best bourbon under $500

Both of these are good suggestions if you are spending $500 you could really buy both. Mine is whiskey. For that, you get pronounced flavors of old oak, stone fruit, cornbread, cocoa, mint and more. Consider it a solid, dependable all-rounder. Price: $50-55. I just remembered something a fellowmember once told me. Rye and American whiskey usually had an even smaller ceiling than that. Start with a classic Old Fashioned. Turn to this release to elevate drinks like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour. Tardie described Michter's 20 as a "beast of a bourbon." Given it's aging process of two decades, it has notes of dark . Distillery: Buffalo TraceProof: 100Price: $40Flavor Burst: Buffalo Trace is known for its classic bourbon flavors and its rare releases like the Antique Collection and Pappy Van Winkle. While I know its not the wow factor of one bottle, 2-3 FRPS, a Blanton's and Eagle Rare store pick would be one great gift and run you around $400, Here's another idea - buy him a sub $100 bottle as suggested above, then use the remaining $400 to take him on an epic night of drinking/tasting PVW, BTAC etc at a place like Delilahs or someplace else that has a deep LE inventory. The 1920 Prohibition Style just seems to be a sweet spotit packs almost all the flavors that people love about the distillerys yearly Old Forester Birthday Bourbon releases, but at a far more affordable price. The best Bourbons of 2023. speaking more toward its youth. That bottle is selling for $3,000 on Drizly right now. This goes into the bottle with only a touch of limestone water, keeping it close to barrel proof. And we typically pour or mix in 2-ounce drams the equivalent of 12 servings per bottle so one bottle can get you much further. Four Roses Single BarrelDistillery: Four Roses Distillery: Johnny Drum Distilling Company/Willett (sourced)Proof: 101Price: $35-$40Willett Offshoot: Credit to the regular guys who happen to like bourbon over at Breaking Bourbon for this tip: A sub-$50 bottle sourced and released by Willett. Uproxx The Best Bottles Of Bourbon Whiskey Between $500 And $1,000 Zach Johnston Life Writer Instagram May 28, 2021 Super expensive bourbon like this is an odd category. Introduced in summer 2021, this release employs the same mash bill, yeast, and filtration process as Dickels Tennessee whiskey. The following indicators should be taken as only a guide and not a set of hard and fast rules. This is one of those bourbons thatd be at the top of every single $100 bourbon list. Of course, this is not to say that every bourbon found on the lower shelves of liquor stores is deserving of your attention or dollars. Lagavulin 16 Years Old Read More. To set a specific price cap, and really get into what the best bourbons available at that level might be. If youre lucky enough to come across this bottle, then youre in for a treat. Its made using a blend of two mash bills: a high-malt recipe and a more traditional high-corn blend. It almost exclusively needs to be a bourbon and above all else, expensive. When they dropped the age statement and re-released the bottle as Small Batch, many were outraged. Best budget bourbon under $20: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - See at Drizly. Price: $40-50. If you want to do my Blanton's idea as well, I would recommended you purchase from Master of Malt. Thank you! Yes, the Willett whose rye and bourbons will make the sub-$100 (and over $100) list of best bourbons. Neither does it have a concrete age statement, but its older than most, and is a good source of the high-rye MGP bourbon that a lot of whiskey geeks crave these days. You wont find too many barrel-proof offerings when shopping at this price point, and you certainly wont encounter any better than OGD 114. A high-rye bourbon owned and made by Beam-Suntory, this release serves in-your-face proof and spice, but its sweet vanilla and rich caramel core reveal a softer side. Best Bourbon Reviews (2023): 20 Top Shelf Bourbon Whiskeys - TheCoolist The palate is well rounded and has great concentration of flavor, making this a great option for cocktails or budget sipping. Its baffling how good this bourbon is for the price. I see that you're from Chicago. Average price: $21. Super expensive bourbon like this is an odd category. I assume you want to get him something "special" right? If you can get the Old Rip 10, that sounds good. Youre getting Wild Turkeys bourbon at barrel proof, which is a trick to make any bourbon feel huge. The first time I tried it, I bought a bottle for my dad, who loves smooth sippers. The 19 Best Bourbons Under $50 in 2023 - Bourbon Inspector Our mission is to offer a clear, reliable source of information for drinkers, providing an overview applicable to day-to-day buying and drinking. In addition, it incorporates a few other ancient whiskeys sourced from neighboring facilities. It likewise has the overproof punch to be very full flavored, while its lower profile keeps the price tag around $60. The deliciousness continues, and you can usually get it for less than thirty bucks. Its flavors are even larger and more distinct at 115 proof. Good Luck. 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 monroe New Member 4 Location: Chicago Posted February 14, 2017 Hi, I have a budget of $500-$600 to spend on a nice bottle of bourbon for my husband's birthday. The Best Cheap Whiskey You Can Buy - Gear Patrol I challenge you to find another 10-year-old bourbon for less than $50. This is yet another wonderful Pinhook release. Smooth, slightly smoky, with thick, palate-hugging notes of candied cherries and a subtle, caramelized vanilla-coated sweetness, this heavy-duty sipping whiskey is bottled at a surprisingly approachable 92 proof and meant to be savored neat or on the rocks ($200).R.C.H. In fact, Id argue that Bulleit 10 Year is a generally underrated product in general, although if I was buying it, Id feel compelled to seek out a competitive price point, knowing theyre out there. At 8 years old and 90 proof, this is an absolute bargain. Using copper pot stills, all Redbreast whiskey is distilled from a wort of malted and unmalted barley three times to perfection, allowing its elegance to excel. ABV: 53.5% (107 proof) Thank you for the advice! Beam wisely saw there was a need to redefine what Bakers was all about, however, and re-launched it this year as a single barrel expression, retaining the same mid-strength 107 proof and base of a 7-year age statement, although individual bottles of Bakers can also now be significantly older. Cinnamon, allspice and roasted pecans are classic notes here, along with walnut, caramel and hints of darker fruit or berries. Adorned. Four Roses focus on rye-driven mash bills and multiple yeast strains translates to a bourbon that is rich in cereal and fruity fermentation notes. The 10 Best Bourbons You Can Buy in 2023 - Insider Rob Cooper was just 39 years old when he died in April 2016. This is dialed bourbon to its core. But thanks to the current boom in brown spirits and consumers rediscovery of Irish whiskey, the Tyrconnell 16 Year Old Single Malt has burst from the starting gate and is already heading down the home stretch. ABV: 47.45% (94.9 proof) 10 Best Bourbons Under $100 - Insider Monkey American whiskey used to feel more all inclusive and that was a comfortable feeling. Now if a limited release isn't priced over $100, no one takes it seriously.With this sudden rise in pricing, it's easy to feel cheated and that whiskey companies are taking advantage of their customers. Its easy to hate this change. In this price range in particular, its a really attractive nose, and I find myself really enjoying the sweet, oaky char in particular. The 11 Best Value-Per-Dollar Bourbon Whiskeys, Ranked - UPROXX Its for the whiskey drinkers who need that punch in the face to feel something. With shipping it will probably cost you around $150. This makes Belle Meade Reserve an attractive middle groundits not quite at the barrel proof that a lot of people are craving, but its not far off from it either. Best Bourbons Under $50: Everybody (of legal age) has a drink of choice. Booze Cruise? These companies have immediately proven there is an economic opportunity for a segment of the bourbon market that has been grossly underserved. This demand isnt coming from bourbon enthusiasts alone, rather a broadening of who is buying American whiskey in general. ABV: 45% (90 proof) This bottle from the famed wheated bourbon Weller line is a look into the beauty of that brand. Bardstown Bourbon Fusion SeriesDistillery: Bardstown Bourbon Co. Distillery: Jim BeamProof: 120Price: $42A Single Barrel to Love: A high-proof single barrel from Jim Beamwhats not to like? Much like $500 seems laughable now. The subtle eggnog spices mingle with the rich creamy nature of the vanilla custard while the orange reminds you its there in the background with a plush, almost cashmere-feel to the whole sip. You wont have to look far to find whiskey geeks who adore this particular bourbon, which seems to have been anointed by most as the crown jewel of Old Foresters Whiskey Row series. This Father's Day, give the exceptional gift of The Dalmore. This one is sourcedLuxco wont say from wherewhich is less than ideal. You can follow him on Twitter for more drink writing. Hardin's Creek Jacob's Well Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Beam Suntory ABV: 54% Average Price: $189 The Whisky: This new expression from Jim Beam is about highlighting the beautiful. It was my first time getting together in KY with other members here, and I wanted to bring something special/expensiveto share. It remains a punchy, fairly affordable way to experience the blending prowess of the folks at Willett, without paying the higher prices for their cask-strength Family Estate whiskeys. Those barrels were married and then proofed down to a very accessible 96 proof. What I don't like about it is paying the $50-$80 per ounce at a bar. 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. This is purely anecdotal, but I have often found that distilleries started in the late 20th Century lack both the hype of a recent publicity campaign February 17, 2022 Just looking for something really special as it's a "big" birthday. This is basically Pappy at ten years old but not technically Pappy. Average price: $29 (1 liter). The growing group of well-off and/or desensitized consumers who believe expensive means better, has had little to quench their thirst, so it makes sense for whiskey companies to cater to them more directly with a more expensive tier of releases. The 5 best bourbons under $25 - SFGATE 15 Best Bourbons Under $200 (2023 Updated) - Liquor Laboratory Basil Hayden. Named after the two parts of a skeleton key, Blade and Bow is a tribute to the five keys of crafting bourbon (grain, yeast, fermentation, distillation, and aging) that were once immortalized by the old Stitzel-Weller distillery in Louisville, Ky. To be sure, this meaty bourbon contains some of the oldest remaining whiskeys distilled at Stitzel-Weller before it ceased production in 1992. 3 Drops Orange blossom water. The nose offers biscuits and leather. The palate is bright and delicate, and while lacking the luxurious richness of other bottles, this bourbon serves an attractive and memorable spice note on the finish. About the only place you can find nine bottles of ECBP in one location is in some of the bunkers of SB members! We started with an exploration of the best bourbons widely available for less than $30. From $301 to $500 | The Whiskey Reviewer This Virginia black whiskey bourbon from the Bottle Club is native to Indiana and is a 75cl bottle of 40% alcohol. The problem I see is that you don't have to spend anywhere near that much money to get a great bourbon. Probably not. Elijah Craig Small Batch: Smoothest Bourbon. For bourbon enthusiasts, speculators, and collectors, September 2 nd is a date circled on the calendar. Its flavors are even larger and more distinct at 115 proof. Do you know more about bourbon than ChatGPT. This yearly release from Heaven Hill is, indeed, rare. What that really means is their bourbon is just over four years old, and bold with a high-rye recipe. In fairness, it is an incredibly aromatic and flavorful bourbon, which arrives at a precise 90.4 percent ABV. Best Bourbon For Beginners: Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey at Drizly. There are a lot of brands jostling for the $50-60 space in particular, and once you go beyond $60 the MSRPs seem to accelerate quickly. I do enjoy drinking beer and wine, as well as a variety of cocktails, but whenever the choice is given I . (A comparable Wild Turkey-distilled bottle, Russells Reserve, is also worth trying. If you like Old Foresters 100-proof (an affordable exercise in a classic flavor profile) youll enjoy this next step up. Top 15 Bourbons Under $200 (Must Try) 1. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Too bold, for this whiskey writer. The 22 Best Scotch Whiskies You Can Drink Right Now - Gear Patrol Released as the legacy of Bill Samuels Jr., this whiskey undergoes a proprietary stave-finishing process to create what he has described as Makers on steroids. For a slightly more technical description of what that means: Expect amped-up caramel, vanilla, and baking spice notes followed by a long, complex finish. Vanilla and toasted oak notes provide further depth, with subtle hints of fruit also present. Ill arrange these in approximate order of price. This is an eye-opener of a sip with an underbelly of rich and creamy vanilla to mellow the dram out. How many people know a well-off family member, boss, or friend that has been bit by the bourbon bug who has disposable income and is looking for "the best? Its not uncommon for us to be asked whats the best bourbon you can buy in the $200-$500 range. In alignment with our reviews mission, we believe in purposefully tasting all products as our readers typically would, with full knowledge of the producer, the region, and importantly the price. If you want to understand wheated bourbon, theres hardly a better place to start than Larceny Small Batch. While so much of mid-priced bourbon is marketing chicanery, spending a little more on the right bottle really can open up new boozy opportunities. Chocolate Bomb: Pretty bottle, tasty bourbon. Best Bourbons Under $100 in 2023 - InsideHook An Ard Ri (Gaelic for the high king) is made from a range of more than 20 well-known Highlands single malts, including Craigellachie, Glengoyne, and Auchroisk. The sip delivers on those promises with the addition of caramel sweetness, oaky spice, and a touch of espresso bean bitterness with the application of a few drops of water. Best Bourbon For The Money: 10 Best Bourbons Under $50 As a Drizly affiliate, Uproxx may receive a commission pursuant to certain items on this list. Price: $33. the best bourbons widely available for less than $30. For the sake of accessibility, were keeping this to major, widely available brands whenever possible, rather than offerings from micro distilleries that may be available in only one city or state. A bottle of Pappy 15, for instance, has an MSRP (suggested retail price) of $119. This newer addition to the lineup from last year, though, does not undergo the charcoal filtration process that is traditional for Tennessee whiskey, and the company thus sought to use it as a way to more deeply set foot in the bourbon-specific market. This yields a classic Wild Turkey flavor bomb, which echoes some of the flavors of the flagship 101, but also transforms them substantially via additional aging and proof. As their mash bill, or recipe, contains a significant amount of corn, bourbons tend to take on a sweeter flavor profile than other types of whiskey, complemented with slight notes of vanilla and oak from the barrel-aging process. The 4Rs should cost about 70, so you could get him 7 of the recipes for 490, if they're available. And that is indeed the drinker who is most likely to go nuts for 1792 Full Proof, as youll see some criticism of this brand online from those who find its ethanol profile to be too harsh or aggressive. Distillery: New Riff DistillingProof: 100Price: $40Hot Young Brand: If you want to try a brand thats truly new, here it is. Its hard to find decent wine for 15 bucks, let alone 100-proof bourbon. Cracked black pepper on the nose leads to an enjoyably sweet and fruity palate. Not to be outdone by the likes of Jim Beam, Wild Turkey also offers consumers a chance to dip a toe into barrel proof bourbon for less than $50 via Rare Breed, a whiskey that the true bourbon geeks know and love. Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill, in particular, have benefitted from this level of hype. Thats not a polite way of saying it lacks character but instead refers to its floral, pepper-spiced nose and energetic palate. Then that soft Kentucky limestone water is added to help make this an incredibly accessible sip of whiskey. The end is very long and full of a sweet maple syrup tobacco buzz. This installment is drawn from February 14, 2023 Just want to get him the most special gift that I can, but tough given my very limited knowledge on this subject! Were we all getting really good deals on whiskey over the last 10 years, or is better whiskey suddenly getting released to the market? But Makers Mark Cask Strength is arguably an even bigger value, being one of the most affordable cask-strength bourbons on the market. Followers 1 This topic has been inactive for at least 365 days, and is now closed. Still, this is a robust and flavorful bourbon that isnt lacking for assertiveness or interesting flavors. Average Price: $800 (half bottle, $300 MSRP). These are the best bottles of Scotch whisky you can buy. Question: Does "cask strength" mean that it is stronger/higher alcohol content than the bourbons I mentioned above that he normally drinks? 1/2 oz Torres Spanish Brandy. From a business standpoint, why don't bourbon, rye or American whiskey have a monetary counterpoint? 1: Indulge in incredible meals, expertly paired wines, and a luxury getaway in Jackson Hole this fall. By M. W. Byrne Updated on January 11, 2023 Are you lost trying to sort through top shelf spirits, hoping to find the best bourbon on the market? The juice is then bottled untouched and unfiltered. Or, if youre looking to sample a decade-old bourbon in a cocktail, this is your best bet. A local store chain still has the Old Fitzgerald 20 year in their computer system. With bourbons popularity still sky high and pricing going up, is it more favorable for whiskey producers to jump in and offer new ideas, new styles, and potential amazing products because the money is now there? Zach Johnston Life Writer Instagram April 17, 2023 $500 bottles of bourbon were pretty much unheard of a decade ago. No need to pick up the cocktail shaker here. The Best Bourbon Whiskeys You Can Buy for $50 or Less - Gear Patrol Beam certainly is not hurting for options here. A slight pepper warmth arrives late as the oak lingers on the slow and gentle fade, leaving you with a mix of spicy cherry pie filling, fresh tobacco leaf buzz, and a hint of green straw. Vanilla and caramel/char are active players as well, along with hints of orange citrus, but it also veers toward darker caramelized sugars and molasses, with a little bit of corresponding bitterness. monroe General manager and master distiller Nicole Austin instead labels this as bourbon, after selecting barrels she thought better represented that style than Tennessee offerings. You have to order it from overseas from a retailer that ships to the US. Price-wise, were talking an extra 15 bucks compared to Four Roses entry-level bottling. Does that make it worth nearly $1,000? Not very long ago, $100 for a bourbon or rye was a laughable act. But before 2021, it would have been hard to make money off of such a release if a company was forced to price it under $200. Consider the Colonel and his small batch bourbon a shortcut to those flavors, with a lot less strain on the wallet. As the finish lingers, the overall impression is one of awe at the harmony of it all. The fact that so many companies did just this in 2021, shows this isnt just a couple of egomaniacal producers that have the guts to charge exorbitant amounts for their product just for the sake of it. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Stir and strain into mason . Buffalo Trace Bourbon There's arguably no better bourbon on the market in terms of price and value than Buffalo Trace's flagship whiskey. Weller 12 Year or Stagg Jr. on here, for the simple fact that although their list prices may be around $50, retailers are routinely gouging all the way to $300 or beyond for them, which is a level both ridiculous and irresponsible for what are meant to be accessible, mid-shelf brands. Cocktail Queries is a Paste series that examines and answers basic, common questions that drinkers may have about mixed drinks, cocktails and spirits. Regardless, Ive always found this to be a substantial upgrade over the standard, non-age-statement Bulleit Bourbon, but one that curiously doesnt seem to attract a lot of attention. Makers Mark Cask StrengthDistillery: Makers Mark Inviting cherry notes lead the nose, setting up a rounded palate, with a sweet, fruity core and intense finish. They also have Eagle Rare, Blantons, and Old Scout store picks in. The juice was painstakingly hand-selected from sourced barrels by Dedman. What Are the Best Bourbons Under $60? - Paste Magazine If youre a collector, then this is your entry point bottle into the Pappy line. New Riff started out in 2014, and touts their sour mash technique and Bottled-in-Bond designation. Distillery: UndisclosedProof: 117Price: $40Sleeping Giant: A barrel-strength bourbon for around forty bucks is a good deal. The result is a rich, malty whiskey with creamy overtones, nuances of green apple and vanilla custard, and a dusting of almonds. Hochstadters Family Reserve 16 Year Straight Rye Whiskey This is not sold in the US. A high priced tier allows the possibility of new releases simply because theres an opportunity to make money off of it now. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition StyleDistillery: Brown-Forman Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangies head of distilling and whisky creation, continues to discover innovative ways to interpret this classic Speyside malt whisky by finishing it in barrel types that have rarely, if ever, been used. For this cheap bourbon whiskey roundup, we considered a number of different factors before finalizing the list. Wild Turkeys higher proof stands out when tasted alongside other bottles at this price range, but not in an industrial alcohol type of way. Yes, bourbon is a must for him. Given the proof, each sip is surprisingly light-bodied, but pulls no punches on the flavor front. The Controversy Explained, Tasting "The Best Bourbon You'll Never Taste", The Best Bourbon Whiskeys You Can Buy for $50 or Less. For less than $50, its very hard to find something else that is as rich and characterful. Additionally, its worth considering bourbon versus other styles of alcohol, such as wine. The Best Bourbons Under $100 - Forbes Our overall aim was to provide a great range of options, each costing less then $50. There arent going to be any more of these. While this is very rare and very collectible, itd almost be a shame not to crack it open and spend the next few years celebrating birthdays, holidays, and big events with it. Glenmorangie Bacalta The caramel-rich palate is balanced by spice notes, ensuring the whiskey doesnt land too sweet. Whiskey geeks will also likely notice that it now seems to be sharing the same bottle as Beams own Legent whiskey. Pay no notice to its relatively young age and instead rest assured that it delivers bold character and performs valiantly during sipping occasions. It begs to be used in special occasion cocktails, although be warned that doing so may put you on the floor very quickly. The single barrels are hand-picked from the Buffalo Trace warehouses for their deep flavor and texture. Heaven Hill Releases First-Ever Whiskey Made At Evan Williams Experience, Speyburn Distillery To Open Permanently To Tourism. The lowest-proof and lowest-priced bourbon in Old Forester's impressive lineup, this bottle is a great all-rounder that delivers flavor and depth. Still, this is very unique and particularly well crafted. Hopefully the market weeds out the foolhardy.It always comes down to the individual person deciding for themselves what a product is worth to them and what theyre personally willing to pay for it. By Andrew Graham Rating: B+ Bushmills released the second installment of its renowned Rare Cask series in May, nearly 20 months after the inaugural Rare Cask expression was released in October of 2020. When told there are plenty of bourbons available under $100 that might be just as good, most reply, No I want something special. That special usually equates to price, and not who makes the bottle or if its a blend, single barrel or barrel proof. I like this idea a lot since you have seen him enjoy Angel's Envy before. The sweet notes lean closer to ripe berries and stone fruits than rich caramel, while vanilla and baking spices sing on the finish. This increase in pricing, of course, doesn't guarantee any of this more expensive whiskey is worth the sudden uptick in price. The Bourbon: 10 Year Bourbon Distillery: Basil Hayden, Clemont, KY ABV: 40% Average Price: $79.99 The Whiskey: Not too many of the best bourbons under $100 are aged 10 years, but Basil Hayden's 10 is, as the name suggests, aged at least 10 years. Distillery: Wild Turkey. it is a prettyunique whiskey in a nice presentation box thatwould make a really nice gift. Spoke with somebody yesterday at rarewhisky.com who recommended: Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (although he advised against the most recent 2016 release), and the Blade and Bow 22 Year. What Are People Drinking at Sex Parties These Days? Recently, this bourbon has gained a reputation for being one of the best. The spice then comes in assertively, with hints of rye spice, black pepper and red chile flakes. The palate is so well-rounded, itll leave you kind of speechless. New elements of caramelized citrus, almonds, and apricots linger with every sip, proving Lumsden has done it again ($100).R.C.H. Its well worth a tryif you can find it anywhere. Its really goddamn tasty. These are the questions that make the dramatic rise in pricing feel exploitative. So instead of aging further, they were cut with that soft Kentucky limestone water to bring them down to a manageable 90.4 proof, then bottled. The whiskey smells great, while the palate is spicy, lively, slightly rugged, but well balanced enough for the price. Booker's 2020-03 "Pigskin Batch" ($99) Uncut, unfiltered, small batch; these are the selling points of Booker'sa perennial crowdpleaser that Jim Beam releases several times per year . Pikesville Rye has a pedigree that is impossible not to likeits the same mash bill and distillate as Heaven Hills popular Rittenhouse, but simply bigger and bolder, with a 110 proof point and a six year age statement. A cheap (sub-$20) bottle of wine is good for four or five glasses and has a shelf life of a few days once opened. The best bottles of bourbon for under $50 let you try bourbon pulled from a few special barrels, or just one. Like this article? Expect to find plenty of creamy vanilla, along with graham cracker, a bit of smoke, tobacco and oak that slowly begins edging into older and funkier territory. Its the rare case of genuinely taking a good thing and making it even better, amplifying the classic Kentucky rye flavors of Rittenhouse to make something punchy enough to stand out in any cocktail application, regardless of what other flavors you use.