Best Bourbons Under $50

With so many bourbons out there to choose from, it can be pretty tough to narrow down your options — especially when it comes to more affordable bottles. The good news is that more expensive doesn’t always equal better taste and quality, so there's no need to miss out.

Here, we’ve done the research for you to explore bourbons of different styles, ages, and brands that won’t break the bank. Check out this roundup of our curator’s best bourbons under $50. And don’t forget, we have even more variety in our Bourbon of the Month Club, too.

Bourbon #5: Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Reverend Elijah Craig founded his distillery in 1789 Kentucky. Known as the Father of Bourbon, he was the first distiller to age whiskey in charred oak barrels. This 47% ABV small batch bourbon whiskey is matured for 8-12 years and made up of:

• 78% corn,
• 10% rye, and
• 12% malted barley.

Tasting notes

On the nose, you’ll enjoy complex notes of sweet fruit, vanilla bean and mint. The warm and smooth bourbon tastes woody, spicy, and smoky, with some nutmeg, too. It offers a long, sweet and toasty finish.

Why we recommend it

We love this classic, balanced and smooth multi-award-winning burnished copper bourbon. You really can’t go wrong with this one, coming straight from the distillery that started it all. Get it from our bottle shop, here.

Bourbon #4: Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Four Roses began in 1888 with Paul Jones Jr., who worked on Louisville’s “Whiskey Row”. After a long road of being bought by Seagram in 1943 and later taken off of the US market, Four Roses was bought again in 2002 by Kirin Brewery Co. and soon became one of the most notable names in bourbon.

Tasting notes

You’ll get aromas of mellow spice, rich fruit, sweet oak and caramel. On the palate is a mellow taste of ripened red berries and dried spice. The bourbon is rich and well-balanced and pleasantly finishes soft, smooth and long.

Why we recommend it

This distiller is passionate about handcrafted quality, which shows in the award-winning smooth, mellow flavor that Four Roses is known for. You can grab your bottle here.

Bourbon #3: Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bill Samuels Sr. created Maker’s Mark because he wanted a bourbon to enjoy drinking himself. Rather than the typical harsh, hot whiskies, he chose to slowly make this small batch approachable and smooth.

Tasting notes

On the nose, this golden bourbon gives caramel, oak, vanilla and wheat aromas. It tastes balanced and sweet with notes of vanilla, caramel and fruit.

Why we recommend it

This is a great, easy-to-drink bourbon with an easy, smooth, subtle finish. It’s fantastic in cocktails, though many people love it straight or on the rocks. Pick it up right here in our bottle shop.

Bourbon #2: I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a rich, refined bourbon in both taste and history, as the distillery has been around for over 150 years. And they released a new, even better formula in 2015.

Tasting notes

There are subtle initial aromas to this spirit of vanilla and caramel, then a creamy wood and spice taste. At the end, you’ll enjoy a pleasant, sweet finish with slight notes of fruit.

Why we recommend it

This 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal-winning premium-quality bourbon is fantastic in any classic cocktail. Head over to our shop for your bottle.

Bourbon #1: Buffalo Trace Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace has dedicated itself to crafting fine bourbon whiskey for over 200 years by honoring tradition and embracing change. This has earned them a place as a leader among legendary spirits makers worldwide.

Tasting notes

You’ll get a complex aroma of mint, vanilla and molasses notes. This deep amber bourbon whiskey tastes of sweet brown sugar and spice, along with toffee, oak, anise and dark fruit. Finally, you’ll enjoy a smooth, long and deep finish.

Why we recommend it

With such a lengthy and deep history, it's no surprise that Buffalo Trace delivers with this award-winning benchmark bourbon whiskey. Perfect as an introduction to the whiskey world in a Manhattan or neat with a bit of water. Get yours here.

Now that you’ve got this handy-dandy list of our best bourbons under $50, you should have no problem deciding on your next way to end a long day. Cheers!