Best Bourbons under $200

Last Updated on: 16th April 2024, 07:48 pm

Luxury Bourbons under $200: The Perfect Gift for a Special One

Written by: J Highland

With the assistance of whiskey expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer insights, I have assembled a list of the top bourbons for less than $200.

Key Takeaways

• Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 22 Years: Known for its vanilla, caramel, and spice notes. Offers a rich taste with a solid finish, especially when diluted with water.
• Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon: Characterized by vanilla, caramel, and mint. Notable for its creamy texture and long finish with chocolate and orange zest.
• E.H. Taylor Single Barrel: Features caramel, cinnamon, and oak flavors. Praised for its smoothness and full-bodied sweetness.
• Weller Antique 107: Has a caramel and vanilla profile with a creamy texture. Known for its character and value within the Weller lineup.
• Woodford Reserve Brandy Cask: Distinct for its caramel, dark chocolate, and raisin flavors, enhanced by brandy cask finishing. Balanced with a touch of bitterness on the finish.
• 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.

Quick Look at the Top Bourbons under $200

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Bourbon	Price
Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 22 Years	$170
Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon	$120
E.H. Taylor Single Barrel	$154
Weller Antique 107	$143
Woodford Reserve Brandy Cask	$110

Rhetoric 22: Rich Spice & Smooth Finish

• Nose: Cookie dough, toast, vanilla, caramel
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel, baking spice, rye spice
• Finish: Vanilla, cinnamon, oak
• Alcohol Content: 90 Proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Rhetoric 22 opens with cookie dough, toast, vanilla, caramel, and a touch of alcohol. The oily palate offers vanilla, oak, baking spice, and a spicy kick. The finish is medium-long with vanilla, cinnamon, and oak. Water adds a floral note.

This delicious bourbon boasts a smooth finish, especially with a touch of water. Pricing may vary. Made with an 86% corn mash bill, it’s a unique offering from Orphan Barrel Whiskey, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Willett Estate Bottled: Rich & Spicy with a Minty Twist

• Nose: Vanilla, caramel cherry, mint
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel, baking spice, mint, rye spice
• Finish: Long, chocolate milk, vanilla, orange
• Alcohol Content: 110 Proof (55% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Willett Estate Bottled opens with a punch of vanilla and caramel, followed by a hint of mint. The palate starts warm but turns creamy, offering cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, caramel, and subtle mint and rye spice. The finish lingers with milk chocolate, vanilla, and a touch of orange zest.

Despite its high proof, this unfiltered bourbon is surprisingly smooth and complex. Aged around six years, it’s a rich and flavorful bourbon with a unique minty touch.

E.H. Taylor Single Barrel: Buttery Smoothness

• Nose: Caramel, charred oak, cinnamon
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, oak
• Finish: Long, caramel, vanilla, old leather, oak
• Alcohol Content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, a personal favorite, entices with caramel, oak, cinnamon, leather, and honey. The palate is buttery smooth with vanilla, caramel, spice, and oak. The finish lingers with these flavors, offering a delightful and easy-drinking experience.

This Bottled-in-Bond bourbon boasts full-bodied sweetness, gentle heat, and balanced spice, making it a worthy investment. Aged for 11 years and seven months, it shares the mash bill of Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare.

Weller Antique 107: Sweet & Spicy with Buttery Appeal

• Nose: Caramel, vanilla, cinnamon
• Palate: Caramel, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon, oak
• Finish: Long, oak, baking spice
• Alcohol Content: 107 proof (53.5% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Weller Antique 107 entices with butterscotch, vanilla, and cinnamon. The creamy palate offers caramel, vanilla, tobacco, and oak. The finish is warm with a peppery kick.

Water unlocks apple and cherry notes. This characterful bourbon boasts a great value and unique spice, making it a favorite among Weller fans. Aged around 6-8 years at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Woodford Reserve Brandy Cask: Classic Twist with Brandy Flair

• Nose: Caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak
• Palate: Baking spice, caramel, dark chocolate, raisins, almond
• Finish: Baking spice, dark chocolate, oak spice
• Alcohol Content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat

Woodford Reserve Brandy Cask offers a nose of caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, and oak. The palate explodes with baking spice, caramel, dark chocolate, and nutty notes. The finish lingers with chocolate, spice, and a hint of oak.

This unique bourbon combines classic flavors with a subtle brandy influence, adding complexity. Water enhances the brandy notes. It’s a familiar taste with a new twist.

How to Choose a Great Bourbon Under $200

• 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 looking at the top Bourbons for less than $100.