• Finish: Long, smooth, faintly smoky
  

This is one of the best whiskies under ₹1000 in Bangalore if you want a slightly premium feel without overspending.

5. Imperial Blue Whisky

Price: ₹960 (750 ml)

Imperial Blue is often overlooked, but it remains a consistent choice for budget-conscious whisky drinkers.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Grain, caramel
  
  
• Palate: Honey, vanilla, mild spice
  
  
• Finish: Clean and approachable
  

Ideal for beginners or casual whisky drinkers.

6. McDowell’s No. 1 Whisky

Price: ₹960 (750 ml)

An iconic Indian whisky with decades of popularity, McDowell’s No. 1 is known for comfort and familiarity.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Oak, caramel, vanilla
  
  
• Palate: Honey, dried fruits
  
  
• Finish: Soft, warming spice
  

A safe, reliable choice for gatherings and celebrations.

7. Signature Rare Aged Supreme Whisky

Price: ₹960 (750 ml)

Signature Rare Aged Supreme stands out in this price range for its use of aged Indian malts and imported Scotch whiskies.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Caramel, dark chocolate
  
  
• Palate: Peat, spice, malt sweetness
  
  
• Finish: Full-bodied and lingering
  

One of the more complex budget whiskies available in Bangalore.

8. Officer’s Choice Blue

Price: ₹957 (750 ml)

Officer’s Choice Blue offers a smoother and more refined profile compared to the standard variant.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Caramel, oak, spice
  
  
• Palate: Clean grain sweetness
  
  
• Finish: Balanced and crisp
  

A popular pick for parties, weddings, and family functions.

9. Director’s Special Black Classic Whisky

Price: ₹755 (750 ml)

Director’s Special Black Classic is often considered one of the best-value whiskies under ₹1000.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Sweet grain, spice
  
  
• Palate: Dried fruits, peppery notes
  
  
• Finish: Smooth and velvety
  

Great for both neat sipping and casual mixing.

10. Black & White 12 Year Old (180 ml)

Price: ₹860 (180 ml)

If you’re curious about aged Scotch-style whisky on a budget, Black & White 12 Year Old offers an accessible entry point.

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Oak, vanilla
  
  
• Palate: Light spice, malt sweetness
  
  
• Finish: Dry, gently oaky
  

Perfect for experimentation or gifting within budget.

Why Budget Whisky Still Makes Sense in 2026

India's whisky market, especially in Karanataka, is a great place to find value and quality in an affordable whisky that can be easily enjoyed. You do not have to pay for the packaging or the "luxury" of being able to buy it at an airport duty-free store to enjoy good quality whisky. 

For both those new to whisky or experienced drinkers looking for an everyday whisky at a reasonable price, you'll find plenty of options in Bangalore for under ₹1000 that offer both quality and value.

Read also: 10 Best European Single Malt Whiskies to Try Next (Beyond Scotland & Ireland)

Final Thoughts

From trusted classics like Royal Challenge and McDowell’s No. 1 to standout options like Amrut Prestige and Signature Rare Aged Supreme, Bangalore has no shortage of wallet-friendly whiskies in 2026. Choose based on your taste preference, smooth, sweet, smoky, or spicy, and enjoy without stretching your budget.