Are you bored with allocated bourbon being lottery-based, or simply seeing shelf prices pushed up by well over 50%? Well, this article is for you, and for me.
Bourbon is a wonderful drink, and you really don’t have to overspend to find something of genuinely high quality.
Don’t think of these bottles as a compromise in flavour. They’re far from it. These are some of the most solid, flavourful, and widely available bottles that fill shelves across the world.
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, 50%, $21 / £37 / ₹2,048
Kicking off with one of the best-value bottles of bourbon available. I’m not entirely sure why, and arguably it’s a good thing, but Evan Williams doesn’t have the same level of demand as brands like Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace. That’s not a criticism, the brand clearly does well, but it feels slightly overlooked given its quality.
This bottle is an absolute stunner when it comes to delivering something well made at a very affordable price. It always reminds me of toasted nuts, maple syrup, and sweet caramel. It’s fantastically balanced, especially at bottled-in-bond strength, and it holds its own in mixed and long drinks too.
If you’ve yet to try it, I’d highly recommend adding a bottle to your collection.
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond, 50%, $22 / £23 / ₹1,560
A brand that doesn’t get enough credit for offering really good quality at a low price. Since being purchased by Sazerac Company a few years ago, Early Times has flown under the radar as a very solid bottled-in-bond product.
It delivers all the expected caramel and barrel spice, alongside some very nice mint and liquorice notes that contrast the sweetness. The brand has strong global recognition, particularly in Japan, where it was once the best-selling “Kentucky whiskey”.
Many Early Times products don’t technically qualify as straight bourbon, but this bottled-in-bond version does. Since being reintroduced in 2017, it has consistently delivered both flavour and value.
Jim Beam Double Oak, 43%, $25 / £36 / ₹2,438
It would be difficult not to mention one of the most famous bourbon brands in the world. The standard white label would be a perfectly good option here, but for a little more money, Double Oak offers noticeably more character without stretching the budget.
The additional maturation in a second oak cask takes a good bourbon and pushes it into a deeper, richer space. Think thick caramel, fudge, and toasted coconut.
It gives you something a little different and sits in a similar category to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. It isn’t quite as rich, but it can still take you in that direction if you give it time.
Ancient Age 10 Star, 45%, $20 / £19 / ₹1,023
On the subject of overpriced and sometimes unavailable bottles, here’s something that is often described as a more affordable alternative to Blanton’s.
This bottle once carried a 10-year age statement, but that has since been discontinued. Known as “Triple A”, it remains one of the most enjoyable bourbons you can find for under $20.
Bottled at 45% ABV and sourced from Buffalo Trace mash bill #2, with stocks historically linked to Warehouse H, it shares some DNA with much more sought-after releases. It’s a younger style now, typically around four years old, but for the money it’s hard to argue with.
I also really like the packaging, it has an older, slightly vintage feel that stands out on the shelf. If you haven’t come across it before, it’s worth seeking out. It won’t blow your mind, but it’s affordable, available, and built on well-regarded stock.
Benchmark Bourbon, 40%, $16 / £23 / ₹2,500
Sticking with Buffalo Trace stocks, this is a bottle many people will be more familiar with.
Benchmark uses mash bill #1, the same base recipe behind Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, and E.H. Taylor, among others.
This is a really solid bourbon for the price. It’s not as punchy as some of the others on this list, but it still delivers good quality for very little money.
Another key point is that, if you can find it, the Full Proof version is worth trying. For roughly $10 more, you get a much higher strength, often over 60% ABV, and a more intense experience. It gives you a better sense of just how good the Benchmark liquid can be.
It’s a very underrated bottle in most markets.
The Case for Drinking Smarter, Not Pricier
Bourbon is a fantastic category that didn’t always command today’s prices. Over the past decade, with awards, global recognition, and market growth, bourbon and rye have become more expensive and harder to find.
That said, if you still want great quality without stretching your budget, the bottles above are some of the best options available, especially if you’re looking to stay under $30.
Read the full article at 5 Bargain Bourbons I Reach For Over Pricier Bottles
