Best Bourbons under $50

Last Updated on: 16th April 2024, 07:39 pm

With the assistance of whiskey expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer feedback, I have assembled a list of the top Bourbons for less than $50.

Choosing a Top Bourbon for Less than $50

• Eagle Rare: Best for those seeking a mature and complex bourbon without the high price tag. Its well-balanced notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit make it excellent for sipping neat, with a touch of water to enhance its caramel flavors.
• Rowan’s Creek: Ideal for easy sipping, with its gentle sweetness and fruity notes, complemented by a subtle rye spice, making it smooth enough to enjoy on the rocks.
• Michter’s: A great choice for daily sipping, offering a rich palate of plum and maple honey, with a juicy cherry aroma, perfect for those who enjoy a sweet, dessert-like bourbon.
• Four Roses Single Barrel: Excellent for bourbon lovers who prefer a spicy profile balanced with sweet notes of vanilla and honey, suitable for sipping neat or with a splash of water to tame its 100-proof strength.
• Heaven Hill: Known for its aged quality and balanced flavor of grape, vanilla, and caramel, this bourbon is ideal for those who appreciate a classic bourbon profile with a long, warming finish.
• Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: Perfect for enthusiasts of bold flavors, featuring a distinctive peanut-forward profile complemented by vanilla and almond, best enjoyed neat or with water to fully appreciate its depth.
• Maker’s Mark 101: Offers a smooth and spiced upgrade from the standard Maker’s Mark, with enhanced flavors and a slightly higher proof, ideal for those looking for a richer tasting experience without excessive heat.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Quick Look at the Best Bourbons under $50

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Bourbon	Price
Eagle Rare	$50
Four Roses Single Barrel	$50
Angel’s Envy Port Barrel Finished	$49
Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond	$47
Knob Creek Quarter Oak	$50
Maker’s Mark 101	$40
Rowan’s Creek	$50
Michter’s Bourbon	$50

Eagle Rare: A Mature & Affordable Delight

• Nose: Toasted oak, orange peel, maple syrup
• Palate: Oak, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, baking spice
• Finish: Oak, tobacco, leather
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Eagle Rare lives up to the hype, offering a complex nose of toasted oak, citrus, and sweet notes for under $50.

Its palate transitions from bold oak to a harmonious blend of vanilla, spice, and dried fruit, with a lingering finish hinting at leather and tobacco.

A touch of water brings out the caramel, making this well-aged bourbon a delightful and affordable choice, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Rowan’s Creek: Sweet & Easy Sipping

• Nose: Caramel, brown sugar, oak
• Palate: Dark fruit, vanilla, rye spice, brown sugar, oak
• Finish: Dry, oak, apple peel
• Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Rowan’s Creek charms with a gentle sweetness of caramel and brown sugar, with a touch of oak for balance. The taste leans into fruit and vanilla, complemented by a whisper of rye spice. It finishes with a dry warmth, hinting at oak and apple. Light and crowd-pleasing,

Rowan’s Creek hides its higher proof with a smooth, easy-drinking profile, perfect for casual sipping.

Michter’s: Sweet Cherry Delight

• Nose: Cherry, caramel, baking spice, oak
• Palate: Plum, maple honey, baking spice, charred oak
• Finish: Medium-length, butterscotch, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Michter’s entices with a juicy cherry aroma layered with caramel, spice, and smoky oak. The creamy palate starts sweet, transitioning to plum, maple, and baking spice with hints of char. The finish lingers with butterscotch and light oak spice, offering a smooth Dr. Pepper-like experience.

Unlike some “small batch” bourbons, Michter’s uses a true 20-barrel maximum, making it a unique and delightful everyday sip.

Four Roses Single Barrel: Spicy & Sweet Harmony

• Nose: Baking spice, cherry, vanilla, honey
• Palate: Cinnamon, rye spice, vanilla, honey
• Finish: Medium, caramel, baking spice, cinnamon
• Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Four Roses Single Barrel boasts a rye-heavy mash for a lively, peppery kick. Its enticing nose whispers baking spice, cherry, and vanilla. The rye spice takes center stage on the palate at first, then evolves into a rich medley of fruit, honey, vanilla, and oak, all wrapped in a creamy texture. The finish lingers with sweetness and a touch of cinnamon.

This complex and well-balanced bourbon is a steal, offering increasing sweetness over time that tames the mild 100-proof heat. A must-try for both affordability and quality.

Beyond Vanilla: A Unique Bourbon Journey

• Nose: Cherry, vanilla, caramel, mint
• Palate: Oak, vanilla, plum, pecans, dates, brown sugar
• Finish: Cherry, vanilla, brown sugar
• Alcohol content: 86.6 proof (43.3% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat

This bourbon takes an unexpected turn, offering a rich cherry nose followed by vanilla and a hint of mint. The medium-bodied palate starts with oak and vanilla before surprising with a medley of plum, pecans, dates, and brown sugar. The finish is surprisingly warm, reminiscent of cough syrup in a pleasant way, and lingers with vanilla and brown sugar.

This unique experience is a smooth departure from typical bourbon profiles, showcasing uncommon flavors like plum and pecan. Enjoy this distinctive bourbon for a delightful and memorable sip.

Heaven Hill: Aged to Perfection

• Nose: Vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, brown sugar
• Palate: Grape, vanilla, caramel, oak spice
• Finish: Long, caramel, spice
• Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Heaven Hill boasts a rich and inviting nose of vanilla, caramel, spice, and brown sugar. The buttery palate offers mild warmth and hints of grape, transitioning to classic bourbon notes. The long finish showcases gentle heat, lingering caramel, and subtle spice.

A touch of water brings out the caramel and oak, creating a smoother experience. Aged for seven years, this bourbon stands out for its well-balanced flavor profile and pleasant warmth, exceeding expectations compared to younger bourbons.

Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: A Peanut-Forward Twist

• Nose: Peanut, caramel, brown sugar, tobacco
• Palate: Peanut, vanilla, almond, baking spice, oak
• Finish: Long, citrus, tobacco, baking spice, black pepper
• Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve takes the classic Knob Creek profile and elevates it. The nose welcomes you with Jim Beam’s signature peanut aroma, alongside caramel, brown sugar, and a touch of tobacco. The taste is decidedly peanut-centric, followed by vanilla, almond, and warm baking spices. The finish lingers with a pleasant heat, introducing orange, tobacco, and a hint of black pepper.

This isn’t overly complex, but that’s the beauty. Aged for an extra four years in smaller oak casks, it refines the core flavors of Knob Creek without losing its identity. A great choice for peanut butter fans and budget-minded bourbon drinkers alike, all for less than $50.

Maker’s Mark 101: Smooth & Spiced Upgrade

• Nose: Toasted bread, caramel, orange peel
• Palate: Ripe fruit, mint, caramel, vanilla, oak
• Finish: Medium to long, ripe fruit, oak
• Alcohol content: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Maker’s Mark 101 boasts a nose of toasted bread, caramel, and citrus with minimal alcohol bite. The palate is pleasingly textured, starting fruity with a hint of mint, then transitioning to caramel, vanilla, and oak. The medium-long finish combines fruit, oak, and a touch of pepper for a satisfying conclusion.

Water brings out nutty and leathery notes alongside amped-up caramel. This higher-proof bourbon offers a smooth, enjoyable sip with minimal warmth despite its extra kick.

Think Weller for a friendlier price tag – Maker’s Mark 101 delivers the classic Maker’s profile with enhanced flavors and texture for a delightful upgrade.

How to Choose the Right Bourbon Under $50

• Flavor Profile: Consider what flavors you enjoy – whether it’s the sweetness of vanilla and caramel or the spice of rye.
• Occasion: Some bourbons are better suited for sipping neat, while others excel in cocktails.
• Proof: Higher proof bourbons often offer more complexity but may need water or ice to open up the flavors.
• Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often provide a consistent quality, but don’t overlook smaller distilleries.
• Aging: Longer aging typically imparts more oak and vanilla flavors to the bourbon.
• Personal Preferences: Ultimately, your taste preference should guide your choice. Whether you prefer a smooth, sweet bourbon or one with a spicy kick, there’s something for everyone in this price range.

Consider further options by visiting my roundup of top bourbons under $40 or those under $30.