An impressive bar cart doesn’t have to break the bank. The five bourbons below are affordable and fairly easy to find in most markets, and each earns its place for sipping, for cocktails, or both.
1. Buffalo Trace: The Quintessential Starter Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Distillery is renowned for its rare whiskies, but its flagship product, Buffalo Trace, stands out for its accessibility and quality. Priced around $25, it’s a steal for its rich vanilla flavors and mild spice. Aged for about six years, this small batch bourbon from mash bill number one (lower rye content) offers a smooth profile, making it a good fit for sipping or cocktails.
2. Wild Turkey 101: A Sweet and Higher Proof Classic
At under $20, Wild Turkey 101 is a classic bourbon with a sweeter profile and a higher proof of 101. Its mash bill of 75% corn contributes to its sweetness, and the heavy char barrel adds oaky characteristics. With toffee and caramel notes, it’s an excellent choice for a robust yet affordable bourbon.
3. Evan Williams Bottled and Bond: A Versatile and Budget-Friendly Pick
Priced below $20, Evan Williams Bottled and Bond is a charcoal-filtered bourbon that offers great value. As a bottled and bond product, it’s aged for at least four years and sits at 100 proof. Its high corn mash bill (78%) brings out sweet caramel and vanilla notes, making it a versatile choice for neat sipping, cocktails, or even confectionery.
4. Early Times Bottled and Bond: An Underestimated Gem
Don’t let the Early Times name fool you. The Bottled and Bond version, priced at less than $30 for a liter, is a fantastic value. Aged for at least four years and at 100 proof, it features a high corn mash bill (79%) and offers honey and orange notes, well suited to an Old Fashioned or neat drinking. However, with its recent acquisition by Sazerac Company, its future availability is uncertain.
5. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: A Step into Finished Whiskies
For around $55, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a foray into finished whiskies. Aged in two different barrels, it offers complex toasted marshmallow and graham cracker notes, ideal for a Kentucky summer. At 90.4 proof, it balances alcohol with complex flavors, a good choice for exploring beyond standard bourbons.
Conclusion: Building an Affordable and Quality Bar Cart
These five bourbons show that quality whiskey doesn’t require a fortune. Plenty of underappreciated bottles on the shelf offer great value and taste. More recommendations, including ryes and other bourbons that deserve attention, are on the way.
Putting these bottles to work? Start with the Old Fashioned, the Whiskey Sour or the Mint Julep, or browse every bourbon cocktail.
