Are you a fun person who drinks bourbon? I’d rather be someone’s shot of bourbon than someone’s cup of tea. How about you? If you answered yes. We can be friends. If you are a bourbon connoisseur and want a smooth bourbon without the hefty price, you have come to the right place. A great bourbon does not always come at a price. Here are my recommendations for the best bourbons under $30.

Best Bourbons Under 30 Dollars

If you love bourbon and have an opportunity to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, do it. You will gain a next level appreciation of the process to make the absolutely best bourbon in the United States while tasting a large variety of the different brands. I can honestly say being able to explore the different distilleries opened my husband and my eyes (and most definitely our taste buds) to some really delicious bourbons that we did not know existed. The popular belief that more expensive bourbons are better is not always the case. I have tried some top shelf bourbons and many bourbons priced under 30 dollars are better than those priced at over $100 a bottle.

Here are my top picks for the best bourbons under $30 that you can drink every day in no particular order.

#1 Top Pick: I.W. Harper

If I had to make a top pick for an insanely great bourbon smooth enough to sip on its own, I would have to choose I.W. Harper. This bourbon is made by Bulleitt. I.W. Harper is my husband and mine favorite bourbon. Sadly, we are having a difficult time purchasing it locally. Though it was widely available in Florida liquor stores, it recently has become a bit harder to find and we have had to resort to purchasing it online. At a price point of around $10-$30 a bottle (depending on location), the I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon is much better, in my opinion, than the more expensive 15 year.

“Beginning with a subtle nose, I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey leaves hints of caramel and vanilla then melts into velvety bursts of wood and spice. The finish is sweet and pleasant with subtle fruit notes.”

ABV: 82 proof

Old Forester 100 Proof

If you are looking for the most value with the smoothest taste, Old Forester should not be discounted. I highly recommend getting the 100 proof bourbon especially if you plan to drink your bourbon neat or on the rocks. Only a few dollars more than the 86 proof, the smoothness of the 100 proof is worth so much more. Don’t take my word for it, just try it. The good news is this bourbon can be found basically anywhere and is priced well below $30. Therefore, Old Forester 100 definitely makes my list of the best bourbons under $30.

One review says “You know when local Louisville bartenders use one bourbon for their personal enjoyment, it’s gonna be good. This is a great sipping bourbon. Don’t bother mixing it with anything. Neat or on the rocks!”

ABV: 100 proof

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Maker’s Mark

I don’t know about you but to me the look of this bottle just appears to be more expensive than it truly is. The average price range of this bourbon is between $25-$30 a bottle. Why is maker’s mark different? The bourbon mash bill which traditionally is made up of rye has instead been replaced by some portion of wheat. This wheated bourbon has a sweeter taste than traditional bourbons.

“Displays mature tastes of shredded tobacco, caramel, fruit and pine. The luscious finish is smooth and dry.”

APV: 90 proof

Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is on the cusp of being a bit more than $30 per bottle. I am listing it here because it is very close and you can definitely find it on sale for $29.99.

The official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, you cannot go wrong with a Mint Julep, an old fashioned, or our personal favorite, the Woodford Spire, made with smooth, spicy woodford reserve bourbon.

“The nose is quite woody and has light notes charcoal and dark chocolate. The palate is smooth with subtle spice.”

ABV: 90.4 proof

Buffalo Trace

After watching John Wick sip on Blantons, are you dying to try it. First, can you even find a bottle? Nope. Then if you do, you see a bottle is upwards of $150 a bottle? Ummmm, I am sure you are reconsidering.

If you would rather be able to buy 5 bottles of bourbon for the price of a bottle of Blantons, then Buffalo Trace is a great option for a delicious bourbon. Blantons and Buffalo Trace are both distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky.

“Pleasantly sweet nose. Medium body and sticky-toffee flavor. This would be great mixed into cocktails, because the flavor is smooth but bold at the same time; it would blend without being completely lost. Finishes mellow, smooth, with just enough alcohol bite. Easy to like. Think Manhattans and Old-Fashioneds”.

ABV: 90 Proof

Bulleitt Bourbon

If you are looking for an incredible bourbon to make one of the best Old Fashioneds you have ever tasted, Bulleitt is the bourbon! In addition to their Bourbon Frontier Whiskey, Bulleitt has a rye whiskey that is also very good. Add Bulleitt to your list of best bourbons under $30!

The flavor profile includes “gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas with tones of maple, oak and nutmeg with a light toffee finish.”

ABV: 90 proof

Knob Creek 9 Year

Knob Creek has been inching its prices ever higher, but you can definitely find a bottle of Knob Creek 9 year for under $30. Considered a mid-shelf bourbon, many other distilleries would charge far more.

“Knob Creek is aged nine years in charred American white oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof. It smells of maple sugar and toasted nuts and has a distinctly sweet, round and rich palate with slightly fruity oak flavors. The finish is long and rich.”

ABV: 100 proof

Four Roses

Four Roses has always been a favorite among bourbon lovers. Priced well below $30, this bourbon is a great choice. If you can find the Four Roses Small Batch, I would recommend that one over the traditional Four Roses bourbon. In many locations, you can purchase a bottle of the small batch for below $30. Locally, in Florida, the small batch bottle is close to $40.

“This mellow bourbon is scented with vanilla and a hint of stone fruit. On the palate it’s light and creamy, with nuanced notes of vanilla, almond andpecan, plus a gentle baking-spice finish. “

ABV: 90 proof

Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig Small Batch is the “2018 San Francisco World Spirits Small Batch Bourbon of The Year” award winner. One of the best bourbons under $30, many choose Elijah Craig over Evan Williams because it is a blend of bourbons up to 12 years old.

“Sweet, tempers light nuttiness and notes of peanut brittle with sweet vanilla, loads of citrus, subtle oak and spice.”

ABV: 94 proof

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Heaven Hill Green Label

One of my absolute favorite budget bourbons is Heaven Hill. We tried Heaven Hill while visiting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and brought home a case. It is very affordable and smooth enough to drink on its own. Unfortunately, we cannot find it in our local liquor stores and not even online. This gives us an excuse to go back to Kentucky very soon!

With a price below $20, this bourbon has won taste buds over! Check out Heaven Hill’s website and you will not even see this bottle. Trust me when I say this mystery bourbon is tasty with a capital Heaven.

ABV: 90 proof

Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

Can you really go wrong with a five time Whiskey of the Year award winner that costs around $25?

“This bourbon is sweet and woody on the nose. The taste has subtle apple, honey and caramel notes followed by a long finish that is very smooth, nice and easy. For the price, you would be hard pressed to find another bourbon this good.”

APV: 86.6 proof

Wild Turkey 101

You may be thinking: Wild Turkey bourbon? Really? That is my grandpa’s bourbon!

True. Wild Turkey bourbon has been around and enjoyed by all generations.

My argument: Why not join them?

Priced well below $30, Wild Turkey white label bourbon’s humble appearance and old school vibe packs taste and great value. It is a good bourbon and should be considered as a contender for one of the best bourbons under $30.

 “A supple entry leads to a dryish medium-full body of buttered nut toast, caramel corn, anise, white ash and pepper”

ABV: 100 proof

Redemption Bourbon

Priced at around $25, this bourbon is budget bourbon. Not overly harsh but definitely not the smoothness of Woodford Reserve, Redemption Bourbon is made from 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% barley and only aged for an average of two and a half years in new charred oak barrels.

Of all the bourbons in my list, this is my least favorite especially when you can purchase one of the other bottles for even less money. If you are willing to use this bourbon with a mixer or to make old fashioneds, I would say it is decent. It is not one that I would drink on the rocks or neat as it does have a sour taste.

APV: 92 proof

1792 Small Batch

Considered more fruity with dark fruit flavors like cherry, apple, and citrus, 1792 has a higher than usual level of rye in the mash bill so there is definitely a spiciness to it as well. It is a bit bold so prepare yourself if you are one that tends to enjoy a lighter, soft bourbon.

This bourbon is right on the cusp with the average price being right at $30.

“Handcrafted from the finest corn, rye, and malted barley. Each barrel of 1792 ages no less than 8 years.”

ABV: 93.7 proof

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut

Any of the Jim Beam bourbons will be below $30, however some labels are much better than others and in my opinion worth a bit more money. Jim Beam Devil’s Cut is one my favorite of the Jim Beam bourbon labels. Priced at around $15-$20, the Devil’s Cut is a bit smoother and has a more spicy taste of cinnamon and allspice.

“If you like your bourbon “woody” with smoke than this is for you. Mixing the smoked wood with the smooth taste of Jim Beam and you can’t go wrong.”

ABV: 90 proof

Early Times Bottled In Bond

Are you looking for a bourbon to add to your home bar with a price tag lower than $10 a bottle? Early Times is that bourbon, however, I recommend the Early Times Bottle In Bond. The bottle in bond is a bit higher class, smoother bourbon which is still affordable at just over $20 a bottle.

2020 was Early Times 160th anniversary making it one of the longest-running whiskey brands in American history. Why not try an American favorite today?

ABV: 100 proof

Larceny Very Special Small Batch Bourbon

Made by Heaven Hill Distillery, this bourbon pays homage to Pappy Van Winkle’s original recipe. Continuing the tradition of Old Fitzgerald using wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the mashbill, Larceny uses more wheat than any of its competitors for a softer, rounder character.

“This small-batch bourbon uses wheat in place of rye to create a soft, rounded character. The mild crème brulee aroma leads into sarsaparilla and creamy caramel flavors. At 92 proof, it’s a wonder that the alcohol feels so moderate, but it makes its presence known in the cinnamon-firework finish. Attractive bottle design with clever keyhole label.”

ABV: 92 proof

Old Grand Dad 114

Distilled by Jim Bean, The Old-Grand Dad 114 is one of the most extreme values in the entire bourbon market. Take into account the proof and the rumored aging of 5-6 years, you cannot find another moderately aged bourbon close in cask strength under $30. Yes, this one is 114 proof!

“Unbelievably smooth for a spirit of this strength.”

ABV: 114 proof

Coopers Craft Bourbon

Aged in a traditional American white oak barrels and then taken through a Beech and Birch charcoal-filter to finish the process, this bourbon is smooth and flavorful. The price tag is a little over $20 a bottle definitely making our list for best bourbons under $30.

“Oak and vanilla lead the nose and buttery palate, rolling into more concentrated vanilla on the palate and finishing with baking spice and orange.”

APV: 82.2 proof

Very Old Barton

If you are looking for a bourbon for your home bar that you can drink daily without feeling guilty about spending a lot of money, the Very Old Barton is your go to bourbon. A 1.75 liter averages a little over $20. This is a bottom shelf bourbon however it surprisingly has won our hearts.

This bourbon is not readily available so you will need to check your local market. The proof for this bourbon may vary depending on the bottle you get. 80, 86, 90 and 100 proof versions are available but they’re all the same liquid, aged on average 4-6 years.

Jim Beam White Label

Before traveling to Kentucky to visit the Bourbon Trail, Jim Beam was my bourbon of choice. Boy, have things changed. This is definitely a bottom shelf bourbon but also definitely one you should have on hand for a party. The price is affordable so you can provide drinks for all your guests and save some of the better bottles, like the I.W. Harper, for the bourbon snobs.

“Opens sweet, with light caramel and vanilla flavors and, later, a slight woody char.”

APV: 80 proof

In summary

Good girls are made of sugar and spice, but me and my girls are made of bourbon and ice. I drink bourbon several times a week so picking a bottle that is affordable is a must! This list of the 20 best bourbons for under $30 should help you stay within your budget.

Let me know your favorite bourbon. Drop me a comment! I’d love to hear your opinion.

Cheers!

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About the Author:

Hi! I’m Chris. I’m a mother, wife, college professor by trade and micro-influencer by hobby. I am a bargain hunter, jack of all trades, and master of chaos.

Thank you for reading my random thoughts on travel, my stories of life as an under appreciated mother of a teenager, and my easy recipes that have won no awards but instead my family’s love and adoration (which is WAY better, right?).