The Best Bourbon for the Money
These bottles turned up highest in a statistical analysis.
Disclosure: I might earn a referral fee (at no expense to you) when you click a link. This article is strictly intended for persons 21 years of age or older.
Bourbon is a true American classic. For a spirit to be legally called bourbon, it must be produced in the United States. Additionally, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) requires bourbon whisky to be:
- Produced from at least 51% corn mash;
- Distilled at 160 proof or below;
- Aged in charred new oak barrels at 125 proof or less; and
- Absent of coloring, flavoring and blending materials.
State of origin is one thing that the TTB’s regulations don’t stipulate. It’s a myth that bourbon whisky must come from Kentucky, and therefore, it’s a myth that Jack Daniel’s isn’t bourbon because it comes from Tennessee. The U.S./Mexico/Canada Agreement (USMCA) requires Tennessee whiskey to be “a straight Bourbon Whiskey authorized to be produced only in the State of Tennessee.” (Emphasis is my own.) In other words, Jack Daniel’s is “Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey” because its maker chooses for it to be called that.
(Note: Bourbon-expert Maggie Kimberl shared with me this counterpoint: Is Tennessee Whiskey Bourbon?)
What Is Straight Bourbon Whisky?
Straight bourbon whisky must be aged in charred new oak barrels for at least two years and blended from whiskies of the same type that were produced in the same state. If a straight bourbon has been aged for less than four years, it must have an age statement on its label. Bourbons that are “Bottled in Bond” meet a set of requirements that were established by the U.S. Congress in 1897, namely, the spirit “must be aged for at least four years and bottled at precisely 100 proof (50% abv). It must be made by one distiller at a single distillery in one season, then aged in a bonded warehouse,” writes Wine Enthusiast’s Kate Dingwall.
How Much Does a Good Bourbon Cost?
Many inexpensive bourbons are perfectly serviceable, especially for use in mixed drinks. For example, a 750ml bottle of Evan Williams Black Label retails for approximately $13 and was scored 84/100 by Whisky Advocate. On the other hand, a very good bourbon (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $38, according to an analysis of retail price trends. It’s worth noting that many ultra-premium bourbons like Old Rip Van Winkle and Black Maple Hill were once affordable, retailing for less than $50 a decade ago. Scarcity value is not the same as quality value. Below are the best readily-available bourbons for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Bottles
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find bourbons with below-average prices, I first assembled a list of candidates (excluding scarce bottlings that sell for premium prices), then organized those products by their average retail sale price, determined the median value and then excluded any bottles with a price above the mid-point.
To find bourbons with above-average customer reviews, I measured the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flagged outliers that fell outside of a normal statistical distribution (as well as those with insufficient data). Whiskies with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 were excluded; in the end, approximately 97% of the bottles that I analyzed were eliminated for one or more of the reasons above.
Please note that this data favors mass market bottlings, and therefore, craft spirits will be underrepresented.
Stillhouse Distillery Black Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $28 | Great Deal: $22
Distiller: Stillhouse Spirits Co. (Bacardi)
Origin: Tennessee
ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
This bourbon has a pleasant burn despite its low proof and it is smooth enough for straight drinking, yet affordable enough to use in cocktails, according to reviewers who also praise Stillhouse’s unique packaging.
Bulleit Straight Bourbon Frontier Whiskey
Good Value: $29 | Great Deal: $23
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Distiller: Bulleit Distilling Co. (Diageo)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Bulleit is best served in cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour, according to many online customers. Reviewers describe this whisky as rye-forward, earthy and herbal with a strong burn on the finish.
Elijah Craig Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whisky
Good Value: $29 | Great Deal: $23
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Distiller: Elijah Craig (Heaven Hill Distilleries)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 47% (94 Proof)
Elijah Craig’s entry-level bourbon is sweet and spicy with notes of oak, vanilla and honey, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this bourbon is equally useful for mixed drinks or for serving neat.
Buffalo Trace Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $32 | Great Deal: $26
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Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac Company)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Buffalo Trace is a classic bourbon that is mellow and dessert like, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this whisky has notes of vanilla, caramel, fruit and cake; a few say it burns on the finish.
Knob Creek Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $33 | Great Deal: $26
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Distiller: Knob Creek Distillery (Beam Suntory)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
Knob Creek’s straight bourbon whisky offers a reasonable balance of heat and flavor for a high proof whisky, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the flavor profile is earthy and overwhelming.
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
Good Value: $34 | Great Deal: $27
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Distiller: Jefferson’s Bourbon (Pernod-Ricard)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 41.15% (82.3 Proof)
Jefferson’s blend of straight bourbon whiskeys is smoky and smooth with a subtle burn on the finish, according to several online customers. Some reviewers caution that this bourbon is extremely rye forward.
Woodford Reserve Distillers Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $36 | Great Deal: $29
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Distiller: Woodford Reserve (Brown-Forman)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 43.2% (86.4 Proof)
Woodford Reserve is a fruit-forward bourbon with prominent barrel notes, according to several customers who say that it tastes like cherry or orange. Many reviewers say that it is their favorite mainstream bourbon.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $38 | Great Deal: $30
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Distiller: Wild Turkey Bourbon (Campari Group)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Russell’s Reserve (by Wild Turkey) is an exceptionally smooth bourbon that is fun to sip on the rocks or neat, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this whisky has a spicy and flavorful finish.
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $40 | Great Deal: $35
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Distiller: Basil Hayden (Beam Suntory)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
Basil Hayden is a flavorful straight bourbon at an affordable price, according to several online customers who describe notes of butter, honey, cinnamon and citrus. Some reviewers say this whisky has a stale finish.
Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $46 | Great Deal: $37
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Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac Company)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Eagle Rare (by Buffalo Trace) offers a nice balance of flavor, burn and smoothness, according to several online customers who say this bourbon is an excellent value. Some reviewers find this whisky to be too harsh.
Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $46 | Great Deal: $37
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Distiller: Four Roses Bourbon (Kirin)
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
Four Roses Single Barrel is a floral and peppery bourbon with distinct oak notes, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this whisky has a harsh finish; others say the floral notes are perfume like.
Michter’s US-1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $46 | Great Deal: $37
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Distiller: Michter’s Distillery
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 45.7% (91.4 Proof)
Michter’s small batch bourbon is mildy sweet with hints of vanilla and a powerful finish that lingers pleasantly, according to several customers. Some reviewers say this whisky is best served on the rocks.
Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
Good Value: $46 | Great Deal: $37
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Distiller: Willett Distillery
Origin: Kentucky
ABV: 47% (94 Proof)
Made by one of the few independently-owned distilleries, Willett’s reserve bourbon is a smooth, sweet and aromatic whiskey that is served in a centerpiece-worthy bottle, according to several online customers.
About the Author: John DeFeo is an avid whiskey lover and a former bartender. During his time at Debonair Magazine, he interviewed the top beverage directors in New York City in search of the best value spirits.
