10 Bourbons to Look For Around $50 or Less
10 BOURBONS TO LOOK FOR AROUND $50 OR LESS
Great Bourbon Doesn't Have to Break the Bank
You don't need to spend $100 on a bottle to enjoy a great bourbon.
Whether you're just getting into bourbon, looking for something new for your home bar, or searching for a bottle to bring to your next get-together, there are plenty of flavorful options at approachable prices.
And that's part of what makes bourbon so much fun: there's always another bottle to discover.
At Big B Liquors, we see bourbon lovers with all kinds of tastes. Some want something smooth and easygoing. Others want bold spice and a little heat. Some want a bottle to sip slowly, while others are looking for the perfect bourbon for an Old Fashioned.
So grab your favorite glass and let's take a look at 10 bottles worth keeping an eye out for.
[ADD HERO BOURBON PHOTO HERE]
BUFFALO TRACE — A GREAT PLACE TO START
If you're new to bourbon, Buffalo Trace is a name you'll probably hear sooner or later.
It's a Kentucky Straight Bourbon with a combination of vanilla, brown sugar, spice, oak, toffee and dark-fruit notes.
Why try it?
It's versatile enough for sipping but also works beautifully in classic bourbon cocktails.
Try it: Neat, over ice, or in an Old Fashioned.
Bourbon personality: Sweet • Oaky • Light Spice
MAKER'S MARK — SMOOTH, SWEET & EASYGOING
That unmistakable red wax seal makes Maker's Mark easy to recognize.
Maker's Mark is known for its approachable, slightly sweet style, with flavors of cherry, vanilla, caramel and gentle spice.
If you're introducing someone to bourbon—or you're looking for something easygoing—this is a bottle worth considering.
Try it: On the rocks or in a Whiskey Sour.
Bourbon personality: Fruity • Vanilla • Caramel
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WILD TURKEY 101 — BRING ON THE FLAVOR
Want a bourbon with a little more attitude?
Meet Wild Turkey 101.
At 101 proof, this bourbon brings plenty of flavor to the glass, with vanilla, caramel, oak and baking-spice notes.
It's also a fantastic choice for cocktails because its flavor can stand up to other ingredients.
Try it: In an Old Fashioned, on the rocks, or neat.
Bourbon personality: Bold • Spicy • Citrus
WOODFORD RESERVE — A BOURBON FOR THE HOME BAR
Woodford Reserve brings a little sophistication without requiring a special occasion.
Its flavor profile includes vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, dark chocolate and citrus.
It's the kind of bottle that can comfortably sit on your home bar and handle whatever mood you're in—sipping, cocktails, or sharing with friends.
Try it: Neat, over a large ice cube, or in an Old Fashioned.
Bourbon personality: Rich • Oaky • Bright
[ADD WOODFORD RESERVE PHOTO HERE]
FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH — BALANCED & FLAVORFUL
Four Roses Small Batch is a great bottle to explore if you're looking for something with a little more depth.
It's a good choice for someone who wants to explore bourbon beyond the basics without immediately jumping into expensive bottles.
Try it: Neat or with a splash of water.
Bourbon personality: Smooth • Fruity • Spiced
OLD FORESTER 100 PROOF — FULL OF CHARACTER
When you're making cocktails, you don't want your bourbon to disappear behind the other ingredients.
That's where a higher-proof bourbon can shine.
Old Forester 100 Proof brings plenty of character to classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour.
Try it: In an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
Bourbon personality: Bold • Caramel • Oak
KNOB CREEK 9 YEAR — FOR THE BOURBON SIPPER
If your idea of a good evening involves sitting back with a glass of bourbon and taking your time with it, Knob Creek 9 Year is one to look for.
Its richer, oak-forward character makes it a natural choice for sipping.
Try it: Neat or over one large ice cube.
Bourbon personality: Oak • Vanilla • Rich
[ADD KNOB CREEK PHOTO HERE]
BULLEIT BOURBON — A LITTLE MORE SPICE
Bulleit Bourbon is a good bottle to explore if you enjoy a bourbon with a noticeable spicy edge.
It's particularly at home in cocktails, where its character can give classics like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan a little extra punch.
Try it: In a cocktail or over ice.
Bourbon personality: Spicy • Dry • Oaky
EVAN WILLIAMS BOTTLED-IN-BOND — BIG FLAVOR, GREAT VALUE
Here's one for bourbon drinkers who like to get plenty of character from their bottle.
"Bottled-in-Bond" isn't simply a marketing phrase. It's a specific designation with requirements governing production, aging and bottling.
For shoppers looking for value and a little bourbon history in their glass, this style is worth exploring.
Try it: Neat, over ice, or in a cocktail.
Bourbon personality: Oak • Sweet • Warm
JIM BEAM BLACK — A FAMILIAR NAME WITH MORE DEPTH
Jim Beam is one of the most recognizable names in bourbon.
If you're already familiar with the standard expression, exploring another bourbon from the Beam lineup can be a fun way to see how aging and different expressions can change the experience.
Try it: On the rocks or in a bourbon cocktail.
Bourbon personality: Sweet • Oak • Rich
SO... WHICH BOURBON SHOULD YOU TRY?
Here's the fun part:
There isn't one bourbon that's right for everybody.
Your perfect bottle depends on what you like.
"I LIKE MY BOURBON SMOOTH AND APPROACHABLE."
Try exploring Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve.
"I WANT SOMETHING BOLD."
Look toward Wild Turkey 101 or Old Forester 100 Proof.
"I WANT SOMETHING FOR SIPPING."
Explore Knob Creek 9 Year or Woodford Reserve.
"I'M BUILDING MY HOME COCKTAIL BAR."
Consider Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 101, Old Forester 100 Proof or Bulleit.
THE BEST PART? COME EXPLORE.
The bourbon world is huge—and you don't have to figure it all out yourself.
Stop by Big B Liquors and tell us what you like.
Do you like sweet bourbon?
Something spicy?
Something smooth?
Something for an Old Fashioned?
Or maybe you're buying your first bottle and don't know where to start?
We'll help you find something worth putting in your glass.
Availability and prices change, so check with Big B Liquors for our current selection and pricing.
WHAT'S IN YOUR GLASS?
What's your go-to bourbon?
Buffalo Trace? Maker's Mark? Wild Turkey 101? Woodford Reserve? Or something completely different?
Let us know the bottle you think every bourbon fan should try.
BIG B LIQUORS
Your local destination for spirits, wine and more.
Stop by Big B Liquors and discover your next favorite bottle.
Must be 21+ to purchase alcohol. Please drink responsibly.
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