15 Best Small Batch Bourbons Under $100 Reviewed (2023)
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
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 bourbons you can get for under $100.
Top 15 Small Batch Bourbons 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
How do you drink small-batch bourbon?
Small-batch bourbon is best drunk neat for you to experience all its flavor nuances truly.
Small-batch bourbons are small, limited batches created separately from their main production and usually made from a blend of their other recipes.
What is considered a small batch bourbon?
A small batch of bourbon is created from a select number of barrels, usually of different age statements, and blended.
The Master Distiller combines them to create the desired taste. Distilleries typically use up to 50 barrels for small batch bourbons, but you can find some bottles that use only ten.
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
