Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
So, what’s the best whiskey under 30 dollars? Most people think whiskey is very expensive because it’s a top-shelf spirit. But did you know that there are affordable but high-quality whiskeys on the market under $30?
If you want to bring home one, our team will gladly help you find the best whiskey under $30 without a hassle.
15 Best Whiskey Bottles Under $30
1. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey
When it comes to whiskey, Jack Daniel’s is the first thing to cross people’s minds in Tennessee because it has a signature taste synonymous with southern living [1]. A 750 ml bottle is approximately $26, and its smoothness is legendary.
The Black Label Jack Daniel’s whiskey base label is filtered through ten feet of maple wood charcoal for the smooth and mellow taste. Here’s a list of the most expensive Jack Daniel’s.
2. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Buffalo Trace is the oldest operating distillery in the United States, and the best whiskeys are distributed on allocation to ensure that every state gets a shot [2]. The distillery makes the finest whiskey. You can get the BTK Straight Bourbon Whiskey at approximately $25 per 750 ml.
For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace received multiple awards and is now considered a National Historic Landmark. A premium bottle has a mellow, rich, slightly sweet hint of vanilla, warm toffee notes, and oak.
3. Old Forester Signature 100 Proof Bourbon
The Old Forester Signature 100 Proof Bourbon is a strong bourbon whiskey because of its alcohol proof. Even at 100 proof, Old Forester bourbon whiskey has a full-flavor blend that is not too intense.
A 750ml bottle is roughly $27, and it has different notes of spicy and sweet. For a fun fact, the 100 Proof Bourbon Whiskey was sold as medicine 101 years ago.
4. Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon is an iconic bourbon inside an old west saloon-style bottle. The brand new distillery recently opened in Shelbyville, Kentucky, and it produces top and bottom-shelf whiskeys.
A 750 ml is priced at roughly $29. It has slightly sweet, clean, and peppery notes, which is a perfect example of bourbon.
5. Redemption High-Rye Bourbon
The Redemption High-Rye Bourbon is a dominant American spirit popularized for more than two hundred years. A 750 ml of rye whiskey is priced at roughly $29.
The Redemption Bourbon Whiskey has fruit, mint, and bitter notes from the mash bill. It has a spicy and bold taste because of its mash bill that contains 95% grain.
Read: Best Sipping Whiskeys For Beginners
6. Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101 is a bourbon whiskey distilled by Master Distiller Jimmy Russell who’s been with the brand as a Master Distiller for more than sixty years. A bottle of Wild Turkey 101 can be bought for approximately $26.
Its high 101 proof can be ideal for drinking with a mixer or beer. Moreso, the bourbon whiskey has a char and good wood notes with a dose of rye spice.
Read: List of the Smoothest Whiskeys
7. Tincup American Whiskey
Tincup American whiskey is a fine whiskey with high rye content for a powerful and spicier hint. A 750 ml bottle, roughly $30, has a light palate with sweet grain, cinnamon spice, and apple notes.
Moreso, it comes with a tin cup that serves as a cool shot glass. But what’s the best whiskey under $50?
8. Evan Williams Single Barrel
The Evan Williams Single Barrel is a premium bottle of bourbon with a 7-8 year age statement. A 750 ml is priced under $30, and it has a dominating palate of fig, rock candy, and toasted corn. Moreso, the single barrel vintage has an amazing balance of spice, so smooth and mellow.
Also Read: Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s
9. Woodford Reserve
The Woodford Reserve is a bourbon whiskey made from corn, rye, malted barley, and Kentucky limestone water. A 750 ml bottle of Woodford Reserve in 90.4 proof is sold at roughly $26. The straight bourbon whiskey has a sweet, warm, creamy, and spicy taste and has caramel and vanilla notes.
10. Redemption
Redemption bourbon is an easy-drinking whiskey known for its subtle flavor. The straight bourbon whiskey has a well-balanced sweetness and comes with notes of caramel and a sweeter side.
The price is roughly $26 and can be enjoyed on the rocks or incorporated into mixed drinks. But what’s the best bourbon under $20?
11. Chattanooga Whiskey 91
Chattanooga is a Tennessee whiskey made with four grains and three specialty malts. The high malt whiskey is fermented for seven days before aging in two different barrels. A 750 ml Chattanooga Whiskey 91 is roughly $27. This unique Tennessee whiskey has a rich, long apricot, toast, and honey palette.
12. George Dickel Rye
George Dickel Rye is a known rye whiskey that employs the Lincoln County process of spirit filtering. The distiller chills the whiskey before filtering it through charcoal to smoothen the rye whiskey. A 750 ml costs around $27, and the 90 proof whiskey is perfect for sipping and cocktails.
Read: What’s The Cheapest Whiskey To Drink Straight?
13. Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a bourbon with elicit taste from the best barrels. It is a wheated bourbon wherein the second grain is wheat instead of rye, making it a mellow and rounder bourbon. A 750 ml can cost you around $28 only and is famous because of its butter caramel notes.
Read: Bourbon & Rye Compared
14. Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Bourbon Whiskey
The Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Bourbon Whiskey is one of the best whiskey under $30, and its secret is the barrel aging that imparts the flavor of the spirit.
For roughly $23, you can pour one and enjoy a 750 ml straight bourbon whiskey with 90 proof, premium aroma, and deep color.
Read: Jim Beam vs Knob Creek Bourbon
15. Four Roses Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Four Roses Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a known whiskey under $24, and it uses two mash bills and five different yeast strains that complete the notes of the finished whiskey. The bourbon is ideal for premium cocktails and good for sipping because of its 80 proof.
FAQs
Is a whiskey under $30 considered top shelf?
Yes, there is a whiskey under $30 that is considered top-shelf. While most top-shelf whiskey bottles are above $30, some of the best-known bourbons are at this price point. They are excellent candidates as a top-shelf spirit.
Which is the best budget whiskey?
Determining the best budget whiskey depends on personal preferences and what one values in a whiskey. Some popular options known for their quality and affordability include Buffalo Trace, Evan Williams Black Label, and Old Forester. These brands offer a range of flavors and profiles at a reasonable price point, making them excellent choices for those seeking value without sacrificing taste.
Which whiskey is the smoothest?
Whiskey enthusiasts often seek smoothness in their choice of whiskey, which can be subjective based on individual taste preferences. However, brands like Glenlivet, Macallan, and Highland Park are known for producing smooth and approachable single malt Scotch whiskies. Additionally, Irish whiskies like Jameson and Redbreast are renowned for their smooth and easy-drinking qualities.
What is the best whisky for the money?
Determining the best whisky for the money involves considering factors such as quality, flavor, and price point. Brands like Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 101, and Elijah Craig offer exceptional value for their quality and flavor profile. These whiskies are widely praised by enthusiasts and critics alike for their affordability and overall drinking experience.
Is a 30-year-old bottle of whiskey good?
A 30-year-old bottle of whiskey can be exceptional, as extended aging allows the spirit to develop complex flavors and aromas. However, the quality of a whiskey depends on various factors, including the distillery, production methods, storage conditions, and the type of cask used for aging. It’s essential to research the specific whiskey and consult expert reviews to determine its quality and value before making a purchase.
What is a beginner whiskey?
Beginner whiskies are typically approachable, with mild flavors and easy-drinking characteristics. Brands like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and Jameson are often recommended for beginners due to their smoothness, balanced flavors, and widespread availability. These whiskies provide an excellent introduction to the world of whiskey and are suitable for those new to the spirit.
Is Jack Daniel’s a whiskey?
Yes, Jack Daniel’s is a type of whiskey. Specifically, it is classified as Tennessee whiskey, which is similar to bourbon but undergoes an additional charcoal filtering process known as the Lincoln County Process. Jack Daniel’s is known for its smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile, making it a popular choice among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.
Which whiskey is best for beginners?
Whiskies that are best for beginners are typically those with approachable flavors and smooth profiles. Brands like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and Jameson are often recommended for beginners due to their mildness, balance, and widespread availability. These whiskies provide an excellent introduction to the world of whiskey and are suitable for those new to the spirit.
Is Glenfiddich a good whisky?
Yes, Glenfiddich is widely regarded as a good whisky, known for its consistent quality, smoothness, and range of flavors. As one of the most iconic Scotch whisky brands, Glenfiddich offers a variety of expressions, including its flagship 12-year-old single malt, which is praised for its fruity and floral notes. Glenfiddich’s reputation for excellence has made it a favorite among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
Which whiskey has no smell?
All whiskies have a characteristic aroma derived from their production process, aging, and ingredients. While some whiskies may have a lighter or more subtle aroma compared to others, it’s rare to find a whiskey with no smell at all. The aroma of whiskey is an integral part of its sensory experience, contributing to its overall flavor profile and complexity.
Which brand is best for whisky?
Determining the best brand for whisky depends on individual preferences and taste preferences. Some well-regarded whisky brands known for their quality and range of offerings include Glenfiddich, Macallan, Glenlivet, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Yamazaki. These brands produce a variety of expressions, from single malt Scotch whiskies to bourbon and rye whiskies, catering to diverse palates and preferences.
Is Johnnie Walker Scotch or whiskey?
Johnnie Walker is a brand of Scotch whisky. Specifically, it is a blended Scotch whisky, meaning it is made by blending together malt and grain whiskies from different distilleries in Scotland. Johnnie Walker is known for its range of expressions, including its iconic Red Label, Black Label, and Blue Label whiskies, each offering a distinct flavor profile and character.
Best Whiskey Under 30 Dollars
The best whiskeys under $30 are among the most sought-after bottles because of their affordability, reliable taste, and quality. While the world of whiskey is complicated because there are different brands, ages, specialties, and prices, these whiskeys under $30 prove that you can bring home excellent spirit without breaking your bank.
What’s your favorite whiskey under $30? Let us know by commenting down below.
Reference:
- https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/tennessee/articles/a-brief-history-of-jack-daniels/
- https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/drinks/a544955/buffalo-trace-whiskey/
