The Best Cheap Whiskey of 2024 for a Great Bottle on a Budget
Finding the best cheap whiskey in the U.S. isn’t some shameful act. Quite the contrary—it’s a point of pride. When compared to single malt whiskies coming out of Scotland and Japan, American whiskey is just as delicious for a fraction of the cost.
True, demand for top shelf stuff is soaring towards the stratosphere, as data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. shows that revenues of high-end premium labels are up 137% over the past five years. But despite the trend, or maybe because of it, there remains a consensus among whiskey cognoscenti that if you’re paying more than $50 for a good bottle of bourbon, you’re doing it wrong.
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As the spring and summer come around, you simply can't afford to bring top shelf whiskey gifts to every camping trip or dinner party. Therefore, we rounded up the best cheap whiskey on shelves today. Whether you’re craving bourbon, rye whiskey, single barrel, small batch, or cask strength selections, you’ll find something to slake your thirst in the list of expressions below. But our top pick, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, demonstrates outsized oomph and complexity at an ideal price.
Related: Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2023
Overall Best Cheap Whiskey: Buffalo Trace
The eponymous product of the most revered distillery in all of American whiskey, this everyday offering is often overlooked. After all, Buffalo Trace's older brothers include Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, and Eagle Rare—some of the most sought after spirits on shelves today. But sleep on this flagship offering at your own peril. It’s creamy, full of caramel and toffee, and punches way above its sub-$30-per-bottle weight class.
Best Cheap Rye Whiskey: Old Overholt Bonded Rye
Old Overholt Bonded Rye is a bottled-in-bond variation on the classic Old Overholt offering. That means the whiskey ages for a minimum of 4 years and is bottled at an exacting 100-proof. It is the platonic ideal of the category. Sturdy, slightly minty, fresh-baked bread with a touch of savory spice in the fade. The best cheap rye for a Manhattan, without exception.
Best Cheap American Whiskey: Michter’s US*1 American Whiskey
Michter’s US*1 American Whiskey, a citrus-forward sipper, can’t be considered a bourbon because it ages in barrels that were previously use to age bourbon. By definition, bourbon must be aged in unused barrels. But just because it isn’t labeled as such doesn’t mean it’s lesser than. Complimenting orange zest on the palate is a cornucopia of confectioner’s delight. You might even be able to nose some hints of sticky toffee pudding.
Related: The 15 Best Scotch Whiskies of 2023
More Cheap Whiskeys We Love
Why You Should Trust Me
I’ve been a whiskey writer for over a decade, writing columns for magazines, websites, and newspapers across the globe. I’m also a judge for some of the most prominent spirits competitions on the planet. In any given year, I’ll sample upwards of 500 expressions of barrel-aged spirits. I’ve spent plenty of personal time with each and every one of the liquids featured on this list.
What We Look for When Choosing the Best Cheap Whiskey
There's a lot of brown liquor out there. To make the cut for our list of the best cheap whiskey, bottles had to be full of flavor, easy to enjoy on their own or in classic cocktail form, and they had to offer an undeniable value—namely, a price point below $50. Luckily, whiskeys at that cost tend to be widely available and versatile for any occasion.
Related: The Best Bourbons of 2024 to Drink Neat or as a Highball
