Think you need to spend big bucks to get a good bottle of whiskey? Think again. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, but the reality is that there are plenty of good bottles of bourbon, Canadian whisky, and blended scotch that drink splendidly on their own or in cocktails that don’t cost more than $25. Here’s a hint: check the lower shelves at the liquor store, and if you see a bourbon that says “bottled in bond” on the label, give it a try – it’s at least four years old and it’s 100 proof, two promising signs. What follows here is a list of some dependable whiskey picks that you can actually afford (with some words from Heaven Hill American Whiskey Brand Ambassador Bernie Lubbers). Some may be hard to find, and some may begin to get more expensive as whiskey fans catch on, so get them cheap while you still can.
Mellow Corn – $12.99
Bartenders have been won over by this bottled in bond corn whiskey, which clocks in at a whopping 90 percent corn in the mash bill. It’s smooth, grainy, and sweet, but at 100 proof it still packs a little punch. “It’s a one of a kind, it’s the ‘T-I-G-G-E-R or T-I-Douber-Gah-ER’ of whiskey,” says Lubbers. “If you want to look like you know what you’re doing, just ask for Mellow Corn and watch the bartenders’ faces light up!”
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond – $15.99
Regular black label Evan Williams should not be ignored – it’s fine, inexpensive bourbon – but the Bottled in Bond version is even better. It’s the same recipe, but with a higher 100 proof. “It’s what many cocktail bars use as their house bourbon for making classic cocktails since it’s bottled in bond,” says Lubbers, “and stands up in cocktails better than lower proof offerings for their needs.”
Evan Williams 1783 – $16.99
Personally, this is my least favorite Evan Williams expression, but you would be hard-pressed to find a cheaper small batch bourbon. Granted, “small batch” is an unregulated term that can mean a host of things, but presumably in this case it means this particular Evan Williams is pulled from a limited number of barrels. “This is one of the best valued sipping bourbons you’ll ever taste,” said Lubbers. “The vanilla and caramels are plentiful in this pour, and you’ll find it mixes well in your favorite drinks.”
Old Granddad Bottled in Bond – $24.99
This well regarded bourbon has been around in one form or another since well before Prohibition. Beginning in 1987, Jim Beam has been making Old Granddad, and the bottled in bond version is your best option – it also comes as 86 proof or 114 proof. This is high rye bourbon, and you can taste the spice. Out of all the budget bourbon on this list, this one is my favorite.
