Tariffs, inflation and economic uncertainty are on pretty much everybody’s mind, but if you’re looking to save and weather the storm, that doesn’t mean you need to give up on quality bourbon in the process. As a matter of fact, some of the most iconic whiskeys are under $40, which is why we’ve gone ahead and created a list of some of our favorite bargain whiskeys from legendary brands.
Some of the biggest names in bourbon, like Heaven Hill and Four Roses, have premium bourbons that collectors obsess over each year, but these brands also have killer whiskeys for the budget-conscious, making them affordable for whiskey drinkers looking to save some cash.
Four Roses “Yellow Label” Bourbon
Expect to Spend $20
Four Roses Bourbon — or as it used to be known, Four Roses Yellow Label — is the quintessential gateway bourbon for many looking to get into the category.
Though the label isn’t yellow anymore, this whiskey is the entry-level expression from the popular bourbon brand, and it’s a cult favorite amongst bartenders and whiskey fans alike. Four Roses clocks in at 80 proof, and according to Wine-Searcher, it typically costs $22.
This bourbon spent a minimum of five years aging, and the Kentucky bourbon brand claims it has a palate full of pears and apples. On the nose, there are flowers and honey and the whiskey’s smooth finish makes this an easy, approachable bourbon perfect for cocktails or sipping neat.
Mellow Corn
Expect To Spend $15
Bartenders around the U.S. shared their praises of this culty, $15 corn whiskey from Heaven Hill to Food & Wine Journalist Dylan Ettinger. Bartender at Craft One Half, Jennifer Hathaway, referred to the spirit as “Heaven Hill’s forehead kiss to bartenders,” which we think aptly describes this sessionable, charming corn whiskey.
Mellow Corn is bottled-in-bond, which serves as a stamp of quality and adds to its appeal. With a mashbill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley and 8% rye, this whiskey spent time aging in neutral oak barrels. Mellow Corn’s appeal stems from the fact that it takes the pretense out of drinking.
It’s sessionable and has a sweet, grain-forward flavor profile.
Old Overholt Rye
Expect to Spend $20
Bold, brash and spicy with an average price of $22 according to Wine-Searcher, Old Overholt Rye is a classic.
Overholt has plenty of history, and the brand’s roots date back to 1810, when Abe Overholt began making rye whiskey at the brand’s West Overton Farmstead. Old Overholt has a 4-year age statement and clocks in at 86 proof.
The nose is spicy, with pepper and black figs that segue into the rich palate. The finish of this complicated, yet affordable rye lingers with more black fruit and spice.
Evan Williams Bottled In Bond
Expect To Spend $19
Evan Williams Bottled In Bond is another banger from Heaven Hill.
Per Bottled-In-Bond regulations, the whiskey was distilled during one distilling season at one distillery, bottled at 100 proof, and spent a minimum of four years aging in a federally bonded warehouse.
With an average price of $19 according to Wine-Searcher, this whiskey is all caramel and citrus, with an oaky and peppery through line from nose to finish.
Jeppson’s Bourbon
Expect To Spend $28
Jeppson’s is a name that may have come across your radar before, but not because of its bourbon whiskey. Jeppson’s claim to fame is the highly polarizing spirit known as Malört. This Chicago spirit is reviled by many, but that’s kind of its charm. According to Eater LA, sommeliers have described Malört as tasting like a combination of “a bad dream,” “sad Christmas,” and “that itch on your back you can’t reach to scratch — only all over your body.”
Thankfully, Jeppson’s Bourbon is actually quite delicious, and has an average price of $28 according to Wine-Searcher. Each whiskey in this blended bourbon spent a minimum of four years aging in new charred American oak barrels. The whiskey features a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% barley.
Jeppson’s Bourbon has aromas of caramel, brown sugar and vanilla.
Bernheim’s Wheat Whiskey
Expect To Spend $35
Heaven Hill continues to deliver when it comes to producing affordable whiskeys that pretty much any drinker on a budget can feel good about buying. Bernheim’s Wheat whiskey was named after the company’s Bernheim Distillery, and it is a 7-year-old wheat whiskey that clocks in at 90 proof.
With an average price of $35 according to Wine-Searcher, this wheat whiskey is pure dessert, with a confectionery nose that’s a balance of vanilla and honey. The palate offers up berries and spice, and the finish has plenty of length, with toasty oak flavors.
Consider it a great option for any drinker looking for a mild whiskey that plays easily with cocktails.
Wild Turkey 101
Expect To Spend $23
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the bargain classic, Wild Turkey 101, on our list.
This whiskey has 60 years of history behind it, and Wild Turkey has been making it in the same fashion for decades. The brand’s high rye bourbon spends time aging in American White Oak barrels with a deep alligator char.
Wild Turkey’s proprietary yeast strain helps add that distinctive, citrus-driven Wild Turkey flavor that serves as the brand’s calling card. This bourbon spends 6 to 8 years aging before it is bottled at 101 proof. On the nose, picture plenty of vanilla and cinnamon, and the finish possesses that signature orange peel flavor. Wine-Searcher reports an average price of $23, making it the perfect Monday through Friday whiskey.
Old Grand Dad Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Expect To Spend $24
Beam’s Old Grand Dad Bottled-In-Bond is a well-loved classic and an excellent value to boot. With an average price of $24 according to Wine-Searcher, this 100-proof bourbon spent a minimum of four years aging to perfection.
The brand shares that this whiskey is full and layered, with aromas of cinnamon and citrus. The palate is full of vanilla, and a kick of rye spice that follows through all the way to the conclusion.
A serious sipper with plenty of nostalgic charm at a killer price.
Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye
Expect To Spend $38
Move over, Old No. 7, Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye is one of the brand’s best-kept secrets — trust us, it’s killer juice. Best of all, it comes at an affordable price point of under $40, according to Wine-Searcher.
Per Bottled In Bond standards, this whiskey clocks in at 100 proof and has spent a minimum of 4 years aging in a federally-bonded warehouse. This whiskey possesses a fruit-driven aroma, full of apples and pears. On the palate, picture vanilla with maple sugar and molasses. The finish is bold, with a spicy rye kick.
Per Wine-Searcher, Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye has an average price of $38.
Larceny
Expect To Spend $27
Larceny from Heaven Hill possesses a higher percentage of wheat in its mashbill and clocks in at 92 proof.
This bargain bourbon has an average price of $27 for a bottle, according to Wine-Searcher, and due to that higher percentage of wheat in its mashbill, is full of dessert flavors.
On the nose, picture baked bread drizzled with butterscotch. The palate features a buttery and caramel-driven vibe, coupled with a long lasting finish that is sweet and slightly savory.
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