Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Whiskey is one of the best drinks out there. Whether you like your drink high or low proof, we always search for a great whiskey within the budget. So, what is the best whiskey under $100? We’ve got them – and more – right here.
Check out our best selection, widen your options, and upgrade your home bar!
Top 20 Whiskeys Below $100
1. Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Why We Like It:
Angel’s Envy is devoured in a port wine barrel, with 43.3% alcohol by volume. Its extra time in the barrel, saturated with ruby ports, add a layer of complexity.
It absorbs that flavor of Port and Vermouth wines, making it’s smack beyond compare.
It’s reasonably priced at approximately $36.99 (Total Wine).
2. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Why We Like It:
This legendary American whiskey features orange zest and burnt sugar aromas.
You will love its long, earthy, and cinnamon finish. With an ABV of 46.5%, you can never regret sipping this bright and balanced bourbon.
For about $54.99 (Drizly), you can get to try this great whiskey – but be warned; it’s hard to find!
Find out how long Blanton’s bourbon is aged here.
3. Booker’s Bourbon
Why We Like It:
Booker Noe, a legend in the bourbon world [1], presents this Booker’s Bourbon bottle with a big flavor and proof point. You can savor burnt sugar, spices, and cinnamon full of vanilla flavor.
With an ABV of 63%, this uncut, unfiltered, and arguably impressive bottle is just approximately $68.99 (Total Wine).
But, be careful with your sip; this whiskey with a bite should be bloomed with water.
4. Buffalo Trace Straight Kentucky Bourbon
Why We Like It:
Buffalo Trace bourbon is made from the finest corn, rye, and barley malt aged in a new oak barrel.
You’ll surely love its rich and complex palate with toffee, vanilla, and candied fruit hints.
Its smooth finish will linger on your palate and will never change. With an ABV of 45%, you can buy this for around $24.99 (Total Wine).
5. E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon
Why We Like It:
Aged in century-old warehouses, this features a toffee corn sweetness with hints of butterscotch and licorice.
The finish has a soft mouthfeel with pepper, spices, and tobacco bites. The combination of fruit, alcohol, and wood creates a vibrant aroma in its blends.
Featuring an ABV of 50%, you can get to try this excellent bottle for around $85.84 (Drizly).
Also Read: Top Whiskeys Below $50
6. Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon
Why We Like It:
This straight bourbon has 52% ABV and is made from corn, rye, and malted barley.
In just one sip, you can feel the blend of spices with layers of summer fruits and pepper, joined by vanilla and oak.
You can taste the spice from start to finish, a pleasant way to end your sip.
This is one of the best bourbons at around $49.99 (Total Wine).
7. Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve 14 Year
Why We Like It:
Glenfiddich, aged in ex-bourbon casks, mixes the sophistication of Scotland with a sweet kick of Kentucky.
This whiskey has a rich, vibrant, and sweet single malt that brings out complex flavors of ripe summer fruit, woody, and baking spices.
With an ABV of 43%, it has smooth, long-lasting, and lingering sweetness. You can get this at around $43.99 (Total Wine), perfect for any special occasion that won’t bust your budget.
8. Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky
Why We Like It:
This Hibiki perfect blended Japanese whisky is incredibly balanced, an ideal concert with floral notes and dried orange peel.
It has a long, gradual finish with hints of toasted wood notes. So, mild-preference palates will surely love this whisky with an ABV of 43%.
One of the flagship brands of Suntory Distillery– you don’t have to be a big spender to try these bottles. It only costs around $99.99 (Drizly).
9. Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky
Why We Like It:
This single malt whisky is a unique offering from the renowned distillery in Taiwan.
This whiskey was aged for ten years in American oak casks before being finished for one year in port casks from Portugal.
The result is a delicate fruity spirit with hints of vanilla and spice. The finish is pleasantly long and complex, with dark dried fruit and strawberry jam.
With an ABV of 40%, this spirit is available for approximately $93.99 (Total Wine).
10. Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Why We Like It:
Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish whiskey has a light, floral palate with hints of vanilla and toffee.
It’s a smooth finish that leaves you feeling refreshed, but with just a touch of burn in your throat.
Made from corn and malted barley and aged four years in a single pot still, this Irish whiskey has an ABV of 43%.
For about $31.99 (Drizly), it’s an ideal year-round Irish whiskey for drinking by yourself or as an addition to cocktails. But what makes Irish whiskey different from other whiskeys?
11. Maker’s Mark 46 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Why We Like It:
For bourbon fanatics, the soft and sweet notes the grain imparts in this spirit are pretty quaffable.
This is a true classic wheated bourbon spirit, featuring a smooth taste of vanilla and toffee with hints of mint and oak.
With an ABV of 47%, the finish is smooth with just a hint of heat and smoke. And best of all, you can easily find this delicious beverage for approximately $64.99 (Total Wine).
12. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
Why We Like It:
This light, dry, and fruity whisky is bottled at 45% ABV. It has tons of balance, making it an excellent mix for cocktails.
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is a mild, easy-to-nip whisky with a smooth, sugary finish.
Its aroma is light and floral, with hints of grain and honey. The palate is also full, with notes of peach and creme brulee neat.
The finish is prolonged and silky, with a lingering sweetness that invites you to nip more. You can find this bottle for roughly $67 (Total Wine).
13. Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky
Why We Like It:
Distilled in Australia, an epicenter of “world whisky,” [2] this Starward Nova Whisky matures in red wine barrels for two years.
Priced roughly $44.99 (Total Wine), with an ABV of 41%, the nose is light, but there are hints of orange and caramel.
It carries a cherry-ish hue in the glass and potpourri of red berry fruit from bouquet to palate. The finish is a little complex, with an aftertaste of pepper and smoke.
14. The Balvenie 14-Year-Old Caribbean Cask Single Malt Scotch
Why We Like It:
This Scotch whisky, matured in traditional old whisky sherry casks, picks up a touch of brown sugar, candied fruit notes, and butterscotch, with bits of pralines in a long-lasting finish.
The final product is smooth and easy to drink; best served neat or on the rocks. Priced for approximately $92.05 (Drizly), it has an ABV of 43%.
15. Dalmore 12-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Why We Like It:
This whisky has a fruity and rich palate, with a long, sweet, and smoky finish.
It is aged nine years in American ex-bourbon casks and transferred to ex-oloroso sherry casks for another three years.
It results in whisky with sweeter notes and rich and sherried flavors. You can get the aroma of dark chocolate with tasting notes of citrus and cinnamon.
Priced for about $59.99 (Total Wine), it has an ABV of 40%.
16. The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old
Why We Like It:
Its richness and oiliness coming from its stills blend so perfectly with the deep sweetness of sherry.
With an ABV of 40%, it is a whiskey with a lot of character– bold, oaky savor and a smooth finish that will leave you wanting more.
Overall, this is an excellent whiskey for anyone who likes strong, oaky flavors and finishes that aren’t too harsh or too sugary. You can easily find this one for about $79.99 (Drizly).
Read: Macallan 12 vs Dalmore 12
17. Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey
Why We Like It:
The first thing you’ll notice is this whiskey’s honeyed, smooth taste. It’s not too strong, but it has some kick, making it perfect for sipping or mixing into a cocktail.
The finish is smooth and clean, with just a hint of that burn from drinking straight whiskey.
It has an ABV of 50%, which you can find in your favorite liquor store for approximately $62.99 (Total Wine).
Read: Uncle Nearest 1856 vs Uncle Nearest 1884
18. WhistlePig 6 Year PiggyBack Rye Whiskey
Why We Like It:
This is an interesting straight rye whiskey, aged in virgin oak, with a lot going on in the palate and finish.
The nose is syrupy and spicy, with notes of peppercorn and cocoa. The palate starts with the same sweetness but quickly turns spicy and earthy.
The finish is long, smooth, and warm, with lingering herbs and orange zest. It has an ABV of 48% and is priced for about $37.99 (Total Wine).
Read: Recommended Rye Whiskeys Under $50
19. Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon
Why We Like It:
Willett Single Pot Still whiskey is bottled at 47% ABV. This is an excellent choice for the price, delivering honey notes with hints of straight rye and cinnamon herbs.
The finish is sugary and smooth. This is very affordable for about $64.99 (Total Wine), making it an excellent choice for casual drinkers.
20. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Why We Like It:
This is an iconic brand of ‘go-to’ bourbon for its unique and well-blended flavors of floral, caramel, fruit, and wood notes.
Aged in white oak barrels and new bourbon barrels, Woodford Reserve bourbon creates a rich and colorful flavor.
The finish is long and warm, containing 43.2% ABV. You can get this for about $47.99 (Total Wine).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the smoothest whiskey under $100?
The smoothest whiskey under $100 could be The Balvenie 14-Year-Old Caribbean Cask Single Malt Scotch. It is effortless to drink, with little to no burning sensation or scratching on the throat.
It’s one of the best whiskey bottles to swig straight up like Elijah Craig, Old Forester, and Pappy van Winkle.
Are whiskeys under $100 worth it?
Whiskeys under $100 are definitely worth it, just like high-end bottles. You can enjoy a world-class Scotch or bourbon glass for under $100. There are a variety of spirits to choose from – Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky, and so on.
Who won best whiskey 2023?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I do not have information on the winners of the best whiskey for the year 2023. The title of the best whiskey can vary depending on the source, competition, and individual preferences. To find the most current and accurate information, it is recommended to check recent reviews, awards, and rankings from reputable sources or attend industry events where such accolades are announced.
Which brand is best in whisky?
Determining the “best” whisky brand is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. Various whisky brands are renowned for their quality and diverse offerings. Some well-regarded brands include Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, Lagavulin, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve, among others.
Exploring different expressions within these brands and trying whiskies from different regions can help individuals discover the brand that aligns with their specific tastes.
Is Jack Daniel’s a bourbon?
No, Jack Daniel’s is not classified as a bourbon; it is a Tennessee whiskey. While bourbon and Tennessee whiskey share similarities, including the use of a majority corn mash bill, new charred oak barrel aging, and a minimum aging period, there are key differences.
Tennessee whiskey, like Jack Daniel’s, undergoes an additional filtration process known as the Lincoln County Process, where the whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging. This step imparts a unique smoothness to the final product, distinguishing Tennessee whiskey from bourbon.
What is the smoothest bourbon?
Determining the smoothest bourbon is subjective and varies based on individual taste preferences. Several bourbons are known for their smooth profiles, including Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and Blanton’s.
Factors such as the aging process, mash bill, and distillation techniques contribute to the perceived smoothness of a bourbon. Exploring different bourbons and conducting tastings can help individuals find the one that suits their palate.
Why is bourbon whisky so expensive?
The cost of bourbon can be influenced by various factors. High-quality ingredients, meticulous production processes, and extended aging periods in new charred oak barrels contribute to production expenses.
Limited releases, unique cask finishes, and rare expressions can also drive up prices. Additionally, branding, packaging, and marketing can impact the perceived value of a bourbon.
Rarity, age, and overall demand in the market play crucial roles in determining the pricing of premium and collectible bourbons. While some bourbons are affordable, others command higher prices due to the craftsmanship, aging, and uniqueness associated with their production.
Final Verdict : Best Whiskey Under $100
There are so many excellent selections out there within the price range of the best whiskey under $100. Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down your options, giving you high-quality bottles within the budget.
But, remember, it’s about what tastes good to you, regardless of price, so don’t be afraid to explore. Is something glaringly absent from our list? Please let us know in the comment section!
References:
- Bourbon Legend Fred Noe On Knob Creek 15-Year, Kentucky’s ‘Statesmen’ Of Bourbon, And More
- In the New World of Whiskeys, Australia Strives to Stand Out
