Is It Worth Buying Premium Liquor? A Guide to When to Splurge and When to Save in Busselton
Some premium spirits are absolutely worth it, others, not so much. Learn when to invest in top-shelf alcohol and when a well-priced bottle will do the job just fine.
Not All Expensive Liquor Is Created Equal
When it comes to premium alcohol in Busselton, price tags don’t always tell the full story. At Brew Plus, we stock both top-shelf spirits and exceptional value picks, and knowing when to splurge or save can make all the difference to your drinking experience.
While it’s easy to assume that a higher price means higher quality, the truth is more nuanced. Some premium bottles absolutely earn their reputation, offering superior ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and complex flavours worth savouring. Others? You might just be paying for a fancy label and clever marketing.
This guide is here to help you sort the hype from the heritage. Whether you're exploring the best whisky in Busselton, shopping for a special gift, or just stocking the bar for the weekend, we’ll break down when it’s smart to invest in premium spirits, and when a great mid-range bottle will more than do the trick.
You’ll also find expert picks from our shelves, from top-shelf whiskies to budget-friendly gins and cocktail-ready vodkas, all handpicked by our team right here in Busselton.
Because at Brew Plus, we believe smart drinking isn’t about spending more, it’s about knowing what’s in your glass, and why it matters.
What Makes a Spirit “Premium”?
Not all spirits are created equal, and premium doesn’t just mean expensive. Whether you’re eyeing a $100 bottle of whisky or a sleekly packaged gin, understanding what actually makes a spirit “premium” can help you spend smarter. Here's what to look for behind the price tag.
Ingredients and Craftsmanship
At the heart of any top-shelf spirit is attention to detail, starting with what goes into the bottle. Premium distillers often use:
Higher-quality base ingredients, like single-origin grains, organic botanicals, or hand-harvested sugarcane
Small-batch production methods, ensuring better control and consistency
Traditional techniques, such as copper pot distillation or slow fermentation for depth of flavour
These elements aren’t just buzzwords, they translate into a cleaner, smoother, more complex spirit that you’ll actually taste.
Ageing and Maturation
For spirits like whisky, rum, and brandy, time plays a critical role. The longer a spirit ages in oak barrels, the more it interacts with the wood, developing deeper flavour, colour, and character.
Aged whisky can offer rich layers of vanilla, spice, dried fruit, or smoke
Well-matured rums bring warmth and sweetness, often ideal for sipping neat
Barrel types (e.g., American oak, sherry casks) also influence taste in subtle ways
That said, age isn’t everything, some younger spirits crafted with care can outshine older ones made at scale.
Branding and Rarity
Let’s be honest: packaging and prestige can drive up the price. Limited releases, imported names, and collector bottles often cost more, but that doesn’t always mean they taste better.
You're sometimes paying for design, hype, or heritage rather than liquid quality
Limited-edition bottlings or rare imports may appeal to enthusiasts or collectors
However, some excellent local craft spirits deliver premium quality without the global markup
If you’re ever unsure, just ask. At Brew Plus, our team can help you spot the difference between a worthy investment and clever marketing.
When to Splurge on Premium Spirits
Sometimes, going top-shelf isn’t just worth it, it transforms the entire drinking experience. Whether you’re sipping slowly, celebrating big, or hosting something special, here’s when premium spirits truly earn their place on the shelf.
Sipping Neat or On the Rocks
If you're planning to enjoy your spirit straight, with nothing but a glass and a moment, quality matters. There’s nowhere to hide poor craftsmanship when you’re sipping neat.
For these occasions, it’s worth investing in:
Single malt or aged whisky, where every year of maturation adds complexity
Small-batch tequila or mezcal, offering pure agave flavour with subtle smoke or spice
Premium brandy or cognac, with velvety mouthfeel and long, lingering finishes
These are the spirits designed to be savoured, not mixed. And at Brew Plus, we stock some of the best whisky in Busselton for this very purpose.
Gifting or Special Occasions
Whether you're celebrating a milestone or thanking a client, a bottle of premium liquor sends a clear message: taste matters.
Top-shelf picks are ideal for:
Birthday or anniversary gifts
Corporate gifting with impact
Weddings, engagements, or retirement milestones
Elegant packaging, rarity, and impressive flavour all make premium bottles perfect for meaningful moments. Our team can even help you select something memorable from our curated gift-ready options.
Hosting a Tasting or Premium Pairing
Planning a whisky night or a dinner party with matched drinks? Premium spirits shine in structured tastings, where the goal is flavour discovery, not just pouring drinks.
You might explore:
Vertical tastings of aged whiskies from the same distillery
Food pairings with gin or vodka showcasing botanical notes
Cocktail flights using ultra-premium base spirits to elevate the experience
Events like these don’t just impress, they educate and inspire. Want help building your premium lineup? Ask our team, we’ll help you match bottles to your occasion.
When to Save and Go with Mid-Range or Budget Options
Premium isn’t always necessary. In fact, some of the best value for money can be found in well-made mid-range spirits, especially when you’re mixing drinks, catering for crowds, or just looking for a reliable everyday bottle. Here’s when it makes sense to save.
Cocktails and Mixed Drinks
If your spirit is getting dressed up with juice, soda, or syrups, you don’t need the fanciest bottle in the room. A quality mid-range base will do the job beautifully without overpowering or being wasted in the mix.
Smart places to save:
Vodka for espresso martinis or spritzes
Gin for G&Ts or negronis
Rum for mojitos or daiquiris
Tequila for margaritas or palomas
Many bartenders agree, it’s the balance of flavour that matters more than the brand name when mixing. And at Brew Plus, we’ve handpicked affordable spirits that punch above their price point and play well in any cocktail.
Large Events or Casual Gatherings
When you’re pouring for a crowd, volume and versatility count. Choosing mid-range or budget-friendly bottles means more people can enjoy a drink, without draining your budget.
Ideal for:
BBQs, birthdays, and backyard sessions
Weddings and engagement parties
Holiday entertaining and long weekends
Look for smooth, sessionable spirits that work across multiple drinks, like a light gin, mellow whisky, or easy-drinking vodka.
Need help planning quantities or mix ideas? We can help, Brew Plus caters for events and offers expert advice on stocking up for every occasion.
Everyday Sippers or “Go-To” House Spirits
You don’t need to break the bank for a nightly nip or an easy weekend drink. Many mid-range bottles offer great consistency, smooth flavour, and surprising depth, making them perfect for regular rotation.
Popular picks include:
Australian gins with local botanicals
Blended Scotch whiskies with soft peat and spice
Clean vodkas ideal for sipping or mixing
We’ve even created a Budget-Friendly Picks section below, highlighting standout bottles under $70 that won’t disappoint.
Brew Plus Recommends: Worth-the-Splurge Bottles
If you’re ready to treat yourself or find a gift that genuinely impresses, these premium spirits are worth every cent. Selected by the team at Brew Plus, these bottles represent the best of craftsmanship, flavour, and prestige, no hype required.
Best Whisky in Busselton for Serious Sipping
Whether you’re building a top-shelf collection or chasing a whisky worthy of slow enjoyment, these are some of the finest you’ll find on the shelf in Busselton:
| Whisky | Why It’s Worth It | Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12YO 700ml | Matured in two types of oak, this Speyside classic is rich, smooth, and beautifully balanced with notes of dried fruit and spice. | $$ |
| Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve 700ml | A premium Japanese whisky with delicate floral notes, citrus, and a subtle hint of smoke — elegant and complex. | $$$ |
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12YO 700ml | Aged in Caribbean rum casks, this rare Scotch offers layered notes of toffee, fig, and exotic spice. Truly special. | $$$$ |
Available now in-store, ask our team about limited availability and pairing suggestions.
Premium Gins and Vodkas That Are Worth It
When clarity, botanical depth, and smoothness matter, these bottles shine:
Gin: Try Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin — a seasonal Australian release that combines gin botanicals with Shiraz grape infusion. Unique and bursting with flavour.
Vodka: Grey Goose remains a classic for a reason — distilled in France using soft winter wheat and spring water, it’s ultra-smooth and ideal for sipping or luxe cocktails.
Looking for something local? Chat to us about Margaret River Distilling Co. gins (remove Margaret River Distilling Co and insert something like “some locally made brands”), small-batch and full of West Aussie flavour.
Special Occasion Sparkling or Liqueurs
Celebrate properly with bottles that bring both flavour and festive flair:
Idée Fixe Premier Brut – Crafted by Vasse Felix, this refined méthode traditionnelle sparkler is WA’s first dedicated champagne-style house. Crisp, elegant, and distinctly Margaret River – perfect for toasting milestones in true local style.
Swan River Distillery Limoncello – Zesty, handcrafted, and refreshingly vibrant. This locally made liqueur is a stunning after-dinner sipper or a bright addition to cocktails and desserts.
Disaronno Originale – Iconic Italian almond liqueur with sweet, marzipan richness. Delicious on the rocks or in cocktails.
These premium bottles are hand-selected and often stocked in limited quantities, so if something catches your eye, visit Brew Plus in West Busselton or get in touch for availability.
Brew Plus Budget-Friendly Picks That Still Impress
You don’t need to spend big to drink well. At Brew Plus, we’ve handpicked a range of budget-friendly bottles that consistently outperform their price tags. Whether you’re restocking the home bar or hosting a crowd, these options offer real value — without compromising on taste.
Top Spirits Under $70
Here are three standout spirits under $70 that deliver smooth flavour, brand reliability, and solid versatility, perfect for everyday sipping or mixing.
| Spirit | Why It’s Great | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Margaret River Spirits Classic Botanical Gin 700ml | A local small-batch gin that offers bright citrus, native botanicals, and a clean finish — ideal for classic G&Ts. | Under $70 |
| BELVEDERE Vodka 700ml | Polish rye vodka with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel — perfect in cocktails or neat. Premium feel at a competitive price. | Under $70 |
| Appleton Estate Signature Blend Rum 700ml | A rich Jamaican rum with notes of spice, toasted oak, and dried fruit. Excellent for mojitos, rum punch, or sipping. | Under $70 |
Available in-store, look out for these on the Weekly Specials page for even better value.
Mid-Range Whisky That Delivers Big Flavour
Not every whisky needs a triple-digit price tag to impress. These mid-range picks offer complexity and balance at a smart price point.
| Whisky | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Archie Rose Double Malt Whisky 700ml | Australian-crafted with roasted malted barley and heritage rye, layered, warming, and award-winning. View on Archie Rose |
| Monkey Shoulder Scotch 700ml | A smooth, mellow blend of Speyside malts. Great in cocktails or enjoyed neat, approachable and flavour-packed. |
| Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky 700ml | Light, subtly sweet, and ideal for highballs. A fantastic introduction to Japanese whisky. |
Ask our team in-store for tasting notes and pairing suggestions, we love helping whisky lovers discover new favourites.
Affordable Mixers and Cocktail Bases
Stretch your drinks budget further by choosing reliable mixers and base spirits that deliver on both quality and quantity.
Try:
House pour bundles – Pre-selected spirit and mixer combos for popular cocktails (e.g., vodka + soda, gin + tonic)
Store-brand mixers – Great taste without the markup; ideal for parties and casual gatherings
Cocktail kits – Occasionally featured in our specials section, including recipes and everything you need to shake things up
Need help choosing the right combo? Just ask, we’ll help you build your bar without breaking the bank.
How to Taste the Difference for Yourself
Still wondering whether premium liquor is worth the splurge? The best way to find out is to taste it for yourself. Whether you're a curious sipper or building a refined palate, these tips will help you compare spirits with confidence, and make smarter buying decisions.
Try a Side-by-Side Comparison
The most effective way to learn what separates budget from premium is by doing a tasting. Line up two versions of the same spirit, one entry-level, one top-shelf, and compare them in the same style of glass.
What to focus on:
Aroma – Is it clean, sharp, rich, or complex?
Mouthfeel – Smooth and silky, or thin and harsh?
Finish – How long do the flavours linger?
Balance – Do the flavours work together, or does one overpower?
You don’t need to be an expert, just trust your senses. Over time, you’ll naturally start to notice which styles and qualities matter most to you.
Ask the Experts at Brew Plus
Not sure what to compare or where to start? That’s what we’re here for.
The team at Brew Plus are not just friendly, we’re passionate about helping locals and visitors explore better drinking. Whether you’re chasing a smoky single malt, a clean gin for your G&Ts, or the best-value vodka for cocktails, we’ll help guide your pick based on what you like, not just what’s trending.
We can even help you build your own mini tasting lineup at home, from premium sippers to great-value standouts.
Watch for Tasting Events and Specials
Want to try before you buy? Keep an eye on our Weekly Specials page and in-store posters for upcoming tastings, staff picks, and new arrivals.
We often run:
Free tasting events for featured spirits
Limited-release showcases from Australian and international distillers
Educational sessions where you can ask questions and learn more about what’s in your glass
Follow us on social media or drop in-store to see what’s coming up next, it’s a great way to explore, learn, and maybe find a new favourite.
Smart Drinking Means Knowing When to Invest
Premium liquor isn’t always better, but when it’s made well, enjoyed the right way, and chosen for the right reason, it can absolutely be worth the extra spend. The key is knowing what you’re paying for, what suits your needs, and when a quality mid-range bottle might actually be the smarter pick.
Whether you're buying a bottle to savour neat, stocking up for a celebration, or just mixing up Friday night cocktails, the Brew Plus team is here to help you find the right fit, flavour, budget, and occasion all considered.
As your go-to bottle shop in Busselton, we offer:
A wide selection of premium and affordable spirits
Expert recommendations for every budget
A genuine love for local products and quality craft
From the best whisky in Busselton to standout local gins and crowd-pleasing cocktail bases, we’ve got the range, and the team, to help you make every bottle count.
Need help choosing? Drop by our West Busselton store, explore the specials page, or get in touch for tailored advice from people who actually know their stuff.
Because smart drinking isn’t about spending more, it’s about drinking better.
