Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Bourbon whiskey is one of the most versatile distilled spirits in the whiskey world because you can consume it neat, on the rocks, or as a cocktail. However, not all bourbons are readily available, easy to find, and modestly priced.
Good thing we have a list of the best everyday bourbons available right here. Read on.
Top 10 Best Everyday Bourbons You Need To Try
10. Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $36.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon is one of the best bourbons you can enjoy daily without breaking the bank.
It is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey aged for ten years in number 4 alligator charred oak barrels and bottled at 90 proof.
Russell’s Reserve has an intense oak woodiness, spicy vanilla flavors, rich caramel, and a smooth finish.
It is best to enjoy neat and on the rocks and does a good job standing up on cocktails. Check out this comparison between Russel’s Reserve 10-Year and Single Barrel.
9. Knob Creek 9 Year
Average Price: Roughly $38.92 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Knob Creek 9 Year is masterfully crafted and patiently aged in new charred oak barrels for nine years. The result is a great balance of deep bourbon with a robust oak taste, vanilla, and layered caramel.
It can be your everyday bourbon because it is affordable, easy to find, and available in most liquor stores and Costco warehouses.
Read: Knob Creek Bourbon vs Woodford Reserve
8. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Average Price: Roughly $39.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a fine bourbon that comprises more than 200 flavor notes from grain to wood. It has nice aromatics, fruit, and floral notes with rich and bold spices.
We like the rich, rounded, and smooth flavor profile of Woodford Reserve. In addition, the complex citrus, toffee, caramel, cocoa, cinnamon, and spice notes abound.
7. Four Roses Small Batch
Average Price: Roughly $39.59 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Four Roses Small Batch is a great everyday bourbon because it is perfectly balanced and very mellow bourbon whiskey.
It is best to drink it straight or on the rocks because it has rich and flavorful tasting notes. It is made using four makeup recipes and bottled at 90 proof.
Read: Four Roses Small Batch vs Single Barrel Bourbon
6. Old Bardstown Estate Bourbon Whiskey 101 Proof
Average Price: Roughly $35.99
Alcohol Content: 50.5%
Why We Like It:
Old Bardstown Estate Bourbon whiskey is bottled at 101 proof, and it is a complex, bold and rich bourbon whiskey you can enjoy every day.
It is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey aged for ten years in newly charred oak barrels. The aging process gives a distinct profile to the bourbon whiskey [1].
5. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Average Price: Roughly $33.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content:
Why We Like It:
Elijah Craig Small Batch is an award-winning bourbon whiskey, and it is well-accepted by many bourbon connoisseurs and casual whiskey fans.
The bourbon whiskey is aged in level 3 charred oak barrels for a subtle smoke flavor and distinctive warm spice.
4. Old Forester 100 proof
Average Price: Roughly $31.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Old Forester 100 proof is made to honor George Garvin Brown, the founder of Old Forester. Every bottle of Old Forester comes from handpicked barrels to ensure complex and rich bourbon. It is robust, spicy, full of flavor profile, and maintains a distinct character.
If you love drinking Old Fashioned, Old Forester 100 proof can be your go-to bourbon because it has a nice flavor profile that compliments well with mixers.
3. Grand Old Dad Bottled-in-Bond
Average Price: Roughly $23.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Grand Old Dad Bottled-In-Bond will not disappoint you if you want quality everyday bourbon. It is masterfully crafted and strictly follows the Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897 to ensure the quality of the whiskey [2].
Grand Old Dad features 50% ABV, made by a single distillery in one distilling season, and it is aged in a government-bonded warehouse.
Also Read:
2. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Average Price: Roughly $23.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond is another premium bourbon whiskey you can enjoy every day because it goes down smooth. It is aged in a government-bonded warehouse and meets the requirements of a Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon.
On the nose, it has a rich aroma of caramel, vanilla, and oak. We like the citrus notes and the palate’s black pepper, vanilla, and long dry finish.
1. Wild Turkey 101
Average Price: Roughly $32.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50.5%
Why We Like It:
Wild Turkey 101 is an iconic bourbon whiskey and can be a solid choice for the best everyday bourbon. Wild Turkey 101 offers amazing tasting notes of vanilla, orange peel, baking spices, and a nice kick from rye.
Wild Turkey 101 is a cheap yet good-quality bourbon. It is a versatile bourbon whiskey because you can consume it neat or on the rocks. It is a great bourbon for Old Fashioned because it stands out and does not fade in cocktails.
What’s An Everyday Bourbon?
An everyday bourbon is a bourbon whiskey that is versatile, affordable, good on its own, and widely available for the majority of drinkers.
Not all bourbons are created equal, but some have good quality, are modestly priced, and you can find them easily in your local liquor store.
FAQs Related to Best Everyday Bourbon
Is it healthy to drink bourbon every day?
Yes, it is healthy to drink bourbon every day. Many studies proved that drinking whiskey moderately lowers the risk of developing issues like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes [3].
What’s an “everyday bourbon price?”
An everyday bourbon price is around $40. At roughly $40, you can find a good bourbon that is versatile enough to drink neat or on the rocks and will not set guilt whether you use it to make cocktails or cook with.
Are there factors you need to consider when buying everyday bourbons?
Yes, there are factors you need to consider when buying everyday bourbons. Everyday bourbons should be widely available, easy to find, and affordable.
What are bourbon cocktails?
Bourbon cocktails are drinks made using bourbon whiskey as the primary ingredient. The main ingredient of bourbon whiskey is corn, which is then matured in barrels constructed of charred oak barrels.
Why are bourbon cocktails popular for Christmas?
Bourbon’s rich, warm flavors complement the festive atmosphere of Christmas. Its caramel and vanilla notes evoke a cozy feeling, making it a popular choice for holiday cocktails.
What makes a good Christmas bourbon cocktail?
A good Christmas bourbon cocktail balances the robust flavor of bourbon with complementary ingredients like seasonal spices, fruits, and festive garnishes to create a drink that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
What are some classic Christmas bourbon cocktails?
Classic Christmas bourbon cocktails include the Bourbon Eggnog, Bourbon Apple Cider, and Bourbon Old Fashioned. These drinks often incorporate traditional holiday flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Can I make Christmas bourbon cocktails ahead of time for parties?
Yes, you can prepare some components of bourbon cocktails in advance, such as mixing simple syrups or infusing spirits with flavors. However, it’s best to wait until closer to serving time to mix the cocktails to ensure freshness.
Are there non-alcoholic alternatives for Christmas bourbon cocktails?
Yes, you can create non-alcoholic versions of Christmas bourbon cocktails by substituting bourbon with alternatives like apple cider, ginger ale, or sparkling water. These drinks still capture the festive flavors without the alcohol.
What garnishes can I use to decorate Christmas bourbon cocktails?
You can garnish Christmas bourbon cocktails with festive touches like cinnamon sticks, cranberries, orange slices, rosemary sprigs, or sugared rims. These garnishes add flavor and enhance the presentation of the drink.
Can I customize Christmas bourbon cocktails to suit my taste preferences?
Absolutely! Christmas bourbon cocktails are versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and proportions to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and garnishes until you find the perfect combination.
Are there any safety tips to keep in mind when serving Christmas bourbon cocktails?
Always drink responsibly and be mindful of alcohol consumption, especially during holiday gatherings. Provide non-alcoholic options for guests who prefer not to drink, and encourage designated drivers or alternative transportation methods.
Key Takeaways
The best everyday bourbon is the Wild Turkey 101 because it is an easy-to-find bourbon whiskey, affordable enough, and has amazing tasting notes. There are different ways to consume whiskey, and it is versatile enough to stand on its own.
What’s your favorite everyday bourbon? Comment down below.
References:
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/effect-of-aging-on-liquor-759921
- https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/drinks/a36466533/what-is-bottled-in-bond
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/whiskey-good-for-you
