Legent bourbon whiskey is partially finished in red wine and sherry casks, leading to a bold bourbon with fruity flavors. There are a lot of Wild Turkey expressions that could have gone in this spot had $50 not been our top price point. As Bourbon Obsessed noted, the price "may most surprise those who taste it.". When the George T. Stagg distillery first released Blantons in 1984, it was priced at a then-jaw-dropping $30double or triple the cost of most other bourbon on the shelves. Whiskey is not only a cocktail staple, but it's also a common ingredient in indulgent desserts, too. Theres a middle ground youre looking for where flavor combinations build to a crescendo and the whiskey makers create a story from beginning to end. And although Wild Turkey 101 will deliver a bold presence in classics like the Manhattan and the Boulevardier, this economically-priced bourbon is balanced enough to sip neat or on the rocksas long as you don't mind a little heat. The price makes it a must-try in 2023, and don't forget about it when you find yourself wandering the liquor store aisles unsure of what to buy. Total Wine sells this distinct spirit for $45 a bottle, so it's worth trying at least once, especially if you are looking to expand your dark liquor knowledge. If you don't know much about bourbon, you might expect a bottle like Wild Turkey 101 to be just okay. Everything about Buffalo Trace bourbon feels like its been masterfully engineered to be the perfect example of what a bourbon should be. Terms of Serviceapply. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Drizly, Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Drizly, Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey at Drizly, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at Drizly, Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon at Drizly, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bourbon often features notes of oak and vanilla, but variations differ based on ingredients, the barrels it is aged in, and the region it helms from. Jonah Flickeris an experienced writer who has been covering spirits and traveling the world visiting distilleries for the past six years. Redemption's High Rye Bourbon is a fresh and highly aromatic bourbon in which a bouquet of mint and oregano leads into a vibrant palate featuring notes of black pepper, fennel, caramel and ginger. The only craft bourbon to make our list, and the only wheater as wellthat is, wheat is the secondary grain of the mash bill, not the more typical rye. The whiskey spends eight years aging for its small batched (50 barrels per batch) and proofed down for bottling. As Bourbon Banter points out, New Riff's bourbon is acidic and sharp, a stark contrast to the sweetness of most popular brands. This is bourbon youll want to savor. If they also happened to be fans of the iconic singer-songwriter, there's double the reason to try it out. This is what introduced me to the spirit. Although the term small batch isn't legally defined in the bourbon market, it generally means it's smaller than the regular batch of barrels that go into bottling. Newer to the bourbon scene, Green River Straight Bourbon nails it out of the gate with their standard bourbon. This has a lot of apple cobbler on the nose with sweet and bright stewed apples, plenty of dark brown spices, brown sugar, buttery pastry cobbles, and a touch of honey sweetness. A Good Match For: Those who like unique, bold, robust flavors, Not a Good Match For: Those looking for a traditional tasting bourbon. Whatever style of bourbon you enjoy or the purpose for its purchase, these 10 best bourbons under $50 offer value for money and quality. Therefore, bourbon is the American take on a centuries-old beverage. Whether it's in an old fashioned or served straight-up, the dark liquor has a reputation for helping you grow a few more hairs on your chest. But those discerning buyers who make the wise choice to try the Maker's Mark Cask Strength will be rewarded by a rich and assertive palate bursting with flavors of orange peel, vanilla, cherry, and tobacco, as well as enough structure and body to stand up to being served on a big piece of iceall at a fraction of the cost of the cult whiskeys du jour. I dig sipping on this as a standalone neat pour, but it also works wonders in a simple whiskey cocktail. The distillery first opened in 2018, offering a handful of master-crafted bourbons to try. Depending on the country, this can mean single grains or a . Heaven's Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey 16. Old Grand-Dad Bonded might not have the snazziest packaging design, but at $25, this quality, storied bourbon should have a place on every bourbon drinker's shelf. There is simply an economy of scale that allows the massive, multinational conglomerateowned distilleries like Wild Turkey (a Campari subsidiary), Jim Beam (Suntory) and Four Roses (Kirin) to continue to offer top-shelf liquid at bottom-shelf prices. Check out our list of Best Bourbons under $100 or give them a try first by buying our Bourbon-themed Tasting Boxes. New Riff is far from sweet, and can even be described as spicy thanks to notes of clove, cinnamon, and other baking spices. Read Next: The Best Bourbons for Beginners. At only $25 or so for a bottle, its worth visiting, or revisiting, if you dont already have it in your regular rotation. Like New Riff is heavy on the rye, Larceny is heavy on the wheat, which gives off a smell and flavor of fresh-baked bread every time you take a sip. Rick House Ramblings wrote a review that encapsulates the experience of sipping Chattanooga Whiskey 111 Straight Bourbon. Related: The Best Bourbons for Manhattans, Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Toasted oak, Pecan, Baking spice. The palate amps up the dark berry sweetness with a bit of tartness, as a stone fruit vibe comes into play. One notable distillery is Woodinville Whiskey. , Elijah Craig Small Batch doesnt quite have the complexity of, say, Russells Reserve 10 Year Old, but its singular flavor note, which tasters described as banana pancakes drenched in maple syrup, still delivers. Texas Pot Still Bourbon is a fine example of how climate impacts the aging of bourbon, and those that are intrigued by the sound of it, will find a lot to like here. Within any fine beverage category, there's at least some correlation between price and qualitybut for bourbon, more so than many other spirits, that general rule really ceases to apply on the extreme ends of the scale. But if you buy yourself a bottle, you'll probably be inspired to experiment with making cocktails out of it. It's another good spirit to drink alongside its more basic counterpart, to really elevate your bourbon tasting skills. Russell's Reserve 10 . All bourbons can be classified as a whiskey, but not ever whiskey is considered a bourbon. What makes Green River Bourbon work is that its an incredibly easy sipping bourbon thanks to an agreeable flavor profile. If a spirit has been around since the 18th century, then there is probably a good reason. Being a single barrel, there is some variation among bottlings, though you'll be hard-pressed to find one you don't like. On the budget end, there are some excellent bottles available for half the price you'd expect to pay for a scotch or a Japanese whisky of similar quality (see all the entries above! His work has appeared in many different national outlets covering trends, new releases, and the stories and innovators behind the spirits. Related: The Best Bourbons Under $50. Like the Old Forester, this bourbon whiskey has been in the brewing market since the 1800s. More than 70 reviewers on Whiskey Base rate Bulleit 10 Year 81/100, so it's a palatable pick to try something new. The juice is a three-year-old whiskey (with high malt mash bill) thats then aged for six months in Tawny Port casks. It's priced low enough that it won't send anyone to the poorhouse, and no matter what they usually drink, this won't disappoint., Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Sweet corn, Peach, White pepper. However, those flavors are balanced well rather than trying to compete with one another. Going back in on the nose after a minute or two, a sense of potting soil and maybe the vitamin aisle at a health food store alongside more of that fresh leather, a bit of sweetgrass, apple blossoms, and a vanilla cookie with a touch of oat in the mix. and "Pikesville is the same mash bill as [the cheaper and younger] Rittenhouse Rye," he says, "but it's six years old and comes in at 110 proof. The 19 Best Bourbons Under $50 in 2023 - Bourbon Inspector Buffalo Trace has been distilling Kentucky bourbon for more than 200 years, so it's about time to try it if you haven't already. But if you haven't tried Maker's Mark 46, it's definitely one to add to your liquor shelf. All of that said, if you do find an everyday sipper that you love, you dont want it to be a) too expensive or b) impossible to find on shelves you want to be able to access it. In this case, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a solid pour that will appeal to any level of whiskey drinker. Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon 17. Angel's Envy is made in small batches, using between 8 and 12 barrels simultaneously. The ten bourbon whiskeys below are all bottles that Id reach for as sippers. Terms of Use This Tennessee whiskey from Chattanooga Riverfront Distillery leans into a very popular finishing barrel. Despite being only 90 proof, it still packs ample intensity and a pop of heat. Check Price Buy now Would aging longer make it taste different? Of Solo Travel, Hotels We Love: This Barbados Property Changed My Mind About Luxury Travel. Raspberry and cloves mix with old oak on the nose and boy, does it draw you in. Because hey, you get to sip a whole bunch of bourbon who can complain about that? Buttery caramel and peaches mix with creamy vanilla and old oak on the nose as a hint of cherry tobacco and allspice berries provide a counterpoint. 1. Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from a mash bill of grain. make this an excellent sipping or mixing bourbonand a great value for the price. Smoothest Bourbon: Angel's Envy Bourbon. Below are our top five picks. It's also good to drink alongside a pour of original Jim Beam, to really understand how bonded bourbons stand out from the original varieties. Before it goes into the bottle, the blended juice is filtered and proofed with Kentuckys famously soft limestone water. Absolutely. It also has sweet notes of chocolate and baking spices, with a fruity aroma that balances everything out. There are distinct notes of cherries, which pairs well with the whiskey's sweetness. Region: Indiana | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Mint, Ginger, Caramel, Every bourbon must be made of at least 51 percent corn, but distillers have the option to split the remainder between additional corn, wheat, malted barley, or other grains. The most interesting part of this spirit is its rich mouthfeel, which makes the flavors of the smooth spirit pleasantly linger on your tongue. New Riff's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey comes in at about $40 a bottle, via Binny's Beverage Depot. Buffalo Trace sells a wide variety of bourbons and spirits every average joe will know and love. Unsurprisingly, given that Wilderness Trails purveyors are likewise. If youre looking for very drinkable bourbon at a very reasonable price, Green River Straight Bourbon is a fantastic place to start. This bottling is a 70 percent corn, 21 percent rye, and nine percent malted barley bourbon that spends one year in new white oak. It takes time to develop a palate that notices the delicate points an individual blend offers, especially if you're sampling more than one at a time. Bourbon does not have to be made in Kentuckyall that's required is a mash bill of at least 51 percent corn (with the remainder made up of any combination of other grains like rye, wheat, and malted barley), plus a period of aging in charred new oak barrels, and a few requirements regarding proofing. Knob Creek's 9-year-old bourbon is rich and woody, like you'd expect a beverage that took almost a decade to perfect. The spirit currently costs around $50 at Total Wine, which is a bargain for a whiskey with so much complexity. In today's craft whiskey renaissance, any reader in America may well have a local distillery making bourbon not far from home, and we encourage all aspiring aficionados to sample the in-state offerings and patronize their local distillers. Frey Ranch's bourbon is earthy with a punch of fruity flavors almost as if it channels its origins at the Frey Ranch farm. 1792 Single Barrelis an award-winning bottle that's exactly what quintessential Kentucky bourbon should be. Chattanooga Whiskey 111 Cask is definitely one to pick up. It needs to be a robust and well-crafted bourbon, though, one that won't get lost in your cocktail's melange of flavorsand it's hard to imagine a bottle that over-delivers on these attributes more reliably than Wild Turkey 101. Wheated bourbons are defined as having a mash bill that uses wheat as the secondary flavoring grain instead of the usual rye (along with corn and malted barley). Bulleit Bourbon. The wheat-based spirit is astoundingly smooth, and it's drowning with notes of caramel and vanilla. Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon is a classic Texas-style bourbon through and through, delivering an approachable sip that is rich and of full flavors due in part to the hot climate it was aged in. The 12 Best Bourbons Under $50 to Drink in 2023 Jack Daniel's Old No. , yeasty notes prevail on the nose. Christmas spices meet oily vanilla and subtle caramel up top. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and This could easily become anyones everyday bourbon. Bartenders and drinkers in the know are huge fans of Old Forester, which is part of the Brown-Forman company that also makes Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniels. Finally, a wisp of fresh mint arrives to counterpoint the whole sip as the oak, vanilla, fruit, and spice all slowly fade out. 20. It's a good bottle to break out to impress guests looking for a stiff drink, or a unique addition to at-home cocktails if your usual Kentucky Mule or Bourbon Sour is getting stale. The nose is sweet and citrusy with oak notes. The finish brings about that spice again with a little more of a peppery edge this time as the fade slowly falls off, leaving you with a creamy vanilla tobacco feeling. Along with one or two fine sipping bourbons for special occasions, it's crucial to make sure your liquor cabinet is also stocked with a solid workhorse bourbon that you won't lament mixing into a cocktail. This whiskey is from Jacks bonded warehouse. (Different barrel numbers will vary slightly in profile.). This is intricate and kind of fun. Whether you pick up a bottle or order it on the rocks next time you're at the bar, it's an easy bourbon to try that will likely become a regular in your rotation. Thats where I come in. The 15 Best Bourbon Whiskeys To Drink Neat - UPROXX Depending on the retailer, this bourbon occasionally drifts above the $50 mark. His first love remains whiskey, but he is partial to tequila, rum, gin, cognac and all things distilled. Its a nice balance of easy-going and enticing. But it's always useful to have a classic benchmark or two against which new entries to the category may be measuredand as far as standard-bearers in the $50-and-under range go, it's hard to do better than Michter's US*1 (view on ReserveBar) for a smooth and elegant sipping bourbon or than Wild Turkey 101 (view on Drizly) for a bold, robust, cocktail-friendly offering. This is one of the options on the list that's best to first try straight on the rocks. The brainchild of legendary Jim Beam master distiller Booker Noe, Knob Creek has become an archetype of the whiskey style since its debut in the '90s. A Good Match For: Those looking for a bit of spice in their sip, Not a Good Match For: Those who like fruitier bourbons. The Best Bourbon Under $50, According to Whiskey Experts 291 Colorado Barrel Proof Single Barrel Whiskey Check Price At 63.5% ABV this single barrel American whiskey will kick you square in the pants, and you'll be thankful. 19 Best Bourbons Under $50: Full Reviews (2023 Updated) - Liquor Laboratory This comes through on the palate, which starts with some sticky toffee, eases into ripe cherries, and finishes with some sweet vanilla. Its 2 year age may seem young, but the company has found the hot Texas heat changes their whiskey much faster than distilleries north of it tend to. This is my go-to bourbon. A Good Match For: Those looking for a classic bourbon sip, Not a Good Match For: Those looking for a challenging sip. Plus, the price is fantastic for this level of well-made sipping bourbon. Coming in at around $40, Maker's Mark 46 is an indulgence for whiskey enthusiasts (via Drizly). The Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies Under $50, A Guide to the Best Sipping Rums Under $50, Americas Oldest Rye Whiskey Is Back from Extinction. Uproxx The Best Bourbon Whiskeys To Drink Neat, From $50 On Up Zach Johnston Life Writer March 12, 2021 Drinking bourbon whiskey "neat" is considered the purest form of the bourbon. This has been one of the biggest surprises of 2022. A flagship brand needs to appeal to everyone while maintaining a good value. You can buy bourbon at virtually any price range these days, including a few budget options that rival the top-shelf stuff. 15 Best Bourbons Under $50: The Bourbon Budget Bonanza One sip of this bourbon is full of various notes like oak, vanilla, and pepper that all mix together seamlessly. "An orange peel garnish plays really nicely . And while there are a number of quality high-proof bourbons offered for under $50 (e.g. Unlike, say, single malt whiskeys, rum or agave spirits, bourbon has a much narrower profile for what it can actually taste like. Just as important, it's readily-available and typically found within range of its MSRP. Maybe. The 10 Best Bourbons Under $50 to Try in 2022 - Next Luxury If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. "Barrel-proof bourbon" refers to a whiskey that has not been cut with water before bottling to reduce the ABV, resulting in a proof that may be well over 100. Their Kentucky straight bourbon is full of notes that define the iconic American whiskey category: slight tannins and vanilla sweetness from the oak, bright cereal notes from the grains, and a bit of spice on the finish. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Get our best cocktail recipes, tips, and more when you sign up for our newsletter. However, we all know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, or in this case, its price tag. Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year 15. Woodford is a great tool to start understanding the small complexities that different whiskey spirits can have. This bourbon is spiced and warm thanks to the extra liquor but fills out with subtle notes of oak, vanilla, and orange peel. The sip delivers a very mild peppery spice that never overpowers while caramel corn, vanilla, and slightly musty oak mingle with cherry tobacco with an edge of wintry spice. According to bartender and beverage consultant Jessica Gonzalez, this should be your go-to bourbon for making an Old Fashioned. For having such a robust reputation, a bottle of this classic only costs around $40, so it's a reasonably priced pick to add to your liquor cabinet (via Drizly). Heaven's Door bourbon is aged for a minimum of six years and has an all-around warm appeal, evocative of a firm handshake. For this tasting, Punchs editorial staff was joined by Aaron Goldfarb, a frequent Punch contributor on the topic of whiskey. That's because the palate of this bourbon is sweet and soft, with just a bit of spice lingering in the background. The 20 Absolute Best Bourbons Under $50, Ranked For 2022 - UPROXX Beyond Kentucky, you can find distilleries making bourbon in nearly every state nowadays, from tiny craft operations to larger upstart facilities. That velvet texture builds throughout, with toasted oak and cedar notes as a hint of sweet firepit smoke arrives on the long and satisfying finish. Love this," one Flaviar review reads. Knob Creek is dripping with vanilla and caramel, with a slight sweetness that keeps it light and smooth. Jim Beams small batch entry-point is a nine-year-old classic. The process of labeling a spirit as "bottled in bond" is elaborate. That fruity nose compliments the palate without repeating it beat for beat. However, Bulleit has a 10-year-old bourbon that is underrated and worth adding to your list. Instead, its a staple that all bourbon lovers should have on hand, and offered at a price that allows everyone to do just that. Once you get that water in there with a little cooling, it opens up toward red and tart berries with a little less of the butterscotch. Take a moment to admire the dark amber colorunlike their colleagues in Scotland, distillers of Kentucky straight bourbon aren't permitted to add artificial coloring, so the whiskey's robust hue is solely the result of the years of aging in charred barrels. It's a good option for the price, but maybe don't pick up a full bottle if you're someone who doesn't love the controversial Halloween candy. If you ask the folks at Frey Ranch, Lake Tahoe can compete just as well as its Midwest counterparts. 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This article was edited by Jesse Porter, who finds that keeping a bottle of bourbon on his desk next to his computer helps improve his overall workflow and thus writes it off monthly as a business expense. Not a bottle you want to dilute with sugars, ice, and bitters. The juice is a wholly unique whiskey for Wild Turkey, thanks to the Texas Mesquite charcoal filtration the hot juice goes through. Whisky Advocate named the 8-year-old bourbon as one of the Top 20 whiskeys of 2021, so there's no better time to try it than this year. So, each barrel will taste different, although there is usually some consistency that allows the discerning imbiber to identify the brand. So why release a luxury product? While traditional notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak can be found throughout, it's the whiskeys fruitier notes that help elevate this bourbon from being simply a standard fare. Field & Sound Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey 14. Knob Creek 9 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This has serious depth without overpowering your senses with too much proof. I wanted to start with this because Evan Williams Black Label is so affordable yet surprisingly good. Then the bourbon goes into a second barrel that has been double toasted but only slightly charred. Bulleit 10 Year is the rich and complicated cousin of the brand's original blend. According to Drizly, a bottle of Breckenridge bourbon will cost you around $45. If you're looking for a complex, spicy, toffee-forward bourbon for around $50, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a good choice. That's married to a six-year-old . Nowadays, you'll be hard-pressed to find a bar that doesn't stock at least a few bourbons, if not an entire list. Kentucky may be the bourbon capital, but Chattanooga Whiskey is proof that you shouldn't count out Tennessee. "This spirit is not overly complex; however, it is pleasant to drink,"the comment reads.

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