Over the past year, I’ve had several friends ask for my favorite bourbon recommendations at different price points. America is blessed to have a bounty of great bourbon under $30 a bottle (by the way, there are some great ryes and Tennessee whiskeys, too – notice the Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond in the photo above? – but for today’s post, we’re sticking with bourbon). You could stay under $30 and have an almost endless variety of fabulous bourbons in your bar, but who can resist the opportunity to buy a bourbon that delivers a drinking experience far greater than its price would suggest?
That said, finding the bourbons that deliver value really comes down to personal taste, to determining what’s a good value for YOU. Do you like something easy drinking, or do you yearn for complexity? Is sweet your thing, or do you like the spice that a rye-heavy mashbill will bring? Do you tend to mix your bourbon into cocktails, or do you enjoy sipping it slowly and neat? All these things provide direction on which bottle you should pick up at the liquor store. But since you’re here, reading this, I’d like to share a few bourbons that simply deliver exceptional bang for the buck and are worth a try for any whiskey lover. Not everyone will find these to be the BEST value for them individually, but they are all worth the investment for anyone eager to tackle the depths of American whiskey. Here they are:
(Caveat: prices quoted are in Atlanta, Georgia, and will vary state to state. Also, please chime in with your favorite bourbons that you think deliver a great value – at any price.)
Under $20
There are a LOT of inexpensive bourbons out there – just go to your local liquor store and you’ll see probably half the shelf space dedicated to the low end of the price spectrum. Evan Williams does a fine job for entry level bourbon around $13, as does Very Old Barton 100 proof. But a step up from that, at around $16 (or, even better, $24 for 1.75l!), there’s one bourbon that really stands out from the rest in the under $20 price range, both in its character and in the value it delivers, and this is the Four Roses “Yellow Label.” Four Roses Yellow is just plain elegant, with floral notes that befit its name (and label color) weaving in and out of light baking spices and a bit of vanilla. This is a bourbon that is light and lively, but it’s this lightness and elegance that really separates Four Roses Yellow from other bourbons at the low end of the price spectrum that can be a bit rough around the edges.
By the way… here’s a great drink idea I picked up at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival – try topping off a flute of Champagne (or sparkling wine) with a splash or two of Four Roses for a surprisingly great drink (called “The Longnecker”).
Under $30
Once you step up above $20, there are two very different bourbons that stand out in my mind for tremendous value. The first is Elijah Craig 12 year old at $22. Let me repeat that – 12 years old, 22 dollars. I’m not saying that age and quality rise in direct proportion to each other (in fact, I prefer the 12 year old Elijah Craig to its pricier, older, oakier 18 year old brother – which, incidentally, was recently discontinued in favor of limited releases of 20 and 21 year old Elijah Craig releases), but to get an aged beauty like this under $30 is basically a steal. Now, Elijah Craig 12 is basically at the opposite end of the bourbon spectrum from Four Roses Yellow – deep and strong rather than light and elegant. The age in the barrel brings loads of brown sugar, dark fruit, vanilla and oak, all those things you look for as time works its magic on the whiskey in the wood. Crazy value – Elijah Craig 12 tastes like many bourbons that go for three times the price.
The other bourbon value in this ballpark is simply one of the most enjoyable bourbons out there, again very different. Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel, at about $28, is like liquid caramel popcorn, in a very good way. There are plenty of other interesting layers of flavor here, but it’s the caramel popcorn that can’t be ignored, and the fact that this bourbon is just so dang delicious and melodious.
There are plenty of runners up in this category that will make you happy, but I don’t think they quite match the value of the Elijah 12 or Elmer T. Lee: Buffalo Trace ($20), Evan Williams Single Barrel ($22), Eagle Rare 10 year old ($28), and Four Roses Small Batch ($28) all come to mind.
Under $100
Once you get past $30, you first enter a fertile area of single barreled, small batched, and/or well-aged bourbons that tend to fall between $35 and $55. There are plenty of very good bourbons here in this range, but the trouble is that I don’t think any of them deliver the kind of bang for the buck that Elijah Craig 12 or Elmer T Lee do. Don’t get me wrong, there are several here I really like (including Wathen’s Single Barrel at $32, Four Roses Single Barrel at $38, Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year old 107 proof at $40, Baker’s Small Batch at $41, or Blanton’s and the red label Black Maple Hill at around $50), but I have a hard time saying that any of them knock it out of the park vs. other bourbons at their price range.
Thus, the jump in this category from $30 up to $100. Once you get to the $60-$80 range, you enter the land of special releases and severely limited allocations, bottles that are typically hard to find and even harder on the wallet. I hate to keep riding the Pappy bandwagon, but once you’re above $50, I find it really hard to argue against Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old. Sure, it’s overhyped. Yes, the switch form the old Stitzel-Weller juice to the newer Buffalo Trace production stock is a bit controversial. Even still, Pappy 15 is simply one of the greatest bourbons you will ever drink. And that’s a great value. (see prior tasting notes)
Other recent bottles that I haven’t regretted at similar price points to Pappy 15 include the Four Roses 2012 Single Barrel Ltd. Edition (barrel strength), which is a darn good bottle at $70, and the annual release of George T. Stagg or William Larue Weller from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, also barrel strength beauty/beasts at around the same price. But, alas, neither of these can quite keep pace with Pappy.
That’s my take on the best value bourbons out there. What’s yours?
For a fun little follow-up to this post, see my (tongue in cheek) formula for computing bourbon value over on Creative Loafing Atlanta. Which led to reviews of Old Charter 8 and W.L. Weller Special Reserve, both under 10 at my local store!
Nice report.
I really like the Elijah Craig 12yr.
My favorite in that range, and honestly, a favorite regardless of the value it holds.
I won’t argue with the Pappy 15, but I’ll add that the Elijah Craig 18yr at ~$75 is mighty fine, too.
Now I want to drink Bourbon. Is 8:00am too early?
Ha! 8am means it’s 5pm somewhere in the world. I’ve yet to try the Elijah Craig 20 (or the soon to be release 21), but keep hearing good things.
Great article, some good recs. Having only had the Pappy 15 at restaurants, I have been unsuccessful in finding it to buy for home drinking in Atlanta. Do you have any suggestions on places that carry it when its available or how I can get some? I feel my bourbon bar is incomplete without it
.
Jason, best recommendation I have is to talk to your favorite liquor store and ask to get on their wait list for it. It rarely if ever actually hits the shelf at most stores.
I’m pretty sure I remember seeing it on the top shelf at Mac’s in Midtown, but I haven’t been back there in a year or two. Don’t think I’ve seen it at Toco Hills, H&F Bottle Shop, or out here in the ‘burbs — as Brad said, place an order with your local booze shop. I bet the crew at H&F can get it for you, if nobody else can.
W.L. Weller 7 year / 90Proof is the best value on the damn planet. $9.99 / 750. Hands down….no arguments…FACT.
$9.99! That is damn good. I may stop by soon. : )
(Isn’t it closer to $15 most places???)
My favorite bargains are Buffalo Trace and Old Weller Antique, both around $22 in these parts. I was late to the Elijah Craig 18 party, but managed to score a couple bottles before they closed it out for the 20 year at around $55. I would have stocked up a few had I known because that’s a nice bargain for bourbon that old.
Nice post, Brad! I’ll have to try out the Elijah Craig 12-year: it sounds wonderful.
Buffalo Trace and Four Roses have long been my go-to bourbons, and I mainly use them in cocktails — Four Roses for light, dry, and spicy, BT if I want something a bit heartier. In my mind, the Buffalo Trace beats out a lot of the others that are pricier — Bulleit, Jefferson’s, Maker’s, and Knob Creek, for instance — and should not be left un-sipped.
I’m a huge fan of Four Roses Small Batch — it’s my current favorite bourbon…but then again, I’ve yet to get my hands on some Pappy Van Winkle : )
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First off, I just want to say that I am new to your blog and have really enjoyed your insights and this post on Best Value Bourbons has just rounded out my shopping wish list. I am a big Heaven Hill fan so the Elijah 12 is always in my cabinet, but will be looking out for a btl of William Larue Weller.
I am curious as to your opinions/suggestions on some of the higher-end collectibles based off price/value/availability. Have you ever tried any of the Parker’s Heritage Collection releases or the older Pappy’s and Eagle Rare?
Rob Roy (good name!), yes, in general Heaven Hill does a fantastic job of bang for the buck, Elijah 12 especially.
I think Pappy 15 and Van Winkle Reserve Rye are definitely worth retail price if you can find them (that’s a big IF, I always recommend getting on the list at whatever your preferred liquor store is rather than hoping to stumble across one), and while I’ve had both the 20 and 23 on several occasions, I don’t think they merit the jump in price (actually, I like the 15 better than the 20 even if they were the same price, but the 23 can be ethereal and worth ordering if you see it a decent price at a bar just to try it).
I’ve liked most of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection bottles I’ve tried and do think they are worth a splurge depending on your tastes – the William Larue Weller, the Sazerac 18, the George T Stagg specifically. It’s been a long time since I’ve had an Eagle Rare 17, so can’t comment on that one.
Parker’s Heritage has been up and down for me, I’ve never had a bottle at home, but have tasted a few of the past years (have not had this year’s yet). Of course, each one is very different. I’m hesitant to buy bottles of these at the prices they charge.
I’ve not been a fan of the Woodford Reserve master’s collection bottles I’ve tried given the prices they charge (same thing, each one will be very different).
Finally, I’ve found the Four Roses limited edition bourbons to be generally stellar and worth it if you can find them.
Completely agree with you on Four Roses Yellow Label – it’s hands down the best bourbon for under $20.
I know you spend some time on the range and divide within, but even so, isn’t $31 to $99 a big range? Even the stuff that costs $60 shouldn’t be in the same league as the stuff that goes for about $35. The distinction is at least as wide as the under $20 and $21 to $30 set.
Jim, yes, I certainly could have gone up in increments of $10 or $20, but when I sat down to look at those breaks above $30, I didn’t see much reason to spend more than that (based on value) until you hit the bourbons that typically come in around $70-$80/bottle. Of course, there are plenty of worthy bourbons out there in that range, but what I’m saying is I don’t see the same level of bang for the buck at $40 or $50 that you find at $30 or less. It’s subjective based on personal taste and pocketbook, of course.
No one has mentioned the weller 12 year old. At 25-30 per bottle, this stuff cant be beat for the price. The new eh taylor small batch is also worth noting at 40 bucks.
The top 3 ryes on the planet are saz18, van winkle family reserve and high west 21 yr old. Handy deserves an honorable mention.
e – yes, the Weller 12 year old is another great choice.
I intentionally left rye of the last, but completely agree with you on those three!
I want to purchase a bottle of bourbon for my uncle but can’t decide what to get. He loves bourbans but there are so many great recommendations, not sure what to go with. HELP! Thanks! Ferb
Ferb, it depends on how much you know about what he likes and how much you want to spend (and what’s available at your local store). Happy to make some suggestions with a bit more guidance!
Appreciate your response! Ok, I remember that he enjoyed very much Crown Royal, which I believe is a Canadian Whiskey; but to tell you the truth, I don’t know what he truly likes and dislikes. Now, I’m not an expert in this field at all but as I continue to do research and read about about bourbons, I’m finding it quite fascinating and could possibly be a fan of it; I just need to acquire a taste for it… dangerous!
Now, I just read your response to Scooter about Elijah Craig 12 year old… maybe I’ll surprise him with that. There are so many choices and my guess is that he will be content with whatever is gifted to him. On the other hand, I want to gift him something that he will enjoy. I was intending on spending between $30-$45 and I live in Holland, Michigan. Does this help? Ferb
Oh, but if you have a better recommendation, I’m all ears… or eyes in this case. Thanks! Ferb
I do think he’ll be happy no matter what you choose. But if you can find Elmer T. Lee, try that. Otherwise, Elijah Craig 12 year old or Eagle Rare 10 year old or Four Roses Small Batch are all great choices, as are a number of other bourbons in that price range. (you really can’t go wrong)
Decent review. I do like how it is categorized. Over-all a B+ on the whole review. My only thing is how much emphasis was placed on four roses and elijah craig. Four roses is great for a cheap, “large party” bourbon. Elijah Craig is ok for the price, but not nearly as good as this post made it sound. Maker’s Mark is under $30 a bottle where I am at an E.C. does not come anywhere near the taste that Maker’s provides. For a novice, that does not have an experienced pallet with bourbons E.C. can be an outstanding choice, but if you know what a good bourbon taste like real bourbon drinkers will spend the extra 5-7 for Maker’s ANY day of the week. Now if you are mixing, or don’t like the taste of a GOOD well ROUNDED bourbon I agree E.C is the way to go for sure ! good review.
Scooter, thanks for the B+! : )
Everyone has different preferences – I much prefer Elijah Craig 12 year old over Maker’s Mark, especially given the price. I know Maker’s has lots of fans, but personally find it a just a bit lacking in character, a bit too easy. To each his own.
After doing some hunting around… found it! And just as you predicted, he loved Elmer T. Lee. He was very happy with it and stated that ETL is one of his favorites. Thanks for your recommendation. Ferb
What are your thoughts on Lexington?
Never tried it!
I second the recommendations for the Elemr T Lee and the WL Weller 12 year for the “under $30″ range. Evan Williams single barrel is also great option, though I haven’t tried the 2013 version yet.
Enjoy your blog, great stuff!
Thanks Spooner. Also a fan of the EWSB, though I stocked up back in 2010 when I really liked that particular release and haven’t bought any since then. I did try the 2011 release and thought it was not quite up to 2010.
I love Elmer T Lee. I am new (last 3 months or so) to bourbon drinking and Elmer has been about my favorite. I have some others that I like, but come back to the Elmer every time. We have a bar here in Northern Kentucky that is a bourbon bar, so I see suggestions made on sites like this and go try different ones at the bourbon bar. I’m trying to find a bottle of Weller 12, but it’s no where to be found. I just bought a bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel that I’m really looking forward to cracking open.
I’ve been recommending Elmer to everyone though. I’m also looking forward to getting an Evan Williams Single Barrel bottle. I bought one for my brother-in-law for Christmas of 2011 and he really liked it. My mother-in-law, thinking she bought it for me for Christmas got me a bottle of the Evan Williams 1793. I have yet to open it, but for the 10 dollar price tag I’m not expecting much. Hoping it’s closer to the single barrel than the regular Evan Williams.
You left out one of my faves which is Old Forrester Birthday bourbons–about $40 here in Michigan. Finished a 2006 recently and waiting to try my 2010 which is supposed to be very good.
What about Jefferson’s reserve?
I agree with your assessment about Four Roses (Yellow Label) ! It is one of the best values out there. However, I think “Bookers” by Jim Beam is the best value for any bourbon priced at $50. Bookers is close to 130 proof which is not for the faint of heart. It is named after the the bourbon master Noe Booker. He is the sixth generation of master distillers at Jim Beam. Pappy Van Winkle is too limited in supply. It is an amazing bourbon but realistically most people cant get their hands on a bottle. I saw a 15 year old bottle priced at $140. It is sad when discussing / rating products like Pappy Van Winkle or George T. Stagg.
- It is like talking about rare coins. We appreciate their beauty but wont be able to have them in our collections due to the scarcity.
Enjoyed this post quite a bit. I’d had a bottle of Elmer T Lee sitting in my cabinet for a few months, birthday gift from one of our friends that I had forgotten about until reading this a month or so ago. Man what a find that night. Just excellent, and probably one of the best whiskeys I’ve had under $30. Since then I’ve gone through 3 bottles.
Currently for me, its ETL, Weller 12 (thanks for advice to pick up at Greens, can’t believe so few shops carry), and then everything else for bourbons in that price range.
And a heavy splash of Four Roses into a good cheap american lager makes a great tailgate treat.
Well, a tailgate treat for everyone who doesn’t show up to tailgates with a 750 of bourbon as his contribution to the day.
Ancient Age 90 proof at $8.99 is the best of the cheap. Ancient Age Distillery was renamed Buffalo Trace Distillery, and Buffalo Trace is the source of half the bourbons named above. And if you can find a bottle of Old Charter 13 y.o. Proprieter’s Reserve at around $30, count your lucky stars.
I’m a fan of the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked – it’s around $80 a bottle where I live, so it’s not affordable for everyone, but for an under-$100 bourbon I find it to be extremely smooth and pleasant in flavor. (I drink mine neat – no mixers, no ice, just straight pure bourbon, and this one has absolutely no rough edges for me.)
I haven’t tried the Elmer T Lee – it sounds interesting!!
Limited distribution, but if you can find it Ancient Ancient Age 10 yr might be the best under $20 pour on the planet. In Louisville it can be found easily for $17 for 750ml. Make no mistake, this bourbon doesn’t even resemble its brothers of the same name. Don’t be fooled by the 10 star designation either, get the one aged ten full years.
Thanks, James. That’s one I haven’t tried (at least I don’t recall trying).
Don’t bother. Ancient Age 90 proof is better at $8.99. Don’t be taken in by symbols of prestige. Taste, choose, enjoy.
Sleepers in $30 range – Rowans Creek and Henry McKenna (BIB). And Costco brand Kirkland bourbon (bottled by woodford reserve) is really good for the price. Best bourbon ever: 2009 William Larue Weller BTAC.