Bourbon is the iconic American Whiskey. Known for its slightly sweeter and fuller body than other Whiskies, Bourbon is the perfect spirit for sipping neat, enjoying on the rocks, or mixing in a cocktail.
The two main requirements for making a Bourbon are that it must be made from 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. The rest of the mash bill and aging time is up to the maker. Some distillers may choose rye as the second-largest grain and others wheat. Each of these grains adds unique aromas and flavors to the final Bourbon.
There’s a lot to learn when it comes to Bourbon (check out our guide if you want to dive deeper) and just as many options to choose from. That’s why we put together this list of the best Bourbons under $50. Our list includes a variety of options that should hit the mark for any Bourbon fan. So, whether you’re looking for a great bottle of Bourbon for yourself or you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift, we’ve got you covered with some of the best Bourbons for your money.
10. Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
There’s an interesting story behind the name of this Whiskey. John E. Fitzgerald was the infamous U.S. Treasury Agent who stole bourbon from barrels aging in rickhouses — earning those barrels the name “Fitzgerald Barrels”. His good taste in Whiskey lives on at the Larceny distillery, including this unique Bourbon which features wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the mash bill. The wheat gives it a softer, rounder taste, whereas rye creates a spicy, fruity character. Made in Kentucky, this small-batch Bourbon is a smooth contender.
Awards: Gold Medal 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Aroma: Bread, Toffee, Butterscotch
Taste: Caramel, Honey
Finish: Long, Gently Sweet, Rich
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9. Paddleford Creek Small Batch Bourbon
This Minnesotan Whiskey starts out with aromas of toasted nuts, grains, and oak, which leads to a slightly sweet, woody taste with hints of tobacco and earthy notes. The finish is long, rich, and glowing. A great value for an excellent Whiskey worthy of drinking on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail.
Awards: Silver Medal San Francisco Spirits Competition
Aroma: Toasted Nuts, Oak
Taste: Brown Sugar, Tobacco, Earth
Finish: Rich, Long
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8. Wolcott Kentucky Straight Bourbon
A high-rye mash bill and plenty of oak aging give this Bourbon a dry and spicy character. Subtle aromas but a big, zesty palate feature sweet corn tinged with berries and a touch of apricot. The finish rounds it out with notes of leather and cinnamon. Acknowledged by Bourbon expert Fred Minnick and friends in a 2020 article for Forbes, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon is highly rated among Bourbon fans.
Awards: Gold Medal San Francisco Spirits Competition
Aroma: Vanilla, Spice, Caramel
Taste: Berries, Apricot, Leather, Cinnamon
Finish: Rich, Long
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7. Redemption High Rye Bourbon
If you are looking for a bolder Bourbon, this bottle is for you. With 36% rye content, this Whiskey balances the traditional sweet corn of Bourbon with strong spice notes from the rye. On the nose, it has bright fruit and light oak that leads to a palate of spicy, woody, and light licorice notes. Sip it neat or mix it up in your favorite Bourbon cocktail.
Awards: 94 Points 2021 New York International Spirits Competition
Aroma: Vanilla, Red Berries, Toasted Oak
Taste: Woody, Minty, Black Pepper, Licorice
Finish: Long, Smooth
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6. Russel’s Reserve 10yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russel and his son Eddie Russel are behind this 10-year-old Bourbon. This small-batch Bourbon starts off with a woody, piney aroma alongside a dry scent of grain and resin. On the palate, it balances the sweetness of corn upfront with a touch of butterscotch and spicy vanilla at the end. The finish is smooth and clean. Great for sipping or perfect in a Boulevardier where the woody aromas pair with bitter Campari and sweet vermouth.
Awards: Double Gold Medal 2020 New York International Spirits Competition
Aroma: Orange Peel, Butterscotch, Maple, Oak, Vanilla
Taste: Rich, Spicy Caramel, Vanilla
Finish: Smooth, Mild
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5. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
One of the most well-known Bourbons on our list, this Whiskey is spicy and forceful taking its flavor from the charred barrels that are used in aging. Flavors of charred oak, toffee, vanilla, and pepper dominate the palate and lead to a long-lasting dry finish. Enjoy it neat, with water, or on the rocks.
Awards: 2018 Gold Medal Class Bartender Awards
Nose: Dried Fruit, Mint, Orange, Vanilla, Tobacco
Taste: Citrus, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Toffee, Caramel, Spice
Finish: Smooth, Creamy, Long
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4. Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon - Boot Flask (375ml)
Good things come in small packages. The Garrison Brothers are known for their award-winning Texas Whiskey. This smaller bottle (that can fit in your boot) is a great way to try their whiskey-making style. Made from corn, red winter wheat, and barley all grown in Hye, Texas, the same place it is distilled.
Awards: Spirit of the Year 2021 San Diego International Spirits Challenge
Aroma: Apple, Honey, Floral, Grass, Leather
Taste: Butterscotch, Citrus, Spice,
Finish: Long, Complex, Smoky
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3. McFarlane’s Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
If you’re hosting a party or looking for a great Whiskey at an affordable price, this 1.75ml bottle Bourbon is for you. McFarlane’s is a wheated Bourbon and aged for three years in the heart of Kentucky. Carefully selected yeasts make for a bolder Bourbon, featuring notes of vanilla, cinnamon, ripe cherry, brown sugar, maple, and cocoa. The finish is sweet and clean.
Aroma: Cherry, Apricot, Oak, Caramel
Taste: Spice, Vanilla, Custard
Finish: Balanced, Short, Soft
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2. Redemption Wheated Bourbon
Another Whiskey from Redemption makes our list — Redemption Wheated Bourbon, part of their specialty series. This Bourbon contains a mash bill of 45% winter wheat and is aged for four years in new oak barrels. The high wheat content gives this Whiskey a mellow, nutty flavor along with roasted coffee and hazelnut, resulting in a long, smooth finish.
Awards: 95 Points New York International Spirits Competition
Aroma: Candied Ginger, Sage, Lavender, Pear, Vanilla, Cedar
Taste: Roasted Coffee Beans, Hazelnut, Cardamon, Black Pepper
Finish: Long, Smooth
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1. Wolcott Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The only bottled in bond Bourbon, or BIB Bourbon, on our list for under $50. Wolcott is a firm competitor to many bottled in bond Bourbons that are twice its price. What is bottled in bond? It means that the Bourbon is aged and bottled adhering to a specific set of regulations originally laid out in the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. Enjoy aromas of vanilla bean and leather followed by caramel and dried fruit for a clean balanced, finish.
Aroma: Leather, Vanilla Bean
Taste: Vanilla, Caramel, Dried Fruit
Finish: Balanced, Clean