13 Best Bourbons Under $100

13 Best Bourbons Under $100

The world of bourbon is vast, offering endless opportunities to explore new bottles and flavors. While some bourbons can cost thousands, many excellent varieties under $100 deliver exceptional taste and quality. From Kentucky straight and bottled in bond to small batch and high rye, I've leveraged years of experience and training with experts to rank the best affordable bourbons. Though not strictly ranked by price, quality and taste often align with cost, yet you might find some surprising gems alongside familiar favorites. Note that prices reflect the market at the time of writing and may fluctuate.

13. Old Grand-Dad 114

Old Grand-Dad is one of the oldest and most storied brands, yet it receives little attention from Bourbon enthusiasts or marketing effort from the brand’s current owner, Beam Suntory. This might be simply due to the fact that it is a legacy brand offered at a head-scratching low price point that likely has little room for anything other than simply fulfilling the existing supply chain and keeping existing consumers happy, and potentially drawing them deeper into Beam’s other brands. Unbelievably underrated and smooth for a spirit of this strength, the Old Grand-Dad 114 will put hair on your chest. Buy it now!

12. Evan Williams

This bourbon from Heaven Hill delivers a perfect balance of corn sweetness and oak depth, complemented by a subtle hint of mint that adds a refreshing touch without overwhelming the senses. Aged for extra years in the barrel, it boasts a smoother character that makes it ideal for savoring neat or over ice. Buy it now for $19.99!

11. George Dickel Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky

This bottle of George Dickel Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky exemplifies Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.'s dedication to authenticity and quality. A limited release with the signature George Dickel character, this finely crafted whisky boasts a bold taste at 100 proof. Aged since Fall 2005, the 13-Year Old oak adds depth and complexity while maintaining balanced fruit-forward notes. Ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the base for a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Labeled "Bottled In Bond," it adheres to stringent regulations guaranteeing authenticity, including a minimum four-year aging process, 100 proof bottling, and detailed labeling. Distilled and charcoal mellowed at Cascade Hollow Distillery, this unique expression reflects the rich heritage and commitment to quality. Buy it now for $48.99.

10. Bulleit Bourbon

The Bulleit Bourbon  is crafted from the identical high-rye mash bill used in the original expression. The chosen barrels are blended into a single batch and bottled at Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, Kentucky. Staying true to its name, this iteration is presented uncut and unfiltered, directly from the barrel. Notably, each batch exhibits a unique alcohol by volume (ABV), fluctuating between 118 and 125 proof. Buy it now for $39.99.

9. Maker's Mark Cask Strength

Maker's Mark Cask Strength is a testament to the legacy and innovation of Burk's Distillery, now owned by Beam-Suntory. Established in 1885 and revitalized by T. William "Bill" Samuels in 1953, Maker's Mark emerged as a pioneer in the premium bourbon market. The iconic red sealing wax on the bottles, introduced in 1958, remains a symbol of quality craftsmanship. Unlike its counterparts, Maker's Mark Bourbons prioritize taste over age, leading to the absence of an age statement on the label. Maker's Mark Cask Strength takes this commitment to the next level, presenting the bourbon in its unfiltered and uncut form, delivering an intense, front-row experience for enthusiasts seeking the pure, undiluted essence of this renowned spirit. Buy it now!

8. Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Woodford Reserve stands out among classic bourbons for its rich and complex flavor profile, making it a versatile choice for cocktails. While it shares the sweet characteristics of other bourbons like Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve boasts deeper, more indulgent notes of dried fruit, toffee, and dark chocolate. Additionally, it offers a unique balance of leathery, tobacco-spice undertones alongside complex citrus flavors of oranges and lemon. While it excels in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Woodford Reserve also lends itself to creative twists like the New York Sour, where its mature flavors harmonize beautifully with dry red wine. By selecting a wine that complements either the sweet and fruity or leathery, spicy notes of the bourbon, you can tailor the cocktail to your taste preferences and create a truly memorable drinking experience. Buy it now for $33.99.

7. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon

In 2024, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof will once again grace our home bar cart. This distinguished expression, paying homage to the Baptist preacher often credited with bourbon's invention, is released periodically throughout the year. While each batch may vary slightly, you can anticipate a palate brimming with flavors of toffee, peppery rye, vanilla beans, cinnamon sugar, oaky wood, and subtle wintry spices. Bold, rich, and full-bodied, it's a whiskey meant to be savored slowly, especially on a crisp evening. Buy it now!

6. Four Roses Single Barrel

This Single Barrel from Four Roses presents a slightly proofed variation of their renowned OBSV recipe. The OBSV recipe is characterized by a delicate fruit yeast and a high-rye mash bill. Specifically chosen from the north side of Warehouse P—a cherished location for Four Roses' single barrel enthusiasts—this selection highlights the significant impact that barrel position and warehouse conditions can have on the whiskey's flavor profile. Buy it now!

5. Larceny Small Batch Bourbon

The Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon, steeped in historical legacy, traces its roots back to John E. Fitzgerald, a post-Civil War distiller who founded a distillery along the Kentucky River. Fitzgerald's Old Fitzgerald Bourbon, renowned for its quality, eventually landed in the hands of Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle, sealing its fate as one of the world's most celebrated bourbons. Larceny pays homage to Fitzgerald's discerning taste and the Old Fitzgerald brand, incorporating a unique mash of corn, wheat, malted barley, and rye. Distilled in Kentucky limestone water and fermented with a proprietary yeast strain, Larceny honors tradition by choosing wheat as its secondary grain, creating a distinctive and flavorful bourbon. Buy it now for $30.99.

4. Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit

Wild Turkey is a staple in any bourbon collection, renowned for its history and quality since 1869. Known for setting trends, Wild Turkey released Kentucky Spirit, one of the first single barrel bourbons, in 1995. This 101 proof bourbon, aged around nine years, offers a harmonious blend of honey, caramel, and oak flavors, making it one of the best budget options at just over $60. Despite its limited availability, Kentucky Spirit is celebrated for its smoothness and the brand's legacy of excellence. Buy it now!

3. Knob Creek 12

Knob Creek, a standout within the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, has garnered praise for its excellent nine-year-old bourbon. However, the limited-edition 12-year-old variant, introduced a few years ago, elevates the experience even further. Utilizing the same mashbill and maintaining a robust 100 proof, this expression boasts the familiar rich and complex flavor profile characterized by vanilla, caramel, and spicy notes. The additional three years of barrel aging contribute a heightened level of complexity, placing the 12-year-old Knob Creek in a coveted middle ground that distinguishes it as one of the finest bourbons available. Buy it now!

2. Stagg Jr, Stagg Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 66.1% ABV

This robust bourbon whiskey, aged for nearly a decade, captures all the rich and complex flavors characteristic of barrel strength. Uncut and unfiltered, it embodies the bold character reminiscent of the legendary Mr. George T. Stagg. Buy it now!

1. Booker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Prepare to indulge in a truly unique bourbon experience with Booker's, a remarkable spirit unlike any other. It stands out as one of the few bourbons that remains uncut, unfiltered, and directly drawn from the barrel. With a natural proof ranging between 121 and 127, and an aging period of six to eight years, Booker's captivates the palate with an array of intense flavors. From the bold presence of oak tannin and smoky vanilla to the subtler notes of mocha and coffee, each sip unveils a spectrum of complexity. To tailor the taste and finish to your liking, consider adding a touch of spring water. Booker's Bourbon is an unparalleled, straight-from-the-barrel gem, ensuring a bourbon experience that stands as the epitome of rarity and excellence. Buy it now!