Daniel Davis
Discovering the Best Budget Bourbon Bottles
If you’re a whiskey drinker on a budget, your best bet is budget bourbon bottles. While deals exist in the single malt scotch whisky world and with other types of whisk(e)y, the most enticing bargains can be found in the realm of bourbon.
Bourbon Production 101
For those new to this sweet, mellow whiskey, it must fit a few parameters to be called a bourbon. Firstly, it must be made with a mash bill of at least 51% corn. Many bourbons have a much higher percentage of corn. Secondly, it must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160-proof, added to the barrel at no more than 125-proof, and bottled at a minimum of 80-proof and no more than 150-proof.
Additionally, it must be made in the US. Some bourbon purists insist that it needs to be made in Kentucky, but this isn’t true. While 95% of all bourbon is produced in the Blue Grass State, other states like Washington and Florida also produce this iconic spirit.
Why Choose Budget Bourbon Bottles?
The abundance of bourbon production in the US means there are plenty of affordable options available. Many award-winning, exceptional bourbons can be found for less than $40.
Fan-Favorite Budget Bourbon Bottles
Searching for top-quality budget bourbon bottles? Look no further! We’ve handpicked five of the best options based on value and quality. These well-known names are beloved by bartenders and home mixologists alike.
Old Grand-Dad Bonded
Old Grand-Dad Bonded is known for its high-rye mash bill featuring 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley. This bolder, spicier bourbon is a bottle-in-bond, meaning it’s bottled at 100-proof and aged for four years in federally bonded warehouses. Expect flavors of toffee, cinnamon candy, vanilla, dried fruits, and charred oak.
George Dickel Bourbon
Known for its Tennessee Whiskeys, George Dickel also offers a flavorful and reasonably priced bourbon. With a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley, this 90-proof bourbon is aged for at least eight years in charred oak barrels. It boasts notes of orange peel, candied cherries, vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Evan Williams 1783
The Evan Williams brand is synonymous with quality bargain bourbons. The Evan Williams 1783, an award-winning, 90-proof small batch bourbon, is made to honor the year Evan Williams founded the distillery. It features aromas of oak, vanilla, and sweet corn, with flavors of honey, caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, and oak.
Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101 is a beloved choice for both bartenders and drinkers. This 101-proof bourbon has been crafted the same way for over 75 years, aged between 6-8 years in deeply charred oak barrels. Expect nose hints of toasted vanilla beans, oak, and cinnamon, with flavors of vanilla beans, toffee candy, dried fruits, charred oak, and wintry spices.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
If you try only one budget-friendly bottle, make it Elijah Craig Small Batch. Named for the man credited with inventing bourbon, this award-winning whiskey is aged for 8-12 years in charred oak barrels. It offers complex, sippable notes of vanilla beans, mint leaves, honey, butterscotch, and rich, oaky wood.
Bottom Line
When choosing budget bourbon bottles, consider how much you’re willing to spend and what you plan to use the bourbon for. If you’re looking for a sipping whiskey, you might want to spend a little more than for a mixing whiskey.
| Bourbon | Proof | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Old Grand-Dad Bonded | 100 | Toffee, Cinnamon, Vanilla |
| George Dickel Bourbon | 90 | Orange Peel, Vanilla, Caramel |
| Evan Williams 1783 | 90 | Honey, Caramel, Oak |
| Wild Turkey 101 | 101 | Vanilla Beans, Toffee, Cinnamon |
| Elijah Craig Small Batch | Varies (8-12 Years) | Vanilla, Honey, Butterscotch |
