5 BEST Low Proof & Budget Friendly BOURBONS

[@rpredl]

I have been drinking bourbon for over 20 years and am a lower proof guy. I like to stay at or under 100 proof most of the time. Thanks for the low proof support.

[@Hypee559]

Get a cask strength and add water until you hit 50% abv

[@01blaval]

You don’t have to like highproof/ cask strenght to like bourbon👍🏼 I like both, but in different ways.

[@roger80465]

I'm all about value bourbon. There are so many excellent products in this category which is why I will NEVER overpay for allocated products. I'm surprised there were no Evan Williams products, particularly 1783. That is one of my favorites in this category. Also, Very Old Barton 86 can't be beat for a low cost, low proof pour. In my area I can get a handle for $21. Love this topic and thank you for doing this. It seems most whiskey tube channels are chasing proof. This was fun

[@michaelcoretto9629]

What a great video. As a newbie myself the lower proof offerings are a great start and who isn’t searching for a bargain. I wholeheartedly would love a series of these videos. While not probably a budget bottle, Angels Envy is one I really like and that got me into the bourbon world. Keep up the fantastic work!!

[@bionicdan1959]

You guys do a bang up job at introducing your followers to new bourbons across many genera's. Thanks for this video!

[@Shiner32]

Absolutely, I would love to see more budget friendly videos, this would make a great series!

[@erere244]

Great show. Nice to see budget friendly drinks. Would love the see more of the same in rye, cask strength and even scotches. Thanks guys . Keep up the good work.

[@kingkrow420]

Would absolutely love a budget cask strength vid. The others as well, but definitely cask strength. Haven’t gotten into that at all and would love to have a starting point!

[@clydekimsey7503]

​@@kingkrow420 that would be old grand dad 114

[@josepharmato8032]

@@clydekimsey7503 if you can find it

[@ascajc]

Yes, would love to see budget friendly in all different categories, specially scotch!

[@Tanner0]

Time Stamps: 01:50 - Benchmark Small Batch 04:28 - Four Roses bourbon 07:02 - Elijah Craig Small Batch 09:03 - 1792 Small Batch 10:52 - Green River

[@ericmiller7706]

I like shows like this. It's fun to hear about expensive ones, and ones that I maybe can't get, but it's great to hear about affordable, available stuff.

[@mikebreidenbach246]

Near the end of this vid (~13:50 or so), Kurt and Trenton both mentioned "spending some time with" the Green River. Since I'm trying to learn how to pick up those nuanced flavors, I wonder if you could have a video of how you "spend time with" a bourbon (ie, how to taste it, do you prep it and let it warm up before tasting, etc.) It feels like a process, or a scientific journey. If I can learn how to pick out these flavors even half-as-good as you two, I'd be very happy! Love the channel!

[@slbdrinks]

Great idea!

[@itzirishninja]

I can’t pick out flavors for the life of me..

[@brienburke4382]

Budget Friendly Good Bourbons ….. what’s not to like …… bring it! 😍 Good Show!

[@joshandamandamccarthy5103]

Yes thanks for doing budget friendly and I do think that’s where many of us are at. Love the idea of a budget friendly high proof/cask strength show now as well.

[@clydekimsey7503]

That would be OGD114

[@stevekuhns793]

I always enjoy seeing a good budget selection. Keep em coming!

[@MrCleveland]

Love these videos. I don’t have time to “hunt” 😂nor the desire, but I do enjoy bourbon. I don’t have a need to “hunt” and flex in bourbon Facebook book groups about my “haul”, small D energy there. Can’t wait for the cask strength version. Best bourbon KZbin channel!

[@bc1042]

I just bought my first Green River last week, Recommended by the store owner. Really good for the price, paid $35 here in Michigan

[@brmicmatthews8398]

I started my bourbon journey with Elijah Craig SB and Four Roses small SB. Elijah Craig gives me a root beer note on the pallet, I really love it. Great video guys.

[@debbybrady1246]

I always appreciate "budget friendly" offerings.

[@ConallMcNelis]

Thanks to you guys have been pushing my proof point higher and higher, but obviously dont always have it in the budget to splurge, so videos like this are great. 1792 has become one of my favorites especially in the summer months to sip on a something a little lighter. Not sure if you guys have it out by you but would love to see a video on Hudson Whiskey NY.

[@FakingANerve]

1792 is such a solid, always available pour.

[@jasoncornish3449]

Great video and I really enjoyed the way y’all break down the tasting notes. I recently started drinking Peerless bourbon and would love to see a video of you tasting Peerless. It’s a little more expensive but doesn’t break the bank. 15:24

[@Mr.KobeZoom]

Been into bourbon whiskey only 2-3 months now! Love 85 proof to 105! I’m lucky to have gotten 3blantons and 3 buffalo trace and I love em both and four roses/ old forester 100 great to!

[@mack9527]

Great Job again!!! Thanks you all so much for your videos!!! So helpful and informative.

[@RobertThomas-hw2gu]

I appreciate you guys taking the time and doing some lower dollar stuff. I've always had decent luck finding juice that is really good for budget money. Cheers fellas!

[@jesseanderton2]

EW 1783 Small Batch is my go to lower proof budget choice. Very nice pour

[@slbdrinks]

Great choice!

[@rrmfly89]

I had asked for this video on a previous video, so I really appreciate it. I've been learning how to introduce people to bourbon, and I realized there was nothing below 100 proof in my collection at the time.

[@RJR2222]

You guys never disappoint. I will have to try the 1792.

[@brucenorred1457]

As a retiree I like hearing about budget friendly bourbons! Keep up the great work guys! My preference is in the higher proof points but not always in the budget.

[@davidtrianni5763]

Love the budget videos you guys do. Even if I can’t find in person I would still order online somewhere. I think the cask strength budget bottles would be a great next video. Cheers

[@ChristopherNeeme]

The problem with that in the budget category is that the damn shipping cost basically bumps up your total to something comparable to premium off your local store shelf.

[@davidtrianni5763]

@@ChristopherNeeme It does, but If it’s a flat rate shipping cost up to a certain amount of bottles then it may be worth it.

[@LeeDempsey]

Thanks guys! I like the 1792 as an alternative to Eagle Rare when I can’t find Eagle Rare - some similar cherry fruit notes, but some differences too.

[@rewndude]

I had my wife set up a blind for me between 1792, eagle rare, knob creek 9yr and Russell's reserve 10yr ksb. I picked the 1792. It was very close, the knob 3rd, Russell's was last by far. I don't know if i got a bad bottle, but that Russell's was foul, really sharp on the nose and palette and a distinctly unpleasant finish, kinda an athlete's foot note. I might pick rich and rare over it in a blind honestly if I detested myself enough to ever buy r&r again.

[@robertlee9559]

Great call on the Green River. It's about $30 in Kentucky. There is also a newly released Wheater out there too. In the future, a full proof offering will be out there, as well as barrel picks. Green River reminds me of the old Heaven Hill 6 year green label, also 90 proof.

[@royboy2124]

Great video. I think it would be beneficial to go through all the different types like you mentioned. I think for Scotch especially, people assume that needs to be expensive to get something delicious but there are really a lot of great ones out there for less than people would think. Cheers!

[@debbybrady1246]

1792 is always on my shelf. I hope I can find Green River here in south Texas - you had me at fig.

[@clydekimsey7503]

Hi from san antonio

[@nickp5511]

Very helpful as usual! I’ve been on my bourbon journey for about four months and I’m liking the higher proof bourbons better already but my go to list for lower proof would be, 1792 small batch, Elijah Craig small batch, Russell’s 10yr, Four Roses small batch, Knob Creek 9yr, Evan Williams 1783 all great tasting and I get them for 32.00 or less.

[@BB-sc1jv]

Knob Creek 9 is excellent! Always stocked at my bar.

[@aaronmulcahy2004]

Yes. Great idea. I was lucky enough to grab the Bardstown origin series bourbon last week. Amazing for the price point.

[@kevinfoster2246]

now its hard to find but it is damn good!

[@jamesseamans1491]

Really enjoy budget friendly Bourbons. Really enjoy each of these except Green Hill and Benchmark Small Batch. Neither of these are in my area. But the Four Roses, EW 1783, & EC Small Batch are each in my collection. Thanks for the video 👍👍

[@Brendasan23]

Yes, please do more videos like this. You guys are awesome!

[@ismo5204]

Thanks for covering this topic. I would love to see you guys cover some budget ryes as well!

[@FakingANerve]

More budget and *available* pours like these, please. I'd rather see useful tasting comparisons like these than here about the nuances of this years BTAC selections that all but one or two viewers will ever taste.😊👍

[@billcarpenter3880]

Love watching you two, and contrasting it with prices and availability of products we actually get in Ontario Canada…I’m sure the various viewers in different areas do similar. In this case, I can get the middle 3, a similar price if I do the exchange. I consider myself a value bourbon drinker….I don’t mind paying for a bottle that is worth the price asked, and while I have had the higher proof bottles, I find the heat and effect sometimes overwhelm the experience. This particular video was particularly of value, but I will say that the reason I keep watching is the family feel, honesty, and humour, coupled with finding the occasional treasure that I had somehow missed. Your channel is only the second I subscribe to (after I post this). Thanks guys (and the ladies).

[@michaeljames2250]

I’m a newbie and enjoy all your videos. This one was good because of the cost points but I enjoy the videos of the premium bourbons as well along with the drinks such as the old fashioned one you did. Keep them coming you guys are very entertaining and educational at the same time.

[@journeyofbear6423]

I picked up a 1792 because of you all. I agree it is pretty darn good. I'll be keeping it handy for sure.

[@tonyking3274]

Great video as always. I would love to see more videos like this. I have been sipping bourbon for a bit now and really enjoy all. I like just sitting back from time to time with a lower proof. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge with us.

[@honker1307]

Love to see the lower proofs getting some love. 1792 and Benchmark are some of my go to mixers. Great episode today.

[@JayWallenFishing]

Just got my hands on some Green River Wheated here in central KY and it is AMAZING!!!! Especially for the price point, compares with Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Bottled in Bond, but for about $35. I saw they are going to offer a Single Barrel as well, coming soon! It should be noted that Bardstown Bourbon Company recently purchased Green River!

[@Spencer_WNC]

I think this is a great idea! I would love to see budget friendly cask strength, ryes, and maybe even BIB! Budget Wheater... Great show guys!

[@chrisngptdnet]

Cast Straight budget would be a good topic for me. Thanks for all your great content.

[@jeremyengland3397]

Great video! Whenever I have Elijah Craig Small Batch, I think it drinks a little hotter than 94 proof. For me, that's a good thing because I typically enjoy a proof point similar to Kurt - 100 to 110.

[@johnlivingston8671]

I really enjoy the budget friendly bourbons videos. I would like to see more in the future. Thank you giving me knowledge on bourbons in your videos.

[@txstang84]

I just picked up a bottle of the Benchmark-for $19 (in my area), totally worth it. The flavor profile for me was somewhere around TX and Buffalo Trace, both of which I like, albeit a little less complex…probably due to the lower aging, and perhaps not as smooth as the BT, but I can’t complain at the price point and we only find BT occasionally here. Each store only has a few allocations and they sell out fast.

[@hopshlooken]

Would love to see more budget content. Great episode.

[@christianirizarry4086]

I take Woodford over Four Roses(my least favorite bottle that I have) and Elijah Crais every day. I can find Woodford for $28. Great video as always!

[@ronschmucker504]

Love the video. 1792 SB is my daily sipper for the last year or so. Love it and think it is way underrated

[@mikepetrella4009]

Great video boys! Always important to review some great, low-proof budget bottles…I’d love to see a budget rye and finished bourbon review in the future. Cheers!

[@kingkrow420]

Ditto on both of those, especially the finished

[@josepharmato8032]

Sazerac Rye

[@BoronBobcat]

Thanks again for an informative video. I'm very much interested in lower priced options, just not too low.

[@dunny2124]

Great list Kurt, loving my coopers craft 100, but i know its not widely available 😊

[@Kcsportsfan42]

I just got Green River last week for the first time! I honestly really enjoyed it. I got some real dark cocoa notes out of it, kind of chocolatey. I thought it brought plenty of flavor for the proof and price! I’ll be interested in your thoughts as you try it more!

[@danieldean2096]

Congrats to both of you on this topic. Other ryes or single barrel would be interesting too.

[@EverydayDrinker]

As always great list and great show boys!

[@nateohman4713]

Something that I find interesting is how different a whiskey can taste after breathing a bit. I recommend EC small batch, Woodford, and Russell's Reserve 10yr to noobs quite often, and haven't gotten negative feedback. My 1792 tasted better to me after it was open a while. Same goes for an Uncle Nearest 1884.

[@ryanlong7388]

I would enjoy a rye show. I use rye whiskey for a lot of mixed drinks so it would be nice to see what you consider a good value for the lower cost.

[@lovinlife1899]

I appreciate this great video! I tend to like this proof point for more regular sipping. Anything over 100 - well I can’t last as long to enjoy.

[@slbdrinks]

Love your name!

[@lovinlife1899]

@@slbdrinks Thanks!

[@TenaciousRock27]

I'd love to see your take on the "worst of the bottom shelf" that bourbon junkies recently did

[@alleckssadler7379]

That would be awesome. Ten High, Mattingly and Moore, Cleveland, Hudson Baby Bourbon

[@kevinfoster2246]

yes do it please! lol

[@paradiswest4395]

Or even worst of the top shelf.

[@t.martin3179]

​@@alleckssadler7379 I've always been curious about the Hudson Baby Bourbon.

[@romberthehobbyist]

Thanks for this video guys. This is more inline with what I drink. My most expensive bottles are Rare Breed, 1792 Full Proof and Smoke Wagon Small Batch.

[@bigcountrybriar9911]

I visited a friend last week who wanted to buy a bottle that I enjoy drinking for when I was there. I said Evan Williams BIB but they got regular EW. Might have been the company but the cocktails we made were delicious and sipping on it straight was good too. Cheers SLB!

[@thelegionoftools]

Regular EW is really not that bad at all. I like the flavor and pour it 60/40 if I am mixing it. Beretta9MMUSA Sr.

[@JoeScar412]

My current new bourbon that's knocked my socks off is Thirteenth Colony Southern Bourbon. Sooooo good. 95 proof and only $35. Toffee, oak, vanilla, pecan. Delicious.

[@davidcolgan3268]

Great show as usual. I prefer whiskeys, bourbon, rye, and Irish, in the 100 proof neighborhood like Kurt. I do have some cask strength. I try to spend no more than $50 but I have paid up to $80. Thanks again.

[@paulhendershot111]

I have not seen the Green River in Ohio yet, so have not had the chance to try it. The other 4 are tried and true light sippers and I like them all. I carry a half pint of the Four Roses yellow label in my golf bag in case of snake bite......

[@slbdrinks]

😂

[@ryanburdue9000]

There are so many really good bourbons for under $45! Folks who are new to bourbon don't need to go spend $70-$80 chasing Blanton's just to say they have one. Four Roses, Russell's 10 year, 1792, Michter's etc. are all great pours!

[@jefflorenzen6913]

Agree Ryan! Love Russell's 10 year! Great bourbon at a great price

[@BB-sc1jv]

You are so right although a good friend shared with me that “the chase” for hard to find bourbon is an equal part of the enjoyment.

[@ryanburdue9000]

@@BB-sc1jv I’m fortunate in that I can buy it weekly from two stores I’m a regular at if I wanted to but there are just too many other really good bourbons out there I’d rather have. I will say that the chase is fun when looking for a particular bottle. Looking for the unicorn JD12 currently with no luck at all.

[@EnTitledTown]

I must echo that Russells 10 year is very appealing to my taste buds👍🥃👍

[@bigscofan]

Old Barton! Wow!

[@jp-bl5vk]

Great episode. Once in a while I'll spend a little more, but for the most part I live in the $20-$35, 90ish proof range. Elijah Craig and 1792 are two of my favorites, and I'm enjoying some Old Forester (86 proof, $22 in my area) right now.

[@reggiewatson9382]

Of the list, Green River is the best! Although I haven't tried Benchmark.

[@lezlielockett3461]

Love these videos! I always learn something new! Can't wait for the next one 😊

[@lsutigr25]

Great show as always. As someone who is expecting a significant reduction in income, budget friendly is timely for me. I greatly prefer 100 proof plus.

[@neilmattos2756]

Would enjoy seeing more like this. Scotch, Irish, rye, hell even rums! Been enjoying some great rums lately. 😁

[@Trigger138x]

One of my go to budget but good proof and taste for me is Knob Creek and Makers 46 and also when it comes to Rye I enjoy rare breed rye and high west double Rye not Cheap cheap on price but not bad neither all between 25-30where I live

[@Glock2201]

We do not have the Green River or Benchmark in this area but the other 3 are solid choices. I have only had one bottle of the 1792 SB and Four Roses but liked them quite a bit and the FR is a great value around $22. I like OF86 a little better so lean towards that one. I like the ECSB but it is closer to $30 around here which is about the same as Woodford's Reserve so I tend to lean a little more towards that but will definitely get ECSB again and would love to score some of their barrel proof.

[@garyvogrin7015]

I like to mix in the the low proof options as well. Idea for video content! How do they get the notes of figs, chocolate, plum, butterscotch , vanilla,etc in the the whiskey? From the barrel or they add extracts of those notes?

[@BettyCDH]

I checked the local Liquor Barn pickup prices. Keep in mind, this store is about 30 minutes from the Bourbon Capital of the world. I couldn't find the Benchmark small batch. Of the other 4, 3 were higher than what you have for price points and the Green River was the same. The highest price difference was for the Elijah Craig. It was $5 more. I'm thinking of going to a local small liquor store and see how many she has. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@clydekimsey7503]

Good topic. I like higher proof, but not the next morning 😅 My preference is in the 90s. My favorite budget is EW1783

[@marklinnell7167]

Very Old Barton 100 is pretty solid for the price about 17 here. I usually pay another 5 bucks and get Wild Turkey 101. I'm usually not a fan of 90 proof and below.

[@keiththompson1265]

I need to try the Benchmark SB again. "For the money" I actually like the Full Proof. Holds up well to a cigar and mixes well to me.

[@mikejustmike2557]

I'm in South Carolina and you can't find Green River. So I had a friend send me a few bottles. As of now you can only find it in I think 4 states. So I'm ahead of the curve in my area. Lots of people I've had try it enjoy it. FYI they are owned by Bardstown Bourbon Company and the 10th oldest distillery in KY.

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks for the info Mike. Good to hear from you.

[@Falconsgang8988]

in my personal opinion i think the 1792 small batch is an absolute DUNK on eljah craig small batch i mean it just simplydoes not coompare... i love 1792 small batch it is perfect to me... well rounded, fruity notes, almost a banana bread note along with the caramel and a tiny bit of that woody oakiness that warms your soul its fantastic

[@chu88y1]

Hi Friends. Crown Royal ....wait for it....XO. Cognac finished. Real nice lower proof.

[@jaredbills72]

Great video. I need to try 1792. Heard so many good things about them. Knob creek 9 year is budget friendly, available and right at 100 proof. I like that one a lot..

[@Frank-uf2vn]

Ive only been drinking bourbon for a few years now and really like the Four Roses, Elijah Craig & 1792 haven't seen the Green River or Benchmark. I picked up a .750ml bottle of Buffalo Trace, handed the guy a $50 bill and got change (coins) back! I enjoy watching you guys. 🥃Cheers!

[@AudibleVisibIe]

In my opinion, if you're really trying to start drinking some good stuff, you should start over 80 proof. 90 is a good spot, but there are some 86-87 proofers that are solid I. E. OF 1897

[@sweetlisa22]

nice selection. I just got the Green River Wheated recently. I like it a lot. Budget friendly and delicious.

[@currahee63]

Thanks for the video guys. As always, great job. I like the budget friendly theme and think you should carry it across other bourbons, ryes, etc. Every time I see one of the Benchmark offerings on your channel it makes me mad that I can't find those here in Rhode Island. I've heard many good things about the Full Proof as well and would love to be able to try those. Cheers.

[@gres1094]

Love these two.

[@OldFashionedWays]

Such a good idea for helping everyone find low proof and budget friendly bourbons. good list. cheers.

[@bmc2567]

Good review. I need to revisit EC. Love the Barrel proof stuff but remembering the lower proof stuff just fell short. Good to know it’s a cocktail mixer so for sure will revisit. Future, budget Ryes for sure. Cask Strength always a good option. BIBs too.

[@marcremington7375]

This is a great video for me because I’m trying to embrace some bourbons below that 100 proof mark, where I usually like to hang out. Would also love to see a few videos on some small distilleries outside of the big names.

[@SmoovNerd]

AWESEOME, let's do ALL the budget friendly categories....next, Cask Strength please! Love watching you guys, helping my wife and I pick some that we would not of tried. Thanks and CHEERS!!!!

[@paradiswest4395]

I have had the 1792 & the Elijah Craig. Love them both. The 1792 for me is extremely smooth.

[@Matt_Bykowski]

Great one! Thanks for this one. I realized the high proof, high cost bottles are something I need to stay away from. Nice to some bottles that are in the range of what I'm drinking and looking for. It you see the Stonehammer (90 proof), which is a Kroger (grocery store) exclusive out there, I recommend picking it up. It's very good, particularly at it's $22 price point. I'd love to see it make an appearance on the SLB Bourbon Bar. Cheers.

[@neonwraith]

I would love to see a Kentucky Owl distillery review. I have a few of their products and I think they are really great. Interested to hear your thoughts.

[@shmuckling]

Speaking of common and budget friendly, Larceny Small Batch 92 proof is a budget wheated bourbon - one of my faves right now(33.99 for a liter here in WNY). I love that 1792 and the Four Roses too.

[@tobyhayes611]

When I started drinking bourbon over 40 years ago, low proof was my preference. As my taste Buds have "matured"😂😂I enjoy the 100 proof plus range bourbons. I'm all in on the Benchmark, Elijah Craig and the 1792. Keep up the great reviews! How about a review of moderately priced bottled in bond bourbons?

[@DBTdad]

Great choices! How a rye version of this?

[@MrCook-fz8jp]

Surprised no Old Forester 86 proof! Great bourbon for the money. I've had 1792, several different bottles, red top, yellow top, anyway, I just don't get any flavors that blows me away. Just seems thin to me. That's my take. I have been enjoying some higher proofs lately. One is New Riff SB thanks to one of your episodes. Enjoyed the video as always. Keep up the great work!

[@davidhackfeld7209]

Thanks for a great video, keep up the great work. Love the Benchmark SB and the 1792.