The Best Whiskey Under $50 [Expert Selections]

Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Updated October 2025

1. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

Kicking off the list is the fan-favorite Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon. An affordable staple for any whiskey lover. This bottle is known for its high 101 proof and rich character, and despite that, it boasts a remarkable smoothness that’s fitting for both experienced sippers and beginners. Perfect neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned.

Tasting Notes: Wild Turkey 101 opens with warm toasted oak, sweet caramel, and vanilla. On the palate, you’ll be presented with a rich balance of cinnamon, toffee, and a touch of dark cherry. The finish is long and satisfying.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.50% | 750ml

2. Doc Holliday Bottled in Bond Limited Edition

This limited-edition bourbon is a true tribute to history and craftsmanship of a long-time distillery. What sets this bourbon apart is its detailed creation process. It’s aged for a minimum of 4 years in newly charred American oak barrels. This bourbon bottle also adheres to the stringent Bottled in Bond standards which ensures a high quality whiskey.

Tasting Notes: On the nose you’ll experience aromas of vanilla, charred oak, and hints of dried fruit. The palate is full-bodied, providing layers of creamy vanilla, toasted oak, and notes of dried cherries. The finish is bold yet well-balanced with a gentle warmth.

Region: Georgia, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml

3. Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Bourbon is both from an awarded distillery and a top affordable whiskey pick. This bourbon is crafted from the finest corn, rye, and barley malt, then aged in new oak barrels in their historic warehouses. For over 200 years, the distillery has perfected its craft with a bourbon that is complex and approachable. Another perfect whiskey for those new to the spirit, or enthusiasts looking for a great American whiskey.

Tasting Notes: The nose offers a complex mix of vanilla, mint, and molasses. On the palate, it’s pleasantly sweet with brown sugar, spice, and oak. With a smooth and mellow finish.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml

4. Angel’s Envy Bourbon Port Cask Finish

Finished in port barrels, Angel’s Envy is a bourbon that combines traditional craftsmanship with a unique aging process. After maturing in charred American oak barrels, it undergoes a secondary aging in Portuguese port wine barrels. Perfect as a thoughtful gift for whiskey enthusiasts or for celebrating life’s special moments.

Tasting Notes: Angel’s Envy offers a rich and layered flavor profile. On the nose, you'll find sweet vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, and subtle notes of dried fruit. The palate is smooth and complex with flavors of ripe stone fruits, maple syrup, baking spices, and a hint of chocolate. The long finish has a velvety texture, making each sip feel luxurious.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 43.3% | 750ml

5. Few Smashing Pumpkins Straight Bourbon

This affordable bourbon whiskey is a unique collaboration between FEW Spirits and the iconic band, The Smashing Pumpkins. This special release uses FEW's classic straight bourbon recipe but is bottled at a bold 105 proof in honor of the local Chicago radio station The Tri-105. Perfect for that music lover in your life as it’s an exclusive and must-have whiskey.

Tasting Notes: The nose opens with beautiful notes of clove, vanilla, and caramel-corn sweetness. On the palate, it delivers rich toffee, baking spices, and a hint of tart cherry. Leading to a long and warm finish.

Region: Illinois, USA | ABV: 46.50% | 750ml

6. Redneck Riviera American Blended Whiskey

This is another great whiskey with a unique musical background that makes it stand out. Redneck Riviera American Blended Whiskey is created by country music legend John Rich. This blended American whiskey combines two premium whiskeys, one with a high-rye mash bill and the other a classic American corn whiskey. This creates a smooth and approachable spirit. On top of it all, a portion of every bottle sold goes to Folds of Honor, supporting families of fallen or disabled service members.

Tasting Notes: Lovely caramel, oak, and honey will open on the nose. The palate then presents smooth butterscotch, vanilla, and a touch of fruitiness. Ending with a gentle and lingering finish.

Region: Oregon, USA | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml

7. Glendalough Double Barrel

Glendalough’s Double Barrel whiskey undergoes a meticulous double maturation process where it’s first aged in American bourbon barrels, then finished in Oloroso sherry casks. This bottle is handcrafted in the Wicklow Mountains and reflects Glendalough’s dedication to balancing tradition with bold flavor complexity. A great choice for whiskey lovers.

Tasting Notes: Warm notes of raisin, fig, and cinnamon greet you on the nose. The palate offers rich layers of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and toasted oak. The finish is smooth, with a lingering sweetness.

Region: Ireland | ABV: 42.0% | 750ml

8. Compass Box Orchard House

The Compass Box Orchard House is a top single malt scotch for any whiskey lover. This blended malt is crafted using whiskies sourced almost entirely from distilleries known for their fruity spirit profiles. The result is a vibrant and refreshing whisky that’s light for beginners, with a delicious depth for Scotch enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes: The nose opens with intense bursts of apple, pear, and pineapple, with slight floral undertones. On the palate, it features crisp honey, vanilla, and a gentle wisp of peat smoke. The finish is clean and fruity.

Region: Scotland | ABV: 46.0% | 750ml

9. Redemption Rum Cask Finish Whiskey

Redemption Rum Cask Finish is a creative take on rye whiskey. It begins with Redemption's signature pre-Prohibition style rye. Then, it's finished in Jamaican and Barbadian rum barrels. This finishing process adds a layer of tropical sweetness and spice that beautifully complements the rye. It’s a bold and flavorful whiskey that’s made for the adventurous sipper.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, you’ll notice notes of molasses, ginger, and ripe banana. On the palate, you’ll experience a complex mix of rye spice, dark chocolate, and tropical fruit. Finally, there is a long and warm finish.

Region: Indiana, USA | ABV: 47.0% | 750ml

10. Johnnie Walker High Rye Scotch

Johnnie Walker High Rye is a unique twist on the world's most famous blended Scotch. The rye-forward mash bill adds a distinct spiciness and complexity that pairs wonderfully with Johnnie Walker's signature smoky and sweet profile. It's designed to be versatile for both cocktails and sipping neat amongst company.

Tasting Notes: The nose presents a nice balance of sweet orchard fruits, vanilla, and a hint of rye spice. The palate is smooth and creamy with flavors of baked apple, toffee, and a gentle smokiness. With a pleasant and lingering finish.

Region: Scotland | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml

Smoke Wagon Uncut The Younger

This whiskey is a high-proof, unfiltered bourbon that delivers intense flavor. It's a younger and vibrant bottle from a cult-favorite distillery.

Region: Nevada, USA | ABV: 58.81% | 750ml

Penelope Wheated Bourbon

Penelope Wheated Bourbon is known for its four-grain mash bill which creates an incredibly smooth and creamy taste.

Region: Indiana, USA | ABV: 47.50% | 750ml

Crown Royal Blackberry Limited Edition

This whiskey is a fun twist on a classic Canadian whisky. The natural blackberry flavor makes it perfect for summer cocktails or sipping during BBQ season.

Region: Canada | ABV: 35.0% | 750ml

Larceny Small Batch

The Larceny Small Batch wheated bourbon uses wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye. This results in a softer and rounder flavor profile. It's a good choice for beginners.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 46.0% | 750ml

Heaven's Door Double Barrel Whiskey

This blended whiskey is made from three different whiskeys that are finished in toasted American oak barrels. On top of that, it’s co-created with Bob Dylan and an award-winning spirit.

Region: Tennessee, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml