10 Best Bourbons Under $50 (2026 Update)

In 2026, finding the best bourbons under 50 dollars is becoming a challenge.

Inflation, hype, and the secondary market have pushed prices of standard bottles into the stratosphere. Bottles that used to sit on the bottom shelf are now allocated or locked behind glass cabinets.

However, you do not need to spend a fortune to drink well.

Some of the oldest, most historic distilleries in Kentucky still produce incredible liquid at a fair price. You just need to know which labels to look for.

We have tested dozens of bottles to curate this list. We judged them on flavor complexity, proof (ABV), and versatility in cocktails.

Here is our definitive guide to the best bourbon under 50 dollars that you can actually find on a shelf today.

1. Wild Turkey 101

Proof: 101 (50.5% ABV)
Price: Approx $25 – $30

If you ask any bartender for the single best bourbon under 50 dollars, this is the answer 90% of the time.

Wild Turkey 101 is legendary. It has a high rye content which gives it a spicy kick, and the high proof (101) means it stands up perfectly to ice. It doesn’t get watery; it just gets better.

2. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (White Label)

Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Price: Approx $18 – $25

Do not let the low price fool you. This is a “Bottled-in-Bond” product, which means the US Government guarantees it is at least 4 years old and exactly 100 proof.

It beats bottles that cost three times as much in blind tastings. It is the ultimate budget bottle for mixing cocktails.

What does Bottled-in-Bond mean?
Read our full guide on the legal definition here.

3. Elijah Craig Small Batch

Proof: 94 (47% ABV)
Price: Approx $30 – $40

This is the “Goldilocks” bourbon. It isn’t too spicy, it isn’t too sweet, and it isn’t too hot. It is just right.

Produced by Heaven Hill, it has a rich, oily texture that coats the mouth. It smells like a bakery shop full of vanilla and nutmeg. If you want a daily sipper to drink neat, this is the one.

Is Small Batch better?
Understand the difference between Single Barrel and Small Batch here.

4. Old Grand-Dad 114

Proof: 114 (57% ABV)
Price: Approx $28 – $35

This is not for the faint of heart. At 114 proof, this is almost Cask Strength.

It is a “High Rye” bourbon, meaning it is incredibly spicy and aggressive. It explodes with flavors of cinnamon, orange peel, and tobacco.

If you want the most flavor per dollar, this is the best bourbon under 50 bucks you can buy.

How to drink high proof?
Learn how to add water to high ABV whisky here.

5. Knob Creek 9 Year

Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Price: Approx $35 – $45

Age statements are disappearing from bourbon labels, but Knob Creek proudly displays a “9 Years Old” statement.

That extra time in the barrel gives it deep, dark oak notes. It tastes like leather, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts. It is sophisticated and mature.

6. Four Roses Small Batch

Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Price: Approx $35 – $45

If you want a “pretty” bourbon, this is it. The bottle looks great on a shelf, but the liquid is even better.

Four Roses is unique because they blend 10 different recipes (yeast strains and mash bills) to create their flavor. This bottle is floral, fruity, and light. It tastes like red berries and pear.

7. Maker’s Mark

Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Price: Approx $25 – $35

The classic “Wheater.” Maker’s Mark swaps the spicy rye grain for soft red winter wheat.

This makes it incredibly soft and sweet, tasting like vanilla sponge cake. It has zero burn, making it the perfect entry point for beginners.

8. 1792 Small Batch

Proof: 93.7 (46.85% ABV)
Price: Approx $30 – $40

Produced at the Barton Distillery, this is a “High Rye” bourbon. It is bold and brash.

It has a distinct banana and caramel note, followed by a sharp black pepper finish. It is excellent for making cocktails where you want the spirit to shine through the sugar.

Perfect for mixing.
Use this bottle in our Old Fashioned Recipe.

9. Larceny Small Batch

Proof: 92 (46% ABV)
Price: Approx $25 – $35

Think of this as the “Budget Pappy Van Winkle.”

Like Pappy, it is a wheated bourbon produced by Heaven Hill. It is incredibly soft, tasting of honey, butterscotch, and fresh bread. It is a fantastic alternative to Maker’s Mark if you want something with a bit more body.

10. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year

Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
Price: Approx $40 – $50

Created by the legendary Jimmy and Eddie Russell (of Wild Turkey fame).

This is a small-batch selection of barrels aged for a minimum of 10 years. It takes the classic Wild Turkey spice and smoothes it out with oak and leather notes. It is a “thinking man’s bourbon.”

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Summary: Which Bottle is For You? Best Bourbons under $50

You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to build a great bar. The best bourbon under 50 dollars is likely already on this list.

• For Cocktails: Buy Wild Turkey 101 or Rittenhouse Rye.
• For Sipping Neat: Buy Knob Creek 9 or Russell’s Reserve 10.
• For Smoothness: Buy Maker’s Mark or Larceny.

Start with these basics, and you will have a home bar that rivals any professional establishment.