Last Updated on February 21, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Many American whiskeys are available today –from rye to bourbon to single malt- each has its distinct character and flavor profile. That’s why it can be challenging to pick the best ones, especially if you’re considering the price. In this post, we’ve listed the best American whiskey under $50. Read on.
Top 10 Must-Try Best American Whiskey Under $50
10. Michter’s US★1 American Whiskey
Average Price: around $49.99 /750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 41.7% ABV
Why We Like It: The Michter’s US*1 whiskey is filled with exceptional flavors. Its white pepper and rich mouthfeel contribute to its tasty flavor profile.
Since it’s a contract-distilled spirit, expect complex notes of sweet corn, vanilla, peach, and dried fruits, making it an excellent sipping option.
9. Rebecca Creek Whiskey
Average Price: around $25 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Rebecca Creek Whiskey is made from the finest grains, utilizing barley, rye, and corn, and crafted with bourbons and whiskeys blends.
Expect a silky, smooth and rich, creamy flavor. This whiskey’s golden color has a velvety texture along with nutty and caramel flavors.
Also, it has a delicate finish with hints of spice and vanilla.
8. Nelson’s Green Brier Whiskey
Average Price: around $30 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Anyone will enjoy the versatility of Nelson’s Green Brier Whiskey. It’s best consumed neat or mixed with citrus-infused drinks.
It has a powerful backbone and complexity with light layers. The aroma and flavors feature caramel and vanilla with sugar, apple, and cinnamon notes.
Then, expect a long-lasting finish with hints of black cherry, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
7. Bird Dog Peach Whiskey
Average Price: around $19.99 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This crowd-pleaser is made with a blend of peach and bourbon that’s rich and creamy.
The notes of vanilla and oak are then complemented by the sweet taste of the fruit.
Its golden-amber hue and aroma of fragrant peaches are followed by delectable peach flavors with oak and vanilla undertones.
The peach notes linger through the finish with the soft warmth of bourbon.
6. Southern Comfort 100 Proof
Average Price: around $19 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: Southern Comfort 100 is a whiskey that’ll surely add a bit of extra kick to any drink.
Since the flavors stand out, you can use it in any way –in cocktails [1], for sipping neat, or over ice.
If you’re a proof-chaser, this bottle won’t let you down. The alcohol content is high, and you’ll get smooth and full-bodied flavors.
5. Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
Average Price: around $45 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Uncle Nearest 1884 exceeds expectations. It’s a great whiskey for sipping and mixing and is not a very complex drink.
At first sip, it’s slightly oaky and warm with sweet corn and caramel notes.
It gives a medium-length finish with notes of butterscotch, graham, baking spice, and cocoa.
4. McCormick American Blended Whiskey
Average Price: around $7.99 /750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This is a simple whiskey made by McCormick using neutral-grain spirits. It has a slightly yeasty nose, which leads to a palate with hints of vanilla.
The finish is clean and long-lasting. If you like cocktails, you need to try mixing this blended whiskey into an Old-Fashioned.
3. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey
Average Price: around $20 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Jack Daniel’s No. 7 is a great whiskey that’s flavorful and affordable. It offers the best qualities a brand can offer at a budget price with notable characteristics.
“Basically, I’m for anything that gets you through the night – be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.”
—Frank Sinatra, American Singer
This features a sweet and fruity aroma with a rush of banana, corn, walnut, and vanilla on the palate. Then it finishes with bitter and slightly oaky notes.
2. High West Campfire Whiskey
Average Price: around $39.99 /375ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: The High West Campfire Whiskey is a top-secret blend of aged rye, bourbon, and peated whiskeys created with a slightly sweet finish and a touch of spice.
Expect notes of honey, spices, and salty caramel, which are great for mixing with different types of drinks, such as Manhattans and Old-Fashioneds.
1. TINCUP American Whiskey
Average Price: around $29 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 42% ABV
Why We Like It: The TINCUP is a traditional American whiskey featuring a spicy and bold finish.
TINCUP uses a blend of two of the finest American whiskeys: the high-rye bourbon, aged in Indiana and then blended with a small amount of Colorado whiskey.
So the resulting flavor is perfectly balanced. Not bitter. Not sweet. This is an easy drink with smooth flavors.
FAQs Related to Best American Whiskey Under $50
How do you drink American whiskey?
You can drink American whiskey neat, straight, over ice, or in cocktails [2]. There’s no wrong or right way to drink it. It depends on your preference and style.
What’s the best American whiskey to drink straight?
The best American whiskey for drinking straight is Michter’s US★1. Its sweet and fruit notes with white pepper spice are not harsh, perfect for a straight shot.
What’s the best American whiskey for beginners?
The best American whiskey for beginners is the TINCUP. The spiciness, richness, sweetness, and smoothness are all combined, yet all are well-balanced and aren’t too complex for beginners.
What qualifies a whiskey as “American”?
American whiskey is distilled and matured in the United States. It can be made from a variety of grains, with the most common being corn, rye, wheat, and barley.
What is the difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey?
Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, while Tennessee whiskey is specifically made in Tennessee and undergoes an additional charcoal filtering process known as the Lincoln County Process.
Are there any notable bourbon brands under $50?
Yes, several bourbon brands offer high-quality options within this price range, including Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Four Roses Small Batch, and Wild Turkey 101.
Which rye whiskeys are recommended under $50?
Some popular rye whiskey options under $50 include Rittenhouse Rye, Bulleit Rye, Old Forester Rye, and Knob Creek Straight Rye.
Can I find single malt American whiskey within this budget?
Single malt American whiskey is less common but not impossible to find within the $50 range. Keep an eye out for brands like Westland American Single Malt or Stranahan’s Colorado Single Malt.
Are there any blended American whiskeys worth trying in this price range?
Yes, several blended American whiskeys offer excellent value for money, such as High West American Prairie Bourbon, Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon, and Smooth Ambler Contradiction.
Where can I purchase these whiskeys within the specified budget?
Most liquor stores, both brick-and-mortar and online, carry a variety of American whiskeys within the $50 range.
Final Verdict
You don’t have to sacrifice your budget to taste and experience quality American whiskeys. For less than $50, you can enjoy a bottle of whiskey that suits your standards {ble price.
From Michter’s US★1 down to our favorite TINCUP American Whiskey, all are great value spirits.
Whether you want a bottle for making cocktails or an easy sipping expression, you won’t regret trying any of the whiskeys listed above.
References:
- https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/06/who-invented-the-cocktail/308105/
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/cocktails-spirits/how-to-drink-whisky
