Trying to decide which mid-range bourbon you should buy?
Good news:
Your search can finally come to an end!
This article provides a detailed guide to the best bourbons under $50.
We’ve been reviewing 100s of different bourbons for over nearly 4 years, and we’ve tasted just about everything worth tasting in the $50 and under price range.
And through our extensive tastings, research, and internal debates, we’ve developed this comprehensive list of your best mid-shelf options.
The following resource (which will be updated ~4 times per year) is here to help you make a quick decision on which bottle of bourbon to buy next based on your goal.
That’s why we’ve divided this up into overall rankings (based on total value … price + taste), best sipping, best budget, and best tasting.
So, you’re about to get a handful of great recommendations for your next bottle based on expert opinions.
How We Determined the Best Bourbons Under $50 (Our Process)
Before diving in, it’s important to get a very quick picture of our review philosophy.
Our overall rankings are based on value.
And we’ve created this super complicated math equation to define what value is…
value = price + taste
So, there are absolutely bourbons that taste better than the #1 ranking, or that would be better fits for cocktails than #1, etc.
The point is giving an overall ranking that tells you the best way to spend $50, then give specific recommendations based on your goals and preferences.
So, with that in mind, you aren’t going to see many allocated bottles on this list.
Why?
- Because most allocated bottles that people put on their best bourbons under $50 list (like E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Weller Antique 107, and Stagg Jr.) are actually more than $50. Their MSRP is technically around $50, but that means literally nothing when people charge close to $100 for those bottles.
- Because most allocated bottles in this range aren’t any better than the top 5 on the list below. It’s surprising, but true. We’ve tasted them all and they are generally overhyped.
So, our goal is to give you a straightforward, no-nonsense list filled with bourbons you can get without camping out in front of a liquor store.
The Best Bourbons Under $50 in 2024 [Fall Update]
1. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Price: $37
Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: Known for its balanced flavor profile, Woodford Reserve is versatile enough for both sipping and cocktails. The distillery’s historic roots and meticulous production process add to its appeal. It’s a reliable choice.
2. Rowan’s Creek Bourbon
Price: $47
Distillery: Willett Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: Rowan’s Creek is known for its rich complex flavors. It’s a good sipping bourbon, offering a smooth and satisfying finish. The small-batch production ensures a high-quality product with unique character.
3. Knob Creek Small Batch
Price: $45
Distillery: Knob Creek Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: Knob Creek is a versatile bourbon that’s excellent for sipping and cocktails. Its full-bodied taste and long finish make it a favorites. The distillery’s dedication to traditional methods results in a consistently high-quality product. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate a bold bourbon.
Click here to read the detailed review.
4. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Price: $45
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This bourbon is great for sipping and offers a smooth, satisfying finish. The 10-year aging process adds depth and complexity to its flavor profile. It’s a testament to the distillery’s expertise and commitment to quality.
Russell’s Reserve 10-Year is a solid value for around $45. While it doesn’t make the “best cheap bourbons” list, it stands out as a more dynamic, easier-to-sip version of Wild Turkey 101. It has just enough bite but allows you to appreciate the other flavors, thanks to its 10-year aging. You’ll notice the pronounced oak and rye-forward notes, adding dimension to the tasting experience.
Click here to read the detailed review.
5. Old Ezra 7 Year
Price: $40
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
Why It Makes Our List: This bourbon is an excellent sipper. The 7-year aging process makes it a good choice for those who enjoy a well-rounded bourbon.
6. Wilderness Trail Small Batch
Price: $45
Distillery: Wilderness Trail Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This bourbon’s smooth finish and rich taste make it a standout choice for cocktails.
7. Belle Meade Bourbon
Price: $45
Distillery: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: Belle Meade offers a complex flavor profile making it excellent for sipping and cocktails. The distillery’s dedication to quality are evident in every bottle. Its unique character and smooth finish make it a favorite among many bourbon lovers.
Belle Meade Bourbon is known for being approachable and extremely smooth, with a flavor profile that some compare to holiday pies. Liquor store owners often call it one of the most underrated bourbons available.
While Belle Meade Reserve (which is priced above $50) gets even more recognition, the standard Belle Meade at $45 is exceptional for its price.
8. Cooper’s Craft Barrel Reserve
Price: $32
Distillery: Cooper’s Craft
Why It Makes Our List: Featuring a flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and oak, it is great for both sipping and mixing. The distillery’s innovative approach to barrel aging adds depth and complexity to its flavor. It’s a versatile bourbon that works for most any occasion.
9. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Price: $49
Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Co.
Why It Makes Our List: The high proof adds intensity and depth to its taste. The distillery’s long history and commitment to quality make it a reliable choice. It’s a go-to among those who appreciate a strong, flavorful bourbon.
Click here to read the detailed review.
10. Henry McKenna Single Barrel
Price: $45
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: The single barrel production ensures a unique and high-quality product. Its smooth finish and complex taste make it a standout choice.
11. Woodinville Straight Bourbon
Price: $40
Distillery: Woodinville Whiskey Co.
Why It Makes Our List: The distillery’s focus on quality ingredients and traditional methods results in a consistently good product. Its smooth finish and rich taste make it a solid choice.
12. Four Roses Single Barrel
Price: $45
Distillery: Four Roses Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This bourbon is a great sipper and mixer. The single barrel production ensures a unique and high-quality product.
Four Roses Single Barrel is well-balanced, smooth, and sweet, making it perfect for sipping or crafting an incredible old fashioned.
While it continues the mellow profile of the Four Roses lineup, it adds complexity with a slightly higher proof—about 10 points more than other Four Roses offerings. Though some Bourbon Inspector Insiders find it slightly overrated, considering it too mellow and sweet, it’s one of the best bottles for those who enjoy an easy drinker with added character.
If you’re into high-proof or rye-forward bourbons, though, you might find it a bit too light.
13. Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Price: $49
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: The distillery’s long history and commitment to quality make it a solid choice. If you appreciate a strong, flavorful bourbon give this one a try.
While it shares the familiar rye-forward mashbill of Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve bourbons, Rare Breed delivers a rich and deep flavor with notes of caramel, orange, leather, and a touch of sweet tobacco.
Though it’s spicy and bold, it’s well-balanced and one of the best bourbons under $50. Be aware that in some markets, the price may reach up to $60, but it’s still worth the try for anyone who enjoys a robust pour.
Click here to read the detailed review.
14. Maker’s Mark 46
Price: $40
Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: An excellent sipper. The unique stave finishing process adds depth and complexity to its taste. Its smooth finish and rich character make it a standout choice.
Maker’s Mark 46 takes the standard Maker’s wheated mashbill and elevates it through a unique finishing process with seared French Oak staves. This aging twist adds extra complexity, creating a fantastic bourbon at a fantastic price. It’s a versatile option, perfect for sipping neat or making great old fashioneds.
If you enjoy wheated bourbons with more character at a lower proof, this is a solid choice. However, if you prefer rye-forward bourbons like Wild Turkey, Maker’s 46 might not be your favorite.
Click here to read the detailed review.
15. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Price: $45
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: The toasted barrel finishing process adds a unique and complex character to its taste. Its smooth finish and rich taste make it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.
Click here to read the detailed review.
16. Jefferson’s Reserve Very Small Batch
Price: $45
Distillery: Jefferson’s Bourbon
Why It Makes Our List: The small batch production helps to provide a unique and high-quality product. Its smooth finish and complex taste make it a solid choice.
17. New Riff Bottled in Bond
Price: $45
Distillery: New Riff Distilling
Why It Makes Our List: The bottled-in-bond production and aging provides a quality product. The robust character might be a bit much for those new to bourbon sipping. Solid mixer.
You Can’t Go Wrong With Any of These Under $50 Bourbons
If you try any of these bourbons or have questions, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to drop us a note at mike@bourboninspector.com. Your feedback helps us improve our recommendations!
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.