Best Bourbon Under $50

Best Bourbon Under $50

Are you a proud whiskey snob? Then you’ve likely tried Bourbon Whiskey, America’s native spirit. Made primarily from corn (at least 51%) and aged in charred white oak barrels, bourbon offers rich flavors of vanilla, caramel, and spice.

Bourbon is perfect for summer relaxation or when you need a taste of home. With the bourbon industry growing rapidly, now is the ideal time to rediscover your love for this drink and explore new options. Staples like Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon are, of course, going to be worth it if you can afford to splurge.

We’ll share our expert picks for the best bourbon for the money below, each unique in flavor, age, and aroma. They’re all available to buy directly from Flaviar, too, so you won’t have to go on a scavenger hunt in your local liquor store’s aisles to find them.

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Top 5 Picks for the Best Bourbon Under $50 Best Bourbon for the Money

These five options are community fan favorites and were specially selected because of their tasting notes, aroma, and finish. More importantly, they don’t dilute your tasting experience despite their affordable price. PS:With a $100 budget, the bourbon world opens up widely for you to explore. Check out our list of best bourbons under $100, or give them a try first by investing in our bourbon-themed Tasting Boxes.



· 750ml · 45% ABV

About Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace is a top contender in the Kentucky Bourbon world! Owned by the Sazerac Company, it's one of the biggest bourbon producers, churning out an impressive 2.7 million gallons annually.

Buffalo Trace’s flagship, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is considered one of the best Kentucky Bourbons. It’s affordable, packed with flavor, and absolutely worth the price. This well-balanced bourbon offers a classic taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Sip it straight, pour it over ice, or shake it up in your favorite cocktails—it’s that versatile!

View more about Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$32.99
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

A medium amber color with a warm, inviting hue.

Nose / Aroma

Caramel, butter, pumpkin spices, and warm mixed nuts.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Fairly sweet with fruit cake and butter toffee but balanced with some mint on the palate.

Finish

Medium-length finish with lingering sweetness and spices.



· 750ml · 47% ABV

About Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

Elijah Craig’s Small Batch Bourbon is a prime example of the best small batch bourbon. Coming from one of the oldest distilleries in the U.S., Heaven Hill in Kentucky, this bourbon is well-known for its rich smokey oak flavor, which is the result of the unique small-batch process. It has a mellow, full-bodied taste that’s balanced with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.

It’s easy to find at most liquor stores and online, made with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.

View more about Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon >>
Regular
$29.99
Flaviar black
$26.99 (−10%)
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Burnished copper.

Nose / Aroma

Vanilla and mint with a hint of sweet fruits.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Warming spices, distinctive charred smokey notes, hints of nutmeg and honey.

Finish

Long, slightly toasty and warm finish.



· 750ml · 45% ABV

About Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey

The Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon takes inspiration from the woodlands, with a rich, deep flavor complemented by subtle notes of wood, pecan, and vanilla, as well as a maple aroma. 

With its larger-than-life flavor, it may feel like a pipe dream, but make no mistake–it’s real and one of the best bourbons for the price at only $32.99 for 750ml. Best served neat or on the rocks.

View more about Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey >>
$36.99
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Deep golden hue.

Nose / Aroma

Sweet with notes of maple, honey, and vanilla.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Rich and deep with notes of roasted pecan, vanilla, char, and wood.

Finish

Smooth with a hint of black pepper.



· 750ml · 44% ABV

About Broken Barrel California Oak Bourbon Whiskey

Looking to convert a wine lover into a whiskey fan? Then you won’t get better than the Broken Barrel California Oak Bourbon for your money.

This reasonably-priced bourbon combines the dark, fruity notes of wine with whiskey’s classic oak flavor in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the taste buds. It’s a delicate balance–and a pretty perfected one at that.

View more about Broken Barrel California Oak Bourbon Whiskey >>
$36.99
Broken Barrel California Oak Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Orange.

Nose / Aroma

Enticing with Cabernet-reminiscent notes.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Well-balanced with cherry, marshmallow, and dark fruit.

Finish

Plenty of oak.



· 375ml · 40% ABV

About Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Made with a high rye mash bill, Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey brings bold rye spice and complex flavors that linger without overwhelming. The subtly sweet aftertaste adds a perfect touch. 

Whether you're new to bourbon or a seasoned enthusiast looking for something affordable yet delicious, this affordable bourbon is a must-have for your shelf!

View more about Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$24.99
Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Deep copper.

Nose / Aroma

Spices on the nose with hints of tea and peppermint.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Spicy notes translate to flavors that are light-bodied with a gentle bite.

Finish

Short, dry, and clean finish.

How to Choose the Best Bourbon Under $50?

There’s no single best bourbon–or should we say, no one-glass-fits-all! It all depends on your taste, budget, and how you like to drink it. Some bourbon variations are better as additions in cocktails, while others are best enjoyed straight.

Best Bourbon for Cocktails

Bourbon is a versatile whiskey that can liven up any cocktail (and party, for that matter). The best bourbon variations for cocktails tend to be those with distinctive flavor notes that won’t get lost in cocktails, nor overpower the other flavors. 

Bourbons with hints of caramel, like Buffalo Trace, pair best with classic, crowd-pleasing cocktails such as the Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, and Old Fashioned. 

When it comes to cocktails with crushed ice, like the Mint Julep, opt for bourbons with high proofs. They’ll help stand up against all that melting ice while adding to the mouthfeel of the drink. Our personal top pick here would be the Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon.

Best Bourbon for Drinking Straight

The best bourbon variations for drinking straight often boast smooth finishes and rich, crowd-pleasing caramel notes, like the Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon. If you’re drinking on the rocks, opt for a bourbon with a higher proof for the best experience. A low-proof bourbon will lose a lot of its flavor profile when diluted.

What Is the Best Bourbon for the Money?

You can find bourbon at any price, but a good bottle will run you at least $20 for 375ml or around $30 for 750ml. The price tag isn’t just about the booze–factors like age, distillation process, brand reputation, rarity, and finish all play a role.

Some variations can cost over $1,000, like the 2020 release Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. However, unless you’re a devout whiskey collector, you really don’t need to splurge here. The bourbon options above are affordable without compromising on flavor, and they’re sure to give you that warmth during cold evenings (or add “oomph” to your celebrations).