16 Of The Best Bourbons Under $50

16 Of The Best Bourbons Under $50

With the vast array of bourbons available, it’s easy to waste money on ones you don't enjoy. That's why I've compiled a list of some of the best bourbons under $50. While bourbon preferences can be subjective, these recommendations are based on my personal experiences. I haven't tried every bourbon under $50, so this list isn't exhaustive or definitive. However, having reviewed many offerings from major distilleries, I have a good sense of the bourbons you might find across the US. I plan to continue exploring and expanding my knowledge to provide more comprehensive insights in the future.

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!

Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond

Evan Williams, a renowned bourbon brand hailing from Kentucky, boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing various bourbons, flavored whiskeys, and liqueurs. Among its esteemed offerings is the Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, affectionately known as the Evan Williams White label, which debuted in 2012. Sharing its mashbill with several other esteemed Heaven Hill brands, this bourbon holds the prestigious designation of Bottled in Bond (BiB). Meeting stringent criteria, BiB bourbon must originate from a single distillation season and distiller at a solitary distillery, undergoing maturation in a federally bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years under government supervision. Bottled precisely at 100 proof, the BiB label mandates clear identification of the distillery and bottling location. Buy it now!

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!

Elijah Craig Bourbon Small Batch

The Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon stands out as a remarkable value, offering an exceptional experience for bourbon enthusiasts. The inviting bouquet opens with delightful aromas of honey, sweet corn, vanilla, and brown sugar, setting the stage for what unfolds on the equally luscious palate. This bourbon strikes a perfect balance, combining boldness with smoothness, as flavors of honey, vanilla, and molasses take center stage, complemented by a subtle dry oakiness. Whether savored neat or with a touch of water, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon delivers a memorable and satisfying drinking experience. Buy it now!

Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon

Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon, proudly crafted in Kentucky, embodies the essence of quality bourbon. With an ABV of 45%, this small batch bourbon offers a rich and flavorful experience, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of the region. Buy it now!

Jim Beam Single Barrel

Jim Beam, a historic name in whiskey since 1795, is renowned for its white label Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, a staple on the bottom shelf. However, Jim Beam also offers other affordable whiskeys, including the Jim Beam Single Barrel bourbon, priced around $25, though it may be higher in some markets. This single barrel bourbon, distinct from the blended white label, is selected for its exceptional quality, earning it a separate release. Uproxx writer Zach Johnston, in a blind test of affordable bourbons, praised Jim Beam Single Barrel for its superior and rich flavor profile. While each single barrel release may vary in taste, this variation adds to the excitement of discovering unique bottles. Buy it now!

Cooper’s Craft Barrel Reserve 100 Proof 

Crafting great Bourbon starts with the barrel. After all, half of a whiskey’s flavor and all of its color come from the barrel. At Coopers’ Craft they raise their own barrels by hand, then toast and char them to bring out the unique characteristics of their Bourbons. This bold and complex Barrel Reserve whiskey is born from their one-of-a-kind, chiseled, and charred American White Oak barrel.Coopers' Craft was first released in 2016, and was the first new product from the Brown-Forman Corporation since it launched Woodford Reserve in 1996. Buy it now!

Maker's 46 Bourbon Whisky

Maker's Mark 46 offers a compelling twist on the classic Maker's Mark bourbon, making it an excellent choice for elevating cocktails like the whiskey sour. Aged longer than the standard expression and infused with specially seared French oak staves, Maker's Mark 46 boasts a smoother profile with enhanced barrel character, along with prominent notes of vanilla and baking spice from the staves. What sets Maker's Mark apart is its unique mash bill, which includes red winter wheat instead of rye grain, resulting in a creamy mouthfeel that perfectly complements cocktails featuring egg white for a velvety texture. Launched in 2010 as the first new expression from Maker's Mark in over half a century, Maker's Mark 46 has quickly become a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike, adding depth and complexity to any libation it graces. Buy it now!

Maker's Mark Cask Strength Bourbon

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!

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!

Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Bourbon pays homage to its namesake with a blend of seven-year-old barrels sourced from Kentucky's brick warehouses. Bottled in Bond at 100 proof, this bourbon offers distinctive oak and dried fruit notes, complemented by hints of salted caramel, butterscotch, and orange. Packaged behind a vintage label and canister reminiscent of bygone eras, each bottle embodies the timeless legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Buy it now!

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey

If you thought Jack Daniel’s was all about Old No. 7, their single barrel barrel strength offerings will swiftly change your mind. Crafted from a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, this expression follows the success of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Barrel Proof Rye. Buy it now!

Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This Michter’s Bourbon is crafted from a meticulously chosen mashbill showcasing top-tier American corn, Michter's US1 Bourbon undergoes a maturation process that extends beyond eight years, reaching optimal perfection. This genuinely small-batch bourbon is meticulously curated, usually consisting of no more than two dozen barrels per batch, eliminating the possibility of blending imperfections and demanding excellence from each barrel. Embodying the essence of Kentucky's Bluegrass State, Michter's US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon offers a nuanced, mellow, and earthy profile, capturing the true spirit of its origin. Buy it now!

Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Wild Turkey 101 is undeniably among the finest budget-friendly bourbons available. However, for those willing to invest a bit more, exploring Rare Breed, the exceptional cask-strength variant from this esteemed Kentucky distillery, is highly recommended. A masterful blend of six, eight, and 12-year-old bourbons, this offering stands out as one of the top choices under the $100 mark. Just under 113 proof, it boasts formidable strength without overpowering with alcohol, gradually unveiling a spectrum of intricate flavors layer by layer. Buy it now!

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon

The releases from New Riff are uniquely tailored for different locations, predominantly available through select retailers. The whiskey within the bottle features New Riff's standard bourbon mash, consisting of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley. Aged for a minimum of four years, each bottle is individually filled without cutting or filtration, ensuring a distinctive and unaltered expression. Buy it now!

Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Bottled-in-Bond

Presenting a distinguished entry in the American Bourbon Bottle-in-Bond category, honored by the TAG Global Spirits Awards, this exceptional bourbon offers tasting notes of baked peach, cocoa, lemon, stone fruit, and toffee. Aged for a minimum of six years in Bardstown, Kentucky, this Bottled-in-Bond bourbon meets the stringent criteria of being matured for over four years and bottled at 100 proof, legally earning the coveted designation. Hailing from the Bardstown Bourbon Company, a modern enterprise nestled in the heart of Kentucky, this bourbon embodies both innovation and tradition in American whiskey-making. Renowned for its experimental mash bills and state-of-the-art distillery, the Bardstown Bourbon Company also offers an immersive experience located on Whiskey Row in Louisville, inviting enthusiasts to delve deeper into the world of bourbon. Buy it now!