Posted on 12/03/2025 4:11:03 PM PST by simpson96
(snip) All you need to do is buy the right product, and you'll be experiencing top-shelf tastes at a bottom-shelf cost. To make sure you're getting the best of the best without overpaying, we turned to a slew of experienced bartenders from across the country to get their choices for the best whiskeys that not only won't break the bank, but that are also readily available for anyone to find.
Evan Williams Bottled In Bond
Evan Williams bottled-in-bond has both the glowing endorsements of numerous bartenders, and an authentication from the U.S. government to boot. The government supervised requirements for a liquor to be labeled as 'bottled-in-bond' come courtesy of the appropriately named Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897, which is responsible for establishing quality bourbon in the U.S. But enough with the history lesson — we're looking to drink some quality whiskey on the cheap here. Though prices may vary for all of these options of course, Evan Williams bottled-in-bond is a good place to start, coming in at $20 for a liter.(snip)
Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch
Same brand, different batch — the only difference is that this one's a lot smaller. Pulled from only 200 barrels but still readily available, Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch honors its centuries-old heritage by naming this extra-aged bourbon after the year the company founded the first distillery in Kentucky. (snip) it generally comes in around $15 for a 750 milliliter bottle (snip)
Elijah Craig Small Batch
lijah Craig Small Batch is an award winning whiskey that's been stored in a level 3 charred oak barrel, meaning that the bourbon barrel was charred in fire for 35 seconds. There's certainly a reason that bourbon has to be aged in charred oak barrels, but to keep things simple for our purposes, just know that it helps with the flavor and at least in this case, helps provide a warm spice and smoky taste. It's a bit pricier, averaging between $28-$30 for a fifth, but with all the work involved, it's easy to see why.(snip)
Rittenhouse Rye
Rittenhouse Rye may have a notable flavor difference with some of the other bourbons on our list, which may have to do with the fact that it's a slight deviation from the Kentucky dominance of this list. Though it's now produced out of the Heaven Hill distillery in Kentucky, it's name actually comes from up north, specifically Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. Wherever it's from however, it has fans from all over the country. General manager and beverage director Sebastian Estes of Katsubo in Charleston, South Carolina recommends it not only from the price perspective (it comes in at around $25), but from a nostalgia factor as well.(snip0
Old Forester 86 Proof
(snip) "Old Forester 86 Proof is one of those bourbons that proves you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy something truly good," says Villani. "It's got that distinct Kentucky character — rich with caramel and spice — that makes it just as enjoyable neat as it is in a cocktail. It's a wallet-friendly whiskey that's become a reliable go-to for me."
Four Roses Yellow Label
Four Roses knows how to make a good bourbon — and you need look no further than a bottle of its Yellow Label to prove it. We can get into all the facts to know about Four Roses bourbon another day, and instead, focus our attention on the bartenders who swear by it (snip) "A high-rye, 80-proof blend of 10 different Four Roses whiskies, their flagship bourbon showcases honey, vanilla, caraway, and orchard fruit. A real value for money when you don't have a single barrel budget."
Wild Turkey 101
"The gold standard for high-quality, at-home bourbon cocktails," and lists notes of a diverse list of flavors from brown sugar to seasoned oak. All told, McLaurin claims that 101 provides "unmatched flavor and complexity for the price." That price by the way, comes in around $22 for a 750 milliliter bottle
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
If you're looking for value when it comes to popular bourbons, then look no further than Buffalo Place distillery's namesake — Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Not every distillery can earn the honor of being designated as a National Historic Landmark, but when you can make the claim that your bourbon has won over 100 awards from various competitions since 2000, what's one more accolade to add to the trophy case? (snip) "It's versatile, it goes in anything or nothing and is well priced." With it coming in at $30 for a 750 milliliter bottle, we'd have to agree.
Tullamore D.E.W.
We're not only getting out of Kentucky for our final entry, we're leaving the whole dang country and heading over to Ireland for — what else? — good old fashioned Irish whiskey. Tullamore's Original Irish Whiskey is triple-blended for a taste that combines elements of sweetness, fruitiness, and spice that'll make you feel like you've taken a vacation to your local pub for a glass of the good stuff. (snip) while Tullamore D.E.W. is good in cocktails, it's a great choice if you're looking for a simple whiskey on its own, saying, "You don't need to hide any off-putting flavors or "cheap" notes."
At this point in life, price is not relevant. The issue is more of “Is this bottle $20 better than that bottle?”. I can afford a $3,012 watch but is it $3,000 better than this Timex?
Shopping list for today:
Tullamore
Evan Small Batch
Jameson Black
“Whiskeys That Are Cheap And Easy To Find”
Yikes! Sounds scary. But you’re a trusted name so, OK.
“Given the alcohol taxes here in Tennessee, my next trip up to Illinois this weekend I’m gonna clear out my favorite liquor store of some brands and bring it all back here.”
If you get over to Missouri, we have much less liquor tax then IL.
It’s says it’s Barton right on the bottle.
L
Jim Beam: The sour mash bourbon is a generations-long favorite in my family ... and you can’t beat the price. Cheers!
Hibiki 21 year blended whiskey. I only have one bottle that I bought a decade ago and am not sharing when I eventually open it.
J W Dant
Man over the years I never could handle bourbon of any kind. I’ve tried and all attempts ended with a night of hugging the porcelain temple heaving my guts!! I never understood why. For in the summer months I can easily put away close to a case of beer myself out on the boat...
Clear liquor I can drink. But brown?? Aaaahhh no!!
From Cliff Craven on Cheers:
““Well, you see, Norm, it’s like this. A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it’s the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.
“In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.
“And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.”
The topic here was “affordable” whiskey. To me, that means purty cheap. If money is not a criteria, I like Woodford, Knob Creek, and my favorite is James Pepper 10 yr old…. If you can find it.
Ah now…. Canadian Whiskey is my jam. I lived in Louisville for 25 years, so I had to learn bourbon…. Just to be able to speak to my neighbors. But Canadian is my favorite. For my money, the BEST value is Seagrams VO. It’s as good as Crown at half the price.
“VO” reportedly stood for “Very Own”. For years, the family kept this recipe for themselves!
Kentucky has almost no tax… but bourbons are more expensive there because f high demand.
I tried Wild Turkey 101 as an alternative to my regular once at my gun club bar. I was amazed how unexpectedly good it was. I expected something far thinner in flavor and sharper on the palate. Instead I found it relatively smooth with notable depth of flavor.
Good list. Tullamore was a surprising addition.
“Jamesons is the best Irish whisky”
That and Bush Mills are my favorite Irish whisky and George Dickel Rye whisky.
You just convinced me to pick up a bottle!
OMG, it's TRUE!!
I was hoping someone would get a kick out of that monologue!
Happy Holidays, FRiend!
At this point in life, price is not relevant. The issue is more of “Is this bottle $20 better than that bottle?”. I can afford a $3,012 watch but is it $3,000 better than this Timex?
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I find most of the stuff I like runs about $31 to $33 a liter. That’s a reasonable price for me.
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Shopping list for today:
Tullamore
Evan Small Batch
Jameson Black
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Excellent list. I keep Jameson Black Barrel and Evan Williams Small Batch on hand. Bought some Tullamore yesterday, haven’t decided if it’s for me but good stuff anyway.
Enjoy.
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