Small batch bourbons have a reputation for being pricey. They are called “small batch” because they have been separately created in a small batch run, sometimes no more than ten single barrels, separate from their main production.
This doesn’t mean you have to spend a crazy amount of money to get really good bottles, though. Here are the best small batch bourbon under $100.
Top 15 Small Batch Bourbon Under $100
15. Kirkland Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $30 – $35/1L
Distillery: Barton 1792 Distillery
Alcohol Content: 51.5%
Why We Liked It: The Kirkland Small Batch Bourbon has a flavor that reminds us of Jim Beam.
There’s a bit of orange zest, cocoa powder, and toasted marshmallow on the palate, but nothing too remarkable.
14. Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $60
Distillery: Willet
Alcohol Content: 57.15%
Why We Liked It: Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon is a dram with some serious spice, which is expected with the 114.3 proof.
You’ll get traditional bourbon flavors like toffee, cinnamon, and vanilla, with a long spicy finish. Bourbon beginners may find this too harsh, so you may want to try this on the rocks or with a pipette of water [1].
13. Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $86
Distillery: Garrison Brothers
Alcohol Content: 47%
Why We Liked It: The Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon is produced in the oldest whiskey distillery in Texas and annually released in batches after three years of aging.
It is robust through and through — from the nose to the palate and even down to its finish. So, those looking for a strong dram will be very happy with this. Its flavor notes include dry leather, tobacco, and peppery oak.
Read: Top High-End Bourbons To Try
12. Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $50
Distillery: Old Forester
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Liked It: The Old Forester 1870 Original Batch is one of the best bottles for under $50! Bonus if you’re a total beginner to the spirit because this dram is easy, delicate, and enjoyable.
The spirit has a velvety mouthfeel and has flavor notes of dark fruit, caramel, and maple frosting. Its finish is quite satisfying, too.
11. Bib & Tucker 6-Year Old Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $55
Distillery: 35 Maple Street Spirits
Alcohol Content: 46%
Why We Liked It: The Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is double-distilled and made from a mash bill of 70% corn, 26% rye, and 4% malted barley.
The double-distillation gives the spirit a delicate palate, with plenty of warm vanilla, cinnamon spice, and slight floral notes.
We find that it’s a bit young and underdeveloped despite its six years of aging, but for $55, we’re not complaining.
10. Jefferson Reserve Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $55
Distillery: Kentucky Artisan
Alcohol Content: 45.1%
Why We Liked It: Jefferson’s Reserve is smooth, sweet, and elegant, with honey, brown sugar, and baking spice notes.
Chet and Trey Zoeller, the father and son owners, have disclosed that they source whiskeys for their products.
And according to them, this bourbon is made from a blend of only 8 to 12 barrels, with some as old as 20 years old. This is definitely a solid bang for your buck.
9. Wilderness Trail Bottled In Bond Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $55
Distillery: Wilderness Trail
Alcohol Content: 55%
Why We Liked It: Although the Wilderness Trail Bottled In Bond Small Batch Bourbon did not disclose its exact age statement, we can assume that it’s been aged at least four years due to its BIB label.
This small batch bourbon uses the blend of 12 different barrels with one fermenter.
The liquor has a nice mouthfeel, rife with the flavors of vanilla, caramel, and kitchen spices. You’ll also get some nice oak.
Read: Recommended Bourbons Under $40
8. Bowman Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $40
Distillery: A. Smith Bowman
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Liked It: The Bowman Small Batch Bourbon will give you more than half of your hundred bucks back at SRP. It is made from eight barrel batches, typically around six to seven years.
You’ll likely notice its thick and oily mouthfeel [2] upon the first sip, which is quite impressive. Its aroma is reminiscent of floral potpourri, with a long, spicy finish.
7. Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $45
Distillery: Wyoming Whiskey
Alcohol Content: 44%
Why We Liked It: At just 88 proof, the Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey is surprisingly robust and flavorful.
The palate is loaded with many traditional bourbon flavors, like caramel, baking spice, and vanilla.
It is also slightly zestier than other bourbons, with plenty of orange peel and lemons. Highly recommended.
6. Calumet Farm Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $55
Distillery: Western Spirits Beverage Company
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Liked It: The Calumet Farm Small Batch is another great bottle you can get for under $100. It uses a corn-heavy mash bill, with rye as its flavoring agent.
This spirit is friendly enough for beginners, but those with a more experienced palate will also find it a really enjoyable sip.
It is rife with caramel and butterscotch on the nose and a banana bread palate.
5. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
Average Price: Around $35
Distillery: Elijah Craig
Alcohol Content: 47%
Why We Liked It: The Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon is one of the most popular small batch bottles on the market today.
This bourbon has just the right heat for the proof yet remains well-rounded and drinkable.
It has a delightfully fruity palate, rife with creamed banana, plums, and figs, balanced with caramel and vanilla notes.
4. Four Roses Small Batch Select
Average Price: Around $65
Distillery: Kirin Brewing
Alcohol Content: 52%
Why We Liked It: We don’t have much to say about the Four Roses Small Batch Select except that it is really well done, thanks to the work of Master Distiller Brent Elliott.
He concocted this blend by combining ten of the brand’s recipes, all aged for a minimum of six years.
Dark caramel, fruits, and brown sugar wave hello upon the first sip. It finally finishes with just the right amount of heat (which is to be expected considering its proof).
3. Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $50
Distillery: Michter’s Distillery
Alcohol Content: 45.7%
Why We Liked It: The Michter’s Small Batch bourbon takes our third spot with its sweet and savory flavor profile.
This bourbon is made with a carefully-selected mash bill. It has a “masculine” flavor profile of soy sauce, oak, and wet forest soil, balanced out with more “feminine” notes, like vanilla, sweet corn, and caramel.
2. Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch
Average Price: Around $20
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Liked It: The Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch has been revamped and made at a higher proof of 90 (previously 86).
According to the brand, their small-batch bourbon is pulled from a mere 300 barrels.
This bourbon has a pleasantly sweet palate, with all its flavors of sweet vanilla, oak, and toasted sugar intermingling beautifully.
1. 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $35
Distillery: Barton 1792
Alcohol Content: 46.8%
Why We Liked It: 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has not only won our hearts but also in various spirit competitions, including the LA International, San Francisco World, and the World Spirits competitions.
This 1792 high-rye bourbon has all the spiciness you’d expect from the mash bill and is a great value for the money.
The spirit is full-bodied and chewable, with subtle notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and coffee bean and a long, spicy finish.
FAQs Related to Best Small Batch Bourbon Under $100
How do you drink small-batch bourbon?
Enjoying small-batch bourbon is a personal journey that varies depending on individual taste preferences and the desired drinking experience. There are several ways to savor small-batch bourbon:
Neat: Sipping small-batch bourbon neat allows you to fully appreciate its complex flavors and aromas without dilution. Pour a small amount into a glass, swirl it gently to release the aromatics, and take small sips to savor the nuances of the bourbon.
On the Rocks: For a slightly chilled and diluted experience, serve small-batch bourbon over ice. The melting ice cubes gradually dilute the bourbon, mellowing its intensity while maintaining its distinctive character.
With a Splash of Water: Adding a splash of water to small-batch bourbon can help unlock its flavors and aromas, especially if the bourbon is higher in proof. The water helps to open up the bourbon, releasing its bouquet of scents and enhancing its overall drinkability.
In Cocktails: Small-batch bourbon is a versatile spirit that can elevate a wide range of cocktails. Classic bourbon cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Bourbon Sour are timeless favorites, but don’t hesitate to experiment with your own creations to discover new flavor combinations.
Experimenting with different serving methods allows you to explore the versatility of small-batch bourbon and find the approach that best suits your taste preferences and drinking occasion.
What is considered a small batch bourbon?
Small batch bourbon is a term used to describe bourbon whiskey that is crafted in limited quantities using traditional methods. While there is no official definition for what constitutes a small batch, it generally refers to bourbon that is produced in smaller batches compared to mass-produced varieties. This small-scale production allows distillers to exercise greater control over the process and focus on quality over quantity.
Small batch bourbon is often made with a greater attention to detail, with distillers carefully selecting and blending barrels to achieve a desired flavor profile. The aging process may also be longer, with the bourbon spending more time in select barrels to develop its character.
As a result, small batch bourbons tend to exhibit unique and nuanced characteristics that appeal to enthusiasts seeking quality and craftsmanship.
What are some characteristics of small batch Bourbons under $100?
Small batch bourbons under $100 offer an excellent balance of quality and affordability, making them accessible to a wide range of bourbon enthusiasts. Despite their relatively modest price point, these bourbons can exhibit a range of complex and satisfying characteristics, including:
Smoothness: Small batch bourbons are often known for their smooth and well-rounded flavor profiles, with a balance of sweetness, spice, and oakiness that makes them enjoyable to drink neat or mixed into cocktails.
Complexity: Despite their affordability, small batch bourbons under $100 can offer complexity and depth of flavor, with layers of nuanced notes such as caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Each sip reveals new facets of the bourbon’s character, making it a delight to explore.
Richness: Many small batch bourbons in this price range have a rich and full-bodied mouthfeel, with a satisfying texture that coats the palate and lingers long after each sip. This richness adds to the overall drinking experience, making each glass a memorable occasion.
Balance: Small batch bourbons are typically well-balanced, with each element—sweetness, spice, and oak—complementing rather than overpowering one another. This harmonious balance makes them versatile and enjoyable to drink in a variety of settings, whether sipped slowly or mixed into cocktails.
Overall, small batch bourbons under $100 offer an exceptional value proposition, delivering quality and craftsmanship at an affordable price point. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or new to the world of whiskey, exploring small batch bourbons in this price range can provide a rewarding tasting experience filled with discovery and delight.
What brands offer small batch Bourbons under $100?
Several reputable brands offer small batch Bourbons under $100, providing a wide selection for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Some popular options include:
Four Roses Small Batch: Known for its balanced flavor profile and smooth finish, Four Roses Small Batch combines four unique Bourbon recipes to create a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon: Buffalo Trace Bourbon is crafted from a high-quality mash bill and aged in oak barrels to develop its rich and complex flavor profile. It offers notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices with a hint of oak.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon: Maker’s Mark is renowned for its handcrafted approach to Bourbon production, using red winter wheat in its mash bill to create a smooth and mellow taste. Its signature bottle design and iconic wax seal make it a standout choice.
Eagle Rare Bourbon: Eagle Rare Bourbon is aged for a minimum of ten years, resulting in a bold and flavorful whiskey with notes of caramel, oak, and dark fruit. It offers exceptional value for its quality and age.
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101 is a high-proof Bourbon with a robust flavor profile and hints of caramel, vanilla, and spice. It’s a versatile whiskey that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
These are just a few examples of small batch Bourbons under $100, each offering its own unique characteristics and flavor profile.
Are small batch Bourbons under $100 suitable for beginners?
Yes, small batch Bourbons under $100 can be an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore the world of Bourbon whiskey. These Bourbons typically offer a balanced flavor profile with approachable notes of sweetness, spice, and oak.
They are often smoother and more refined than entry-level Bourbons, making them easier to enjoy for those new to whiskey tasting. Additionally, small batch Bourbons under $100 provide an opportunity to experience quality craftsmanship and explore different brands and expressions without breaking the bank.
With their accessible price point and diverse range of flavors, they offer a welcoming introduction to the world of Bourbon whiskey, encouraging newcomers to discover and appreciate its rich history and complexity.
Do small batch Bourbons under $100 make good gifts?
Absolutely! Small batch Bourbons under $100 make thoughtful and memorable gifts for whiskey enthusiasts and connoisseurs. They offer exceptional quality and craftsmanship at an affordable price point, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions, from birthdays and holidays to graduations and celebrations.
Whether you’re gifting to a seasoned Bourbon aficionado or introducing someone new to the world of whiskey, a small batch Bourbon under $100 is sure to be appreciated and enjoyed.
The diverse range of flavors and styles available in this price range ensures that you can find the perfect bottle to suit the recipient’s taste preferences and occasion. Consider pairing it with a set of whiskey glasses, a cocktail recipe book, or even a personalized whiskey decanter to create a memorable and personalized gift experience.
Final Thoughts
Just because the label says small batch doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money. You can get really good, impressive bottles for under $100, with tastes and flavor profiles you and your friends will enjoy.
Our personal favorite is the award-winning 1792 Small Batch from Barton, which has a great spice and dark chocolate profile.
We enjoy drinking this neat, but it’ll be just as good in a Highball if you’d like it in a cocktail drink.
What do you think? Did we include your favorite bourbon in our list? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off below.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/samlemonick/2017/08/18/yes-you-should-put-water-in-your-whiskey/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mouthfeel
