The Best Bourbon Under $100 to Try or Gift This Year
The Best Bourbon Under $100 to Try or Gift This Year
The 10 Best Tequila Blanco to Try This Year from Taster’s Club
Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Update April 2025
Bourbon is more than just a spirit. It’s an experience, a tradition, and a celebration of American originality.
The best part? You don’t have to splurge to enjoy a premium bottle.
Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast, a first-time sipper, or someone searching for the perfect gift for a whiskey lover, there are amazing bourbons available for under $100.
Dive into our expert curated list of top bourbons to try or gift this year. that offer remarkable flavor, history, and value.
The Top 10 Bourbons Under $100
Here’s our carefully curated list of outstanding and affordable bourbons, each chosen for its unique story, flavor profile, and craft.
1. Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon
Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon is bottled straight from the barrel at full proof. This creates a bourbon that delivers a rich, complex flavor profile that highlights its craftsmanship. With no watering down, it’s an authentic experience for bourbon enthusiasts seeking intense character and depth.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, expect warm aromas of toasted oak, maple syrup, and a hint of butterscotch. The palate opens with bold flavors of caramel and dark chocolate that is balanced by a touch of dried fruit. The finish is satisfying with lingering notes of charred oak and vanilla.
Region: Colorado, USA | ABV: 65.50% | 750ml
Purchase Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon
2. Weller Special Reserve
Weller Special Reserve, known as the "Original Wheated Bourbon," stands out for replacing rye with wheat in its mash bill, creating a softer, smoother flavor profile. It’s crafted by the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery, and is aged in charred oak barrels to offer both complexity and approachability.
Tasting Notes: The nose begins with notes of honey, cinnamon, and subtle floral essence. On the palate, expect a balanced blend of caramel, vanilla, and mild oak. Followed by a soft, sweet finish.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml
Purchase Weller Special Reserve
3. Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon
Bib & Tucker bourbon is about tradition and craftsmanship. Their name comes from the 1800s term for one’s finest attire—symbolizing elegance in every detail. This bourbon is made from premium grains and aged for six years in charred American oak barrels. Giving it a balance of boldness and refinement, making it a standout choice for bourbon enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes: On the nose you’ll pick up aromas of vanilla, caramel, and orange zest. The palate delivers a layered experience with notes of roasted nuts, baking spices, and a hint of maple syrup. Its finish is long with gentle lingering spice.
Region: Tennessee, USA | ABV: 46.0% | 750ml
Purchase Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon
4. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked stands out thanks to its unique double-barrel finishing process. After its initial maturation in charred oak barrels, the bourbon is transferred to a second, heavily toasted and lightly charred barrel. This innovative technique enhances its flavor, creating a richer, more complex profile.
Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of toasted oak, vanilla, and caramel blend with hints of dried fruit and orange zest. The palate has a balanced mix of sweetness and spice. A long, warming finish highlights toasted wood, light smokiness, and sweet molasses.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.2% | 750ml
Purchase Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
5. Henry McKenna Single Barrel
Henry McKenna is one of the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys available today. This high-proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon rests in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons (10 years). Critics agree that this is a perfectly balanced bourbon.
Tasting Notes: You’ll find rich aromas of charred oak, vanilla, and caramel. The palate showcases bold notes of sweet corn, honey, and fresh berries, with a touch of spice. The finish is smooth with hints of toasted wood.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Purchase Henry McKenna Single Barrel
6. Angel’s Envy Bourbon Triple Oak Limited Edition
Angel’s Envy Triple Oak is a masterful bourbon that starts with a traditional bourbon base, carefully aged in three types of barrels: Hungarian, Chinkapin, and French Oak barrels. This meticulous aging process creates a perfectly balanced bourbon with plenty of depth and character. This bourbon is limited in availability, so it’s perfect as that gift to bourbon enthusiasts and collectors.
Tasting Notes: Enjoy rich notes of toasted oak, sweet vanilla, and dark fruits on the nose. The palate offers a delicate balance of caramel, maple syrup, baking spices, and a touch of chocolate. The finish is smooth.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 46.0% | 750ml
Purchase Angel’s Envy Bourbon Triple Oak Limited Edition
7. Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem Extended Cut
Moonlight Mayhem Extended Cut is crafted from the finest ingredients and aged in charred American oak barrels to give it those complex flavors. What makes this bourbon stand out on any shelf is the backstory to classic cinema that plays through the packaging and design. Along with a bold profile for bourbon lovers.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, you’ll find hints of brown sugar, vanilla, and a touch of leather. The palate offers notes of ripe cherries, toasted oak, and spice. Then finishes with peppery notes.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 57.0% | 750ml
Purchase Filmland Spirits Moonlight Mayhem Extended Cut
8. Penelope Bourbon Toasted Series
Penelope’s Toasted Series is a unique bourbon crafted for enthusiasts seeking something extraordinary and affordable. The process starts with a balanced four-grain straight bourbon and is finished in toasted barrels. This process enhances depth and complexity without the heavy char of traditional barrels. Leaving you with the perfect blend of tradition and modern technique for a must-try experience.
Tasting Notes: The nose begins with soft aromas of toasted marshmallow, cinnamon, and vanilla. On the palate you’ll experience layers of rich caramel and sweet oak. The finish delivers a delightful sweet-toasted character with a hint of nuttiness.
Region: Indiana, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Purchase Penelope Bourbon Toasted Series
9. Rabbit Hole Dareringer Sherry Cask Finish Bourbon
Rabbit Hole Dareringer is named after the founder’s wife. It’s made with a soft, sweet mash bill of corn, wheat, and malted barley, then aged in charred American oak barrels before being finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks imported from Spain. This unique finishing process infuses a complex and enjoyable flavor profile.
Tasting Notes: Expect a fragrant nose of cherries, raisins, and almond. The palate delivers rich layers of caramel, dried fruit, and honey, balanced with a hint of spice. The finish is long and delightfully sweet.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 46.5% | 750ml
Purchase Rabbit Hole Dareringer Sherry Cask Finish Bourbon
10. Joseph Magnus Triple Cask Finish Bourbon
Joseph Magnus Triple Cask Bourbon honors the legacy of Joseph A. Magnus, a pre-Prohibition whiskey producer known for exceptional spirits. This affordable and premium bourbon stands out with its unique triple-cask finishing process, aged in sherry, cognac, and Armagnac barrels.
Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of caramel, vanilla, and dried figs lead the way. On the palate you’ll receive notes of dark chocolate, ripe fruit, and toasted oak. The finish is bold and long-lasting.
Region: Michigan, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Purchase Joseph Magnus Triple Cask Finish BourbonHow We Select the Best Bourbon
We tasted an impressive array of good bourbon whiskey from today’s top producers, guided by decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to quality and affordability for this specific list. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the criteria we use to identify the best bourbon whiskey:
Quality of Ingredients and Distillation Methods
Bourbon whiskey is an American spirit that has strict guidelines to ensure its authenticity. To qualify as bourbon, it must be made from at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. No additives are allowed except water to adjust the proof.
At Taster’s Club, we believe that a good bourbon whiskey starts with great ingredients. We carefully select the best bourbon whiskey, featuring unique mash bills like wheat bourbon, high rye bourbon, high corn bourbon, or 4-grain bourbon. We also prioritize distilleries that go above and beyond using premium, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring a rich and consistent flavor with every bottle.
In addition to high-quality grains, many bourbon whiskey brands enhance their spirits with limestone-filtered water, which is naturally abundant in classic bourbon-producing regions like Kentucky. This water helps improve the fermentation process, contributing to the smooth, clean character of our best bourbon whiskey.
Aging Process and Barrel Selection
The aging process plays a crucial role when selecting the best bourbon whiskey. With this bourbon guide, we prioritize bourbons that have been aged for at least two years, including varieties like small batch bourbon, cask strength bourbon, wheated bourbon, Bottled in Bond, and barrel-finished bourbon. Bourbon whiskey brands typically use new charred oak barrels, which impart rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak while also giving the bourbon its signature amber color.
The climate in which the bourbon matures is equally important, as regions with fluctuating temperatures allow the whiskey to interact more deeply with the wood, resulting in a more complex flavor profile. While longer aging often enhances the richness of the flavors, we recognize that great bourbon whiskey doesn’t always require extended time in the barrel.
Brand Reputation and Legacy
All of the best bourbon whiskey we feature are hand-crafted by award-winning distilleries in the U.S., with a focus on delivering exceptional flavors and experiences. Whether it's a distillery steeped in tradition or one pushing the boundaries of innovation, every spirit in our Bourbon Bottle Shop.
Price-to-Quality Ratio
While some of the best bourbon whiskey commands premium prices, we understand that value matters. Many good bourbon whiskey options offer exceptional quality at an accessible price. Our selection considers a range of budgets, ensuring that every enthusiast can find a bourbon worth savoring.
How to Find the Perfect Bourbon Whiskey
Finding the right bourbon whiskey that perfectly suits your palate doesn’t have to be some difficult or expensive journey.
By joining the Bourbon Club from Taster's Club, this subscription service introduces you to an incredible variety of bourbons, ranging from timeless classics to rare and unique expressions.
Each month, you’ll receive a thoughtfully curated bottle, accompanied by fascinating insights into bourbon, its distillery, and production techniques.
The Membership Club gives you the opportunity to test and try some of the best Bourbon the USA has to offer, at your own pace.
Bourbon Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected bourbons you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Bourbon Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected bourbons you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Elevate Your Scotch Whisky Journey
If you’re ready to elevate your tasting experience, head over to Taster’s Club to discover our curated bourbon selections. Explore the finest bottles today!
Or check out our other bourbon resources:
- How to Drink Bourbon: A Beginner’s Guide
- The 12 Best Best Bourbon Whiskey: Small Batch, Wheated, & More
- The 10 Best Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey to Try in 2025
- The Best Bourbon Glasses: Buyers Guide
- Father’s Day Spirits Gift Guide
Commonly Asked Questions
What is The Smoothest Bourbon Under $100?
When it comes to the smoothest bourbons under $100, there are two excellent options to consider. One main pick is Angel’s Envy Bourbon Triple Oak Limited Edition, known for its rich flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and delicate spices.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is also a top contender with a smooth taste with layers of dark chocolate, toasted oak, and a hint of honey.
How to Choose the Best Bourbon Under $100 as a Gift
If you're looking for a great bourbon gift under $100, here are some top recommendations:
For beginners, you can’t go wrong with something smooth and approachable like Maker’s Mark. With its caramel-vanilla flavors, it’s a perfect introduction to bourbon without overwhelming the palate.
For more experienced bourbon lovers, try the Knob Creek 9 Year. It offers bold, smooth flavors and complexity, making it an excellent choice for under $100.
Or, for a truly unique gift, check out our Bourbon of the Month Club, with bourbon selections and 3-month prepay options. It’s the perfect gift option!
Are More Expensive Bourbons Better?
Not necessarily! The price of bourbon often reflects factors like age, rarity, branding, and production methods, but it doesn’t always guarantee better quality or taste. Many budget-friendly bourbons have won awards and are highly praised by both experts and enthusiasts. Ultimately, what usually makes a bourbon "better" can come down to personal preference.
Discover the Other Affordable Spirits
Make Every Month a Bourbon Adventure with The Bourbon Club
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best bourbon whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, and our list of the best bourbon whiskey will surely guide you toward your next favorite bottle. If you want a more personalized bourbon whiskey experience, join our Bourbon Club!
Make Every Month a Bourbon Adventure with The Bourbon Club
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best bourbon whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, and our list of the best bourbon whiskey will surely guide you toward your next favorite bottle. If you want a more personalized bourbon whiskey experience, join our Bourbon Club!
