Top 10 Inexpensive Bourbons You Need to Try

Wild Turkey 101 could be called “101” because it’s a classic example of good bourbon that isn’t too expensive. 

It’s a simple bourbon with a mild sweetness and almost no bite. You can enjoy it on its own or over ice, depending on your preference.

Wild Turkey is one of the simplest bourbons on this list, with very little complexity to the flavor profile.

Jim Beam is an old name in whiskey history. If you’re looking for a cheap bourbon but know it will taste like good, honest whiskey, Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey is the one for you. 

You’ll notice a little bit of spice and a touch of vanilla. There’s an oak flavor intermingling with it all that lingers on into the finish.

Maker’s Mark is a unique bourbon whiskey with a great price point. You can enjoy the interesting flavor profile without breaking the bank.

The flavor notes come from soft red winter wheat instead of rye, producing a much smoother presentation for the drinker. With hints of oak and spice, it’s great for sipping neat.

Notice that this Early Times distillation is regarded as old-style Kentucky whiskey. 

It still has a nice rye flavor with hints of sherry sweetness, making it a fun drink to pour over ice or enjoy in a cocktail.

If you’re a rye fan, then you’ll love this high-rye style from 1792. The Small Batch has many pleasant characteristics, most notably the full-bodied notes of chocolate. 

Make the most of every sip with this whiskey; the flavor profile brings you a load of spiciness that makes 1792 the perfect after-dinner or dessert whiskey.

When stocking your cocktail cabinet, ensure you have a bottle of Old Forester Bourbon. Not only is it highly affordable, but it’s pleasantly consistent. 

The bourbon texture of Old Forester is what makes it so unique. It has an entire body and a smooth finish, with plenty of exciting flavors like vanilla and orange.

It’s great on its own, over some ice, or in your favorite cocktail.

Heaven Hill Bourbon tastes a little like the holidays in your glass. Heaven Hill has all the flavors of your favorite Christmas cake with hints of cinnamon and caramel sweetness. 

Not only is Heaven Hill cheap, but it’s guaranteed to please its drinkers. Compared to similar bourbons, you’ll notice it has a similar flavor profile to Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey.

Evan Williams opened the very first distillery in Kentucky in the late 1700s. So it’s only fitting that he got a bourbon whiskey named after him.

Evan Williams is a great, cheap, simple bourbon to keep on hand if you want something easy to drink. Evan Williams has your back on its own or in a cocktail. 

Notice the tasting notes of mint and rich vanilla!

If there’s a flavor you can’t find in Elijah Craig Small Batch, it’s hard to say what that might be: it includes almost everything in the tasting notes, like caramel, vanilla, clove, cinnamon, oak, citrus, cherry, and licorice. 

Elijah Craig Small Batch is an inexpensive bourbon that tastes like it should cost more. Try sipping this one over ice for the best experience.

We saved the best for last. When it comes to cheap bourbon, nothing beats Buffalo Trace. It has a more substantial bourbon feel than other options on this list and a smooth finish that you can’t beat. 

With tasting notes that include oak, toffee, fruit, and anise, it’s hard to find something as tasty or pleasant for the price point of Buffalo Trace.