Top Picks For Expensive-Tasting Bottles On A Budget

A Bourbon Expert's Top Picks For Expensive-Tasting Bottles On A Budget

If you're craving the luxurious taste of expensive bourbon but don't want to break the bank, you're in luck. Tasting Table consulted with Chris Blatner, an esteemed bourbon expert known for his expertise as an executive bourbon steward, founder of Urban Bourbonist, and executive director of Bourbon Charity. Blatner's insights, shared on platforms like his YouTube channel "The Urban Bourbon Hour," provide valuable guidance on affordable bourbon bottles that rival their pricier counterparts.

Old Grand-Dad Bonded

Old Grand-Dad Bonded is aged for a minimum of four years before being bottled at 100 proof. Made from Jim Beam’s higher rye Bourbon mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley, it is the product of one distillery and one distiller in a single season. Old Grand-Dad Bonded ranks sixth in our List of the Most Underrated Bourbons in 2024. Buy it now!

Evan Williams Bottled In Bond 100 Proof

This bourbon offers a nose rich with caramel notes accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla, oak, and barley. On the palate, it presents a delightful interplay of citrus flavors layered atop notes of vanilla and black pepper. The experience culminates in a warm, long, and dry finish, leaving a lasting impression. Buy it now for $21.99!

Old Forester 100 Proof

Old Forester Bourbon 100 Proof delivers a rich tapestry of robust aromas, including notes of vanilla, dried roses, baking spice, and sweet corn. This expression stands as a solid classic, catering to the discerning palate of bourbon enthusiasts. Its exceptional quality is underscored by several prestigious awards, including the 2020 SF World Spirits Competition Double Gold, the 2019 Whiskies of The World Gold, and the 2019 International Spirits Challenge Gold in the Straight Bourbon, 10 Years and Younger category. This bourbon is a testament to Old Forester's commitment to crafting high-caliber spirits that have garnered recognition and acclaim in the world of whiskey. Buy now for $40.99.

Some of WhiskeyPulse’s Favorite Bottles On A Budget

Here are some of WhiskeyPulse’s favorite bottles that won’t cost too much money.

Wild Turkey 101

The Wild Turkey 101 is a renowned Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey celebrated for its bold and robust character. Distilled by the Wild Turkey Distillery, this 101-proof spirit derives its name from the high alcohol content of 101 proof (50.5% alcohol by volume). With a rich amber hue and a complex flavor profile, Wild Turkey 101 boasts notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, delivering a warm and full-bodied experience. Its distinctive taste is attributed to a longer-than-average maturation process in new charred American oak barrels. This bourbon has garnered a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate its intense and well-balanced flavors, making Wild Turkey 101 a timeless and classic choice for those seeking a hearty bourbon experience. Buy it now for $26.99.

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!

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!

Elijah Craig Bourbon Small Batch

This bottle of 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!

George Dickel Bourbon Whisky Aged 8 Years

While George Dickel is celebrated for its Tennessee Whiskeys, their lesser-known bourbon is equally impressive. With a mash bill comprising 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley, this 90-proof bourbon, aged for a minimum of eight years in charred oak barrels, offers a delightful complexity at an affordable price. Its palate boasts flavors of orange peel, candied cherries, vanilla, caramel, and oak, making it an ideal choice for everyday enjoyment. Buy it now!

Larceny Small Batch 

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.

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 for $18.99!

Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey

Rebel 100 Rye Whiskey, a rebellious small-batch straight rye, presents a smooth yet spicy rye flavor profile with enough boldness to complement classic cocktails. Its spicy aroma evolves into a rich rye flavor, skillfully balanced by subtle hints of vanilla, resulting in an intriguing and dynamic drinking experience that keeps you engaged. Buy it now for $23.99!