Bargain Bourbon: 12 Best Bourbons Under $40

While it’s certainly nice to splurge on a high-end bottle of bourbon, it’s by no means necessary to enjoy a quality drink. There are plenty of bourbon brands out there delivering delicious and complex flavor profiles at incredibly affordable prices. Listed below are 12 must-try bourbons under $40 that won’t break the bank but will surely tantalize your taste buds.

1. Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Retailing for around $25, Buffalo Trace is a cornerstone of affordable yet high-quality bourbons. It is known for its invitingly sweet and spicy flavor profile with notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and oak. It makes for an excellent choice as a sipper or mixer alike.

2. Elijah Craig Small Batch

Elijah Craig Small Batch offers oaky depth and a richness that is surprising doable for a $30 bottle. It delivers notes of caramel, apple, and just a hint of spice, making it a very balanced bourbon that’s easy to sip or mix into a cocktail.

3. Evan Williams Single Barrel

This bourbon is an excellent sample of what a single-barrel bourbon can offer, all for under $30. Offering the taste of ripe orchard fruits, honey, and a mix of baking spices, this one finishes with a warm and long-lasting feel on the palate.

4. Four Roses Small Batch

For about $35, Four Roses Small Batch expertly blends four of its distinct bourbon recipes into a harmonious bottle. With its notes of berries, floral undertones, rich honey, and a hint of oak, this bourbon promises a burst of flavors.

5. Wild Turkey 101

A fan-favorite under $30, Wild Turkey 101 packs a punch with a higher alcohol content. This gives the bourbon a fuller flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. A touch of water or ice can open up this spirit’s complexities.

6. Larceny Small Batch

Larceny Small Batch hits the spot with its unique wheated bourbon profile. For about $25, this bourbon offers an ultra-smooth sipping experience with notes of sweet corn, honey, and vanilla, balanced out by oak and a hint of spice.

7. Old Forester 100 Proof

Old Forester 100 Proof offers depth and character for less than $30. It’s a higher proof bourbon, meaning it carries strong flavors. Expect a rich note of caramel, balanced out with deep oak and slight spice. It’s a strong but smooth experience.

8. Knob Creek Small Batch 9-Year

Knob Creek Small Batch 9-Year offers an age statement bourbon for under $40. The result is a more complex taste profile rich in caramel and toasted oak with a long and full finish.

9. Bulleit Bourbon

Going for approximately $30, Bulleit Bourbon is smooth and medium-bodied, with a quintessential bourbon profile. It offers notes of oak, toasted grains, and warming spices.

10. Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select brings rich, full-bodied flavors of dried fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak. It’s surprisingly affordable for a luxury brand, with bottles typically retailing for under $40.

11. Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark is a classic go-to bourbon. This wheat-recipe bourbon comes with a smooth and inviting profile that includes hints of vanilla, butterscotch and spice. It’s enjoyable neat, on the rocks or in cocktails and sells for about $30.

12. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year offers aged character and complexity for around $35. Expect an intricate profile with hints of caramel, vanilla, and red fruits, all underscored by oak undertones. The finish is long and warming.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the bourbon market provides an extensive array of delicious and affordable bottles that more than provide value for their cost. So if you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a beginner looking to explore the world of this distilled spirit, don’t miss out on these wonderful bourbons that won’t strain your wallet.