Discovering Affordable Bourbon Brands
Stop by your local liquor store and ask to buy three bottles of Blanton’s or W.L. Weller Special Reserve, and you’re likely to be met with laughter. Although these bourbons were both available and affordable ten years ago, that’s no longer the case. And they’re not alone: Navigating the world of bourbon has become an increasingly challenging endeavor. This isn’t to say that excellent, affordable bourbon brands don’t exist — you just need to know what to look for. Below is a guide to understanding the breadth, quality, and styles of bourbon you can easily find without breaking the bank.
A High-Rye Standard: Old Grand-Dad
The Old Grand-Dad bottled-in-bond bourbon can easily be found for under $25. It stands out because of its reliably delicious profile. The high-rye mash bill adds the perfect amount of spice to bourbon’s inherent sweetness. This makes it an excellent choice for a Manhattan that you can serve in quantity without worry.
Classic Port-Finished Bourbon: Angel’s Envy
Since Angel’s Envy exploded onto the market in 2011, the world of port-finished bourbon has grown considerably. The distillery was among the first to popularize the style. The whiskey spends three to six months in ex-Port barrels, lending it a fruity sweetness, a hint of chocolate, and a deep sense of generosity.
A Barrel-Proof Standout: Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Wild Turkey Rare Breed is blended from six, eight, and twelve-year-old whiskeys and comes in at 116.8 proof. It is balanced and reveals its layers deliciously, meaning the high alcohol content isn’t what defines it. This bourbon is characterized by flavors of cooked honey, grilled apricots, pralines, and warm caramel, with a hint of peppercorn spice. It’s ideal as the base for an Old Fashioned or Sazerac, and also wonderful over a large rock.
Bourbon That Tastes Expensive: Four Roses Small Batch
You can find Four Roses Small Batch for less than $40. The bourbon includes whiskeys aged for six to seven years. The Four Roses distillery uses ten recipes, working with two mash bills and five yeast strains. The four recipes that go into the Small Batch result in a bourbon rich with fruit but subtly savory with notes of tobacco and leather.
The Standard Among Wheated Bourbons: Maker’s Mark
The iconic red wax-topped bottle of Maker’s Mark holds a special place for many. Its high-wheat mash bill leads to a softer and sweeter pour. It’s excellent neat, on the rocks, or in a Highball, Boulevardier, or a range of other bourbon cocktails.
Bourbon Brand | Distinctive Feature | Ideal For |
---|---|---|
Old Grand-Dad | High-rye spice | Manhattan, quantity servings |
Angel’s Envy | Port-finished, fruity sweetness | Neat, with dessert |
Wild Turkey Rare Breed | High-proof, balanced layers | Old Fashioned, Sazerac, on the rocks |
Four Roses Small Batch | Fruit-rich, subtle tobacco and leather | Neat, slow sips |
Maker’s Mark | Softer, sweeter profile | Highball, varied cocktails |