Written by a college professor with over a decade of experience, utilize these free resources for college students. 3. The high percentage of Northern rye on the mash bill mixture made it a great-tasting spicy bourbon and barley malt and corn. Average Price:$34.99. So, youre looking for some fine bourbon, eh? Its smooth, delicate and calm. Bardstown Bourbon Company did an amazing job with all 3 their completely home-distilled and aged whiskeys. The scent of sliced apples and vanilla tickles the nose, while the palate enjoys a full flavor of apple orchards with hints of spice and vanilla. Rowans Creek is one of several offerings in the Willett Distilling Companys (Kentucky Bourbon Distillers) lineup of Small Batch Boutique Bourbons. These dessert recipes are out of this world. Distillery: Sourced from undisclosed distilleries in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. 20 Best Bourbons Under $50, Ranked - UPROXX Classic bourbon flavors of sweet vanilla and mellowed oak with a welcoming amount of heat are the quintessential bourbon characteristics. Hints of wood staves, caramel and sweetness. 12 Best Bourbons Under $50 Available Everywhere - UPROXX It's a sweet spot, with. It transitions from citrusy to fruity. Kentucky limestone-filtered water provides a foundation for the whiskeys character, while charred American oak barrels lend a smoky backbone. And with the $100 and under price point, there are tons of bourbons to choose from. And if you do pick up one of the bottles on this best bourbon under $50 list, shoot me a DM on Instagram over at @ofwhiskeyandwords for a chance to get featured! Everyone wants to know what they ought to be drinking while they tune in to watch the 147th Run for the Roses, which is finally pushing through on its traditional date of the first Saturday in May,. Comprised of four different bourbons sourced from various undisclosed distilleries, this bourbon is a subtle sipper. The Bourbon Old Forester Classic 86 Proof Its not a big and bold bourbon like the Single Barrel Cask Strength versions, but the 100 proof single barrel still brings plenty of richness and character across the board. Although this bourbon is historic, has a higher proof, and is a small batch, it remains just $17 a bottle on average (via Wine-Searcher). Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, Whats not to like in the complex, big, and bold bourbon flavors of Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon? This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his familys whiskey recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky. We find New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey as the best bourbon under 50. Like Russellss Reserve Single Barrel, ECBP finds a great balance between sweet and spicy and has pronounced notes of brown sugar, caramel, and more. However, it offers a deeper character. Lucky for us, most American distilleries have at least once (if not more) solid bourbons under $50 to try and enjoy. . Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Select. The Bourbon:Weller Special Reserve Bourbon 1. Harper, for the bourbon snobs. This top-shelf bourbon has one of the more sophisticated distilling processes on the market, using corn, rye and five yeast strains to produce its rich, unique flavor making it one of the best bourbons under $50. That rye leads to charred oak and maple syrup essence that mellows into delightful hints of apple orchards. I wanted to compile this list to help you have a good starting point on different, more cost-effective bourbons to try without breaking the bank. Four Roses Single Barrel is a top-shelf bourbon with a sophisticated distilling process using corn, rye and five yeast strains to produce the rich, unique flavor. Ashley, Thank you for this recommendation. This is a great sipping bourbon. Here is my list of the best bourbon under 30 dollars. The nose is quite woody and has light notes charcoal and dark chocolate. Dont bother mixing it with anything. Handcrafted from the finest corn, rye, and malted barley. The taste of apple is very noticeable since they rested this in Neverinks Apple Apritif. Michters US-1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Michters US-1 is one of the classic favorites because of its subtle and straightforward flavors. Any one of these bourbons is a great foundation for derby day drinks and for a well-stocked home bar. Old Forester The 117 Series 1910 Extra Old has a warm taste of spice that is not overwhelming, which we like in a sipping bourbon. Sharp at first, but softens quickly, with hints of oak, sweet corn and rye grain character. Interested in bourbons under $30 or under $50 instead? Longbranch is bottled at 43.5% ABV and offers the signature Wild Turkey balance of smooth vanilla notes and smoke, but without much of the fire that 101 and especially Rare Breed possesses on the finish. The taste is bold, dry and delicate with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa. Average Price: $25.99. When it comes to the best bourbon under a $50 budget, this list is exactly what you want to be reading. But the good news is my sacrifice is your gain. Best Bourbon Under $50: Get The Best Bourbon For Your Buck This is definitely one to consider if youre looking for a dark, sweet, and oaky bourbon that provides a great gateway into Michters lineup, but without the wild $150+ price tag for the. The complexity of the flavors is pleasantly surprising. It has claimed over 30 awards in the past decade, including5 DoubleGold medalsat the SFWSC. These are the same basis as more expensive brands. I generally agree, but its still really solid. This is a really unique pour that has some cinnamon heat initially that dissipates quickly during the finish. Dont let your feelings about, It admittedly sits in a weird place next to the 9 year old and 100 proof Knob Creek Small Batch at around the same price, but while this more luxurious and. Rare Breed was first released in 1991 and along with Bookers remains one of the longest running barrel proof bourbons on the market. The aroma of freshly baked cornbread with cinnamon and nutmeg greets the nose. Tasting notes of honey, butterscotch, and a soft woodiness. ABV:45% ABV:47% Here are our favorites, all under $50. Its very rye heavy and spicy, so it doesnt fit everyones flavor preferences, but if you tend to love Russells Reserve or Wild Turkey, youll really like Smoke Wagon (and especially this high-end expression). Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon is one of the best bourbons under 50 dollars. It is a good bourbon with a good bottle cost. Classic bourbon flavors of sweet vanilla and mellowed oak with a welcoming amount of heat are the quintessential bourbon characteristics. The Henry McKenna Single Barrel is another great label if you have the means to try that out, too. Medium body and sticky-toffee flavor. Top 10 Bourbons You Can Only Find in Kentucky. Ive drank quite a few different bourbons under $50, which means, you dont have to. Many claim its the best under $100 due to its value, but I think it doesnt have good enough balance to be higher on this list. Review Summary: This is a quintessential bourbon that offers something just about every bourbon enthusiast can love. My. This bourbon is right on the cusp with the average price being right at $30. Sep 12, 2017 9 1792 Sweet Wheat 80 Sweet & Fruity Most bourbons use rye as a secondary grain. While the exposure to additional charred wood has given Makers 46 a woodier flavor profile, its not one thats overly oaked, and brings with it a nice blast of sweetness from the additional sugars from the seared French oak staves. The taste of honey, sweet corn, oak, and spice tickles the taste buds. The sweetness is still notable, but this is one of the rare bottles with evenly flavored components. Bourbon for Beginners: The 9 Best Bottles of 2023, 14 Easy Bourbon Cocktails for Every Occasion (Including a Tuesday), Wheated Bourbon: What It Is & 10 Great Bottles to Try. , Of Whiskey and Words 2023. Early Times is that bourbon, however, I recommend the Early Times Bottle In Bond. Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery, Bardstown, KY Russell's Reserve 10 Year may not be the most talked about Wild Turkey bourbon, but it offers a tremendous value for those seeking a higher-aged and lower-proof bourbon from one of the nation's best distilleries. Heaven's Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey 16. Average Price: $39.99. It smells of maple sugar and toasted nuts and has a distinctly sweet, round and rich palate with slightly fruity oak flavors. Those authors including them on their list of best bourbons for under $50 are lying to you. ABV: 50% This bottle is also one of the, 10. And pretty damn spectacular as well. Consistently smooth taste with vanilla, dried fruit, and a long, smoky finish. For around $20, you get a fairly dark, sweet, roasty, and well-developed bourbon thats tasty neat and has enough heft for cocktails. Weller Full Proof is named the highest rated bourbon at this year's Ultimate Spirits . The Absolute Best Bourbons Between $50-$60, Ranked. Made with a high-rye mash bill, this bourbon hides the spicy, drier taste. I have far too much fun writing about whiskey and singlehandedly running The Whiskey Shelf to bring you independent, honest, and useful reviews, comparisons, and more. Looking for the best bourbon under 50 dollars? The 11 Best Bourbons under $50 - Of Whiskey and Words There are a lot of bourbon brands you can add to your go-to list that is equally flavorful as an expensive Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey. Average Price:$25.99. Thats a good amount of time for bourbon in this price range, especially given that bottles just 10 to 15 bucks cheaper are usually only aged four years. Learn how your comment data is processed. ABV:45% Review Summary: This incredible bottle of bourbon is rye-forward and packed with character. They all will deliver rich flavor profiles thatll make you glad you bought a bourbon in this pricepoint to try. This list is ordered by total value (price + taste). Best Bourbons Under $50 for Mint Juleps on Kentucky Derby Day. This bourbon brand is created at the most award-winning distillery in the world, a master distiller which also . Why do I say that? Trust me when I say this mystery bourbon is tasty with a capital Heaven. Stores often offer barrel picks from great brands like Four Roses and Makers Mark that are single barrel and barrel strength (also called cask strength). Bookers is one of Jim Beams premium expressions, so you can expect each bottle to be really good. I wanted to start with this because Evan Williams Black Label is so affordable yet surprisingly good. Im Chris. It can be a lot to handle, but its well worth it. The finish is sweet and pleasant with subtle fruit notes., You know when local Louisville bartenders use one bourbon for their personal enjoyment, its gonna be good. Thats why created this guide to the 15 best bourbons under $100 that you can buy based on total value from our tastings and research. Before we dive in, its important to know how we set this thing up. The Bourbon: Henry McKenna Single Barrel You will enjoy tasting notes of vanilla, caramel, allspice, and honey. If you are looking for a affordable bourbon, you have come to right place. Price: $50-$55. These bourbon brands can compete with expensive bottles displayed on liquor store shelves. If you havent tried all of them yet, well, theres no time like the present. [2022] - [The Whiskey Shelf] | All rights reserved. The palate will enjoy the taste of caramel and toffee, rye, and spices. Rating:Top Shelf (older releases at least), Price:$40-50 (MSRP), but often tough to find and marked up, Distillery: Michters (or whoever they source from), Price:$45-55 (average price teeters around $50). At no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. In the Michter s tradition hailing from America s first whiskey distilling company, this bourbon is made from a proprietary mashbill that features the highest quality American corn and is then matured to the peak of perfection. 10 Mixers for 2023. And depending on the price and proof, they could be a great buy. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. What it lacks in strong memorable characteristics it makes up for in drinkability and value. While the ABV looks low, it actually carries decent heft with really tasty caramel, vanilla, chocolate fudge, roasted oak, cinnamon, mocha, dried apple and orange, licorice, and nutmeg that show off some nice richness and maturity. The finish is rather dry and abrupt but with a slightly peppery taste. It is one of the best bourbon brands that should be drunk neat. Whats not to like in the complex, big, and bold bourbon flavors of Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon? This bourbon definitely makes my list as one of the best bourbon under 50 dollars. Add Bowman Brothers to you list of the best bourbon under 50 dollars. As an FYI, I bought and use these Glencairn glasses for everything (theyre the best): Full transparency, this is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon. Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon. Priced at around $40 a bottle, this go-to bourbon features vanilla aromatics with a touch of fresh apple. The flavor profile includes gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas with tones of maple, oak and nutmeg with a light toffee finish., Knob Creek is aged nine years in charred American white oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof. The balance between the sweet and spicy is good though we do not see so much character in this piece. These cooking tips will help you when creating your next recipe. There are only some whiskeys that arent as good as others. Yes it has the distinctive (and not for everyone) Heaven Hill dry nuttiness, but theres plenty of caramel nougat and vanilla, a lot of cinnamon, more delicate peach and citrus, and just a little baked bread and cocoa powder to be richer and complex than other wheated bourbons under $30. 20. Every Single Buffalo Trace Whiskey & Spirits Brand, Ranked. Distillery: Bulleit Distilling Co, Louisville, KY Here are the five bottles that topped our recent blind tasting. Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont, KY Tasting Notes: Caramel, raspberry, leather. The Bourbon: Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year 13 Best Bourbons Under $50 - Good Cheap Kentucky Rye & Bourbon If you like sweeter bourbon even with its high rye content, the flavor profile is unlikeother bourbons on the market and really does live up to its description of delicate fruit, spicy, and creamy., The nose is fruity, spicy and floral-the palate is full of ripe plum and cherries with a robust, full body.. Review Summary: This small batch bourbon is reminiscent of an apple pie with deep notes of caramel, cinnamon, and baking spices. Jeffersons Reserve brags they are a very old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky. The 21 Best Bourbons Under $50 In 2023 - Tasting Table We love its straightforward taste. Looking for a perfect drink to enjoy after a long day or an easy yet decadent cocktail to serve your. 20 Best Bourbon Whiskeys Under $60, Ranked - UPROXX Beginning with a subtle nose, I.W. Field & Sound Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey, This bottle gives an Irish whiskey impression since it has high winter rye. The 5% of spirit lost each year during barrel aging is called the Angels Share. Lincoln, Angels Envy creator, joked the remaining barrel was better than what the angels got to enjoy. This is, however; the lowest cost barrel proof bourbon offered by a major Kentucky distillery so it is definitely worth a try and makes my list of the best bourbon under 50 dollars. The character of this bourbon is well-defined. Better still? Heavens Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 15. Its simply not worth that. Tasting Notes: Maple syrup, buttery caramel, vanilla. Theres a lot of bourbon out there, and it sucks to waste your money on bourbon you dont like. It was like a cherry bomb with a syrupy mouth feel and traditional bourbon notes. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Then, Buffalo Trace threw a curveball and released. I found the Tagalong batch to be a bit unbalanced, leaning heavily towards oak, but the flavors vary wildly by batch. Folks like the Wild Turkey when it comes to the best whiskey bourbon under 100, so you might want to move along now.". 15. This is the first time Makers Mark has ever offered its product in cask strength form. The difference would be with their much higher-end ingredients and more expensive packaging. Contact at [emailprotected] or learn more about us here. Distillery: Brown-Forman Shively distillery. This bottle is one of our top picks as best bourbons under 50 dollars. Whats a party without the usual boozefest! Theres no limit to your happy hour! Other bourbons higher in this list have achieved much better balance. Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon. The dram starts with a sense of buttery toast and echoes of rye spice. This bottle gives an Irish whiskey impression since it has high winter rye (1) content. The Bourbon: Markers 46 Best Bourbons Under $50 | Breaking Bourbon Full flavors of vanilla and clove, along with rye spices, can be found on this bottles tasting notes. In my early and mid 20s, I couldnt afford to buy a nice bottle of bourbon AND go to Australia, so sacrifices had to be made. There is much debate around whether Blantons is worth the $100 price tag, but at the end of the day, its completely based on the tasters preference. This list of the best bourbon under 50 dollars proves that a great bottle does not necessarily have to come at a great cost! The nose will catch rich caramel notes with vanilla and cloves. The palate will enjoy a burst of toffee, dried cherry, rye spice, and buttery toast. Average Price:$39.99. The World's Best BourbonAccording To The 2023 Ultimate - Forbes This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 6. The luscious finish is smooth and dry.. If youre going to drink Jack, this is the one I recommend you start with before pummeling your senses with the barrel proof. Distilled by Jim Bean, The Old-Grand Dad 114 is one of the most extreme values in the entire bourbon market. Its like regular Knob Creek on steroids. The topic itself is quite broad and full of opinions, so these are just my thoughts on the subject. The price point for Makers Mark Cask Strength bourbon is close to $40 per bottle. The 16 Best Bourbons Under $100 in 2023 - Bourbon Inspector Im starting right out of the gate with an exception to my rule a Mid Shelf bourbon. Theres dark toasted caramel, vanilla, mocha, roasted oak, earthy caraway seed, and more, thats wise beyond its years. Review Summary: Consistently praised as one of the best bottles you can buy under $100, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a great choice. The Best Bourbon Whiskeys You Can Buy for $50 or Less - Gear Patrol Todd is a man of simple tastes: traveling, words, whiskey, & dad jokes. I was very pleasantly surprised the first time I drank it, and was even more pleased when I reviewed it. You may or may not have even heard of Rowans Creek. Average Price: $34.99. Distillery:Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY (Sazerac Company) Notes of vanilla, dark fruit, orange, cherry, and apple are obvious on both the nose and palate. Youll find it great for sipping neat or on the rocks. Are they worth every penny and then some? The taste of fresh mint is hidden in the spicy notes and high alcohol content. Add these bourbons to your list to try in 2022! Some of the links within this article are affiliate links. Try some of the bourbons Ive mentioned if you havent already, try some more, decide what you like, and go from there. Aged over 7 years in American oak barrels, the result is smooth and lasting with notes of vanilla and baked bread., Looking for the best bourbon under 50 dollars? Failed to subscribe, please contact admin. Ill let you know my thoughts whenever I review KC 15. 17 Of The Best Bourbons Under $50 Worth Buying, Glencairn-like stainless steel snifter glass, Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength BK Miller, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Single Barrel 9 Year, Westward Whiskey Cask Strength Single Malt, EH Taylor Comparison: Small Batch Vs Single Barrel | The Whiskey Shelf, Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon Review [In Depth] | The Whiskey Shelf, Four Roses Yellow Label New Vs Old Comparison | The Whiskey Shelf, In Depth: Hakushu 12 Year Single Malt Whiskey Review | The Whiskey Shelf, 11 Of The Best Bourbon Under $100 [In Depth Guide] The Whiskey Shelf, I reviewed it and liked it. At 92 proof, its a wonder that the alcohol feels so moderate, but it makes its presence known in the cinnamon-firework finish. Because of this, I would say this is a drink it only on a special occasion bottle of bourbon. It has claimed over 30 awards in the past decade, including. The bourbon is aged for 10 years in charred American oak barrels. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The Top 10 Best Kentucky Bourbon Brands to Try in 2022 The best part about Ol Grand Dad, however, is its price point. Heavens Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a deliciously sweet vanilla flavor. The Rundown Best Overall: Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Drizly Jump to Review Best Single Barrel: Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon at Drizly Jump to Review Best Budget: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey at Drizly Jump to Review Best Sipper: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Drizly Jump to Review Best Value: Are you looking for a bourbon to add to your home bar with a price tag lower than $10 a bottle? The Best Bourbon Under $50 - Sound Brewery What impressed us the most was the long finish that transitions to perfectly balanced flavors of dried fruits. First, I just havent had much of it, and that needs to change. Their marketing boasts of triple distillation, copper still,and aging in Virginia rickhouses all of which seem to have had an actual impact on the final products unique spicy finish at a price point of under $40 a bottle. That being said, its still a great bourbon to try in its price point (from a great distillery). A bottle of Old Forester Classic 86 Proof bourbon, the recipe of which is in keeping with the style of when it was first introduced by George Garvin Brown in 1870. It has a sweet citrusy flavor with almonds, figs, and nutmeg notes. The hint of leather gives way to a long, dark and lingering finish that nestles cozily against your tongue, while warming from the inside out with the characteristic Wild Turkey heat. Spirits The Best Bourbon Under $50 October 20, 2022 Story: Punch Staff photo: Lizzie Munro Amid the boom of high-end bourbon, there are still plenty of affordable options worth seeking out. The classic bourbon flavors are present in New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey. Its softer flavor notes make this bourbon great for sipping or making cocktails. And pretty damn spectacular as well. Why is this bourbon called Angel's Envy? It has a sweet and peppery flavor with chocolate, black currant, and vanilla bean notes. Im proudly Asian American and can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and some Japanese. Barrel picks (also known as store picks) are awesome, but they werent included in the list above because the specifics will vary so widely. 8 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: I kind of hate to share my ultimate bargain pick for fear that the price will spike when word gets out. Its a great everyday sipping bourbon, and also forms a great base for a cocktail, you can also find a lot of bourbons out there that do the same for less, The Blade and Bow brand is a tribute to the five keys that once hung on the door of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which stands for the five steps of making bourbon grains, yeast, fermentation, distillation, and aging., Affordably priced at under $50, Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon is aged 6 years to produce a nose of old leather, chamomile, butterscotch and warm cinnamon cedar.. Offered at a remarkable high-$20 price point, its hard to beat pound for pound. New Riff, a Double-Gold award winner, costs between $40 and $50. Finishes mellow, smooth, with just enough alcohol bite. This bourbon is a step away from the usual taste you have with a typical bourbon. Notes: Bookers is incredibly sweet for such a high proof. 1.) Review Summary: This bourbon is very rich, hot, and unbelievably unique. Its definitely better than Blantons and its usually also cheaper. content. Enjoy it while you can still find it. ABV:50% A touch of oak and pine provides a strong underpinning. Youre better off with any of the 7 that rank ahead of it (and theyll be easier to find too). The Rundown Best Overall: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Drizly Jump to Review Best for Sipping: Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Drizly Jump to Review Best for Cocktails: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey at Drizly Jump to Review Best Value: Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon at Drizly Jump to Review Best Kentucky: ABV: 45.6% This isnt because they arent worthy of being featured, its because their real price is significantly above their MSRP and cant be purchased easily for $100 or less. The finish is smooth and well-spiced with orange zest and almond notes. Priced at around $25, this bourbon is budget bourbon. W.L. This is a fair point, but keep in mind what were shooting for: the best bourbons at this price point based on total value. Share to Twitter. ABV: 47% Noah's Mill Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Incubated in the globally renowned Willett Distillery, Noah's Mill is, undisputedly, the best sipping bourbon available on the market, especially when we consider that its price point in just below $50. Every barrel is discriminately selected to offer consistent flavor but with a seemingly individual personality. Take into account the proof and the rumored aging of 5-6 years, you cannot find another moderately aged bourbon close in cask strength under $30. Sign up to have our latest tipsand stories sent straight to your inbox. We like this bottle because of the elegant smoothness of the flavors. Im a big fan, and a worthwhile purchase for $40-45. Four Roses The Bourbon: Four Roses Single Barrel Distillery: Four Roses Distillery, Lawrenceburg, KY ABV: 50% Average Price: $43.99. Its dense, spicy, and has a solid alcohol kick too, so be prepared. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It does not store any personal data. The nose is greeted with candied fruit and dark sugar molasses. Watershed Distillery Blended Straight Bourbon, 4. It may not be the most unique bourbon out there, but you cant go wrong with the combination of price, availability, and excellent quality. It is a complete package with a good percentage of alcohol. This bottle is one of the wheated bourbons we like. Your email address will not be published. If you see it, buy it. Notes: Old Elk is a fast-rising bourbon that recently released high-malt and wheated expressions. THE JUSTIFIED GUIDE TO THE BEST KENTUCKY BOURBON UNDER $100 - Gallantry