12 Best Bourbon Brands Under $75 in 2023 (Updated)
Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Let’s be honest—we all want to spot a good bourbon within our budget. But sometimes, buying a bottle of exquisite bourbon might get a bit of a bad rap with its supposed price point.
Worry no more. We got you the best deals for the best bourbon under $75. Check out these sippable mid- to top-range delectable brands.
Top 12 Sippable Bourbons Under $75
12. Chattanooga Straight Bourbon Whiskey 111 Proof
Average Price: Around $49 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 55.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Chattanooga whiskey is an iconic high malt bourbon, unfiltered and barrel strength. It’s full-bodied but not an overly complex bourbon.
At 111-proof, the bourbon delivers an aromatic nose, pulling us to dive in straight to the dram.
It has the right amount of heat with the present malt notes and sweet caramel and honey notes—an ideal warm sipper after a long day.
11. Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion #6
Average Price: Around $71 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 48.95% ABV
Why We Like It: Bardstown Bourbon Company Fusion #6 has noticeable toffee and baked apple pie aroma, and a present citrusy and spices smell carried over to the palate.
It delivers an excellent profile without heavy notes and harsh alcohol burns, making our drinking experience enjoyable.
10. Driftless Glen Bourbon
Average Price: Around $42 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 48% ABV
Why We Like It: At 96-proof, Driftless Glen bourbon delivers full-bodied bourbon with pleasant aromatics. There are notes of honey and caramel with subtle rye spice on the palate.
A tug-of-war between heat and sweetness in the mid-palate complemented its creamy texture. It finishes clean with a long finish. This dram is great for sipping or making mixed drinks.
9. 1792 Full Proof
Average Price: Around $57 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 62.5% ABV
Why We Like It: 1792 Full Proof is one of the most affordable straight bourbons with relatively high alcohol content. It has an expected oily, heavy mouthfeel with layers of fragrant aromas.
The bourbon has an intense smoky taste, and the warmness of the alcohol is present in the mouth. It makes a great Old Fashioned drink, or best to savor it on the rocks.
8. New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $44 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: New Riff bourbon has a full-flavored palate. It delivers pleasant aromas with baking spices and butterscotch notes.
As for the spice, it tails at the end of the sip with hints of sweet vanilla and cinnamon. A perfect well-rounded bourbon with a fair price value.
7. Knob Creek Straight Bourbon 12 Year
Average Price: Around $74 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: Knob Creek 12-year straight bourbon exceeds our taste expectations.
We can taste the oaky flavors, richer and more complex than other well-aged bourbons.
It brings the perfect balance of heat, oak, and sweet touches of vanilla throughout the entire sip.
Not the most accessible bottle of bourbon to find in the store, but it makes a fantastic sipper.
6. Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength
Average Price: Around $66 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 57.6% ABV
Why We Like It: Penelope Barrel Strength bourbon has a good range of oak, sweet notes, and spice.
Although it has a high alcohol content, the flavors and aroma are well-balanced.
“Whiskey takes a tremendous amount of time and patience to grow…”
– Brad Kamphuis, Director of Distillery Operations
Sweet hints of maple syrup and caramel are present. There’s honey, vanilla, and a spicy kick on our first sip.
Great bourbon at its price point—it holds a solid punch that is enjoyable to sip.
5. New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon
Average Price: Around $33 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon, finished in oak beer barrels [1], has an interesting profile.
It has an inviting sweet aroma with the warm yeastiness of baked bread.
At 80-proof, it has a slightly watery texture with bold, sweet flavors of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and malt.
As for the malt, it’s present to the tail end with sweet chocolate hints.
4. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon
Average Price: Around $55 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 58.4% ABV
Why We Like It: Wild Turkey Rare Breed holds intense flavors with dark sweet aromas complimenting the drink.
There’s a heat on the nose, mellowed by honey and floral scents.
Intense flavors of caramel sweetness, oak, and toasted grains dominate the palate.
It carries a thick, fiery mouthfeel, perfect for those whiskey connoisseurs looking for barrel-proof bourbon.
3. Pursuit United Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $69 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 54% ABV
Why We Like It: Pursuit United bourbon is another blended straight bourbon whiskey promising bold flavors.
Fair enough, it delivers hefty notes that are palatable.
The heavy caramel and toasty notes hit our palate, but it isn’t too overpowering.
At 108-proof, brunt sugar notes and baking spice are present, and the finish is remarkably long and satisfying.
2. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Average Price: Around $65 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 55% ABV
Why We Like It: Rich and oaky, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is non-chill filtered [2] bourbon with interesting notes that capture our attention.
There’s extra fruitiness on the nose after a few sniffs and a layer of bold spice notes mingling with vanilla and creamy toffee throughout the sip—we like how everything is well put together.
1. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Average Price: Around $34 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: Elijah Craig Small Batch has a decent rich profile at an affordable price point.
The flavor isn’t too big, yet it has the depth and richness to stand on its own.
It has a thick mouthfeel with caramel sweetness and honey, fading to lightly dry oakiness, leading to a lovely finish.
This bourbon is affordable and complex enough for a solid punch.
FAQs
Are bourbons under $75 worth it?
Yes, bourbons under $75 are worth it. There are quality bourbons under that price range that are worth the sip.
Can you drink bourbons under $75 straight?
Yes, you can drink bourbons under $75 straight and on the rocks.
In Summary
Although all bourbons don’t have the same value and quality, you can still find a sippable bottle within the $75 budget range.
It’s like hitting the right spot for your wallet and palate.
Consider the list above as a guide for your next bourbon bottle hoarding—and you might discover the best sipping bourbon perfect for your taste bud.
References:
- https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/beer-barrel
- https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/wine/what-is-a-non-chill-filtered-whisky/article4102486/
