The Best Affordable Bourbon in 2024
The Best Affordable Bourbon
When it comes to bourbon, you don't always have to break the bank to find a bottle that suits your palate. There are plenty of affordable options that offer a rich and complex flavor profile. In this article, we will explore some of the best affordable bourbons that you can enjoy without hurting your wallet.
Here is the quick summary of the ones we chose today, more information about each one below.
| Old Forester 100 Proof | $27.99 |
| Wild Turkey 101 | $29.99 |
| 1792 Small Batch | $34.99 |
| Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon | $34.99 |
| Elijah Craig Small Batch | $27.99 |
| Russel Reserve 10 Year bourbon | $49.99 |
| Maker’s Mark Cask Strength | $45.99 |
| Evan Williams Bottled In Bond | $20.99 |
| Coppercraft Distillery Straight Bourbon | $49.99 |
| George Remus Straight Bourbon | $39.99 |
Discovering the Richness of Budget Bourbons: Quality Meets Value
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor. It's made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, which gives it a distinctive sweet and smoky flavor. While there are many high-end bourbons that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, there are also plenty of affordable options that offer excellent quality and flavor.
In fact, many of these affordable bourbons can hold their own against their more expensive counterparts. They offer a wide range of flavors and aromas, from sweet and fruity to rich and smoky. Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or a casual drinker, there's an affordable bourbon out there that's perfect for you.
Let's take a closer look at some of the best budget bourbons on the market today.
Old Forester 100 Proof - $27.99
Old Forester 100 Proof is a tribute to the legacy of its founder, George Garvin Brown, who put his signature on every bottle. This bourbon is a favorite among bartenders and is definitely one that Brown would be proud to have his name on today. Handpicked from select barrels, Old Forester 100 proof is a rich, complex bourbon. It's spicy and robust, and it's bottled at 100 proof to maintain its distinct character and full flavor profile. This bourbon is not just a drink, but a piece of history that honors the legacy of its founder.
Tasting Notes:
- Aroma: Strong, sweet coffee laced with chocolate, creamy butterscotch and a hint of liquorice.
- Taste: Ripe apple and other sweet fruit, bakery spice (clove and nutmeg), and toasted oak.
- Finish: Sweet and light, with hints of oak and apple that linger a bit.
Wild Turkey 101 - $29.99
For over 60 years, Wild Turkey has been committed to crafting 101 the right way. Aged in American White Oak barrels coated in the deepest alligator char, Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon has an impossible-to-miss character. Its high rye content and the 101 proof give it a most flavorful profile that carries a bit of a pleasant bite to it – making it highly enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. This bourbon is a testament to Wild Turkey's commitment to tradition and quality, offering a rich, full-bodied flavor that is both robust and smooth.
Tasting Notes:
- Taste: A hint of sweet upfront with vanilla and caramel notes. Oak and baking spices in the middle
- Aroma: Vanilla with cinnamon and oak
- Finish: Bold, signature Wild Turkey spice and orange peel
1792 Small Batch - $34.99
1792 Small Batch Bourbon is a sophisticated and complex bourbon that stands out from the crowd. It's a distinctly different bourbon created with precise craftsmanship. Made from a signature "high rye" recipe and the marriage of select barrels carefully chosen by the Master Distiller, 1792 Bourbon has an expressive and elegant flavor profile. Unmistakable spice mingles with sweet caramel and vanilla to create a bourbon that is incomparably brash and bold, yet smooth and balanced. Elevating whiskey to exceptional new heights, 1792 Bourbon is celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide for its unique and complex flavor profile.
Tasting Notes:
- A distinctly different bourbon created with precise craftsmanship.
- Made from a signature "high rye" recipe and the marriage of select barrels carefully chosen by the Master Distiller.
- Unmistakable spice mingles with sweet caramel and vanilla to create a bourbon that is incomparably brash and bold, yet smooth and balanced.
Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon - $34.99
Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon is like a time machine in a bottle, taking you back to 1812 when the art of bourbon crafting first began at the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery. This National Historic Landmark is the birthplace of a bourbon that boasts over 200 detectable flavor notes. From the bold grain and wood to the sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes, each sip is a journey through the rich history of bourbon making.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Clean, brilliant honey amber.
- Nose: Heavy with rich dried fruit, hints of mint and oranges covered with a dusting of cocoa. Faint vanilla and tobacco spice.
- Taste: Rich, chewy, rounded and smooth, with complex citrus, cinnamon and cocoa. Toffee, caramel, chocolate and spice notes abound.
- Finish: Silky smooth, almost creamy at first with a long, warm satisfying tail.
Elijah Craig Small Batch - $27.99
Elijah Craig Small Batch is the bourbon that started it all, the trailblazer of the bourbon industry. This award-winning bourbon owes its distinctive warm spice & subtle smoke flavor to Level 3 charred oak barrels. Handcrafted by their Master Distillers, it’s a favorite of Bourbon connoisseurs and casual whiskey fans alike. It's like a warm blanket on a cold night, comforting and familiar but always exciting.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Burnished copper
- Aroma: Delightfully complex with notesof vanilla bean, sweet fruit, and fresh mint
- Taste: Smooth and warm; pleasantly woody with accents of spice, smoke, and nutmeg
- Finish: Long, sweet, and slightly toasty
Russell's Reserve 10 Year - $49.99
Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon is the brainchild of legendary bourbon-makers Jimmy and Eddie Russell. Aged in No. 4 alligator char barrels and bottled at 90 proof, this bourbon is the cornerstone of the Russell’s Reserve collection. It's like a masterclass in bourbon making, showcasing the knowledge and skill of its creators.
Tasting Notes:
- This small-batch bourbon offers a bouquet of vanilla spice followed by rich, creamy toffee on the palate. It finishes quickly with a touch of sweetness.
- Color: An amber and copper hue
- Aroma: Orange peel and citrus with notes of butterscotch, maple, oak, and vanilla
- Taste: Rich, spicy caramel, and vanilla flavors
- Finish: Smooth and sweet, with toffee and spice notes lingering with a mild and pleasant warming
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength - $45.99
Maker's Mark Cask Strength is like a wild stallion, untamed and full of spirit. Bottled at barrel proof and nonchill filtered, it ranges from 108 to 114 proof depending on the barrels. Despite its strength, it's surprisingly smooth, retaining the signature flavors of Maker's Mark while amplifying the vanilla and rich oak notes. It's a bourbon that's not for the faint of heart.
Tasting Notes:
- Aroma: Big oak, vanilla and caramel
- Taste: Robust, warm texture with notes of caramel, vanilla and spice
- Finish: Long finish on front of tongue, harmonious with no harsh bitterness
- Proof: 108–114
Evan Williams Bottled In Bond - $20.99
Evan Williams Bottled In Bond is like a trusted old friend, reliable and comforting. Aged under government supervision and meeting the exact requirements for a Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, it delivers the kick you expect, but like a good friend, it's always smooth and never lets you down.
Tasting Notes:
- Proof: 100 Proof
- Color: Bright Gold
- Nose: Caramel with hints of vanilla, oak, and barley
- Taste: Citrus on top of vanilla, and black pepper
- Finish: Warm, long, and dry
Honorable Mention: Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is often hailed as the best bourbon choice possible for its price point by most of America. The only reason it is not included in the list is that since demand is so high, they have been harder to find lately. However, we are happy to announce that we have it available on our website, The Barrel Tap, and just like the rest of the bourbon, we deliver to your door! If nationwide availability wasn't an issue, it would undoubtedly be at the top of the list.
There are plenty of bourbons out there that offer excellent quality and depth for a decent price. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or a casual sipper, there's an affordable bourbon out there that's perfect for you. Let us help you, chat with us anytime!
