The Greatest Bourbons Below $25, In keeping with Bartenders

Evan Williams Bottled in Bond

At round $17 a bottle, Evan Williams Bottled in Bond is among the finest “bang-for-your-buck” decisions in whiskey. This whiskey is made by the Heaven Hill distillery, following strict bottled-in-bond rules. That signifies that it’s aged for no less than 4 years, produced by a single distillery in a single distillation season, and bottled at 100 proof. 

“The flavour profile is wealthy with caramel, vanilla, and oak, accompanied by a touch of spice on the end,” says Kirk. “Its excessive proof makes it splendid for cocktails, including depth to an Previous Usual or Manhattan with out overpowering the drink.” 

Previous Forester 100 Proof

Based in 1870, Previous Forester is the oldest constantly produced bourbon model in the US. Greater than 150 years after George Garvin Brown based the model, it nonetheless makes high quality, inexpensive whiskeys. Previous Forester 100 Proof has develop into a favourite amongst mixologists attributable to its larger proof, full-bodied taste, and affordability. 

“Previous Forester 100 proof is a wealthy and spicy whiskey, and holds as much as cocktails such because the Manhattan,” says Lynnette Marrero, co-founder of Velocity Rack and companion and chief mixologist at Delola. “This one is surprisingly delicate for the ABV and provides an amazing taste and aroma to combined cocktails, whereas being nice in normal whiskey-stirred cocktails.”

Wild Turkey 101

Wild Turkey 101 is a cult basic amongst bourbon drinkers. Throughout bourbon’s lean years, from the Nineteen Seventies via the ’90s, grasp distiller Jimmy Russell insisted that Wild Turkey 101 be made in the identical manner it had been since earlier than Prohibition. Wild Turkey 101 stays one of many purest expressions of Kentucky bourbon accessible, and for under about $23.

“It captures extra barrel character, which shines via within the toasted oak, caramel, and vanilla notes, with a touch of spice from the excessive rye content material,” says Kirk. “At 101 proof, it holds up properly in cocktails, however can be fulfilling neat or on the rocks. Its sturdy character pairs particularly properly in a Whiskey Bitter or Boulevardier.”

Benchmark Full Proof

From the storied Buffalo Hint Distillery comes Benchmark Full Proof. Sometimes below $25, this bourbon packs a punch. At 125 proof, this expression is as full-bodied, sturdy, and flavorful as many bourbons that frequently value as much as thrice as a lot. 

“This bourbon provides exceptional depth for the value, with flavors of darkish fruit, brown sugar, and a peppery spice end,” says Kirk. “The upper proof makes it versatile for daring cocktails, just like the Boulevardier, or it may be loved with a splash of water to open up its complicated layers.”

Previous Grand-Dad Bonded

One other bottled-in-bond bourbon, this providing from James B. Beam Distilling packs a ton of basic bourbon taste into an inexpensive and accessible bottle. 

“Previous Grand-Dad is a whiskey that surprisingly skews candy, regardless of its proof,” says Marrero. 

Sweetness isn’t the one factor occurring with Previous Grand-Dad Bonded. “This whiskey delivers flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus peel, balanced with caramel and vanilla sweetness,” says Kirk. “Its intense flavors and proof make it splendid for cocktails just like the Previous Usual or Whiskey Smash, standing as much as mixers with out dropping its character.” 

4 Roses

Lengthy ignored within the U.S., 4 Roses has develop into a favourite amongst bourbon fanatics and bartenders over the previous few a long time. The distillery makes use of two totally different mash payments and 5 yeast strains to create 10 distinctive “recipes,” or totally different bourbons, from which to mix. The core expression, sometimes called “yellow label,” blends all 10 recipes to create a balanced, 80-proof whiskey that shows the trademark 4 Roses profile.

4 Roses has a gentler, floral, fruity aroma that’s backed up by a balanced palate filled with basic bourbon flavors like vanilla, caramel, pink apple, and a light-weight baking spice. At 80 proof, it won’t be stiff sufficient to face up in sure cocktails, however as the bottom for an Previous Usual or poured neat, it’s assured to offer a straightforward, fulfilling sip.

Jim Beam Double Oak Twice Barreled

It’s laborious to match the stature of Jim Beam’s basic white label — it’s the best-selling bourbon on the earth, in spite of everything. However the black-labeled Jim Beam Double Oak Twice Barreled offers its sibling a run for its cash on taste. This variation, priced round $23, goes via a secondary ageing course of in several barrels, which doubles down on toasty notes of vanilla, caramel, and baking spice.

“The flavour profile leans towards candy caramel, vanilla, and a contact of smokiness, with hints of toasted wooden,” says Kirk. “At 86 proof, it’s clean and balanced, splendid for sipping or for cocktails the place a contact of sweetness and wooden affect is desired, like a Mint Julep or Manhattan.”