25 Bourbons That Prove Cheap Can Be Great

25 Bourbons Showing Quality Can Be Affordable

Bourbons under $50 offer an accessible entry into the world of American whiskey without compromising on quality. These affordable options boast a range of flavors, from classic caramel and vanilla notes to more complex profiles with hints of spice and oak. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, these budget-friendly bourbons provide a great way for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to explore the diverse and rich heritage of American whiskey without sacrificing taste or character.

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.

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.

Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

The Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of Wyoming's distilling traditions. This small-batch bourbon is meticulously crafted using Wyoming-grown grains, including corn, wheat, and malted barley, resulting in a uniquely regional flavor profile. Aged in charred white oak barrels, the whiskey exhibits a rich and well-balanced character with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. The careful blending of barrels ensures consistency in each batch, providing a smooth and approachable sipping experience. Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon reflects the spirit of the American West, making it a standout choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking a taste of Wyoming's distinct terroir.

Maker's Mark Bourbon

The Maker's Mark Bourbon is an iconic American whiskey known for its distinctive red wax-dipped bottles and handcrafted approach. Produced in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker's Mark has maintained a commitment to quality and tradition since its inception in 1958. This wheated bourbon, crafted with corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley, offers a smooth and approachable taste. The signature sweetness of the wheat complements the notes of caramel, vanilla, and subtle spice, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. Maker's Mark is carefully aged in charred American white oak barrels, contributing to its rich amber hue and mellow finish. With its recognizable bottle and consistently satisfying taste, Maker's Mark Bourbon stands as a classic choice for bourbon enthusiasts and those exploring the world of American whiskey.

1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The 1792 Small Batch Bourbon stands out with its meticulous craftsmanship and unique high-rye mash-bill, expertly combining the finest corn, rye, and malted barley. The aging process takes place exclusively on the top floors of warehouses, ensuring that the barrels reach peak maturity. Under the discerning eye of the Master Distiller, select barrels are chosen and married to create this exceptional small batch bourbon. Bottled at 93.7 proof, it delivers a bold yet smooth flavor profile, making it a versatile choice for sipping neat, over ice, or in classic bourbon cocktails. With an ABV of 46.85%, 1792 Small Batch Bourbon invites enthusiasts to raise a glass to elevated expectations in the world of bourbon.

Fistful Of Bourbon

William Grant's Fistful of Bourbon is its introduction to the world of bourbon comes in the form of this carefully crafted blend, bringing together five straight bourbons bottled at a smooth 90 proof. Drawing on over a century of expertise in blending whiskies, this expression showcases a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity. Ideal for sipping and fostering enjoyable conversations, William Grant's bourbon debut is sure to please both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the bourbon scene.

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.

Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon

The Redwood Empire's Pipe Dream, named after the 14th tallest tree globally, stands as their inaugural Bourbon whiskey proudly crafted in California. A blend of four to twelve-year-old barrels, with a mash bill featuring 75% corn, 21% raw rye, and 4% malt barley, this bourbon boasts a deep golden hue. The nose is powerful, exuding sweet maple, vanilla, and a hint of honey. On the palate, Pipe Dream offers a rich and complex experience with notes of roasted pecan, vanilla, and a lingering interplay of char and woody nuances. Bottled at 90 proof, it finishes smoothly with a touch of black pepper, showcasing the diverse and well-balanced character of this Californian bourbon.

Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon, introduced in the fall of 2019, aims to deliver an affordable yet distinctive daily bourbon with the signature Smoke Wagon flavor profile. Crafted from barrels featuring a high rye mash bill, strategically placed on the top two floors of the warehouse without rotation, this bourbon undergoes a unique maturation process. The elevated temperatures on the upper floors contribute to increased expansion and interaction with the wood, resulting in a rich and creamy character beyond its years. With no barrel rotation, the bourbon avoids harsh tannin flavors, and the high rye mash bill imparts a delightful spicy and nutty finish. The nose opens with inviting aromas of honey, toasted nuts, oak, and a subtle heat. The palate offers a creamy mouthfeel, with initial sweetness of honey and caramel at the forefront, followed by notes of nuts, oak, and pepper spice that gradually intensify. The nuttiness and oak gracefully fade, giving way to the dominance of peppery rye spice across the palate. The finish is a harmonious blend of creamy sweetness, lingering oak, and pepper spice, creating a well-rounded and flavorful bourbon experience.

Cooperstown Distillery Beanball Bourbon

The Cooperstown Distillery Beanball Bourbon is a meticulously crafted blend that introduces a touch of softness to the palate, enhancing layers of depth and complexity. Deliberately elevated in proof, this decision by our distiller serves to accentuate the distinctive finish notes, contributing to the overall enjoyment of this finely crafted spirit. Each element is carefully considered to create a bourbon experience that balances smoothness with a rich and nuanced character.

Walker's Cay Kentucky Straight Bourbon

The Walker's Cay Bourbon, handcrafted in small batches in Owensboro, Kentucky, pays homage to our family's brewing legacy. Aged in new Missouri oak barrels and finished on sherry cask staves, this bourbon presents a rich and balanced taste with warm vanilla and sweet caramel undertones. The aroma is a harmonious blend of chocolate, fig, toasted oak, and vanilla, leading to a complex and delicious palate featuring toasted oak, grain, fig, vanilla, and a hint of pepper. The finish is warm, smooth, and pleasing, highlighting toasted oak, chocolate, fig, and concluding with subtle spice. With a mash bill of 70% Kentucky Corn, 21% Winter Rye, and 9% Malted Barley, this bourbon is distilled to 140° at 138 proof, offering a versatile spirit to be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in a cocktail. Made in Kentucky, inspired by The Bahamas, Walker's Cay Bourbon boasts an ABV of 45.0%.

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%.

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon

This bottle of Jim Beam's Small Batch Bourbon is a testament to the artistry of aging, having matured in flash-fired white oak barrels. The intense charring process imparts a layer of red caramelized wood, contributing to the deep amber hue and sweet flavor of this 100-proof whiskey. With a moderately full-bodied profile, the palate is graced by notes of marmalade, honey, and maple. It exhibits a rounded and fragrant character, with ample fruitiness harmonizing with rich woody elements. The finish is long, smooth, sweet, and undeniably delicious.

Penelope Four Grain Straight Bourbon

Named after the recently born daughter of its founders, Penelope Bourbon embarked on creating a range of four-grain expressions designed to be enjoyed by all. Penelope Bourbon, their signature four-grain straight bourbon whiskey, is a unique blend derived from three bourbon mash bills incorporating corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley. Each barrel undergoes meticulous hand selection and is artfully blended into a single batch. Renowned for its remarkable smoothness and flavor complexity, Penelope is ideal for sipping neat or elevating your favorite cocktails. Since its debut in 2019, Penelope Bourbon has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2020 Consumer Choice Award and a Double Gold Medal at the SIP Awards, showcasing its excellence in the bourbon realm.

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.

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.

Old Forester Bourbon 100 Proof

The Old Forester Bourbon 100 Proof is a testament to the bourbon craftsmanship, offering robust and inviting aromas that beckon bourbon enthusiasts. The bouquet unfolds with notes of rich vanilla, dried roses, warm baking spices, and the sweetness of corn. This bourbon stands as a classic representation of the genre, providing a full and satisfying experience for the discerning palate. The accolades it has received, including the 2020 Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the 2019 Gold at Whiskies of The World, and the Gold at the 2019 International Spirits Challenge in the Straight Bourbon, 10 Years and Younger category, underscore its exceptional quality and appeal among connoisseurs.

Few Bourbon Whiskey

The Few bourbon whiskey is challenging the conventional wisdom that exceptional bourbon is exclusive to Kentucky, this bourbon blend proudly asserts its unique character. Crafted with a distinctive blend of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malt, the spirit takes an unconventional approach by fermenting with a peppery yeast traditionally reserved for Saison beer. The nose introduces a symphony of cinnamon and clove, accompanied by the inviting sweetness of corn and the subtle influence of oak. The palate is bold and indulgent, expertly balancing the interplay of sweetness and spice. A departure from the ordinary, this bourbon offers an assertive spice profile and a subtle hint of drying astringency, making it a delightful choice for sipping neat or as a refreshing twist in a 'Bold Fashioned.'

Angel's Envy Bourbon

Thai bottle of Angel’s Envy takes pride in its meticulous craftsmanship, producing bourbon in small, artfully curated batches. With a commitment to excellence, only eight to twelve barrels are selected at a time for blending, ensuring a precise flavor profile. Each barrel undergoes a thorough tasting process, guaranteeing that only the finest spirits contribute to the final product. What sets Angel's Envy apart is its unique finishing process; after the initial maturation, the bourbon undergoes a finishing touch in ruby port casks sourced from Spain. This distinctive step adds an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile. Throughout this entire journey, every detail is carefully overseen by the Master Distiller, Lincoln Henderson, reflecting the brand's dedication to achieving unparalleled quality and taste in every bottle.

Heaven's Door Straight Tennessee Bourbon

The Heaven’s Door whiskies are a unique collaboration between the iconic musician Bob Dylan and craft spirit veteran Marc Bushala. The partnership extends beyond conventional celebrity endorsements, with Dylan actively contributing to various aspects of the brand. From designing the distinctive gates featured on the label (inspired by Dylan's own metalworking creations) to influencing the flavor profile of the spirit itself, Dylan's artistic vision plays a significant role. The bourbon, a product of this artistic collaboration, boasts an alluring aroma marked by a sweet and spicy nose. Upon tasting, one can expect a harmonious blend of flavors, including notes of cinnamon, cherry, and brown sugar, creating a distinctive and memorable drinking experience.

Milam & Greene Triple Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Milam & Greene Triple Cask is a meticulously crafted bourbon that embodies a thoughtful blend of three distinct whiskies. The artful composition starts with a foundation of 2 to 3-year-old premium Texas bourbon, introducing a lively spice. This is complemented by the inclusion of 3 to 4-year-old Tennessee whiskey, contributing delightful notes of vanilla and fruits. The blend is elevated further with the addition of 10 to 11-year-old Tennessee whiskey, imparting a robust structure and tannins. The result is a deep gold-hued bourbon with a refined and elegant nose, featuring hints of vanilla, florals, and spice. On the palate, the spirit exhibits a creamy and soft texture, surprising in its smoothness at 94 proof. The experience concludes with a medium warm finish, showcasing the bourbon's intricate interplay of structure and tannins. With its rich complexity and well-balanced profile, Milam & Greene Triple Cask offers a distinctive and enjoyable drinking experience at 94 proof.

Oak & Eden Bourbon & Spire

The Oak & Eden Bourbon stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and innovative techniques. It begins with a foundation of corn mash, undergoing the traditional bourbon-making process, transforming the clear and pure "white dog" through a two-year maturation period in newly charred American White Oak barrels. Strict adherence to traditional craftsmanship defines this bourbon. However, Oak & Eden elevates the art by introducing a distinctive twist—a spire of American Oak. This hand-placed, carefully fired spire, featured in every bottle, acts as an "in-bottle finish," adding unique sweet, fruity notes and hints of honey to the bourbon. This patented process, combined with the use of the patented spire, sets Oak & Eden Bourbon apart as a truly distinctive and all-American whiskey with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45.0%. It seamlessly marries tradition and innovation in the realm of bourbon craftsmanship.

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon

The Four Roses distinguishes itself in the world of bourbon by producing ten distinct distillate flavors annually. Each flavor undergoes individual aging in new white oak charred barrels, resulting in bourbons characterized by floral and fruity aromas, coupled with smoothness and mellowness. Jim Rutledge, the master distiller, meticulously selects one of these ten flavors for the Four Roses Single Barrel, a treat for bourbon connoisseurs. This particular bourbon exhibits additional flavor nuances, featuring notes of honey, maple syrup, and subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Each barrel undergoes careful sampling and selection based on superior quality before being hand-bottled. With each bottle labeled by hand, detailing the warehouse and racking location, this limited inventory of Single Barrel Bourbon offers a unique and exquisite tasting experience, with each bottle containing 100 proof Bourbon and filling approximately 235 bottles per barrel.

Basil Hayden's Bourbon

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.

Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

The Koval Single Barrel Bourbon adheres to the mandatory mashbill requirement, with a minimum of 51% corn. However, it deviates from the conventional addition of rye or wheat by incorporating millet, a primary cereal from Asia and Africa. Millet, known for being a gluten-free ancient grain, shares a historical association with the spirits industry, particularly in Nepal, where it has been revered as a preferred libation for an extended period.