Everyone likes a bargain. Whiskey collectors are notorious for spending outrageous sums on a really good bottle, but you don’t have to break the bank for a solid collection of good bourbon. We’ve got data to support the best bourbon for the money.
The good folks from the Reddit whiskey community (see /r/bourbon and /r/whiskey for starters) do a great job of supplying reviews so you get a feel for a dram across a variety of palettes. If you’ve been around me or my blog/website long enough, you know I’m a sucker for this kind of data.
Thanks to that lovely community, we have a treasure-trove of review data for all types of whiskey. Some of the data is a little messy and I’m working on cleaning it up, but it gets the job done for most of our purposes.
The Best Bourbon For Your Dollar
When I started looking at the data in Tableau Public, it occurred to me that the most useful way to visualize some of this might be a scatter of price compared to average review. Here’s what it looks like for bourbon:
So where’s the sweet spot? I’d say Quadrant II (upper left) is a great place to start hunting for budget finds. Anything “above the curve” is probably a great value dollar-for-dollar, but if we’re working on a budget then Quad II represent above-average bourbon at below-average prices. Also, if there’s something you particularly, go ahead and move it up the Y-axis. Reviews are all subjective, of course.
The 12 Best Budget Bourbons
So, to reiterate, this next list includes bourbon that meet the following criteria:
- At least 15 reviews
- Below median price of bourbon (this happens to be $40)
- Above median-average rating
At best, I’m summarizing reviews here. For real reviews, follow the links! Let’s begin.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Average Rating: 84.12 out of 100
Median Price: $40
Total Reviews: 34
Proof: 120 (60% ABV)
This 120 proof bourbon is bound to pack some kick. Reviews remark on the nuttiness, sweet corn, peppered oak.
| Best Review, by /u/jbl7979 |
| Worst Review, by /u/spid3rfly |
| Middle Review, by /u/kronkthenarwhal |
Maker’s Mark 46
Average Rating: 84.18 out of 100
Median Price: $36
Total Reviews: 28
Proof: 104 (52% ABV)
Looking over these reviews, I see a lot of “Better than normal Maker’s Mark,” which I guess is to be expected. Reviewers find sweet vanilla on the nose and caramel on the tongue.
| Best Review, by /u/thememeisalie |
| Worst Review, by /u/TOModera |
| Middle Review, by /u/LetThereBeR0ck |
Old Grand Dad 114
Average Rating: 84.37 out of 100
Median Price: $24
Total Reviews: 60
Proof: 114 (57% ABV)
The most affordable on this list at only $24 for 750mL. Another high-proofer, they’re saying this one has sawdust and earthiness on the nose with butterscotch, caramel, and oak on the palate. For the price, you might as well try it.
| Best Review, by /u/Dr0me |
| Worst Review, by /u/signde |
| Middle Review, by /u/strasse007 |
Four Roses Small Batch
Average Rating: 84.52 out of 100
Median Price: $29
Total Reviews: 51
Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Another high rye, Four Roses batches these with a mixture of both their main mash-bills. Nose: cinnamon, dates, oak. Palate: berries, cherries, and of course rye.
| Best Review, by /u/RustyPipes |
| Worst Review, by /u/unbreakablesausage |
| Middle Review, by /u/MJacket_ |
Elmer T. Lee
Average Rating: 84.98 out of 100
Median Price: $39.99
Total Reviews: 62
Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
This is the whiskey that got me interested in the hobby. I’ll do my own review if I can ever get my hands on a bottle. These reviews indicate a nose of vanilla and fruit, with a smooth palate of vanilla, fruit, and honey. The $40 price tag is spot on. Don’t overpay.
| Best Review, by /u/kmillns |
| Worst Review, by /u/I_SAID_NO_GOLDFISH |
| Middle Review, by /u/dirty_dale |
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Average Rating: 85.10 out of 100
Median Price: $40
Total Reviews: 52
Proof: 113 (56.5% ABV)
A very high standard deviation in these reviews. The 100 max is definitely too high, the 47 min is definitely too low. Caramel and high-alcohol on the nose. Banana and coffee taste with a vanilla finish.
| Best Review, by /u/Battlecorgi |
| Worst Review, by /u/theslicknick6 |
| Middle Review, by /u/lvl1dramacenter |
Old Weller Antique 107
Average Rating: 85.47 out of 100
Median Price: $25
Total Reviews: 96
Proof: 107 (53.5% ABV)
Where I’m from, this is another that’s hard to get your hands on. And it’s controlled at $50, to boot. Wheated but with some slightly higher-proof punch.
| Best Review, by /u/joehahn |
| Worst Review, by /u/theslicknick6 |
| Middle Review, by /u/TwiddleDD |
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch
Average Rating: 85.59 out of 100
Median Price: $40
Total Reviews: 52
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Cherries or berries here on the nose again. Corn, maple, and brown sugar on the palate. I’ve yet to try this, but I’ve got a bottle on my shelf I’m itching to crack into.
| Best Review, by /u/kdz13 |
| Worst Review, by /u/bammarito |
| Middle Review, by /u/djmax101 |
Evan Williams Single Barrel 2004
Average Rating: 85.75 out of 100
Median Price: $26
Total Reviews: 20
Proof: 86.6 (43.3% ABV)
It’s probably fair to apply this to any EWSB you can find, not just the 2004. This is my go-to daily drinker. The highest minimum review of the list says something. Reviews indicate brown sugar and citrus on both the nose and palate.
| Best Review, by /u/joehahn |
| Worst Review, by /u/t8ke |
| Middle Review, by /u/Allurex |
W.L. Weller 12
Average Rating: 86.72 out of 100
Median Price: $29
Total Reviews: 73
Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Multiple reviewers mentioned “dark fruit” on the nose, in addition to the caramel overtones. Both are also included in the palate with spice and oak.
| Best Review, by /u/TheWhiskeyJug |
| Worst Review, by /u/theslicknick6 |
| Middle Review, by /u/cpfselfbuilt |
Four Roses Single Barrel
Average Rating: 86.89 out of 100
Median Price: $40
Total Reviews: 74
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Cherries and flowers on the nose. Same on the palate with a dash of vanilla. Lots of good barrel picks here if you’re lucky to find a local one.
| Best Review, by /u/skuzbuket |
| Worst Review, by /u/I_SAID_NO_GOLDFISH |
| Middle Review, by /u/reddbdb |
Value Is Relative
Of course, maybe you have a higher budget and you’re looking to spend more money for better bourbon. Other bottles of bourbon that land high above the price curve include Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, George T. Stagg (if you can find it), and Booker’s Bourbon. The best bourbon for the money is always going to be relative, so check out the Reddit Whiskey Network Review Archive explorer and find something good.
Your Palate
Eventually, you’ll still want to branch out. The best bourbon for the money is often the one you most like to keep on your shelf, regardless of what other reviewers think. Go out and enjoy your favorites guilt-free.
