The Greatest Bourbons Below $25, In accordance 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” selections in whiskey. This whiskey is made by the Heaven Hill distillery, following strict bottled-in-bond rules. That implies that it’s aged for at the very least 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 very best for cocktails, including depth to an Previous Common 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, reasonably priced whiskeys. Previous Forester 100 Proof has turn into a favourite amongst mixologists as a result of 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 accomplice and chief mixologist at Delola. “This one is surprisingly delicate for the ABV and provides an incredible taste and aroma to combined cocktails, whereas being nice in customary whiskey-stirred cocktails.”

Wild Turkey 101

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

“It captures extra barrel character, which shines by 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 satisfying 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. Usually below $25, this bourbon packs a punch. At 125 proof, this expression is as full-bodied, robust, and flavorful as many bourbons that repeatedly value as much as 3 times as a lot. 

“This bourbon gives exceptional depth for the worth, 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 traditional bourbon taste into an reasonably priced 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 very best for cocktails just like the Previous Common or Whiskey Smash, standing as much as mixers with out shedding its character.” 

4 Roses

Lengthy neglected within the U.S., 4 Roses has turn into a favourite amongst bourbon lovers and bartenders over the previous few many years. 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 traditional bourbon flavors like vanilla, caramel, crimson apple, and a lightweight baking spice. At 80 proof, it won’t be stiff sufficient to face up in sure cocktails, however as the bottom for an Previous Common or poured neat, it’s assured to supply a simple, fulfilling sip.

Jim Beam Double Oak Twice Barreled

It’s arduous to match the stature of Jim Beam’s traditional white label — it’s the best-selling bourbon on the planet, 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 by a secondary growing older 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 easy and balanced, very best for sipping or for cocktails the place a contact of sweetness and wooden affect is desired, like a Mint Julep or Manhattan.”