Who says you need to spend big bucks for a great-tasting whiskey? These 12 budget-friendly bottles deliver the smooth, complex flavors of a top-shelf pour without the hefty price tag. Get ready to elevate your whiskey game on the cheap!
Evan Williams Single Barrel
This Kentucky straight bourbon is hand-selected from single barrels aged 5–7 years. Expect vanilla, caramel, and spice notes that’ll make you think you splurged on something fancy. At around $30 a bottle, Evan Williams Single Barrel is a steal that punches way above its price point.
Buffalo Trace
“Despite how well-stocked their bars might be, there is bourbon (nay, a whole distillery!) that particularly shines for many bartenders: Kentucky’s own Buffalo Trace,” according to Yahoo. Crafted at the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery, this bourbon packs in the punch of flavor you’d expect from a much more expensive bottle. One sip, and you’ll see why it’s a back bar staple at under $30.
Wild Turkey 101
Don’t let the 101 proof scare you off—Wild Turkey 101 is surprisingly smooth and sippable for a high-octane bourbon. Aged 6–8 years, it’s full of rich caramel, vanilla, and a hint of smoke. A versatile pick for under $25 that works neat or in cocktails.
Rittenhouse Rye
This spicy rye whiskey is a bartender’s best-kept secret. Bottled-in-bond at 100 proof, Rittenhouse delivers bold pepper and clove balanced by sweet honey and dried fruit. An unbeatable bang for your buck at around $25 that’ll make your Manhattans sing.
Mellow Corn
The name says it all—this unique corn whiskey is smooth and easy-drinking. Aged in used bourbon barrels, Mellow Corn has a sweet, creamy palate with hints of vanilla and oak. Perfect for summer sipping at a wallet-friendly $15 a bottle.
Four Roses Yellow Label
One of the best values in bourbon, period. Four Roses Yellow Label combines ten different bourbon recipes for perfect balance. Honey, spice, and a touch of apple make this $20 bottle dangerously drinkable.
Old Overholt Rye
America’s oldest continually produced whiskey brand still delivers after 200+ years. This spicy rye has a peppery bite, rounded out by sweet vanilla and caramel. At around $18, Old Overholt is a reliable cocktail workhorse.
Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Named after the Confederate war cry, this wheated bourbon is a smooth sipper. The Whiskey Shelf says Rebel Yell “is an enjoyable ‘budget’ bourbon that has enough depth and richness to sip neat, and is affordable enough to mix guilt-free.” Rebel Yell has a soft, slightly sweet profile with hints of honey and raisin—a mellow, easy-drinking pick for under $15.
Larceny Bourbon
Another great wheated bourbon option that drinks above its price point. Larceny has a rich mouthfeel with notes of buttery caramel, honey, and a touch of cinnamon spice—usually $25–30 a bottle.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Named after the “Father of Bourbon,” this small-batch bourbon is a classic. Elijah Craig has a balanced profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. With a 94-proof kick, it’s a solid sipper for around $30.
Kirkland Small Batch Bourbon
Costco’s private-label bourbon offers a whole lot of flavor for the money. Distilled by Barton 1792, this small batch release has notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice. A gem if you’ve got that Costco card, though some states don’t require a membership to purchase alcohol, this bourbon is usually $20–25. Forbes notes, “Consumers may not get the same spirit with each purchase. Costco’s original bourbon bottlings were sourced from Jim Beam and then George Dickel before ending up with Barton.”
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select
OK, this one’s a bit of a splurge at $30–35, but it drinks like a much pricier bourbon. Woodford Reserve has a velvety texture and complex notes of caramel, cinnamon, and dark fruit—proof that you can still get top-shelf flavor without breaking the bank.
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