10 Best Bourbon Brands for $150 & Under for 2023
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Bourbon lovers, it’s time to indulge in the rich and smooth flavors of the finest spirits.
If you’re looking for a premium experience, then you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the best bourbons for $150 or less.
So sit back, pour yourself a glass, and let’s dive into the world of the top bourbons that money can buy.
Top 10 Bourbons You Can Enjoy For $150 & Below
10. Whiskey Hollow Texas Gold 110 Proof
Average Price: Around $149.99 for 750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 55%
Why We Like It: Complex and bold, Whiskey Hollow Texas Gold is a Master Select series, high-proofed at 110 with 55% abv. It’s a double oak barreled straight bourbon.
You can expect subtle caramel notes, brown sugar and butter aromas, a well-rounded palate, and a smooth finish with lingering rich vanilla notes.
9. Bardstown Discovery Series 8
Average Price: Around $139.99 for 750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 57.05%
Why We Like It: Bardstown’s Discovery Series 8 is a limited-release bottle with a collaborative blend of Kentucky bourbon, Canadian whiskey, and two Indiana ryes.
This unique blend results in sweet-forward tasting notes.
It has flavors of dried cherries, caramel, and smoke, leaving you with luscious oak, cherry, and a buttery toffee finish.
8. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Average Price: Around $87.99 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 60.4%
Why We Like It: A bottle of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has an uncut selection of 12-year-old bourbon made from Heaven Hill distillery, and each small batch varies by barrel strength.
At 60.4% abv, it has a lot of rye spice notes, and its high-proof bottle has nicely layered rich notes of sweet vanilla flavors and butterscotch upfront, with cinnamon hints at the mid-palate.
7. Calumet 16
Average Price: Around $149.99 for 750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 53%
Why We Like It: Calumet 16 is top-shelf 16-year-old American whiskey that holds woody, smoky-tasting notes, comparable to Wild Turkey Master’s Keep 17-Year.
With 53% abv, the charred aroma subsides with lighter citrus notes, and on the palate, past that, pepper spices are still present with sweet toffee and dark chocolate that balances the bourbon.
6. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Average Price: Around $136 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46.5%
Why We Like It: This great sipper bourbon is one of the best bourbons from the famous Buffalo Trace, the same distillery that makes the most coveted Pappy Van Winkle.
Blanton’s has a lot of creamy vanilla and honey notes on the nose. It has sweet-tasting notes, all balanced by baking spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.
5. Lucky Seven The Hold Up Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $114.99 for 750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It: Lucky Seven ‘The Hold Up’ is a limited edition batch of straight bourbon with a 12-year age statement sourced in one of the undisclosed distilleries in Kentucky.
“Every day we make whiskey, we perfect the art of the craft a little more.”
– Denny Potter, Master Distiller
This bourbon highlights subtle notes of dried plums on the nose with a hint of zest and spices.
The flavor builds up in the midpalate with layered notes of caramel and has a subtle spice finish.
4. Larceny Barrel Proof
Average Price: Around $80 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 61.9%
Why We Like It: Larceny Barrel Proof is from a ‘small batch bourbon’ from Heaven Hill that offers a wheated mash bill, similar to Old Fitzgerald flagship.
This non-chill filtered bourbon is aged around 6-8 years and bottled at full cask strength but has a lovely maple and cinnamon spice on the nose.
You can experience the rich caramel and vanilla with notes of fig, chocolate, and subtle nuttiness finishing the drink with warm, nuanced flavors.
3. Knob Creek 15 Year Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $132 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It: Knob Creek 15-year is rare release barrels from Beam Suntory, [1] produced at the Jim Beam distillery.
It’s one of the best bourbons with full proof, with smooth-tasting notes.
This 15-year variation is a solid punch from Knob Creek with a significant oak flavor with a bit of a leather note.
The cherry notes dominate the palate, and rye spices pop up over time.
2. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Barrel Select Bourbon
Average Price: Around $70 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 55%
Why We Like It: At 110-proof, Russell’s Reserve single-barrels has a robust taste, dominating vanilla and toffee notes. It’s non-chill filtered, resulting in a rich, creamy whiskey.
Russell’s Reserve is matured in the deepest alligator char barrels.
You can enjoy its spicy taste, bold yet creamy texture neat or on an Old-Fashioned drink topped with an orange peel.
1. Old Elk Infinity Blend
Average Price: Around $149.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 57.05%
Why We Like It: Infinity Blend is the newest special edition release from Old Elk. [2]
It is one of the best bourbons that blend five different bourbons, likely comparable to Kentucky Owl Takumi.
The wheat whiskey blends deliver its sweet dram in the blend. With 57.05% abv, Old Elk Infinity Blend tasting notes have a lot of honey and citrus flavor.
FAQs
Are $150 bourbons smooth?
Yes, bourbons priced around $150 are smooth, balanced, and great for sipping neat.
Which $150 bourbon is best to sip neat?
Although most $150 bourbons are good sipper, Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon and Larceny Barrel-Proof bourbons are best to sip neat.
Should you mix a $150 bourbon in cocktails?
You can mix a $150 bourbon in cocktails, but it is unnecessary. These bourbons are designed to be savored and appreciated straight or neat.
In A Nutshell
Even though prices are being driven way up, these bottles of unique and upscale bourbons are tasty and sensational.
We appreciate Elijah Craig and Knob Creek rye spice notes.
But if you’re into smooth and sweet bourbons, go for wheated bourbons like Larceny Barrel Proof and Olk Elk Infinity Blend.
Some limited bottles require luck to get your hands on, so if you ever see one of the bottles listed below at an online shop or liquor store, don’t hesitate to buy one.
References:
- https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/knob-creek-15-year-bourbon-bottle-review/
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/old-elk-distillery-announces-special-150000860.html
