Bourbon Hall Of Fame: 10 Top-Ranked Whiskeys Retailing For Under $35

Forbes ^ | 09/03/2024 | Joseph V Micallef

[ChicagoConservative27]

Premiumization, another way of saying steadily rising retail prices, has been a feature of the bourbon market over the last decade. Notwithstanding ever-rising bourbon prices, however, there are still outstanding bourbons that retail for extremely attractive prices. Below is a list, along with tasting notes, of ten heavily medaled bourbons that have consistently won in international spirit competitions and still retail on average for around $35 or less. The indicated price is the national retail average and will vary by state.

[Pearls Before Swine]

15 years ago, my kids found Eagle Rare when they were in college in WI for around ten dollars for a fifth. It rapidly rose in price as it became better known.

[Pearls Before Swine]

15 years ago, my kids found Eagle Rare when they were in college in WI for around ten dollars for a fifth. It rapidly rose in price as it became better known.

[Charles Martel]

Buffalo Trace (Sazerac Corp.) bought the Early Times label from Brown-Forman a few years ago. The bottled-in-bond, 100 proof bourbon (NOT the Early Times blended whiskey) is a heck of a nice value bottle, from either Brown or Sazerac. It usually sells for around $28.00 and the extra proof gives it more flavor than the Buffalo Trace “house brand”. Stands up to ice better.

[laplata]

Homogenized corporate swill.

Drink local.

><

I know a moonshiner. He has lots of local clients.

Just kidding.

[PubliusMM]

BT is good stuff. But, my ‘go to’ Bourbon is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

[painter]

Bullet Rye is a Great sipping whiskey.

[NorthMountain]

I live in WEST Virginia ... the less said, the better.

;’}

[NorthMountain]

But seriously ...

These United States seem to be awash in small-scale LEGAL craft distillers. Many of them are producing excellent spirits.

[Fuzz]

Just kidding?

Not funny.

Had some moonshine made in central PA several years ago, simple corn whisky, but damn. Impressive.

[kawhill]

Whistle Pig ain’t bad.

[Georgia Girl 2]

We were drinking Buffalo Trace last night. Mr.GG2 loves it. Wild Turkey 101 and Jim Beam double oaked are better in the same price range.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Woodford Reserve and Woodford double oaked are my two favorites.

[bk1000]

Benchmark Bonded is excellent, and inexpensive. I have tried another Benchmark variety and didn’t care for it. Don’t remember which it was.

[TexasKamaAina]

Try Day Drinker from Treaty Oak distillery in Dripping Springs, Texas.

[NorthMountain]

I might ... if I lived in Texas ...

[broken_clock]

Cheers! 🥃

[NorthMountain]

I'd recommend Old Volstead's ... but you live in Texas, so it's not "local".

[HartleyMBaldwin]

Not a bourbon drinker, but I do still have one of the Eagle Rare 101-proof wooden boxes that a friend gave me about 40 years ago. I used it for pencils and small drafting equipment when I was in college.

[Nifster]

What a dumb idea

[Theophilus]

Old Barton’s 86 1.75l is our go to. The distillary tour in Bardstown is nice and free with sample! We love it all but I’d love to get to the Buffalo Trace factory/tour store in Frankfort someday soon.