20 Affordable Kentucky Bourbons Worth Trying

20 Affordable Kentucky Bourbons Worth Trying

Kentucky Bourbons, renowned worldwide, embody the heart and soul of American whiskey craftsmanship. Distilled primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, these bourbons from the Bluegrass State are distinguished by their rich, full-bodied flavors, often featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The limestone-filtered water of Kentucky adds a distinctive touch, contributing to the smoothness and complexity of these iconic spirits. With a legacy dating back centuries, Kentucky Bourbons represent a tradition deeply rooted in the region's history and culture, making them a symbol of American whiskey excellence.

Old Forester Bourbon

Old Forester stands as a Bourbon with unparalleled tradition, boasting a continuous presence for 145 years and produced by the same family of craftsmen at the same distillery for most of that time. Remarkably, it pioneered the practice of being exclusively available in sealed glass bottles to combat unscrupulous re-bottling and dilution, ensuring quality and integrity. Now under the ownership of Brown-Forman and a sister Bourbon to Woodford Reserve, Old Forester offers eight distinct varieties. With a resume full of accolades such as "Best Bourbon Under 10 YO," "Double Gold Medal," and "Best Bourbon 2012," it remains true to its roots. This traditional, rye-forward Bourbon, bottled at a respectable 43% ABV, upholds authenticity without marketing gimmicks, appealing to those who appreciate genuine Kentucky Bourbon for real cocktails. It's a legacy that commands admiration.

Rebel 100 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Rebel Bourbon, formerly Rebel Yell, embodies a rebellious spirit with an origin tied to Billy Idol, who drew inspiration from it for his iconic song. Originally crafted by W. L. Weller & Sons in the mid-1900s, this Wheated Bourbon gained recognition and is now nurtured by Luxco as Rebel Bourbon. With a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley, following Heaven Hill's recipe, it maintains its rebellious character. Aged in medium #3 char casks at 125 proof, the Rebel 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon is bottled at 50% ABV, striking the ideal balance of heat and smoothness, embodying the rebellious roots with added intensity.

Jim Beam Old Tub Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Offering Jim Beam quality and profile, Old Tub Bottled In Bond presents a heightened depth and power at a value that Bourbon enthusiasts will find irresistible. With a production history dating back to 1795 in Clermont, Kentucky, Jim Beam has maintained its legacy through seven generations of the Beam family. Old Tub, a limited production run, showcases the brand's signature mash bill, undergoes four years of aging in new oak, and is bottled unfiltered at a robust 50% ABV. Notably, the "unfiltered" nature adds charm, even if it comes with a rare wood chip or piece of charred oak. This hidden gem of a Bourbon not only maintains Jim Beam's tradition but also offers exceptional value for aficionados.

Four Roses Bourbon Yellow Label

The Four Roses Bourbon Yellow Label is a timeless classic known for its smooth and approachable character. This bourbon, crafted by the esteemed Four Roses Distillery, boasts a mellow and well-balanced profile that has earned it a permanent place among bourbon enthusiasts. With a blend of ten distinct bourbon recipes, the Yellow Label expression showcases a harmonious combination of sweet, fruity, and spicy notes. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail, Four Roses Bourbon Yellow Label offers a versatile and enjoyable sipping experience, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a reliable and satisfying bourbon.

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.

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The origins of Basil Hayden's Bourbon harken back to 1796, a time when Basil Hayden, a master distiller, crafted the recipe. Having been raised in Maryland, where he honed the art of whiskey-making with rye, Hayden's journey to Kentucky saw him adapting his skills to create a distinctive bourbon. Departing from the norm, Hayden incorporated a higher proportion of rye in his bourbon, originally derived from a corn base. The result was a uniquely smooth and mild bourbon that bore the unmistakable imprint of his craft.

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey

The Wild Turkey 101 embodies both potency and flavor, showcasing the legacy of the Ripy Brothers who began distilling on Wild Turkey Hill in Kentucky in 1869. Their flagship product, Wild Turkey, soared to become the distillery's best-seller, prompting a name change in recognition of its success. Following various changes in ownership, the Campari Group, based in Italy, now oversees operations, producing a diverse range of Bourbons under the renowned Wild Turkey brand. As one of the world's most recognized Bourbon brands, Wild Turkey 101 stands out as America's #1 selling premium Bourbon. Aged in deeply charred barrels with a #4 "alligator char," it derives its complexity and depth of flavor that has garnered a devoted following across generations. Distinctively bottled at "101 proof" (50.5% ABV), the whiskey's name reflects its remarkable complexity and power, leading to consistent acclaim with numerous gold medals awarded over the years. Notably, Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey became the brand ambassador and art director for Wild Turkey last year.

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.

Shady Mile High Rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Crafted in Owensboro, Kentucky, Shady Mile Whiskey pays homage to the area's bootlegging history at the eponymous meeting point. This family-owned brand, motivated by the tradition of sealing deals with a sip of Kentucky Whiskey, introduces the Shady Mile High Rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Collaborating with the Master Distiller at Green River Distilling Co., this high-rye Bourbon features a mash bill of 21% Kentucky rye and 70% corn, utilizing Kentucky limestone filtered water. With bold caramel flavors, it's an approachable Bourbon that earned Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Silver the following year, making it a standout choice.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Buffalo Trace Distillery, nestled in Frankfort, Kentucky, holds a rich history of whiskey-making spanning over two centuries. The site's lineage can be traced back to 1812 when Harrison Blanton, of Blanton fame, established the first distillery operation. Under various ownerships, it eventually became the Old Fire Copper (O. F. C.) Distillery in 1870. Since 1992, Sazerac has stewarded the property, crafting an array of Bourbons and Spirits, with Buffalo Trace emerging as a cherished and reasonably priced signature Bourbon. With a mash bill featuring Corn, Rye, and malted Barley—excluding Wheat—it matures for at least eight years and is presented at 45% ABV. Renowned for its classic Bourbon richness, Buffalo Trace has earned its place as the flagship in the esteemed Sazerac Bourbon lineup, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts for a daily sip. Impressively, Buffalo Trace boasts a production capacity of around 2.7 million gallons per year, equivalent to filling approximately 51,000 barrels, facilitated by a single, 60,000-gallon beer still (wash type).

Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

At the heart of the Daviess County lineup lies a blend of one high-rye and one wheated Bourbon, both aged for four years in new oak barrels. Luxco, a notable family-owned company in the expansive world of liquor distribution, distinguishes itself with 198 spirit brands across various adult beverages. Owning major distilleries like Distiladora González Lux, Green Hat, Limestone Branch, Lux Row, and MGP, they produce globally renowned spirit brands. Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, serving as the cornerstone for the Daviess County offerings, combines the two mash bills to achieve a perfect balance between sweetness and spice. Independently aged for four years, blended, and bottled at 48% ABV, it stands as not only an excellent sipper but also a versatile choice for a daily dram or cocktail base.

Old Bardstown 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Willett Distillery, also known as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, established in 1936 in Bardstown, Kentucky, has a rich history under Lambert Willett. Producing various brands like Old Bardstown, the distillery's Old Bardstown 90 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a classic, bottled in small batches at 90 proof, offering a softer profile suitable for both Bourbon newcomers and enthusiasts. Its simplicity and approachability make it an ideal choice for skeptics and connoisseurs alike, prompting the question: Is Old Bardstown 90 Proof your new daily favorite Bourbon?

Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Limestone Branch Distillery, founded by Steve and Paul Beam, descendants of the legendary Beam family, has emerged as a force in the distilling industry since its inception in 2015. Luxco's acquisition of a 50% stake in the enterprise signifies its growth trajectory. Collaborating to revitalize the historic Yellowstone brand, originally created in the late 1800s, the partnership brings forth Yellowstone Select Bourbon. This exceptional blend, featuring four carefully selected Kentucky Bourbons aged between 4 and 7 years, embodies the family's heritage. Bottled at 46.5% ABV, it has garnered prestigious awards, including Gold at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the 2016 Berlin International Spirits Competition, solidifying Limestone Branch Distillery's commitment to excellence and tradition in the realm of premium Spirits.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

This Woodford Reserve Bourbon, has a proof of 90.4, unveils a brilliant honey amber appearance that captivates the senses. The nose is a symphony of rich dried fruit, nuanced hints of mint, and a subtle interplay of oranges coated in a delicate dusting of cocoa. Undertones of faint vanilla and tobacco spice add depth to the aromatic experience. Upon tasting, the bourbon reveals its richness with a chewy, rounded, and remarkably smooth texture. Complex notes of citrus, cinnamon, and cocoa dance on the palate, accompanied by a delightful ensemble of toffee, caramel, chocolate, and spice. The finish is the pièce de résistance – silky smooth and almost creamy at first, leaving a long, warm, and wholly satisfying tail. This exceptional bourbon has garnered numerous accolades, including Gold Medals at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge, affirming its status as a true connoisseur's choice.

Four Roses Small Batch

The Four Roses perfects the marrying art of mingling multiple Bourbon recipes, our Master Distiller has expertly selected four original and limited Bourbons at the pinnacle of maturation. The result is a perfectly balanced small batch Bourbon that unveils a mellow symphony of rich, spicy flavors complemented by sweet, fruity aromas and nuanced notes of sweet oak and caramel. The finish is soft, smooth, and pleasantly long-lasting. Best enjoyed straight up, on the rocks, or with a splash, this exceptional Bourbon boasts a proof of 90 and an alcohol/volume of 45%.

Pinhook Flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Conceived by barman Sean Josephs and his team in 2010, Pinhook approaches Bourbon with a wine-making perspective, releasing a unique batch annually, capturing the essence of each moment in time. The Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, KY, now serves as Pinhook's home, allowing for meticulous barrel selection, small-batch blending, and ideal bottling timing. In 2023, Pinhook unveiled its flagship Bourbon, Resolve, after three years and four months of maturation. With a mash bill of 75% Corn, 15% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley, this traditional Bourbon pays homage to the aspiring Bourbon Resolve thoroughbred. Bottled at 101.48 proof, Resolve exudes welcoming butterscotch, dried apricot, and graham cracker notes on the nose, complemented by palate flavors of roasted peanuts with candied cinnamon, delivering on its promises with dazzling flair.

Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Crafted by Louisville Distilling Co., a distillery steeped in 200 years of Bourbon heritage, Angel's Envy stands as a living legend among Spirits. The brainchild of Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, this phenomenal Bourbon is regarded as their masterpiece. With expressions like cask strength Bourbon and Rum-finished Rye, Angel's Envy showcases a commitment to artisan, hand-finished Spirits. Using mineral-rich Kentucky limestone water and locally sourced grains, the Port Finished Bourbon ages for up to 6 years in the warehouse, followed by an additional 3-6 months in French oak port casks from Portugal. The result is a captivating elixir that beckons with irresistible allure.

Maker's Mark 101 Proof Bourbon Whisky

Maker's Mark, renowned for its signature wheated Bourbon, presents a limited-time treat with a robustly pleasant 50.5% ABV. Originating from the 1885-built "Burk’s Distillery" near Loretto, Kentucky, T. William "Bill" Samuels acquired it in 1953 for $35,000, aiming to enhance quality. The inaugural bottle of the flagship brand "Maker's Mark" emerged in 1958, distinguished by the iconic red sealing wax. Now owned by Beam-Suntory, Maker's Mark annually releases a high-proof version of its Straight Bourbon, previously exclusive to the distillery. The Maker's Mark 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey maintains the beloved wheated mash bill (70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley), aged "around six years," and is delivered at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), introducing a notably delightful difference.

Legent Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

"Legent," not a typo but a deliberate play on "legends," is the result of a collaboration between Bourbon titans Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh-generation Master Distiller, and Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory’s fifth Chief Blender. This masterful Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey undergoes a unique finish in wine and Sherry casks, a recipe deliberated upon by the dynamic duo for years. The outcome is wild and iconic, much like its creators. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Legent effortlessly steals the spotlight in any cocktail, promising a legendary experience.

I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon

Issac Wolfe Bernheim's historic I.W. Harper Bourbon, returning to the U.S., has a captivating story. Bernheim, arriving in 1867 with minimal resources, eventually established his own distribution business and began crafting premium Bourbon under the I.W. Harper name. Originally exported, Diageo's acquisition brought the brand back to the U.S. market, distilling at the Heaven Hill facility. I.W. Harper's Straight Bourbon, with a mash bill of 73% corn, 9% malted barley, and 18% rye, offers a deliciously sweet, smooth profile with a fruit-forward character and a hint of spice at 41% ABV. Despite being a non-age statement, the Bourbon adheres to the four-year aging requirement for Straight Bourbons, showcasing a blend of older spirits.