Best Bourbons Under $30 - A Blind Flight Challenge

21 Blind Flights of 64 Bourbons and here we are! After a Blind Fight of 5 Semi-Final winners, we will crown the Best Bourbon for Under $30! In this flight we have David Nicholson 1843, Evan Williams Bottled In Bond, Buffalo Trace, Evan Williams Single Barrel, and Knob Creek Small Batch.
Rules we followed to get our 64 Bourbons:
The Bourbon had to be under $30 before tax.
Prices were taken from the central Kentucky area.
All Bourbons had to be generally available. In other words, if you could not find it after walking into 3 major stores, it was not eligible.
All Bourbons had to be considered Bourbons by the letter of the law, so no finished or non-straight blended whiskies.
All Flights were randomly assigned using Random.org
This Flight features 5 Bourbons because we decided to include both winners from a semi-final round where we picked different 1st place Bourbons.
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#WhiskyTube #Bourbon #Whiskey

[@RedSoxFanatic4Life]

I’ve enjoyed this entire playlist in one sitting. In my opinion, your 64 bourbons under $30 tournament is far more entertaining than the NCAA basketball tournaments.

[@patrickfulmer9596]

How could anyone make it through all this and not subscribe? These two are knowledgeable and adorable. Great project. Thanks for all the hard work, drinking.

[@rondickinson1907]

Adorable to you but irritating like all flavor expert wannabes.

[@saljosemartinezklien8855]

I did but but , it seems they where more honest in the first few episode now they like everything , hard to believe , but I do love the vids ty guys , please dont take it to heart , I love u still and always XOXOXO

[@coreyhall7355]

Bourbon for breakfast would be waffles top with pulled pork and bourbon maple syrup. Yes that is something I have actually made because I’m a chef who loves bourbon…

[@shawnw739]

Sara’s “head shake” at 3:26, cracked me up. Priceless!

[@greircrabtree6940]

101, EW BIB and OGD 114 are my bargain jams!

[@themerryrabbit5040]

“There are no bad bourbons, only better bourbons.”

[@nicksinderson3302]

Yes, but some bourbons are better than others...

[@danielduncan7979]

I thought the same thing until I tried Old Bardstown. Its awful, its the only bottle I couldn't drink

[@scotttaylor5596]

@@danielduncan7979 the bottled in bond is great though

[@coreymartin-bigpoppa1377]

Wild Turkey 101 is still my winner

[@josiahquincy2744]

That's what I think ... Old Grand Dad bottled in bond is another

[@arickbakken]

Dude, in Denver, you can get a handle of Wild Turkey 101 for under $35. Ridiculous how cheap some of the good stuff still is!

[@bryancylar5281]

Thats what i was thinking

[@coreymartin-bigpoppa1377]

Arick Bakken 29.00 for a 1.75 here in MN

[@rockermork]

100% agree with 101. $21 for me in STL

[@RonPaulOrElse]

Considering Knob Creek is two and a half times the price of EWBiB in a 1.75 liter, it looks like EWBiB is the obvious winner. Let's hope the price doesn't jump up.

[@nateyoung6331]

I have 5 bottles of EWBiB

[@nateyoung6331]

It's so good for the price

[@RonPaulOrElse]

@Clams McGee Yep, I've got one on my counter right now. $22 for a 1.75.

[@xiamengbaby]

I'm in the Chicago area and when I first started drinking bourbon, the EW BIB 1.75 was my go-to. It was $29.99. But then it suddenly disappeared from my area. Now only the 750 ml bottles are available. Wish they'd bring the big boy back.

[@daddydog9275]

@@RonPaulOrElse you bastard, I have to get a fifth for basically the same price

[@BalaamsAss]

I love Evan Williams BiB, such a hidden gem, great quality and a great value. That is until the youtube whiskey community makes it expensive...

[@DasFlashyMan]

Honestly, if they jack up the price, I'll just buy something else instead to mix with Coke. I rarely find myself drinking EW BiB neat. Not that it's bad, but if I'm drinking something neat I have a lot of better choices in my bar. Rebel Yell 100 is just a few bucks more, quite a bit better neat, and mixes just as well with Coke. Or if I'm looking for something to exclusively drink neat, I'll just spend five bucks more and buy a bottle of Wild Turkey 101.

[@LuckyCJ]

Stop talking about it..... Ha!

[@LukeKirk1113]

For my Bib was pretty overrated, I mean I’m really new to whiskey so my opinion isnt worth as I’ve tried very few bottles but my Evan Williams Bib doesn’t even compare to WT 101

[@danielbeavers8701]

I love yalls channel. It rarely teaches us anything about whiskey. But it's fun to see you to steer off subject so often and just haveing a good time. It reminds me of being in class with the girl I liked and us getting put on the same project. Ofcorse that girl is now my wife lol! But it reminds me of those days lol!

[@triplecap4307]

"what a weird time to be alive" LOL

[@kevinv3082]

Well done! Thanks for putting this all together- two of my favorites finished 1-2. Maybe I'm not as unique as my mom said...

[@JamesMcCarty]

I recommend everyone go buy 20 bottles of their favorite bourbon and do their own flight test. You know, in the interest of science. Also, thank you guys for doing this!

[@WhiskyBrasil]

Skol Vikings 👊🏻🥃

[@shawnw739]

WhiskyBrasil.com SKOL back at ya

[@kellycottrell1674]

I found EW BIB a year and half ago! Great Bourbon, really affordable, hope it stays that way!

[@bluecollarbooze5386]

You guys have a solid palate. Looking forward to future videos! These are pretty fun to watch. Buffalo Trace FTW

[@fturla]

Knob Creek 9 and Evan Williams Bottled In Bond are at opposite sides of the price spectrum. The EW BiB is around 15 bucks while the Knob Creek Small Batch is over 45 dollars now. At the over 40 dollar price point, you are entering into the single barrel territory, but the competition is much more intense and you are looking at Eagle Rare, Rare Breed, Russell's Reserve, Smoke Wagon, and a whole host of craft style whiskeys while facing the Old Forester line up as well. Thanks for the blind test. I did expect the Buffalo Trace to not do as well even though it is a popular bottle that's in demand.

[@josephthomas2226]

you guys are always so much fun! I wish these were all still under $30. Evan BiB is still a bargain, but the others...

[@txmike1945]

Two things. First, it shows that our taste buds will vary from week to week and even day to day. Second, in my own blind tasting EW 100 BiB came out clearly ahead of the more expensive EW Single Barrel. It is real! Everyone go out today and buy 4 or 6 1.75L jugs of EW100 BiB, it really is that good! Down in Texas it is $22 for the big jug.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

I think the 100 proof of the EW BiB really helps it over the lesser single barrel.

[@justadudeintheworldman.120]

@@ItsBourbonNight Agreed. I’ve passed over the EW single barrel because of the proof. No single barrel should be below 100 IMO

[@thebigeasy8609]

Diggin' the "Flight Fights"!!! SHOCKER!!!! Knob Creek pulls it out! For me I would have had to put Elijah Craig Small Batch in this flight but as per usual you two doing bourbon proud! Cannot wait until the next "Fight" Til then keep sippin'

[@leizawenzka6874]

YAY so happy to see this fight flight. Great job!

[@scooter2d2]

Excellent finale to a long haul you two!

[@ryanpellegrini1023]

Just got done watching your very first video. You guys look so much more comfortable making these videos now.

[@mrrednick81]

Your first episode is what inspired me to go on by bourbon journey so thank you I just can't believe it's been that long

[@SippersSocialClub]

Knob Creek is the whiskey that got me into the game, great stuff as always guys, cheers!

[@EJGentleman]

Enjoy what you enjoy, and tasting is totally subjective. :-)

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Absolutely!

[@roger80465]

I have been waiting FOREVER (it seems) for the finale! Interestingly, my last 3 bourbon purchases have been Buffalo Trace, EW BIB, and now drinking Knob Creek. Next purchase is planned to be Evan BIB. Your taste is impeccable! 😁

[@nea273]

Question: Best Bourbon under $30? Answer: All of them.

[@daddydog9275]

Wild Turkey 101 or Buffalo Trace

[@smashexentertainment676]

My friends drink anything that burns, so the cheapest would be the best :D

[@FilmMavericks]

We are indeed saying all the things! 😆 But I’d most likely agree with y’all’s too 2 in a blind. Now I must pour a glass of Knob Creek 9.

[@ricardourbina9936]

EW BiB and Knob Creek are my favorites! Can’t beat them for the price. Great video guys!

[@coreyhall7355]

The secret is out. I’m drinking Evan Williams Bottles in Bond right now!!!

[@jdkimple]

Been drinking it for awhile now, didn't think it would be considered this good by others. Who knew?

[@rongarza1974]

It is great. I like Evan Williams Single Barrel as well. Great bang for your buck.

[@kevin1337ninja]

Love the Scrubs reference!! I don't think I've had any of those besides Buffalo Trace. I'll need to pick up a few bottles...

[@ao_qd]

I haven't had Knob Creek in over 4 years, and last week I picked up a bottle of the small batch out of curiosity. I figured the price was mostly for the higher proof, but I was so surprised that it actually tasted really good! What a great surprise!

[@hatchertiger]

Interesting to watch the 2016 video and this one back to back.

[@trumpybare7329]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Redemption is yours. EW bib for about $16. Can’t beat that. I take back all my criticism of your unicorn snobbery. This type of content is why I subscribed in the first place. Knob creek is some great juice also.

[@erikcuevas8376]

I have not tried any other expression of EW other than the black label, and I absolutely love it, I wish to ONE day try the BIB offering! I am not surprised that Knob Creek won, it is about as good as any bourbon will ever get, in any price range, that whiskey is just good period and end of story.

[@socoblue1988]

Woooo!! Great vid, guys. The only ones I haven't tried of these are the David Nicholson and EW BiB. You really can't go wrong with any of those options though. Thanks for the large undertaking to get to this point. Hope you guys had fun too!

[@WranglerManJ]

Nice job! Need to go back and watch the rest. I'd like to see a Barrel Proof Showdown! (I love the burn!)

[@WranglerManJ]

NM I found it ; ]

[@crashtech66]

Great job! Also, I can buy all 5 of those where I live, yay!

[@robertblaich]

I think I’d go broke if my wife loved whiskey like I do!

[@chrismuldoon2816]

I have really enjoyed your reviews on best bourbon under $30. I’m glad I’m not the only one who finds Buffalo Trace to be thin. Doesn’t have that exceptional mouth feel.

[@pamlusk831]

Love watching you guys!💗 Great job!!!🙂

[@voidvev]

they call that hugging feeling the KENTUCKY hug :D

[@jonathanflowers472]

First Evan Williams BiB I bought was not good. The nose was terrible so I thought "I just need to decant this" which helped a little. Bought another bottle for a vanilla extract experiment and that bottle smelled like heaven when i opened it.... A very odd occurrence. I would not expect a lot of variability in EW BiB batches but that's the only thing I can think of.

[@slayerrocks2]

I know SB will throw up variations, but my first EW SB was very good. My second put me off buying it again. I wonder if they may benefit from only having one taster in future. So you're not the only one questioning their consistency.

[@polocash11]

Not sure why nose matters in testing? If it smelled like crap and tasted like heaven, I would take that over the reverse.

[@BAMotorsports]

Chad breaking out Varsity Blues quotes......" I give it a 10 a f***ing 10 !!! "

[@cfor1950]

Haha "stiff oatmeal" with a shot of whiskey in it? Love that

[@tomzhangus]

Funny couple. Gosh she's got amazing looking eyes, bud. Lucky bastard ;p

[@jamesblair5971]

Enjoy the videos you sir absolutely out punted your coverage 😎 to echo other sentiments wild turkey 101 is still my favorite. If you can find it review one of our great Texas bourbons Garrison Brothers y’all will be pleasantly surprised.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

James Blair Thanks! We’ve actually toured Garrison Brothers before. It’s a great place!

[@frusciantenc]

Can’t wait to tell my grandkids about the good ole days when a bottle of EW BiB cost less than two chipotle bowls

[@matthewwright57]

Hell yes. Can't beat the knob!

[@wrusst]

Be interesting to slide these in the more expensive flights as red herrings

[@excitmnt94Evansdad]

In my area, Charlotte N.C. Knob Creek is 39...EW BiB is 17... 1.75 BiB for monthly special is under 30...WINNER ALL DAY

[@lukerichter690]

Bourbon maple syrup actually sounds fantastic

[@supermine291]

I make it and it is 😁

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

It's been a while since I've dropped in. Great content as always and I loved the Flight Challenge. Can't argue with the results either. Keep safe and keep putting out great content!

[@rocknroll8456]

Really prefer Sarah's more subtle eyebrows from 2016. Great video by the way!

[@500pizzas]

Thank you guys for doing this challenge! :)

[@Bourbonaut]

I haven't had Knob Creek in a very long time. Perhaps I should revisit it.

[@Farcry-yh4mu]

just scored a Larceny barrel strength can't wait to try

[@ericliebe3023]

I'm still on the hunt for this one.

[@jonathanrodriguez4666]

Found mine in Florida last week. Great stuff

[@johnhronafalvy]

Found mine in Delaware

[@justadudeintheworldman.120]

Still hunting in the concrete jungles

[@twentyfiveyears5010]

As I watched this, the only two bottles I had on hand were Knob Creek Small Batch and Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. After congratulating myself on my good taste, I went out and bought Larceny, 1792 Small Batch, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and Wild Turkey 101. That's a start.

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

wow thanks guys I cannot believe how good the EW BIB white label is for 20 or so bucks its ridiculously good. Made some Brown Derby cocktails with it now sipping on the front porch neat its really good.

[@williamheath3064]

Good thing i bought a couple of evan Williams bib, yesterday it was 15 bucks a bottle.....next week 25, thanks

[@archipelago93]

Glad that Evan Williams BiB is still a total steal. Around here it’s $16 for a 750 ml, which is half the price of Knob Creek. Imho Knob Creek is really good and a great value but not 2x better than EW BiB.

[@Edyth_Hedd]

Evan Williams BiB is my go-to value bourbon. It's delicious and unbeatable at around $17-$18 in my area (MA).

[@charlessmith2223]

We love knob and EW bib. They’re both great but for the money, you can’t beat the white label.

[@logankaptis884]

Great reviews and flight fight!

[@Frank-uf2vn]

I believe that Evan Williams wins not just because it's a great tasting bourbon, or that it's always a bargain or even that its always the one bottle "guaranteed" to be on the shelve! but that its always going to be the only bottle in the (any) flight that is actually the price stated in the video title no matter where you live! I can't remember the last time I saw K/C 100 proof but its $30 somewhere? I handed the guy a $50 bill and got back change with my last Buffalo Trace purchase. EW SB, DN 1843 are at or under $30 but still $3 - $8 more that the Evan Williams BIB. $22.67 out the door, you just can't shake a stick at that price. I enjoy watching your videos and trust your opinions when it comes time to make a bourbon purchase. 🥃Cheers!

[@BRIDON777]

Nice one again guys! Although im not seeing my fave Elijah Craig here? Drink a ton of water......and re-do this. Just kidding.....Cheers!

[@ghw7192]

EW Cottled in Bond, but i am going to try the Knob Hill

[@lonewanderer3603]

Evan Williams BiB is so good at that price point.

[@had2chopit2]

Knob Creek is my favorite! Locally 36-42 dollars a jug and worth every penny.

[@garrettjanssen7683]

I, for one, appreciate the budget showdowns as much as the pricey offerings. The QPR is part of why I love bourbon. Have you had any store pick Knob Creeks especially with a higher age statement?

[@Grizzly_Biscuit]

Lol he said tongue punch

[@jeffruebens8355]

You could also do beer tests. I like the Kentucky West Sixth and Alltech Bourbon Barrel Ale, however the New Belgium Voodoo Ranger from Asheville, North Carolina usually gets my cash.

[@JrSVT]

Love the Evan William's Bottled In Bond! Recently picked up the Knobb Creek and it's really good too....I gotta go with the Evan William's BIB though...I can pick up a 1.75L of it for the price of a 750ml of the Knobb Creek.

[@Sprice93USAF]

Sarah has my exact same taste preferences. My favorite whiskey ever is a Kroger store pick that was 16 years old and 120 proof. Love ewbib and knob Creek for under $30, and ecbp and kcsb for a barrel proof treat

[@steved2927]

Knob Creek is my pick too.

[@Glock2201]

EWBIB is a decent budget bourbon and might be the best under $20 but BT, Jim Beam double oaked, Old Forester 86, Four Roses, Buillett, and 1792 are all better IMO. I might even add Maker's and Redemption to that list. It has been a few years since I drank Redemption and Maker's and EWBIB are close. I might even add WT101 to the list but I went back and forth on that one.

[@naltaca]

I thought it was cute how close your placements were.

[@MrNoochie7312]

I just bought Evan Williams BIB last night....Trying to give it a chance, but being a bourbon newbie I still need to get used to the proof (whew, it knocked me on my ass). I love BT and Makers Mark, but will def. have to pick up Knob Creek Sm. Batch (its been on my short list).

[@TheWhiskyExplorer]

Great flight fight! You guys are lucky get to EW Single Barrel for under $30! It’s about $65 CAD here 🤦‍♂️. The BIB is $40 CAD 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@aukemist]

These guys work for Knob creek/ Jim beam and part time for Evan Williams/ heaven hill.

[@jasonmiller322]

There is no doubt in my mind that this is a true statement.

[@ilive4god2007]

Guys, you are awesome ) I'm a Wild Turkey 101 fan, and due to your recommendations I've just purchased Evan Williams BiB! Knob Creek is 2 TIMES more expensive here in Ukraine God knows why ))) P.S.If I wouldn't have my barista-friend, I would go crazy with all of your taste descriptions )))

[@askthepaperclip]

Ugh...Knob Creek is up to $33.99 at Total Wine in Norwalk, CT (which is the cheapest store I have found near me). At least EW BiB is still only $17.99 there! Also, I'm surprised you guys let a single barrel product into the tournament, due to the inherent variability. Also, will you please publish the final brackets so we can see what beat what??

[@glennrebillard3840]

This video is best bourbon under $50 in Canada. EWbib is by far the best value bourbon in Canada ($35 for 750ml). Another great value bourbon is Jim Beam Repeal Batch at $29, and surprisingly JD Old#7 (when bought in 1.75l bottle, $28 per 750ml). Most other sip-worthy bourbons are outrageously priced here, with most being well over $40.

[@aaronmulcahy2004]

Finally! Thank you!

[@nicholasjones5995]

OGD114 and it's not even close. Best value bourbon by far.

[@trezhan]

Where is Elijah Craig!?!?!!??!?!!

[@UKSportsFan]

Just started watching and have no idea how this will end up, but my money is on Chad picking Knob Creek...it's obviously his favorite LOL

[@UKSportsFan]

And (after fast forwarding to the results) not surprising that Sara has Evan Williams as her second favorite...LOL

[@williamharrington6383]

The answer is Wild Turkey 101

[@ScottTurnerboy]

Hey there. I’m a new guy on the block with only a dozen or so videos under my belt but, I must say your reviews are very informative. Do you have a video featuring Bib and Tucker? I’ve looked through a number of your shows but haven’t run across it. I’d love to see your opinion on this bourbon because it’s a personal favorite of mine. Thanks for all the information you impart on bourbons. And, in such a fun and lively manner. You guys really make it fun to watch.

[@Razieleatssouls]

My top 2 under $30ish are OGD 114 and Knob Creek. I really like EW BiB but it would start losing to the mid $20 Heaven Hills and Eagle Rare.

[@JamesSmith-uc8tk]

I currently have the EWBiB, EW Single Barrel, and Buffalo Trace in the pantry. EWBiB is #1, Single Barrel #2, and Buffalo Trace #3 of those bottles. I've only had an airplane bottle of Knob Creek, but wasn't a fan. I'm not sure if that David Nicholson 1843 is available in VA.

[@trumpybare7329]

Try the knob creek 120 in a store pick if you can find it. I was very impressed with this bourbon at my local liquor store. Cheers. Love EW bib.

[@Blasphemy43]

Strong eyebrow game

[@TerryTruthseeker]

Varsity blues

[@SPQR_14]

I'm always amazed at the price of Knob Creek in your area. I can get all of these bourbons for under $30, but Knob Creek is a whopping $45 and up where I live. Literally top shelf. Haven't tasted it in years for that reason unfortunately. Rather grab something like Rare Breed for that price.

[@bananapatch9118]

Wild Turkey 101 is my winner

[@zackprice8688]

Honestly I’ve only had 5 bourbons and I’ve enjoyed each of them woodford, four roses, Buffalo trace, wild turkey, and makers mark. I really want to try a bunch of different bourbons but I’m in Canada so our prices are different and availability is differently well

[@MrMiketwelch]

Good video. Bourbon tasting is very objective. Not a Jim Beam fan personally. Not the profile my taste buds prefer.

[@johnenterkin1200]

Bullet very consistent.