9 Bottom-Shelf Bourbons That Are Actually Worth The Buy

1. Wild Turkey 101

Wild Turkey is one of the most recognized bourbon brands available. It began in 1940 by rebranding a bourbon produced by the Ripy family, but the distillery truly came into its own in 1954 with the arrival of master distiller Jimmy Russell, who remains with the company to this day. With an alcohol content of 101 proof (55% ABV), Wild Turkey 101 boasts a higher proof than many other bourbons on this list. Having been established in 1940 and priced around $20, Wild Turkey has earned its popularity. The bourbon's mash bill consists of 75% corn, 12% malted barley, and 13% rye, and it is aged in heavily charred American white oak barrels.

Wild Turkey 101 features flavors of peppery spice and cinnamon, balanced with the characteristic sweetness of bourbon. Its elevated alcohol content provides a greater warmth compared to other standard ABV bourbons. This bourbon is intricate enough to be appreciated by both casual drinkers and bourbon connoisseurs alike.

2. Four Roses Kentucky straight bourbon

The Four Roses distillery has a remarkable talent for producing exceptional bourbon, as evidenced by their 130th Anniversary 2018 Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon, which was awarded World's Best Bourbon at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards. Their entry-level offering, the 80-proof Four Roses Kentucky straight bourbon, is priced around $24.

What sets Four Roses bourbon apart is its unique production process, which involves blending up to ten distinct recipes derived from two different mash bills. This blend is then aged for a minimum of five years, resulting in a lighter and smoother bourbon that is perfect for newcomers to the category. The aroma features floral notes, which is quite rare for bourbons. At a price point of $20-24 for a five-year-aged Kentucky bourbon, it represents excellent value, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a quality bottom-shelf option.

Interestingly, this bourbon might not have even reached U.S. consumers after Seagram acquired the brand in 1943. It was largely withdrawn from the U.S. market and instead became a best-seller in Japan. In 2001, Kirin Brewery Company acquired the Four Roses distillery and reintroduced the current Four Roses Kentucky straight bourbon.

3. Bulleit bourbon

Bulleit was established in 1987 by Tom Bulleit, who utilized a recipe passed down from his great-great-grandfather. Since its inception, the bourbon has gained a reputation as one of the finest on the market, evidenced by its numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Bulleit's signature bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon, which means it must be produced in Kentucky and aged for at least two years, along with fulfilling all other criteria to be classified as bourbon.

The mash bill consists of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley, making it one of the bourbons with the highest rye proportions. Bulleit is an excellent choice for those seeking a bourbon with a bold flavor profile and spicy notes, while being less sweet due to its elevated rye content. It’s a reliable bourbon for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails, all without straining your budget.

4. Evan Williams black label

The Evan Williams brand was introduced in 1957, but its name pays tribute to the individual who established Kentucky's first distillery. This bourbon brand is produced by Heaven Hill, which is also recognized for other labels like Elijah Craig and Old Fitzgerald. Evan Williams Kentucky straight bourbon, commonly referred to as the black label, ranks as the second best-selling bourbon in the United States and is celebrated for its exceptional value. Crafted by the same master distiller behind Heaven Hill's other offerings, Evan Williams bourbon typically sells for under $15, providing remarkable quality for such an affordable price.

This bourbon often appears on lists of the best budget-friendly options, and for good reason. Christopher Friedmann from Men's Journal describes Evan Williams black label as the "bottom shelf bourbon that remains [his] go-to order [because it's] cheap, reliable, [and] oh-so-available." Many bartenders consider Evan Williams black label their preferred well bourbon, and it should be yours as well.

5. Buffalo Trace Kentucky straight bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery holds the title of the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, having undergone various name changes throughout its history. With 200 years of expertise, the quality of their products is evident. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon is priced around $25, although it may be higher in certain markets, making it a competitive option for this list. The exact mash bill is a closely guarded secret, but this bourbon is aged for a minimum of eight years, which is quite lengthy for a bourbon at this price range.

In 2023, the bourbon earned a silver medal at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, and Wine Enthusiast reviewer Kara Newman rated it 92, describing it as "a reliable choice for a variety of cocktails." Liquor writer Amy Zavatto praises Buffalo Trace as "an exceptional value from one of the nation's most historic distilleries," noting its flavor profile includes butterscotch, nutmeg, and cracked pepper.

6. Jim Beam Single Barrel

Jim Beam's whiskey-making legacy began in 1795, and it has since become one of the most prominent names in the bourbon industry. The brand's most recognized entry-level bourbon is the white label Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, but it also offers a range of other whiskies that remain budget-friendly. The Jim Beam Single Barrel bourbon is priced around $25, although it may be higher in some regions. While this is twice the cost of the white label, it represents a significant upgrade.

As the name implies, the Jim Beam Single Barrel bourbon is sourced from a single barrel that has been carefully selected for its quality, unlike the white label bourbon, which is a blend from multiple barrels. Uproxx writer Zach Johnston conducted a blind taste test of several affordable bourbons, and the Jim Beam Single Barrel stood out as the best, praised for its "rich and complex flavor profile." It's important to note that since each barrel of whiskey is unique, different single barrel releases may offer varying tastes, adding to the excitement of choosing one of these bottles.

7. Elijah Craig Small Batch

Elijah Craig Small Batch bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon with a proof of 94 (47% ABV). It is aged in level 3 char oak barrels (on a scale of 1 to 4) and undergoes a 35-second charring process, imparting a subtle smokiness to the spirit. This bourbon is produced by Heaven Hill and is named after the first distiller—who was also a Baptist preacher—known for aging whiskey in new charred oak barrels. In addition to its light smokiness, Elijah Craig Small Batch features classic flavors of vanilla and oak.

This bourbon has received numerous accolades, including the title of Best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2018 San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition. In 2022, Liquor recognized it as the best overall affordable bourbon. Priced around $16 per bottle, it offers exceptional value that is difficult to surpass at that price.

8. Old Grand-Dad

Old Grand-Dad bourbon is produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Kentucky and was first introduced in 1882. Although the recipe has undergone some modifications over the years, this bourbon still boasts a high rye content that adds to its spiciness, a characteristic favored by Basil Hayden Sr., also known as Old Grand-Dad. You can typically purchase this bourbon for between $15 and $25.

According to Nick Beiter from Breaking Bourbon, "the historic Old Grand-Dad brand is a dream for value-seekers, offering quality bourbon at an incredibly low price." It features notes of baking spices and cinnamon on the palate. Old Grand-Dad is a popular choice among bartenders due to its affordability and the spicy rye flavor, which makes it an excellent option for a Manhattan. It's not just bartenders who enjoy it; even former President Harry Truman was known to have a shot of Old Grand-Dad every morning.

9. Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond

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While Evan Williams' black label bourbon has already made our list, their Bottled-In-Bond bourbon—known as the white label bourbon—also merits recognition. The term "Bottled in Bond" signifies that the bourbon must be aged in a federally bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). Priced at under $20, this bourbon must originate from a single distillation season at one distillery to qualify for this designation.

This bourbon has received the Consumer's Choice award at the SIP Awards on at least two occasions. Liquor writer Robert Haynes-Peterson describes the Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond as "a solid bar standard at a great price [and is] a dependable and budget-friendly option that works particularly well in cocktails." Even when compared to other budget bourbons on this list, Evan Williams' offerings shine with their affordability, making it a great choice to pick up during your next visit to the liquor store.