The Top 5 Bourbons for $25
Recently, I’ve reviewed a lot of good whiskey. However, a lot of that has been small batch, single barrel, and cask strength options. While that’s going to be your best whiskey, it’s also your more expensive whiskey. So, today we’re going to discuss the top 5 bourbons you can buy for $25, give or take a couple bucks.
When it comes to the top 5 $25 bourbons, there’s a specific thing I’m looking for – can I enjoy this neat or on the rocks? Yes, $25 bourbon usually ends up in a mixed drink or a cocktail, but the best may actually surprise you. Over the years, I’ve had some very good bourbon and whiskey within this price range.
If you’re looking to have some good sipping whiskey around the house but don’t want to break the bank, check out these 5 bourbons you can enjoy on a budget!
1. Coopers’ Craft Bourbon
Launched in 2016 by Brown-Forman to honor the Coopers, or cask makers, Coopers’ Craft Bourbon is the needle in the haystack. Brown-Forman also produces Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniel’s, and Old Forester, so Coopers’ Craft can get hidden behind all the big guys.
Well, I’m here to let you know that I’m taking CC over Jack and Old Forester, possibly even Woodford.
Coopers’ Craft is a Kentucky Bourbon, but it does take a page out of Tennessee Whiskey’s book. The Lincoln County Process, the process that turns a bourbon produced in Tennessee into a Tennessee Whiskey, is when whiskey is filtered through maple charcoal. Coopers’ Craft, on the other hand, is filtered through Beech and Birch Charcoal.
Notes of baked apple, lemon, honey, vanilla, and oak make this a tasteful bourbon, and at 82.2 proof, it’s an easy sipper.
- Aged a minimum of 4 years
- 82.2 proof
- 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley
- $20-25
Coopers Craft Bourbon Review
2. Fistful Of Bourbon
Fistful of Bourbon was William Grant & Sons introduction to bourbon back in 2018. They produce and own brands such as Balvenie, Tullamore Dew, Glenfiddich, Sailor Jerry, and many more.
Fistful of Bourbon is a blend of 5 straight bourbons, each bourbon representing a finger – 5 of which, make a fist. Each of these bourbons is intended to provide it’s own, unique flavor to the profile. They are as follows: Balanced and sweet, leafy and floral, soft spices with hints of nutmeg, buttery toffee, and cinnamon and licorice.
When I first sipped Fistful of Bourbon, I loved it. It was one of the more flavorful bourbons I’d ever had. It wasn’t super rich, but the flavors were nice and there was nothing harsh about it. The best part, for me, was the buttery, creamy mouthfeel.
For $25, there are few bourbons on the market that are as unique, flavorful, and pleasant as Fistful of Bourbon. Out of all the bourbons on this list, this may be my favorite to sip. I definitely had the most fun reviewing this.
- Each bourbon in the blend is aged a minimum of 2 years
- 90 proof, 45% ABV
- At least 51% corn mashbill
- $25
Fistful of Bourbon Review
3. Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon is a fan favorite. In the past 5 years, it has gone from a middle of the pack bourbon to one of the most frequently purchased whiskeys in the US, particularly among younger drinkers.
The reason for this, I think, is two-fold. First, it’s for the same reason that it’s on my list. It’s a cheap bourbon that works wonderfully in a cocktail while still being good enough to enjoy on it’s own.
Second, is the growth of rye whiskey. Rye whiskey has grown tremendously in the last couple years, and Bulleit uses a high-rye mashbill. For whatever reason, perhaps that rye whiskey is delicious, people have seemingly gravitated towards rye or high-rye bourbons in recent years.
Price MAY be an issue here. If you buy your liquor at a large retailer such as Total Wine, you’ll have no problem finding Bulleit for $25 or less. Local liquor stores may have it priced closer to $30 or above. See how Bulleit stacks up against Woodford Reserve below.
- Aged 4+ years, thought to be closer to 6
- 90 proof, 45% ABV
- 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley
- $23-33
Woodford Reserve vs Bulleit Bourbon
4. Redemption High Rye Bourbon
If it wasn’t clear before, I love rye whiskey and high rye bourbons. Redemption produces three whiskeys as part of their standard lineup, Bourbon, rye, and high rye bourbon. Their standard bourbon contains 21% rye, so Redemption makes it very clear that they are a rye forward company.
Redemption High Rye Bourbon contains a whopping 36% rye, and it shows on the palate.
Out of all the bourbon on the list, this may be my least favorite neat or on the rocks. It’s still solid, just a touch thinner than the others. It’s on this list because this may be the best out of all of them when it comes to making nice cocktails. If you’re looking for a good Old-Fashioned, use Redemption High Rye Bourbon.
$25 is the low end of what you’re going to find this whiskey at. Again, your best bet to find the lowest prices is to shop at the large retailers.
- Aged 2+ years
- 92 proof, 46% ABV
- 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley
- $25-30
Redemption Whiskey
5. Jim Beam: Original, Black, or Devil’s Cut
It’s weird to say that I think Jim Beam is one of the most underrated budget bourbons on the market. I mean, it’s one of the most popular whiskeys in the world, how can it be underrated? Well, among bourbon drinkers, it’s definitely seen as a budget, bottom shelf option. However, I like it more than Evan Williams and Jack, the two closest competitors of Beam
Now, the standard Jim Beam Bourbon (White Label) is pretty solid for less than $20, so that’s a good option. However, if we’re going to go up to $25 on this list, I might as well upgrade to Jim Beam Black or Devil’s Cut.
Jim Beam Devil’s Cut uses bourbon extracted from the walls of the barrels for extra oak, char, and barrel spice. The barrel extract, dubbed the devil’s share, is blended with Jim Beam Black (aged 8 years) to form Devil’s Cut.
Personally, Jim Beam Black is my favorite out of these three and less expensive than Devil’s Cut, so that’s my recommendation.
Honorable Mention
These are all bourbons that really deserve to be on this list, or at the least, would be acceptable on this list. However, they didn’t make it for one reason or another. Maybe it missed the mark by a couple dollars, maybe it’s really good but not my cup of tea.
Below are a couple more budget bourbons that are excellent options for around $25.
Buffalo Trace
This may be the best out of all the bourbons listed. MSRP is $25, but you’ll rarely find it priced here if you can find it at all. Buffalo Trace is likely playing into the supply and demand game here to drive demand.
Some may think it’s overhyped… well, okay it may be a little bit, but it’s still a damn fine bourbon for $25 – again, if you can find it at or close to that number.
This would certainly be on the main list if it weren’t for supply/demand/pricing issues.
Four Roses
I love Four Roses. The only reason this wasn’t in my top 5 is because their small batch, small batch select, and single barrel options are so good that I’d recommend paying the extra money for one of the premium options.
A 750ml bottle should be right around $20, so Four Roses has my full support as a great budget bourbon.
Larceny/Maker’s Mark
I’m putting these two together because they are both wheated bourbon. MM using 16% red winter wheat and Larceny at 20% wheat in the mashbill, these are sweeter, smoother options than what you’ll find with rye.
I love Maker’s Mark in a cocktail and Larceny is a great sipper if wheated bourbon is your thing. Both should be available right around $25.
Old Grand-Dad 114/Wild Turkey 101
These two are my high proof, budget bourbons. Old Grand Dad 114 may be closer to the $25-30 price range while WT 101 should be $25 and under, but both are good options if you’re looking for strength.
WT 101 isn’t my favorite, I find it a little thin, but I can’t deny the numerous people out there that love Wild Turkey. Also, a 101 proof bourbon for $20, whether it’s good or just average, deserves recognition.
Old Grand Dad 114 would be my preference here. There are a select number of stores and locations where you can find this for $22-25, but your probably looking closer to $25-30. Regardless, a 114 proof bourbon is going to be a cost effective buzz at any of these prices.
Summary
I drink a lot of whiskey, and my all-time favorites are usually closer to $50. I can get too attached to those favorites that I forget that there are plenty of good bourbons for much cheaper.
My list of my Top 5 Bourbons for $25 includes Coopers’ Craft Bourbon, Fistful of Bourbon, Bulleit, Redemption High Rye, and Jim Beam. Of those, I think Coopers’ Craft and Bulleit are the best all-around, Fistful of Bourbon is the best sipper, Redemption is the best for cocktails, and Jim Beam is the most budget friendly.
Obviously, budget friendly is a fairly subjective term. Some people will spend $8-12 on a bottle of bourbon and $25 is splurging. However, for anyone who prefers to spend less than $30 on a bottle of whiskey, this guide on the best bourbons for $25 will have something everyone will like.
If you agree, disagree, or have any other $25 favorites, let everyone know in the comments!
