The Best Budget Bourbons Under $50: Top Picks for Quality & Value

Introduction

If you’re looking for the best budget bourbons under $50, you’ve come to the right place. As a whiskey enthusiast who has tried a wide range of bottles over the years, I know that finding great-tasting bourbon at an affordable price can be challenging. However, there are plenty of incredible options that offer rich flavors, complexity, and high proof without breaking the bank.

This list is based on my personal experience, reviews from the whiskey community, and the overall reputation of each bottle. Whether you’re new to bourbon or a seasoned drinker looking to restock your shelf without overspending, these picks will not disappoint. These bourbons are listed in no particular order, as each brings something unique to the table.

1. Wild Turkey Rare Breed – The Best Barrel-Proof Bourbon Under $50

Proof: 116.8
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Aging: Blend of 6, 8, and 12-year-old bourbons
Price: Around $50

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a must-have for bourbon lovers who appreciate bold flavors and high proof. This barrel-proof gem delivers deep caramel, vanilla, and spice with a long, satisfying finish. Unlike many bourbons in this price range, Rare Breed isn’t watered down, meaning you get an uncut, full-strength experience straight from the barrel. If you love rich and spicy bourbons, this one is a steal at this price point. It’s one of the best sippers for those who appreciate a bourbon with depth and complexity.

2. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength – Best Wheated Bourbon Under $50

Proof: Varies (Usually 108-114)
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Red Winter Wheat, 14% Malted Barley
Aging: Around 6 years
Price: Around $45-$50

For fans of wheated bourbons, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is an outstanding choice. Unlike the standard Maker’s Mark, this version packs a punch with higher proof while still maintaining its signature rich, sweet profile. Expect notes of caramel, baking spices, and a velvety mouthfeel that makes it dangerously easy to sip. This bourbon is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter, more dessert-like whiskey with added depth from the higher proof.

3. Four Roses Single Barrel – Best High-Rye Bourbon Under $50

Proof: 100
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Aging: Typically 7-9 years
Price: Around $45-$50

Four Roses Single Barrel is a high-rye bourbon that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. With its rich flavors of honey, dark fruit, vanilla, and peppery spice, this is one of the most complex bourbons you can get under $50. Each bottle comes from a single barrel, so slight variations in flavor make every experience unique. The high-rye content gives it a noticeable spice kick, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a bold and flavorful pour.

4. Elijah Craig Small Batch – Best Classic Bourbon Under $50

Proof: 94
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Aging: Around 8-12 years
Price: Around $30-$35

Elijah Craig Small Batch is a go-to bourbon for those who love a classic, well-balanced profile. It offers rich caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors with just the right amount of spice. At under $40, this bottle punches well above its price point and is a great everyday sipper. It has the depth of older bourbons while remaining affordable, making it a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned drinkers.

5. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year – Best Aged Bourbon Under $50

Proof: 90
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Aging: 10 Years
Price: Around $40

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year is an exceptional bourbon for those who appreciate well-aged whiskey. With its rich oak, vanilla, and toffee notes, this bourbon delivers the depth and complexity of much more expensive bottles. At 10 years old and under $50, it’s a serious value. The extended aging process gives it a well-integrated profile that makes it perfect for sipping neat.

6. Buffalo Trace – Best All-Around Bourbon Under $50

Proof: 90
Mash Bill: Undisclosed (Believed to be low-rye)
Aging: Around 8 Years
Price: Around $30-$35

Buffalo Trace is one of the most well-known and widely loved bourbons for good reason. It’s well-balanced and full of caramel, vanilla, and subtle spice. While it can be hard to find due to its popularity, it remains one of the best options for a high-quality budget bourbon. It’s a fantastic choice for cocktails but also shines when enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Alternative Option: Eagle Rare

If you’re lucky enough to find it at retail price, Eagle Rare is another fantastic option from Buffalo Trace. It shares a similar mash bill with Buffalo Trace but is aged for at least 10 years, giving it deeper oak and caramel notes with a refined finish. However, Eagle Rare has become increasingly difficult to find in many markets due to high demand, so availability might be a challenge. If you spot it at a reasonable price, it’s definitely worth picking up.

7. 1792 Full Proof – Best High-Proof Bourbon Under $50 (If Available)

Proof: 125
Mash Bill: Undisclosed (High-rye)
Price: Around $50 (Sometimes higher)

1792 Full Proof is an outstanding bottle for those who enjoy higher-proof bourbons with rich and intense flavors. It offers deep caramel, dark fruit, and oak notes with a strong backbone of spice. The 1792 Single Barrel is also a fantastic option, but personally, I lean toward the Full Proof for its extra punch. I’ve seen it locally for around $52, so prices may vary. If you find it at or near $50, it’s well worth grabbing.

8. Old Grand-Dad 114 – Best High-Proof Budget Bourbon

Proof: 114
Mash Bill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Price: Around $30-$35

For those who love bold and spicy bourbons, Old Grand-Dad 114 is a powerhouse. With its high rye content, this bourbon brings a strong punch of spice, oak, and caramel. It’s an incredible option for cocktails or sipping neat if you enjoy a robust flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Finding a great bourbon under $50 isn’t as hard as it might seem. Whether you prefer high-proof, wheated, spicy, or classic bourbon profiles, this list offers something for every whiskey drinker.

Have a favorite budget bourbon that I didn’t include? Drop a comment below and let me know what bottles you love in this price range!

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out my other whiskey reviews and recommendations on Bourbinsane.com.