Looking for the best bourbons under $30?
You aren’t alone.
Finding a great, affordable bottle isn’t as easy as it sounds…
There are literally hundreds of nearly identical bottles to choose from at this price point.
How are you supposed to know which of the $30 and under bottles you should pluck off the liquor store shelves?
To help you, my team and I compiled a master list of the best $30 bourbons based on our research, experience, and taste tests.
We’ve been tasting bourbons professionally for nearly 4 years now and have had the opportunity to try literally 100s of different bourbons.
And we’ve included our best bourbons under in this list after extensive debates and considerations.
This guide will help you pick the best budget bourbon—regardless of whether you’re buying it for a friend, family member, or yourself.
And we update this list ~4 times per year so you can rest assured you’ll always get good recommendations.
How We Ranked These Bourbons
Before we dive in, it’s important to know how our rankings work.
We decided not to include any bourbons that are actually sold well above their MSRP even if they are “technically” $30. A prime example is Weller Special Reserve. Realistically, you’re not getting a bottle for under $40-$50 these days.
We also ranked these $30 and under bourbons based on overall value. We followed this formula to build this list (it’s like algebra but for bourbon):
Value = price + taste
An argument can be made that some of the bourbons that rank lower on our list taste better than others.
That’s fair.
But our main consideration is total value.
So, this list is designed to give you the best bourbon for the specific dollar amount under $30.
And we believe we do that well. 🙂
Here’s the Best Bourbon Under $30….
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond.
Why?
I’ll tell you more below, but here are the main reasons:
- It’s only $25 for a 1L bottle
- It has a classic bourbon profile with more character than other great $30 pours like Buffalo Trace
- It’s 100 proof instead of 80-90 like most of these bottles
It’s easily the best value on this list, making it our #1 bourbon under $30.
But you really need to keep reading this article because Early Times isn’t necessarily the best tasting bottle under $30…
So, you can figure out which bottle is along with tons of other insights below.
Our List of The Best Bourbons Under $30 for 2023
- Early Times Bottled-in-Bond
- Blue Note Juke Joint
- 1792 Small Batch
- Buffalo Trace
- Chattanooga Whiskey 91
- Knob Creek
- Four Roses Small Batch
- Maker’s Mark
- Evan Williams White Bottled-in-Bond
- Old Grand-Dad 114
- Old Forester 100
- Elijah Craig Small Batch
- Wild Turkey 101
- Larceny Small Batch
- Bulleit
- Benchmark Bourbon
Best Sipping, Tasting, & Cheap Bourbons Under $30
There are tons of different ways to rank bourbons, so our list simply wouldn’t be complete without making lists for the best sipping, best cheap, and best tasting bourbons under $30.
Ranking by value, in our opinion, is the best way to officially rank bourbons, but we’ve included these rankings below to help you quickly find what you’re looking for.
Best Sipping Bourbons Under $30
- Old Grand-Dad 114
- Old Forester 100
- Knob Creek
Best Cheap Bourbons Under $30
- Early Times Bottled-in-Bond
- Evan Williams White Bottled-in-Bond
- Benchmark Bourbon
- Larceny Small Batch
Best Tasting Bourbons Under $30
- Blue Note Juke Joint
- Chattanooga Whiskey 91
- Knob Creek
- Buffalo Trace
Top Rated Bourbons Under $30
1. Early Times Bottled-in-Bond
Price: ~$25 (1 Liter)
Proof: 100
Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, and light spice
Distillery: Brown-Forman Distillery
Review Summary: This is the best value in bourbon. You can’t get better than $25 for 1L. Everything else on this list is ~$30 for 750ml. And it has a rich flavor profile you don’t expect from a budget bourbon and is very easy to drink. It has more character than you’d imagine with deep caramel and vanilla notes with some added spice. It can stand toe-to-toe in my opinion with Buffalo Trace.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the best bourbon you’ll ever have. But…it’s the best under $30 from a value standpoint. And it’s just a solid all-around bourbon. This is a great, versatile bourbon to keep in your home bar.
Click here to read the detailed review.
2. Blue Note Juke Joint
Price: $30
Proof: 93
Tasting Notes: Caramel, cinnamon, oak
Distillery: B.R. Distilling Company
Review Summary: Blue Note is easily the best tasting bourbon under $30. It’s a well-balanced, rich pour from Memphis that’s gaining quite a bit of traction in the Southern United States.
I argue that it has much more character (while still being easy to sip) than something like Buffalo Trace. While having the traditional caramel and vanilla notes, it also has a cinnamon pop that adds a great dynamic throughout the entire pour. The nose actually has notes of cinnamon bread, which many bourbons can’t say.
If you can find a bottle in your region, try it out at least once in place of Buffalo Trace or 1792 Small Batch.
Click here to read the detailed review.
3. 1792 Small Batch
Price: ~$30
Proof: 93.7
Tasting Notes: Bold rye spice, dark fruit, sweet caramel
Distillery: The Barton 1792 Distillery
Review Summary: 1792 tastes much older than it really is (in a great way) and has incredible sweetness and character for a $30 bourbon. It has a higher-than-normal rye percentage in its mashbill (at least compared to others on this list), but it does a great job of keeping the spice under control.
1792 balances the flavor of the rye with the sweetness of the corn to make for a rich, semi-bold, and sweet pour that can compete with any bottle under $30.
This is one of the highest rated bourbons from our Insiders and its easy to see why.
Click here to read the detailed review.
4. Buffalo Trace
Price: ~$25
Proof: 90
Tasting Notes: Pleasantly sweet to the taste with notes of brown sugar and spice that give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit, and anise
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Review Summary: This is arguably the most difficult-to-find bourbon on this list. It’s popular for a reason–it’s good stuff. It’s easily one of the easiest sippers on this list and has a traditional profile of caramel and vanilla with a hint of spice and brown sugar.
But don’t kid yourself, it’s not the best bourbon under $30.
Most people think it is because of the brand name, but it’s not. Sure, it’s among the best, but its definitely not the best.
If you’re used to higher-proof bourbons, you’re going to find this even too easy to drink. But with its approachability comes a bit of a “watered” down and thin mouthfeel. In fact, every time I come back to it it tastes a little more watered down.
That may be because I’m drinking 120 proof and above these days, though…lol.
Another thing to note is Buffalo Trace is constantly going up in price (as are all Buffalo Trace’s allocated bottles). This is mainly because everyone wants their stuff so bad that it’s hard to find. So, please, don’t pay more than $30 for a bottle. Some people are charging $50 and that’s totally ridiculous.
Click here to read the detailed review.
5. Chattanooga Whiskey 91
Price: ~$30
Proof: 91
Tasting Notes: Sweet (hints vanilla, caramel, honey, and brown sugar) with light spice
Distillery: Chattanooga Whiskey
Notes: Chattanooga Whiskey 91 is unquestionably the most unique bourbon in this list. It’s a high-malt bourbon (very uncommon), which gives it a unique sweet flavor profile that’s heavy on butterscotch and brown sugar notes.
But with other traditional bourbon notes, the unique flavor profile isn’t at all overpowering. It’s similar to a wheated bourbon like Maker’s Mark but with a bit more character and more of a butterscotch-forward flavor.
All this makes it a dynamic bourbon that tastes older than it really is (only 2 years). This is one of my go-to recommendations for people looking for a sweet, easy drinking bottle under $30.
Click here to read the detailed review.
6. Knob Creek Small Batch
Price: ~$30
Proof: 100
Tasting Notes: Oaky, spicy, sharp
Distillery: Jim Beam
Review Summary: You can literally never go wrong with Knob Creek. I’ve had pretty much every release and they are all exceptional. They can definitely be harder to drink than most because this entry-level bottle comes in at 100 proof, but it’s easily the richest and most high character bourbon on this list. I always recommend this to people who want a little punch in the face with their bourbon (or who like to drink bourbon on the rocks).
You won’t find many other 9-year-old bourbons for the ~$30 price range. It might be too oak-forward and hot for some, but it’s a great all-around bourbon if you are looking for more character. This is one of the top-rated bourbons in this category by our Insiders.
Click here to read the detailed review.
7. Four Roses Small Batch
Price: ~$30 (sometimes around $35)
Proof: 90
Tasting Notes: Fruit, caramel, rye spice
Distillery: Four Roses
Review Summary: This bourbon is incredibly smooth and well-balanced. It makes exceptional old fashioned and is aged 6-7 years (more than most bourbons on this list).
Its mellow profile makes it one of the sweetest and most mellow bourbons on this entire list. That may turn away some, but I think Four Roses keep the sweetness decently in check.
But if you’re a rye fan, you’ll probably want to stay away from this. I’ve had many Insiders tell me that pretty much any Four Roses bottle is too sweet for them.
Click here to read the detailed review.
8. Maker’s Mark
Price: ~$25
Proof: 90
Tasting Notes: Sweet and balanced with caramel, vanilla, and fruity essences
Distillery: Maker’s Mark
Review Summary: This is our top pick for drinking neat. It’s super sweet and light–which might not be for some who like bourbon with more character. That’s because it’s a wheated bourbon (meaning it uses wheat in the mashbill, but there is still at least 50% corn).
Maker’s is pretty controversial from my experience. People either love it or hate it. But if you like sweeter bourbons with a little touch of character, this one’s for you. And you can find a bottle at literally any liquor store for about $25.
Just don’t get Maker’s if you tend to like rye-forward bourbons like Wild Turkey better.
Click here to read the detailed review.
9. Evan Williams White Bottled-in-Bond
Price: ~$18
Proof: 100
Tasting Notes: Citrus, vanilla, pepper
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Review Summary: This is another one of the best values in bourbon. You can’t get a much better pour for $18. Again, this is one tends to be super controversial.
People either love it or hate it. But at $18, I think you really can’t expect the best bourbon ever. And you get a solid pour for a ridiculous price point here. It has a very traditional caramel and vanilla flavor profile that has a good bit of oak as well.
I still prefer Early Times BiB, but this is a must-have in your home bar. Our Insiders have mixed opinions on this bottle. Some think it’s great, while other think it’s the most overrated bottle on this list.
Click here to read the detailed review.
10. Old Grand-Dad 114
Price: ~$30
Proof: 114
Tasting Notes: Caramel, brown sugar, orange, and a punch in the face
Distillery: Jim Beam
Review Summary: Many bourbon enthusiasts swear by OGD 114, and for good reason. It’s one of the best higher-proof pours you can get in the $30 price range.
This is a great one, but not widely loved due to its heat. I think the heat is a bit out of check. It’s called “Old Grand-dad” because it’s something your grand dad would drink. It punches you in the face with each sip.
It gives you traditional bourbon notes with some rye and even a hint of orange peel. It makes for some really good and slightly spicy old fashioneds.
So if you like for your bourbon to slap you in the face (or you can get over the bite), I could actually argue this is one of the best bourbons on the list.
Click here to read the detailed review.
11. Old Forester 100
Price: ~$30
Proof: 100
Tasting Notes: Ripe apple, oak, bakery spice, and caramel
Distillery: Brown-Forman Distillery
Review Summary: You really can’t go wrong with Old Forester 100, but it’s lower on my list because its flavor profile isn’t as balanced as the rest and it’s a bit thin in my opinion. It is oak-forward with a hint of caramel, apple, and bakery spice. So it’s not exactly the most traditional tasting bourbon in my opinion.
That being said, it’s a smooth sipper and has those unique notes that some really enjoy. It’s a mainstay on everyone’s “best under $30” list and comes from a great distillery that has a track record of making really good stuff.
Click here to read the detailed review.
12. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Price: ~$30
Proof: 94
Tasting Notes: Heavy oak with hints of vanilla
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Review Summary: This is easily my most controversial ranking! Most people swear by Elijah Craig Small Batch. Many even say it’s unquestionably the #1 bourbon under $30.
But I completely disagree. It’s far too oaky and one-dimensional for me. It’s good enough to make this list, of course, but not as good as any bourbon before it.
One thing I’ll say is it doesn’t try to do anything fancy. It’s very simple and gets the job done with its traditional, but oak-forward flavor profile.
I just can’t bring myself to rank it higher than other bourbons before it.
Click here to read the detailed review.
13. Wild Turkey 101
Price: ~$25
Proof: 101
Tasting Notes: Toffee, caramel, butterscotch
Distillery: Wild Turkey
Review Summary: This is another ranking many people disagree with! But I stand firm again.
Wild Turkey is definitely one of the better spicy bourbons on this list (since it has a higher percentage of rye in the mashbill). But I personally don’t think they handle the spice well.
It’s a bit overpowering and overshadows the vanilla, rye, and oak notes. It’s too fiery and doesn’t bring much balance to the table. It definitely doesn’t have the kick that Old Grandad 114 has, though.
So if you like spice but not “something your grand dad would drink”, try WT 101. You can know for sure that anything made by Wild Turkey will be high-quality due to its master distiller Jimmy Russell (the Buddha of Bourbon).
It just doesn’t match up with the top 5 bourbons on this list.
Click here to read the detailed review.
14. Larceny Small Batch
Price: ~$25
Proof: 92
Tasting Notes: Banana, brown sugar, oak spice
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Review Summary: Larceny is a really solid wheated bourbon. It’s similar to Maker’s Mark in a lot of ways but tends to be about $5 cheaper on average for a fifth.
The main downside is it doesn’t really stand out in any particular way outside of its availability and affordability. It’s an average and easy-drinking wheater that can be a bit too watery.
So, if you like Maker’s Mark but want something slightly different, this can be a great bottle to try. You get some “banana bread” notes with the banana and brown sugar. It’s doesn’t have much character, but it is a really solid one.
Note: we’ve had this one before but haven’t yet published our detailed review. That is coming soon.
15. Bulleit
Price: ~$30
Proof: 90
Tasting Notes: Smooth with tones of maple, oak, and nutmeg
Distillery: Bulleit
Review Summary: Bulleit recently surged in popularity due to its placement on the show Yellowstone, but it’s always been a solid pour. The main thing it has on most of the bottles on this list is its character.
It has quite a bit going on in terms of detectable flavors. Outside of those listed above, we’ve also noticed apple, dark fruit, and more. It’s also a touch more spicy than other bottles on this list.
So, this could be a great buy for you if you want a spicier, higher-character bourbon to sip on for $30 and under. Just don’t buy into the recent Yellowstone hype. That was simply outstanding marketing by Bulleit…but that’s all it was.
Note: we’ve had this one before but haven’t yet published our detailed review. That is coming soon.
16. Benchmark Old No. 8
Price: ~$10
Proof: 80
Tasting Notes: Sweet corn, oak, applesauce
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Review Summary: This is not the best tasting bourbon on the list by any stretch of the imagination. It made the list for one reason and one reason alone…
It’s freaking $10…$10!!!
For $10, you get a serviceable bourbon that you can drink neat or use in cocktails. And if you buy the 1.75L you get an even better deal (usually $18 or so). It’s also interesting to note that this is another Buffalo Trace bourbon. No one really remembers that. So, you’re getting some shades of other bourbons in the Buffalo Trace line with Benchmark.
But remember, this is almost completely a value buy. It’s surprisingly good for $10 (easily the best $10 bourbon) but don’t buy a bottle thinking it’s gonna change your life.
Click here to read the detailed review.
These Are Some of the Best Budget Bourbons Money Can Buy
While we did rank these bottles of bourbon in order based on our recommendations, any of them would make a great buy.
If you decide to grab one of these at the liquor store today, make sure you go back sometime and try a different one on this list.
Enjoy and drink responsibly! Looking for the best bourbons under $50? Click here.
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.