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Affordable Bourbon Brands: Top Picks for Quality and Taste

Affordable Bourbon Brands: Top Picks for Quality and Taste

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
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Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith is a renowned bourbon connoisseur and author, whose passion for the amber spirit has taken him on a journey through America's distilleries, discovering the rich history and complex flavors that define bourbon. With more than a decade of first-hand experience and research, Dylan's expertise is unmatched, offering insights into the art of bourbon tasting, production, and collecting. His writings not only enlighten enthusiasts but also guide newcomers through the intricacies of this celebrated American whisky, making him a revered voice in the bourbon community.