Paul Kushner
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made primarily from corn. It is a popular spirit that is enjoyed by many people around the world. While there are many expensive bourbons available, there are also some great cheap bourbons that are perfect for those who are on a budget or just looking for a good value.
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Cheap bourbons can be a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of bourbon without breaking the bank. These bourbons are often made with a higher percentage of corn and are aged for shorter periods of time than their more expensive counterparts. While they may not have the same complexity or depth of flavor as the pricier options, they can still be quite enjoyable. Cheap bourbons are perfect for casual drinkers who want to enjoy a tasty drink without spending a lot of money. Whether you’re sipping it neat or mixing it into a cocktail, a good cheap bourbon can be a great addition to any bar.
Wild Turkey 101
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. It’s versatility and low price tag makes it a contender for the best cheap bourbon!
Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
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 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the one for you. You’ll notice a little bit of spice and a touch of vanilla in this Kentucky bourbon. There’s an oak flavor intermingling with it all that lingers on into the finish. This is one of the best cheap bourbons for its great flavor and enduring popularity!
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark is a unique bourbon with a great price point. You can enjoy the interesting flavor profile of one of the best bourbons without breaking the bank. The flavor notes come from a mash bill with soft red winter wheat instead of rye, producing a much smoother presentation for the drinker. With hints of oak and spice, this wheated bourbon is great for sipping neat.
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond
Notice that this Early Times distillation is regarded as old-style Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Early Times is made based on the US Bottled-in-Bond Act, making it a classic bourbon as well as one of the best cheap bourbons! 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.
1792 Small Batch
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 dark 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. While it comes in an impressive looking bottle and boasts great bourbon flavor, this is still one of our favorite cheap bourbons at under $30!
Old Forester Bourbon
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 zest. It’s great on its own, over some ice, or in your favorite cocktail. You don’t need an expensive whiskey to make a great drink – try this affordable bottle instead!
Heaven Hill Bourbon
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
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 bourbon cocktail. Notice the tasting notes of mint and rich vanilla!
Elijah Craig Small Batch
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.
Buffalo Trace
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.
Redemption High Rye Bourbon
If you usually like rye whiskey, you’ll enjoy this bourbon. High rye bourbons have a higher rye content than most bourbons, as much as 20% or more in the mash bill. This results in a spicier bourbon. Redemption High Rye Bourbon is a great choice if you want a high rye mash bill bourbon on a budget. You can enjoy rye spice in this bourbon, with a 36% rye content as well as tasting notes of vanilla, berries, and oak. This is one of our favorite budget bourbons and a standout on this list!
