So, you’re looking for some fine bourbon, eh?
You’ve come to the right place.
The $50–$100 price tier is probably bourbon’s most competitive price range. It’s where craft distillers begin to showcase their best releases and where heritage brands release some of their strongest mid-range whiskeys.
But which should you choose?
After all, $100 isn’t petty cash and you don’t want to end up with a bottle that tastes like $20.
Our 24 Best Bourbons Under $100 for 2026 has plenty of variety. A great evening of sipping awaits you no matter which of these you choose to invite along.
How We Picked the Best Bourbons Under $100
Before we dive in, it’s important to know how we set this thing up…
This list is ordered by total value (price + taste).
Some may argue that some bourbons lower on the list actually taste better than others.
This is a fair point, but keep in mind what we’re shooting for: the best bourbons at this price point based on total value.
And with the $100 and under price point, there are tons of bourbons to choose from.
You may also notice some expressions of Weller, Stagg Jr., Van Winkle, and other rare bourbons didn’t make this list.
This isn’t because they aren’t worthy of being featured, it’s because their real price is significantly above their MSRP and can’t be purchased easily for $100 or less.
Now that we got the business out of the way, let’s dive in.
Interested in bourbons under $35 or between $35 and $50 instead? We have articles for those price ranges too:
The Best Bourbon Under $100 for 2026
1. Remus Repeal Reserve Series IX Bourbon
Price: $100
Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: The Remus Repeal Reserve line remains one of the finest expressions of MGP’s blending heritage. Crafted at the historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, this limited-edition bourbon pays homage to the legendary King of the Bootleggers, George Remus, and the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.
Series IX is a blend of four high-rye bourbons aged 10 to 18 years, the oldest components ever included in the series. At 104 proof (52% ABV), it’s the highest-proof offering to date and is non-chill filtered to preserve maximum flavor and viscosity. The result is rich, beautifully layered, and delivers notes of cherry, seasoned oak, dark chocolate, and baking spices. A masterclass in blending and our top pick in the sub-$100 tier.
Click here to read the detailed review.
2. Barrell Dovetail
Price: $80
Distillery: Barrell Craft Spirits
Why It Makes Our List: A consistently excellent finished bourbon from Louisville-based Barrell Craft Spirits, the original independent blender of unique aged, cask strength whiskey. Dovetail showcases founder Joe Beatrice’s experimental approach to blending, combining woody bourbon with finishes in Dunn Vineyards Cabernet casks, Late Bottled Vintage Port pipes, and blackstrap molasses rum casks.
The result is a profile of deep sweetness, spice, and charred oak that’s unlike anything else on the market. Rum, port, and cabernet finishes create layers of flavor—think cocoa, molasses, burnt marshmallow, and dark cherries. Bottled at cask strength, it’s full-bodied and deeply satisfying for those who appreciate complexity.
Click here to read the detailed review.
3. Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon
Price: $90
Distillery: Garrison Brothers Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: Bold, rich, and distinctly Texan. Garrison Brothers in Hye, Texas was the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas since Prohibition, earning their stiller’s permit in 2006. Their Small Batch showcases what heat-driven aging can accomplish—the scorching Texas sun produces concentrated sweetness and powerful oak notes you won’t find in Kentucky bourbons.
Made from a sweet mash bill with grains sourced from Texas farms, every bottle is hand-made from corn to cork on their ranch in the Hill Country. The extreme temperature fluctuations accelerate aging, resulting in a darker, richer, and fuller bourbon. A unique flavor experience that embodies the Lone Star State.
Click here to read the detailed review.
4. Never Say Die Small Batch Bourbon
Price: $65
Distillery: Never Say Die
Why It Makes Our List: Distilled in Kentucky, ocean traveled, and matured in England—this is England’s first bourbon and a truly international whiskey. Named after a legendary Kentucky-born racehorse that won the Epsom Derby in 1954, Never Say Die delivers warm sweetness, honey, and spice in a fresh entry to the bourbon landscape.
The bourbon ages approximately 5 years in Kentucky, then takes a 6-week ocean voyage across the Atlantic before spending another year maturing at White Peak Distillery in Derbyshire, England. This exposure to three contrasting climates creates a wholly unique flavor profile. A fast riser in this category that’s captured the attention of bourbon enthusiasts worldwide.
Click here to read the detailed review.
5. 2XO The Vinyl Blend Bourbon
Price: $80
Distillery: 2XO Whiskey
Why It Makes Our List: From renowned blender Dixon Dedman, who grew up on the Kentucky whiskey trail and previously revived Kentucky Owl bourbon, comes this masterfully crafted expression. 2XO, meaning “Two Times Oak,” refers to Dedman’s pioneering process where every expression undergoes additional oak exposure.
The Vinyl Blend, the sixth release in the limited Icon Series, showcases blending complexity with bright citrus, charred oak, and impressive depth of flavors. Made from two proprietary mash bills—a high-rye (35%) and moderate-rye (18%)—with 40% double-barreled in new #4 charred oak. It’s a confident blend that is a standout in the premium category.
Click here to read the detailed review.
6. Penelope Cigar Series Chapter 01
Price: $80
Distillery: Penelope Bourbon
Why It Makes Our List: Penelope Bourbon, founded in 2018 and now part of the MGP/Luxco family, has built a reputation for innovative four-grain blends. Their Cigar Series Chapter 01 combines bold sweetness, seasoned oak, and a deep finish that pairs exceptionally well with a fine cigar.
Distilled at Ross & Squibb (MGP) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, this expression is robust but stops pleasantly short of overwhelming. The four-grain mashbill—corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley—creates a unique complexity that sets Penelope apart from traditional bourbons.
Click here to read the detailed review.
7. Oaklore Distilling Four Grain Bourbon
Price: $70
Distillery: Oaklore Distilling
Why It Makes Our List: A sophisticated four-grain bourbon from Charlotte, North Carolina that’s putting the Tar Heel State on the whiskey map. Founded in 2017 by neighbors Thomas Bogan and Matt Simpkins, Oaklore has earned Double Gold at the 2024 Barleycorn Awards and was named #1 distillery by the Charlotte Observer in both 2023 and 2024.
Distilled on 24-inch Vendome all-copper column stills using “the big four” American whiskey grains (corn, wheat, barley, and rye), the bourbon combines 5-6 year old wheated and rye bourbon barrels that are hand-selected and batched together. The final mash bill is 72% corn, 11% wheat, 10% rye, and 7% malted barley. Then it’s re-barreled for an additional 8-12 months in North Carolina’s ideal aging climate. Oaklore’s attention to detail puts this bottle firmly within the top tier of craft distillation.
Click here to read the detailed review.
8. Bardstown Fusion Series #9
Price: $65
Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Why It Makes Our List: The final chapter in Bardstown Bourbon Company’s acclaimed Fusion Series highlights the distillery’s exceptional blending skill. Located in the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown is now the 7th largest distillery in America and is known for its transparency—all labels show mashbill, blend ratios, and source information.
Fusion Series #9 melds Bardstown’s estate distillate with mature sourced whiskey to form a fruit-forward profile with beautiful oak integration. This series concept—blending young in-house whiskey with older sourced stock—has been a brilliant showcase of what the distillery can accomplish. A fitting conclusion to an innovative line.
9. Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon
Price: $55
Distillery: Frey Ranch Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: An elegant grain-forward Nevada bourbon from one of the few true estate distilleries in the world. Fifth-generation farmers Colby and Ashley Frey transformed their 165-year-old family farm in Fallon, Nevada into a ground-to-glass operation where they sustainably grow 100% of their whiskey grains onsite.
Estate-grown corn, winter cereal rye, winter wheat, and two-row barley (malted on-site) go into this four-grain bourbon aged 5 years. The result is caramel sweetness, warm spice, oak and citrus aromas, with notes of honey, burnt orange peel, and vanilla. A persistent finish that showcases what terroir-driven whiskey can achieve. Their motto says it all: “Be good to the land and the land will be good to you.”
10. Barrell Bourbon Batch 036
Price: $85
Distillery: Barrell Craft Spirits
Why It Makes Our List: Layered with spice, fruit, and barrel richness, Batch 036 showcases Barrell Craft Spirits’ blending expertise. Since 2013, Barrell has been the original, pre-eminent independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey, and each numbered batch release is a unique composition.
What makes Barrell special is their focus on the blending process itself. Founder Joe Beatrice doesn’t just seek out quality barrels—he experiments with different combinations to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Batch 036 delivers on that promise with a complex profile that will satisfy both casual sippers and serious enthusiasts.
Click here to read the detailed review.
11. Penelope Cooper Series Rio Bourbon
Price: $80
Distillery: Penelope Bourbon
Why It Makes Our List: Finished in honey and Amburana barrels, Rio delivers a distinctive sweet-spice combination that feels tropical. Amburana is a Brazilian wood that imparts unique cinnamon, vanilla, and floral notes—a finishing choice that’s rare in American whiskey.
Ambitious, expressive, and definitely unforgettable. The Cooper Series represents Penelope’s most experimental work, and Rio shows what can happen when traditional bourbon craftsmanship meets global barrel innovation.
Click here to read the detailed review.
12. Whiskey Row Cask Strength Bourbon
Price: $60
Distillery: Kentucky Artisan Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: High-proof, high-value bourbon that delivers a brawny experience. A standout cask-strength release that is surprisingly refined despite its power, offering exceptional bang for your buck in the full-proof category.
For bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate barrel-strength whiskey without the premium barrel-strength price tag, Whiskey Row delivers serious intensity while maintaining drinkability.
Click here to read the detailed review.
13. Green River Full Proof Bourbon
Price: $55
Distillery: Green River Distilling Co.
Why It Makes Our List: Full-proof Kentucky bourbon showcasing Green River’s historic reputation. Founded in 1885 in Owensboro, Kentucky, Green River is the 10th oldest Kentucky distillery with deep roots in bourbon history. Their Full Proof expression demonstrates why this legacy distillery deserves renewed attention.
Impressively clean finish for the proof, with traditional Kentucky bourbon character delivered at barrel strength. At this price point, it’s one of the best values in the full-proof bourbon category.
Click here to read the detailed review.
14. High n’ Wicked Straight Bourbon
Price: $70
Distillery: High n’ Wicked
Why It Makes Our List: A polished, high-age sourced bourbon with strong balance across the Nose, Palate, and Finish. Quietly one of the most reliable bourbons in this tier—it doesn’t generate the hype of some other releases, but consistently delivers quality.
For those seeking a well-made bourbon without the hunt or lottery, High n’ Wicked offers mature whiskey character that punches above its price point.
Click here to read the detailed review.
15. Swilled Dog Double Oaked Bourbon
Price: $60
Distillery: Swilled Dog Whiskey
Why It Makes Our List: Double-barreled meets toasted oak and warm spice. A dessert-leaning profile that avoids going overly sweet—a delicate balance that many finished bourbons fail to achieve.
The double oaking process adds layers of vanilla, caramel, and toasted wood notes without overwhelming the underlying bourbon character. Perfect for after-dinner sipping or those who enjoy sweeter profiles with restraint.
Click here to read the detailed review.
16. Stellum Bourbon
Price: $55
Distillery: Stellum Spirits
Why It Makes Our List: A high-proof blend focused on clarity and intensity from the team behind Barrell Craft Spirits. Unlike Barrell’s rotating batches, Stellum uses a “daisy chain” blending technique to maintain a consistent product that’s always available.
The blend combines three Indiana bourbon mash bills (two high-rye, one mostly corn) with older barrels from Kentucky and Tennessee. At around 115 proof, it’s full-flavored and surprisingly drinkable, with notes of vanilla, marshmallow, cinnamon, and honey balanced by savory clove and seasoned oak. Remarkable consistency at a remarkable price.
Click here to read the detailed review.
17. Leather & Oak Spirits Bourbon
Price: $80
Distillery: Leather & Oak Spirits
Why It Makes Our List: A small craft operation with high quality bourbon. Deep caramel, toasted oak, and mild spice define this expression from a producer committed to quality over quantity.
In a market flooded with craft distillery releases, Leather & Oak stands out by delivering consistent quality with a refined profile that appeals to traditional bourbon lovers.
Click here to read the detailed review.
18. Old Dominick Eight Year Reserve Bourbon
Price: $75
Distillery: Old Dominick Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: An eight-year bourbon offering warm sweetness and a pleasingly long finish from Memphis, Tennessee. Old Dominick was originally established in 1866 by Domenico Canale, and fifth-generation grandsons revived the brand in 2017 with a new distillery in downtown Memphis.
The 8 Year Reserve represents a milestone—it’s the distillery’s oldest in-house distilled release, using carefully selected barrels filled when the distillery opened. Bottled at 100 proof with notes of honey, caramel, vanilla, and chocolate, it showcases Memphis-made spirit with mature bourbon character. A strong contender in this mid-tier price range.
Click here to read the detailed review.
19. Penelope Toasted Straight Bourbon
Price: $65
Distillery: Penelope Bourbon
Why It Makes Our List: Toasted barrels bring sweet vanilla notes and easy-drinking character to this four-grain bourbon. The toasting process (as opposed to charring) extracts different compounds from the wood, emphasizing caramel and vanilla while softening tannins.
Penelope’s continued innovation with barrel finishes shows why they’ve become one of the most exciting bourbon brands of the past few years. Accessible and satisfying.
Click here to read the detailed review.
20. Thirteenth Colony Cask Strength Bourbon
Price: $70
Distillery: Thirteenth Colony Distilleries
Why It Makes Our List: Georgia-based and bold at full proof. Founded in 2009 in Americus, Georgia, Thirteenth Colony is the state’s oldest operating distillery since Prohibition. Named for Georgia’s status as the 13th American colony, they’ve built a reputation for exceptional cask-strength releases.
Their Cask Strength Southern Bourbon delivers caramel, smoke, and spice in a way that feels distinct from Kentucky expressions. The South Georgia aging climate contributes to a unique flavor profile that’s earned Double Platinum at the 2023 Ascot Awards and developed a devoted following.
Click here to read the detailed review.
21. Ella Jones Straight Bourbon
Price: $55
Distillery: Ella Jones Bourbon
Why It Makes Our List: Lightly floral with soft caramel, gentle oak, and a clean finish. A pleasant everyday sipper that stands out for its balance rather than extreme intensity.
Not every great bourbon needs to be a cask-strength powerhouse. Ella Jones proves that restraint and refinement can be just as rewarding, making it an excellent choice for both new bourbon drinkers and experienced enthusiasts seeking something approachable.
Click here to read the detailed review.
22. Row 94 Straight Bourbon
Price: $55
Distillery: Row 94 Whiskey
Why It Makes Our List: Warm grains, toasted spice, and a touch of orchard fruit give Row 94 a classic but slightly rustic personality. Solid, steady, and reliable—qualities that matter when you’re looking for an everyday pour.
This bourbon doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and that’s perfectly fine. Sometimes you want a straightforward, well-made whiskey that delivers traditional bourbon character without gimmicks.
Click here to read the detailed review.
23. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon
Price: $60
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: A more grain-forward take on the Heaven Hill style from America’s largest independent family-owned distiller. Fresh bread, subtle spice, and clean oak presence make this familiar but refreshing.
Heaven Hill has been making whiskey in Kentucky since 1935, and this expression showcases their ability to innovate while honoring tradition. For fans of Heaven Hill’s portfolio (Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Henry McKenna), this offers a different perspective on their house character.
Click here to read the detailed review.
24. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Price: $70
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: A powerhouse at any ranking. Rich oak, layered spice, and dense sweetness show up in true barrel-proof fashion. Even though this year’s competition is exceptionally strong, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof remains one of the best values in bourbon.
Known for its bold and intense flavor, ECBP is a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts. The high proof and uncut, unfiltered nature provide a robust and full-bodied experience. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a strong bourbon, with pronounced flavors of brown sugar, caramel, dark fruit, and more. Consistently praised as one of the best bottles you can buy under $100.
Click here to read the review.
Honorable Mentions
These bourbons from our previous list didn’t make Mike’s top 25 for 2026, but they’re still excellent choices in the under-$100 category:
25. Wyoming Whiskey Outryder
Price: $85
Distillery: Wyoming Whiskey
Why It Makes Our List: Outryder offers a unique blend of bourbon and rye, resulting in a rich and complex character. The extreme temperature swings in Wyoming contribute to its distinctive qualities.
Click here to read the review.
26. Hard Truth Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey
MSRP: $55
Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Company
Why It Makes Our List: Hard Truth B-n-B Wheated Bourbon is a pleasure from the first pull of the cork until the finish. It is a unique sipper that delights on the Nose, Palate and the Finish.
27. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
MSRP: $60
Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This cask strength version of Maker’s Mark offers a more intense and flavorful experience. The wheated mashbill provides a smooth and sweet profile. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a bold bourbon.
28. Knob Creek 12 Year
MSRP: $70
Distillery: Knob Creek Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: Aged for 12 years, this bourbon offers a rich and full-bodied experience. The extended aging process adds depth and complexity, making it a standout choice for sipping.
The extra 3 years in the barrel compared to Knob Creek 9-year is immediately noticeable and worth the extra cost if you’re a fan of the Knob Creek flavor profile. It’s like a vanilla bomb and, for some, even better than Knob Creek 15 (which some feel is aged a bit too long). I’ll share my thoughts on KC 15 in a future review.
Click here to read the review.
29. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
MSRP: $60
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This single barrel bourbon offers a rich and complex character. It’s highly regarded by bourbon lovers. This incredible bottle is rye-forward and packed with character, finding the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. It’s a great value, often delivering notes of dark fruit, toffee, and several other pronounced flavors that add depth and complexity—making it a standout choice at this price point.
Click here to read the detailed review
30. Peg Leg Porker 12 Year
MSRP: $80
Distillery: Peg Leg Porker Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This 12-year-old bourbon offers a rich and smoky character. The unique hickory charcoal filtering process adds a distinctive touch, making it a standout.
31. Belle Meade Reserve
MSRP: $70
Distillery: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This high-proof bourbon offers a rich and complex character. The small-batch production ensures a high-quality product with unique qualities. Excellent for both sipping and cocktails.
This small-batch bourbon is reminiscent of an apple pie with deep notes of caramel, cinnamon, and baking spices. It also has great character and richness to round it out, achieving a nice balance. That being said, it is on the sweeter end of things than other bourbons in this list.
Click here to read our detailed review.
32. Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 Year
MSRP: $60
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: Aged for 10 years, this single barrel bourbon offers depth and complexity, making it a standout choice for sipping. This is a quintessential bourbon that offers something just about every bourbon enthusiast can love.
The issue here is the price and availability. Its MSRP is $30, and you really can’t find it for under $80 these days because it’s allocated. If it were cheaper, it would no doubt be higher on the list. But it’s still really solid nonetheless.
33. Fort Mose 1738
MSRP: $52
Distillery: Palm Beach Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: Named after the first free Black town in the United States, this bourbon offers a rich and smooth experience. The historical significance and unique qualities make it a standout choice.
Click here to read the detailed review
34. Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond
MSRP: $60
Distillery: Holladay Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This bottled-in-bond bourbon offers a rich and complex character. The strict production standards ensure a high-quality product with a bold and satisfying experience.
35. Smoke Wagon Small Batch
MSRP: $60
Distillery: Nevada H&C Distilling Co.
Why It Makes Our List: This small batch bourbon offers a rich and complex character. The small-batch production ensures a high-quality product with unique qualities. It’s an excellent option for both sipping and cocktails.
Click here to read the detailed review
36. Frank August Small Batch
MSRP: $70
Distillery: Frank August Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This small batch bourbon offers a high-quality and pleasant experience. The minimalist and contemporary design of the bottle adds to its appeal.
37. Four Roses Small Batch Select
MSRP: $55
Distillery: Four Roses Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This bourbon offers a rich and complex character. The small batch production ensures a unique and high-quality product. It’s a versatile bourbon that’s great for both sipping and mixing.
38. Wild Turkey Master’s Keep
MSRP: $100
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This limited edition bourbon offers a rich and complex character. The high proof and uncut nature provide a bold and intense experience. It’s a must-try for serious bourbon fans.
39. Michter’s US★1 Toasted Barrel Finish
MSRP: $80
Distillery: Michter’s Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This unique bourbon offers a rich and complex character. The toasted barrel finish adds depth and complexity, making it a standout choice for sipping.
40. Hardin’s Creek Jacob’s Well
MSRP: $100
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Why It Makes Our List: This bourbon offers a rich and complex character. The high proof and uncut nature provide a bold and intense experience. It’s a superb option for both sipping and cocktails.
What About Barrel Picks?
Barrel picks (also known as “store picks”) are awesome, but they weren’t included in the list above because the specifics will vary so widely.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider them, though.
Stores often offer barrel picks from great brands like Four Roses and Maker’s Mark that are single barrel and barrel strength (also called “cask strength“).
And depending on the price and proof, they could be a great buy.
Guess What? You Can’t Go Wrong with Any of These Bourbons Under $100
The $50–$100 price range is where character and craft begin to shine. Whether it’s the blended elegance of Remus Repeal Reserve, the finishing artistry of Dovetail and Penelope, or the regional identity of Frey Ranch, Garrison Brothers, and Thirteenth Colony, these bottles demonstrate that great bourbon doesn’t require triple-digit pricing.
While we ranked these bourbons based on our tastings, research, and overall preferences, you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
They all will deliver rich flavor profiles that’ll make you glad you bought a bourbon in this price point to try. 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.