Last Updated on: 16th April 2024, 07:37 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
With the assistance of whiskey expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer insights, I have assembled a list of the top Bourbons for less than $40.
Written by: J Highland
Top Bourbons Under $40: Premium Flavors, Modest Price
- Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Whiskey: A blend of rye whiskey and bourbon, known for its balanced rye spice and classic bourbon elements.
- Pinhook Bourbon Heist: Offers a distinct character with a palate of caramel, vanilla, and hazelnut, aged for around three years.
- Woodinville Straight Bourbon: A Washington State whiskey with flavors of vanilla, dark chocolate, and oak, aged in open-air seasoned barrels.
- Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon: Noted for its rye spice and caramel flavors, bottled and aged in Las Vegas.
- Four Roses Small Batch: Characterized by a blend of vanilla, oak, and baking spice, crafted from a unique blend of Kentucky bourbons.
- Broken Barrel Small Batch: A rye-rich bourbon with flavors of corn, berries, and vanilla, aged for around two years.
- Legent: A unique bourbon with a profile leaning towards sherried Scotch whisky, finished in red wine and sherry casks.
- 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 Best Bourbons under $40
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Whiskey | $35 |
| Four Roses Small Batch | $36 |
| Broken Barrel Small Batch | $32 |
| Legent | $37 |
| Pinhook Heist | $33 |
| Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon | $34 |
| Woodinville Straight Bourbon | $40 |
Redwood Empire: Rye Spice Meets Classic Bourbon
- Nose: Caramel, mint, baking spice
- Palate: Rye spice, caramel, clove, pepper, pear, citrus
- Finish: Medium, rye spice, mint, citrus
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Redwood Empire entices with a nose of caramel, mint, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The rye spice takes center stage on the palate, harmonizing with caramel, clove, pear, and a hint of citrus. The dry finish lingers with rye spice, mint, and citrus. This rye-bourbon blend offers exceptional value, balancing spice with classic bourbon notes for a smooth and satisfying experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Pinhook Bourbon Heist: Hazelnut Harmony
- Nose: Honey, rye spice, clove, caramel, vanilla
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, butter, toasty oak
- Finish: Brown sugar, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 98 proof (49% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
This bourbon opens with honey, spice, clove, caramel, and vanilla. The palate explodes with hazelnut, followed by caramel, vanilla, and toasty oak. The finish is warm with brown sugar and a hint of barrel spice. Masterfully crafted, it balances distinct character with approachability. Made with a 75% corn mash, this enjoyable bourbon is aged for three years.
Woodinville: Beyond Kentucky
- Nose: Vanilla, cinnamon, peach
- Palate: Oak, dark chocolate, leather, cinnamon
- Finish: Brown sugar, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Woodinville entices with vanilla, warm spice, and a touch of peach. The palate offers oak, dark chocolate, and hints of leather, spice, and caramel. The smooth finish lingers with caramel and oak. This Washington whiskey, crafted with local grains and unique aging, offers a captivating exploration beyond Kentucky bourbon.
Smoke Wagon: Rye Spice & Sweet Treats
- Nose: Rye spice, vanilla, mint, oak
- Palate: Caramel, baking spice, rye spice, green apple
- Finish: Medium, roasted peanuts
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Smoke Wagon opens with a rye punch, followed by vanilla, mint, and oak. The palate is thick and luxurious with sweet caramel, spice, and a hint of green apple. The finish is warm with roasted nuts and oak. This dependable, 100-proof rye-forward bourbon offers a solid value.
Four Roses Small Batch: Sweet & Spicy Harmony
- Nose: Vanilla, cherry, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, oak, baking spice
- Finish: Long, burnt caramel
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Four Roses Small Batch entices with a sweet nose of vanilla, cherry, and wood. The creamy palate offers vanilla, caramel, rye spice, and subtle oak. The long finish lingers with burnt caramel. This rye-infused bourbon balances sweetness and spice, creating a smooth, sippable experience at a great price.
Broken Barrel: Rye Spice & Fruity Delight
- Nose: Corn Flakes, rye
- Palate: Rye spice, corn, berries, vanilla
- Finish: Rye spice, oak, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 95 proof (47.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Broken Barrel entices with a nose of Corn Flakes, rye spice, and a hint of ethanol. The palate is full-bodied with rye spice transitioning to berries and vanilla. The long, warm finish has oak and vanilla. This rye-rich bourbon offers a delightful sip at a great price.
Legent: Unique Bourbon with Sherry Flair (under 100 words)
- Nose: Red grape, dark fruit, oak
- Palate: Cherry, vanilla, oak
- Finish: Vanilla, cherry, pepper
- Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Legent offers a delicate nose of red grape, dark fruit, and oak. The palate is smooth with cherry, red fruit, vanilla, and toasty oak. The finish is warm with lingering cherry, oak, and spice. Water enhances cherry and oak notes. This unique bourbon, a collaboration between Jim Beam and Hibiki, leans towards a sherried Scotch profile, thanks to its blend of bourbons with California red wine and sherry cask finishes.
How to Select a Good Bourbon Under $40
- 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 with the Top 5 Bourbons under $50 or those whiskeys under $30.