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 5 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 recently updated this with new bourbons!
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. 🙂
The Best Bourbons Under ~$30 in 2026
1. Blue Note Juke Joint Straight Bourbon
Price: $35
Distillery: B.R. Distilling Company
Why It Made Our List: Rich corn sweetness, caramel, toasted oak, and a 93-proof point makes Blue Note Juke Joint a standout in the under $35 category. Its flavor delivers well above its price while maintaining a smooth, approachable profile.
This Memphis-based company has been quietly building a reputation for quality, and their Juke Joint expression demonstrates why bourbon enthusiasts are taking notice. Distilled in Kentucky and then aged in Memphis under the Delta heat and humidity, the balance between sweetness and oak char creates a drinking experience that rivals bottles at twice the price.
The unfiltered nature of this bourbon adds to the mouthfeel and coating on the palate, making it a surprisingly complex sipper for the price point.
Click here to read the detailed review.
2. Wild Turkey 101
Price: $22
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Known for its bold flavor and high proof, Wild Turkey 101 is a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts and rookies alike. The high rye content and deep char barrels give it a distinctive, robust character. It’s aged between 6-8 years, adding depth and complexity.
Wild Turkey 101 is definitely one of the better spicy bourbons on this list due to its higher percentage of rye in the mashbill. However, some may find the spice a bit overpowering, overshadowing the vanilla, rye, and oak notes.
While it doesn’t have the same kick as Old Grandad 114, it’s still a great option for those who enjoy a bold, spicy bourbon without going too far into “something your granddad would drink.”
Click here to read the detailed review.
3. Green River Wheated Bourbon
Price: $35
Distillery: Green River Distilling Co.
Why It Made Our List: Soft wheat sweetness leads the way with notes of honey, vanilla, and gentle spice. Green River’s revival distilling operation has hit its stride, offering a balanced and enjoyable wheated bourbon.
The historic Green River Distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky, originally established in 1885 and now the 10th oldest licensed distillery in the state, has been revived and is producing bourbon that honors its legacy while appealing to modern palates. This wheated expression showcases the softer, rounder flavor profile that wheat-forward bourbons are known for.
It recently won “World’s Best Bourbon” at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition, solidifying Green River’s growing reputation for producing high-quality whiskey that’s both accessible and authentically Kentucky.
Click here to read the detailed review.
4. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Price: $18
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Bright sweet and citrus notes, along with mellow oak deliver a classic Bottled-in-Bond profile. At under $20, it delivers unmatched value and consistently performs above expectations. It has a traditional caramel and vanilla flavor profile with a good bit of oak.
Distilled at Heaven Hill, this bourbon is known for its rich flavor and smooth finish. It’s an excellent choice for both sipping and mixing. The high proof and balanced sweetness make it a versatile addition to any collection.
While it’s a bottle that tends to be controversial—some love it, some hate it—there’s no denying that for the price, you’re getting a solid pour. This is one of the best values in bourbon, and it remains a must-have for your home bar.
Click here to read the detailed review.
5. Four Roses Small Batch
Price: $35
Distillery: Four Roses Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Four distinct recipes come together to create a refined experience with soft fruit, caramel, baking spice, and polished balance. A dependable bourbon that tastes like it should cost more.
Four Roses uses a unique approach to bourbon making, utilizing ten distinct recipes by combining two mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains. Their Small Batch expression brings together four of these recipes to create a harmonious blend that showcases the distillery’s expertise and attention to detail.
The Spanish Mission-style distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, built in 1910 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been producing quality bourbon for over a century. This heritage shines through in every sip of their Small Batch offering.
6. Buffalo Trace
Price: $30
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Dependably smooth and sweet with caramel, vanilla, light cherry, and mild oak. A widely appealing bourbon that offers a crowd-pleasing flavor profile when you can find it at MSRP.
A staple in many bourbon collections, Buffalo Trace offers a smooth, rich flavor that’s hard to beat at this price point. The distillery’s long history and commitment to quality shine through in every sip. It’s great for both new and seasoned bourbon drinkers. Depending on your state, Buffalo Trace can be difficult to find.
It has a traditional profile of caramel, vanilla, a hint of spice, and brown sugar. It’s one of the easiest sippers on this list, but it’s not the best bourbon under $35, despite what many think because of the brand name. If you’re used to higher-proof bourbons, it might feel “watered down” and thin. Prices are also constantly going up due to demand, so don’t pay more than $30—some people charge $50, which is completely ridiculous.
Click here to read the detailed review.
7. Old Forester 100
Price: $25
Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Company
Why It Made Our List: Known for its bold flavor and high proof, Old Forester 100 is a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts and rookies alike. The rich, complex profile includes notes of ripe apple, bakery spice, and toasted oak. It’s a versatile bourbon that’s great for sipping or mixing.
It may not be the most traditional-tasting bourbon, but it’s a smooth sipper with unique notes that some really enjoy. It’s a mainstay on “best under $30” lists and comes from a distillery with a great track record for producing quality bourbon.
Click here to read the detailed review.
8. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Price: $30
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Why It Made Our List: With a rich, full-bodied flavor, Elijah Craig Small Batch is a great value for its price. The complex profile includes notes of vanilla bean, sweet fruit, and fresh mint. It’s aged between 8-12 years, providing a well-rounded taste.
While some love its simplicity and oak-forward flavor, others might find it too oaky and one-dimensional. It doesn’t try to do anything fancy, sticking to a traditional profile that gets the job done.
Click here to read the detailed review.
9. Jim Beam Black Extra-Aged
Price: $25
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Extra time in the barrel provides deeper caramel, toasted oak, and darker sweetness than the standard Beam offering. A value sleeper that is an impressive everyday sipper.
This bourbon offers a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel and oak, making it a great choice for those looking for a bit more complexity. The extra aging process adds depth and smoothness that the standard Jim Beam lacks.
It’s a great choice for both sipping and mixing, providing versatility that makes it a solid addition to any home bar at an everyday price point.
10. Milam & Greene Provisions Bourbon
Price: $35
Distillery: Milam & Greene Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Caramel sweetness, soft oak, and a clean finish define this balanced blend. A polished bourbon that holds its own against heritage producers in the same price tier.
This Texas-based distillery in Blanco has been making waves in the bourbon world, blending pot-distilled Texas whiskey with Kentucky bourbon through their unique “Texification” process. This approach involves bringing select barrels from Kentucky to Texas where additional aging occurs in the intense Hill Country climate.
Led by Master Blender Heather Greene and Hall of Fame Distiller Marlene Holmes, Milam & Greene champions innovation without sacrificing craft. Their Provisions Bourbon demonstrates skilled blending and a commitment to creating something approachable and elegant.
11. Maker’s Mark
Price: $30
Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Classic wheat-driven sweetness with vanilla, gentle oak, and a consistent profile that has made Maker’s Mark a household name. Dependable, smooth, and versatile.
Known for its smooth, sweet flavor, Maker’s Mark is a great introductory bourbon for rookies. The wheated mashbill provides a softer, rounder taste. Each bottle is hand-dipped in red wax adds a bit of elegance to the bottle.
This is one of our top picks for drinking neat. It’s super sweet and light, which might not appeal to those who prefer 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—people either love it or hate it. If you like sweeter bourbons with a touch of character, this is a great option. 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.
12. Old Forester 86 Proof
Price: $22
Distillery: Old Forester Distilling Company
Why It Made Our List: A lighter take on the Old Forester family of flavor, offering caramel, toasted oak, and subtle spice at an everyday proof. A well-made, straightforward bourbon at an easy entry price tag.
This bourbon offers a balanced flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, making it a versatile choice for both sipping and mixing. The smooth, approachable taste makes it a safe choice for those new to bourbon.
It’s a great value for its price and serves as an excellent stepping stone before moving up to the bolder Old Forester 100.
13. 1792 Small Batch
Price: $30
Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Caramel and vanilla supported by rye-enhanced brightness. A lively and engaging pour that delivers more flavor than expected at its price point.
With a balanced flavor profile and a hint of spice, 1792 Small Batch is a versatile bourbon that appeals to a wide range of palates. The rich, complex taste includes notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices.
It’s a good choice for both new and seasoned bourbon drinkers, offering enough complexity to keep things interesting while remaining approachable enough for everyday enjoyment.
Click here to read the detailed review.
14. Benchmark Bonded
Price: $20
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Brown sugar, baking spice, and caramel wrapped in a Bottled-in-Bond structure. An impressive performer that is quietly one of the best budget bourbons available.
The Bottled-in-Bond designation means this bourbon meets strict federal standards: distilled at one distillery in one season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof. This provides quality assurance at an incredibly accessible price point.
At just $20, Benchmark Bonded punches well above its weight class. It’s a fantastic option for those who want the BiB guarantee without breaking the bank.
Honorable Mentions
The following bourbons didn’t make our top 15 this year, but they’re still solid options worth considering if you spot them on the shelf.
15. Early Times Bottled-in-Bond
Price: $25 for 1L
Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery
Why It Made Our List: This bourbon offers a classic profile with more character than many others in this price range. At 100 proof, it delivers a robust flavor that’s hard to beat for the price. It’s aged for at least four years, ensuring a rich and mature taste.
This is the best value in bourbon, and you can’t get better than $25 for 1L. Everything else on this list is around $30 for 750ml. While it may not be the best bourbon you’ll ever have, it’s hands down the best under $30 from a value standpoint. This bourbon is a great, versatile option to keep in your home bar.
Click here to read the detailed review.
16. Old Grand-Dad Bonded
Price: $25
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Why It Made Our List: With a high rye content, this bourbon offers a spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their drink. The bold flavors and 100 proof make it a standout in cocktails.
Old Grand-Dad Bonded particularly shines in classic drinks like the Old Fashioned where the spice can really cut through the sweetness and bitters. It’s a bartender favorite for good reason.
If you enjoy rye-forward bourbons with some backbone, OGD Bonded delivers without emptying your wallet.
17. Larceny Small Batch
Price: $28
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Why It Made Our List: This wheated bourbon offers a smooth, slightly sweet flavor that makes it a good choice for those new to bourbon. The rich mouthfeel and notes of caramel and honey make it a delightful sip.
While it doesn’t stand out in a big way, its affordability and availability make it a reliable option. You might even pick up on some “banana bread” notes with hints of banana and brown sugar.
It may not have much character, but it’s an easy-drinking, dependable choice for any bourbon lover.
18. Very Old Barton
Price: $15
Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery
Why It Made Our List: Known for its rich, full-bodied flavor, Very Old Barton is a hidden gem that offers great value for its price. The balanced profile includes notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Good to sip or as a mixer, this budget-friendly option punches above its weight class. It’s the kind of bottle that won’t break the bank but still delivers a satisfying pour.
If you’re looking for an everyday bourbon that won’t disappoint, Very Old Barton is worth seeking out.
19. Ancient Age
Price: $15
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Why It Made Our List: This bourbon offers a light, smooth flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel, making it a great budget-friendly option. The approachable taste makes it good for those new to bourbon. It’s also a great choice for cocktails.
It’s also a great choice for cocktails where you want bourbon flavor without overwhelming other ingredients. At $15, it’s hard to find a better mixing bourbon.
Ancient Age proves that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a decent pour from a respected distillery.
Click here to read the detailed review.
20. Coopers’ Craft
Price: $28
Distillery: Brown-Forman Distillery
Why It Made Our List: This bourbon from Brown-Forman offers a smooth, easy-drinking experience with notes of caramel and oak. The unique beech and birch charcoal filtering process adds a distinctive character. It’s a great choice for both sipping and mixing.
It’s a great choice for both sipping and mixing, with an approachable profile that won’t intimidate newcomers to bourbon.
Coopers’ Craft showcases Brown-Forman’s barrel-making expertise and delivers a polished, well-crafted bourbon at a fair price
21. Redemption High Rye Bourbon
Price: $30
Distillery: MGP Distillery
Why It Made Our List: With a high rye content, this bourbon offers a spicy kick that’s super for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their drink. The bold flavors and smooth finish make it a standout. It’s a great choice for both sipping and cocktails.
It’s a great choice for both sipping and cocktails, particularly if you enjoy rye-forward profiles with plenty of spice and complexity.
Redemption has built a solid reputation for quality sourced whiskey, and their High Rye Bourbon is a testament to their blending expertise.
22. Bulleit Bourbon
Price: $30
Distillery: Bulleit Distilling Co.
Why It Made Our List: Known for its high rye content and bold flavor, Bulleit Bourbon is a great choice for both sipping and cocktails. The complex profile includes notes of spice, oak, and vanilla. It’s a versatile bourbon that’s great for any occasion.
Bulleit recently surged in popularity thanks to its placement on the show Yellowstone, but it’s always been a solid pour.
Beyond the spice, oak, and vanilla, you might also notice hints of apple, dark fruit, and more. It’s spicier than many other bottles on this list, making it a great option if you’re looking for a bourbon with more character under $30.
Just don’t get too caught up in the Yellowstone hype—while the marketing was brilliant, Bulleit’s quality speaks for itself.
23. Old Grand-Dad 114
Price: $30
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Why It Made Our List: This high-proof bourbon offers a robust flavor with notes of spice and caramel, making it a great value for its price. The bold, intense taste is suitable for those who enjoy a strong bourbon. It’s a great choice for cocktails.
Priced around $30, it delivers big on flavor with notes of rye and even a hint of orange peel. Its heat can be intense, punching you in the face with each sip, but if you’re up for it, this makes for excellent, slightly spicy old fashioneds. If you can handle the bite, OGD 114 stands out as one of the best bourbons on this list.
Click here to read the detailed review.
24. Rebel 100
Price: $20
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
Why It Made Our List: Known for its smooth, mellow flavor, Rebel Yell is a great introductory bourbon for those new to the spirit. The wheated mashbill provides a softer, rounder taste.
It’s a versatile bourbon that’s great for both sipping and mixing, offering an approachable profile at an affordable price point.
If you enjoy wheated bourbons but don’t want to hunt for allocated bottles, Rebel 100 is an easy-to-find alternative that delivers solid value.
25. Benchmark Old No. 8
Price: $15
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Why It Made Our List: This budget-friendly bourbon offers a surprisingly good flavor for its low price, making it a great choice for mixing. The robust palate includes notes of fine leather, dry tobacco, and a hint of dried cherries.
Note: This is distinct from Benchmark Bonded (#15), which offers the 100-proof Bottled-in-Bond experience. The Old No. 8 is the original expression at a lower proof point.
Perfect for those watching their budget or looking for a reliable mixing bourbon that won’t break the bank.
Click here to read the detailed review.
These Are Some of the Best Budget Bourbons Money Can Buy
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!
Looking for the best bourbons under $50? Click here.
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.