Best Bottles of Bourbon for $50 or Less

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House of Bourbon

It's tradition to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with free-flowing mint juleps. Whether making a classic version or putting a spin on it, you'll still want to stock up on bourbon. The corn-based American whiskey is one of the most beloved spirits worldwide and, luckily for all its fans out there, comes in plenty of good options under $50, with many under $30. This list of bourbons all scored at least 90 points in the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, where they were tasted by no fewer than four professional judges who help shape the beverage world nationally and abroad. Any one of these bourbons is a great foundation for derby day drinks — and for a well-stocked home bar.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

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Flaviar

Heaven's Door Straight American Bourbon

$48 from Flaviar

At 44 percent alcohol by volume, this bourbon is a little higher in alcohol than many standard examples. This means cocktails will be potent — especially useful when using the usual crushed ice.

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Flaviar

Noble Oak Double Oak Bourbon

$33 from Flaviar

This double-oaked spirit picks up satisfying sweet and caramelized flavors from extended wood aging. It's ideal for those who like drinks on the sweet side, or for recipes that use otherwise tart or even spicy flavors.

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Total Wine

Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon

$41 from Total Wine

This single-barrel release offers unique flavors that are distinct to the particular barrel selected for bottling. Cocktails where the nuances of the bourbon will shine are ideal.

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Flaviar

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

$31 from Flaviar

A tried and true classic that's extremely affordable, and a favorite among many bourbon drinkers for its smooth body. Useful in any recipe, or just for sipping on its own, this is a solid choice.

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A. Smith Bowman Distillery

John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon

$50 from A. Smith Bowman Distillery
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This bourbon shows off Virginia's craft distilling movement. At 50 percent alcohol by volume, the flavors are bold and rich, making for punchy, spirit-forward cocktails.

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Courtesy of makersmark.com

Maker's Mark Bourbon

$25 from Total Wine

Another reliable classic, and a favorite that is easy to find across the country. A safe bet, especially when looking for a bourbon that is easy to mix with.

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Total Wine

1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

$47 from Total Wine

Full proof means the bourbon hasn't had any water added to bring down the alcohol by volume. With nearly 63 percent ABV, this is a powerhouse of a whiskey that could benefit from mixing with other low- or no-alcohol ingredients.

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Drizly

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

$42 and up from Drizly

Getting more rare by the year, this bourbon is a steal, considering the quality in the bottle. Look for it anywhere with a medium- or large-sized bourbon offering.

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Flaviar

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

$23 from Flaviar

Another iconic bourbon, the namesake pioneer of the brand is often credited with being the first to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels. A highly awarded yet still affordable option, this is also easy to find around the country.

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Total Wine

Four Roses Bourbon

$16 from Total Wine

Well known by bourbon drinkers for its incredible value and well balanced flavors, Four Roses' signature bottling is delicious and affordable. Many of its other special bottlings are also reasonably priced.

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Flaviar

Old Forester 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon

$27 from Flaviar

This 50 percent ABV bourbon comes from Kentucky, the state most steeped in bourbon history. The added strength creates full-flavored drinks for those who like to taste the booze in their cocktails.

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Flaviar

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon

$25 from Flaviar

One of the most renowned bourbon producers, Buffalo Trace knows a thing or two about good whiskey. Its entry-level, namesake whiskey is a standard among bourbon fans and hands-down offers incredible value.

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Flaviar

George Remus Straight Bourbon

$46 from Flaviar

Named after a famous bootlegger from prohibition, this whiskey has high rye content that gives body balanced by distinct sweet overtones such as maple and vanilla, and it's that interplay that make this such a sought-after bourbon.

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Total Wine

William Wolf Bourbon

$34 from Total Wine

Hailing from South Carolina, this bourbon shows off some of the newer distilling efforts of the east coast. It may be a bit tricky to find in every state, but it has national distribution, which means it should be available across the country.

Total Wine

Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon

$10 from Total Wine

A go-to for a shoestring budget. Winning high marks in a blind tasting by experts, this bourbon offers high-quality flavor at an incredibly high value.

Total Wine

Bare Knuckle Bourbon

$41 from Total Wine

Made with attention to detail at every step — beginning with the sourcing of raw materials all from Virginia — the quality of the final product is evident.