Updated June 2026.
The under-$40 bourbon shelf is the overlap of grocery 80–86 proof and bonded 100 proof — same 27 CFR 5.143 identity as the under $30 and under $50 pages. This is not a 2026 price list. If the sticker is $41, it is not under $40 that day. Maker’s Mark, Four Roses Yellow, Bulleit, and Wild Turkey 101 often live in this band when the tax stamp is kind.
Allocation bottles with a $29 suggested retail do not count. Flavored whiskey is a different class. “Best” means widely distributed bottles that actually show up under $40, not a tasting we did not run.
What usually clears $40
| Lane | Typical bottles | Why they land under $40 |
|---|---|---|
| Still under $30 most days | Evan Williams Black / Bonded, Jim Beam White, Old Grand-Dad 100, Barton 100 | Grocery distribution. See the $30 page. |
| The $30–$40 step | Maker’s Mark, Four Roses Yellow, Bulleit, Old Forester 86/100, Wild Turkey 101, 1783, Larceny when the tag cooperates | National brands. 101 and bonded still win on ethanol per dollar. |
| Often over $40 | Knob Creek 9, Woodford, Elijah Craig, Four Roses Small Batch | Those belong on the $50 page if the sticker is $42–$50. |
| Allocation trap | Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Weller, Blanton’s | SR can look like $30. Street often does not. |
A 1.5-ounce 80-proof pour is one NIAAA standard drink; 90 proof (Maker’s) is 1.13; 100 proof is 1.25. Four pours are still four-plus drinks. Calories: bourbon calories.
Sources
- TTB 27 CFR 5.143. Bottled-in-Bond rules.
- Maker’s 90 / EW Black 86 / WT 101 from brand/ABC pages used on those brand rewrites.
- NIAAA standard drink (December 2025). No invented MSRPs.