The 5 VERY BEST Bourbons for $30 (OR LESS) + Cooper's Craft Barrel Reserve QUICK REVIEW | Episode 22

[@OutdoorGearAddiction]

Kudos to yall picking 10 bottles in your top 5! You're helping the consumers out so much! Giving us options to still feel like we're experiencing your picks. Can't brag enough about how helpful that is!!!!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much OGA! We don't do this channel because we like to be on camera (quite the opposite actually). We do this channel because we love sharing whiskey with others and because we're on the consumer journey as everyone else, and we want to speak to our experience in that realm in a way that's helpful to other consumers out there. So glad you found this video helpful!

[@OutdoorGearAddiction]

@@stuffandwhiskey awesome. We the People appreciate it!

[@StillLivinginthewoods]

I have found that the $40-70 range is where I get the absolute best bang for my buck. There are tons of good tasty whiskies under that price range, but they are usually fairly low proof and one dimensional. The new 8 Year Dickel Bourbon is a great example, tastes great, but still a little boring. And of course there are amazing whiskies that cost much more,... but that $70-80 mark just seems to be the point of diminishing returns for my own personal tastes/budget. This is a good solid list for anyone looking at the $30 price range though, Wild Turkey 101 and Evan Williams SiB are both really great values. I always keep a bottle of WT101 on the shelf.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Yeah in my experience the best whiskeys considering the price are at the 60-80 mark,40-80 if you wanna broaden it. Ecbp, jack bp, stagg jr, old forester 1920 just to name a few

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Well said guys. $30 and under was our newbie price point comfort zone for the better part of a decade. Now the $40-80 range is certainly our sweet spot. So much outstanding whiskey in that range!

[@jamesbullard4897]

Cooper 100 proof is just as tastefully delicious as the higher priced old forresters

[@sweetsinnndy5201]

Loved this video because I have a lot of the picks you touted. Love the Buffalo Trace, Makers 46, Old forester 100, and WT101. I did a blind last weekend with the Old Forester 100, WT101, Jim Beam Black 7 year and Old grandad bonded. WT101 won, barely, but I am liking it more with each taste.

[@TheBarryHawk]

I am no Super Hero but I appreciate the thought. Awesome shout out! 100% agree with your list. Great video, great content, awesome channel and two amazing hosts.!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Insert skeptical eyes here because that’s EXACTLY what a real super hero would say. 😂 Cheers friend. Thank you for being you.

[@richardnewman2446]

I started my bourbon journey in 1999 with Basil Hayden’s. Since, I’ve graduated to enjoying BiB bourbons / 100 proof bourbon on the daily, and higher proofs on the days where work is not in the picture the next day. I love the Coopers’ Craft as a go to for $28.99.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

The value is super high in Cooper’s Craft for sure. Cheers Richard!

[@jasonc.5718]

100% agree on the Zojirushi! I bought mine a few years ago after 2 Contigos crapped out. They're almost too effective at keeping coffee hot. Literally 3 hours after brewing you have to be careful not to burn yourself. Speaking of vessels for liquid, what about an other stuff segment on flasks? I don't see much content about them on whiskeytube.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

So glad other folks know how incredible these Zojirushis are! We’re not personal flask users but may be worth researching for sure. There’s definitely not much out there on them!

[@robertlee6781]

The new Wild Turkey 101 packaging takes it up a notch. Like your picks. They’re all winners.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We’ll be picking up a new bottling soon. It certainly goes a long way to upping the mass appeal of the product. Cheers Robert!

[@thaboomer53]

Wild Turkey 101 has to be the best tasting value Bourbon out there. it's my number one go to on a regular basis. it never dissapoints.

[@jamesrector5811]

Great list guys! The Evan Williams SB, picked one up on a whim going through Illinois back in July for about $26. Solid bourbon! If I’m in an area the BT is hard to get I’ll reach for that. Cheers!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Cheers to that James! Thanks for watching!

[@topdog3781]

I agree with that Evan Williams single barrel and all the Evan Williams products on that run

[@stuffandwhiskey]

One of the more underrated budget brands out there somehow. Cheers John!

[@JD0124]

I picked up a bottle of Cooper's Craft while on a trip to Virginia (it's not available in California). THAT was slightly over $30, but definitely worth it! Excellent stuff. Really liked the Old Grandad 100, and need to try that 114! Weller Special Reserve is a go-to for just over $30 here in CA. Wild Turkey 101: Agreed. It's great for under $30. Maker's Mark 46: Had that a little over a year ago. I liked it, but have not revisited it since. It was just under $40 here in CA. Evan Williams 1783: Agreed! Excellent for under $30! Evan Williams SB Vintage: I LOVED that stuff. It's no longer available domestically - which makes me very sad. I was able to find a shop that had a few bottles remaining... of which I grabbed two of them before they were all gone. If I ever saw it again, I would snatch that thing up in a heartbeat. Again, I paid a little over $30 for it here.

[@sumguy116]

Ah... Zojirushi, as one of many many kids that grew up with this rice cooker brand... Never thought I'd hear about this on a bourbon channel.

[@brandonparker158]

I would have to mostly agree with your list; 1. Cooper's Craft 2. Makers Mark 46 3. Old Grandad BIB 4. Buffalo Trace 5. Tullamore Dew (Irish whiskey IK) Honorable mention is Sazerac Rye

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Gerat list, Brandon! And a good reminder that we have to get OGD BiB on the channel ASAP. Cheers!

[@67manderson]

Buffalo Trace is definitely #1. Best bourbon for the price. It's been a little hard to find around my area lately, I finally found a few bottles so it goes on my almost everyday bourbon.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It’s an old favorite of ours too, but availability is a real problem. Luckily there are lots of great available comparable options. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@RedSoxFanatic4Life]

Great video, as always. I have most of the bottles on your list on my shelf now, including multiple Heaven Hill products. I wish Maker’s Mark No. 46 was available here for $30; it’s usually around $40.

[@timmbottoni3135]

Great video again, great list of 5 or 9, or whatever. So many good recommendations!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Haha thanks so much Timm! Cheers buddy!

[@kennethgibson7483]

Always keep WT 101 on the shelf not to mention EW BIB and Larceny....great vid awesome picks. Look forward to trying Maker's Mark 46.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Cheers to that Kenneth! Thanks for watching!

[@knight946]

These are all great choices, I have tried all except the Buffalo Trace as it is allocated here.

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

Buffalo Trace is allocated here too, but I was able to get a bottle when I was just starting out (at the time I didn't even know what "allocated" and "unicorn" mean 😂). It's good stuff. An alternative that's easier to find, at least around here, is Bluff Springs.

[@aubreymillner]

I am about 5 years into Bourbons and started of course with Wild Turkey - reminded me of some good college weekends …some I remember at least…I did move on to Makers Mark 46 and I definitely agree that’s a great gateway into Bourbon. I have a fairly large selection of Bourbons now (including some unicorns) and still go back to Buffalo Trace and now and then Larceny when I just want to pour and enjoy without company. I don’t know much about Evan Williams, not sure why just haven’t picked any at the store. I’m going to head over to my local store this afternoon and see what they have. Just found your channel and subscribed. Great review…keep it coming!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much Aubrey! Hopefully if you snag an Evan Williams single barrel it hits the spot. Some are better than others but we’ve yet to have a bad one.

[@mttech1995]

Good list!! I need to grab a bottle of that 1793 in the new package. I have never seen MM 46 for under $35, so good on y’all for getting it for $30. One that I would definitely have on my list.. Knob Creek 9yr. That’s my pick for best $30 and under bourbon!! Cheers!! 🥃🥃

[@DBTdad]

It's amazing how much that extra 4% proof matters in newly made over EW 1783. Now my daily drinker.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We aaaaaalmost put that one on our list Ed. Great recommendation!

[@clintwestwood1895]

Buffalo Trace and Evan Williams sb are Awesome, I think their only problem is that the bottle designs themselves don't look " Fancy" enough. If they made them look more like " Blanton's" I bet they would sell for double the price or even more.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

100% agree. Cheers Clint and thanks for watching!

[@deangood6682]

mix coopers craft br with 1792 small batch for a delicious sipper. equal amounts of each.

[@chavezz.a.8334]

About 8 months ago I bought my first bottle of bourbon, was a Buffalo Trace. Wasn't sure where to start, just knew it was a sought after bottle. Didn't know at the time, but it was actually a single barrel store pick... Not too bad for my first bottle.

[@imoffthegrid2158]

I don't understand all love that Evan Williams BIB gets. It's a cheap mixer at best. It tastes green/young, with sharp edges . Most of the other picks are good.👍 I would put OGD 114 in my top 10 , but I have a pretty good idea what I'm looking for by in a bourbon by now.

[@89sooner]

I agree 100% with WT 101 (of the four bottles I have right now with the same mash bill). I will never argue with any of about three thrifty Evan Williams bottles. I always grab any Elijah Craig or Buffalo Trace pick when they show up. But…c’mon…Early Times BiB…mid-$20s…FOR A LITER…that bottle continues to slay in my double blinds (btw…my new system is 90% y’all’s…Thanx!).

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Early Times is a good recommendation and crowd favorite to be sure. For some reason it just doesn’t hit our palate quite right. Never even occurred to us to include it because of that, but it’s a hit with most people and a great suggestion. Cheers David and thanks for commenting!

[@edlower3328]

Great episode. Fantastic selections!!!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks, Ed. We appreciate you watching!

[@billj5645]

Shopping can br frustrating- I was just in my local large store, and this is a very large store- no Coopers Craft, no OGD 114, no Wild Turkey 101, no Rare Breed, no Buffalo Trace. I didn't notice any Larceny. But Elijah Craig, Makers 46, Evan Williams, Old Forester were available. Evan Williams 1783 is $16.50 in our market, white label BIB is $14.50. I'm just a beginner so hard for me to have 5 favorites- of Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 101, Evan Williams 1783, Old Forester 100 and Makers 46, I found Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey 101 to be the most approachable, Old Forester 100 a close third. Evan Williams and Makers had a finish that seemed too harsh for me. I bought some Evan Williams BIB today to try. I have a small list of other bottles to try.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We hear us Bill. In most markets it seems like different stores stock different brands too based on what they sell the most of, which can lead to readily available products being absent from some stores. Sounds like you’ve got a great journey going so far. Enjoy the ride!

[@WhiskeyWimps]

I wish we could find Cooper's Craft around here. Just haven't seen it anywhere in California.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Be right back. We’re going to go write a sternly worded letter to the Brown Forman brass to get some Cooper’s Craft out there to you!

[@WhiskeyWimps]

@@stuffandwhiskey appreciate it!

[@trainnate]

Great video! It's a relief to hear I'm not the only one that doesn't like OGD 114 or Larceny, and I agree on the JTS Brown, it's something like 17 or 18 dollars around here. I still have to try Fighting Cock sometime.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

You’re not alone Nate! And Fighting Cock is one we pass up everything ourselves-1we need to correct that. So many bourbons, only so much time and budget. Cheers buddy!

[@josephthomas2226]

Great list, as always. Cooper's - liked it but not enough to buy again (paid 34). OGD114 - not sold near me (I've tried 15 stores). Who doesn't love WT101? I also like MM46 but won't buy it again (it's about $38 here). Have not tried OF100 yet - almost bought one yesterday. (should have, it was only $23 and the other stores here sell it at $28 and higher). 1783 is great - I have a handle (it was about $32 if I remember right). I like EWBIB even better than the 1783 and it's a few bucks less. I paid $30 for a handle and would buy it again in a heartbeat. Buffalo - I found one this week for $35 (cheapest in our area, which run up to $80). Have never seen it as barrel.

[@vinceyoung1124]

My go too work night sip is redemption

[@Danr07]

Good list. For me personally, I find the standard Larceny damn near undrinkable. It almost has a sour note to it. I would replace that with the 1792 small batch. I can get that for $30 and even less when on sale.

[@DBTdad]

Larceny has a hint of motor oil

[@Danr07]

@@DBTdad That’s it! You know I couldn’t really figure out what taste I was getting, but you are spot on. Quaker State 5W-30 I believe.

[@DBTdad]

@@Danr07 that's a relief! I thought I was the only one who tasted 30 weight

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Makes you wonder if that strong nuttiness comes across as that motor oil note for some folks. We don’t typically buy regular Larceny but we’ve yet to have a bad store pick. Cheers guys!

[@strouth64]

I can no longer find Cooper's Craft Barrel Reserve in the Atlanta metro. Is it available elsewhere or is this out of distribution right now?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Interesting. We can't say we've paid much attention to whether or not that bottle is on the shelf lately, but we do know that it does come and go in waves here in Nashville, TN. If it's out, it may be back in a month or two.

[@strouth64]

@@stuffandwhiskey Good to know. Thank you! I'll just keep an eye out for it. I know they've filled the spaces on the shelves that it once occupied, but perhaps that's just standard practice.

[@Glock2201]

Great video. It would be more impressive if you had a shot or 2 of all the ones you mentioned and still been able to finish the video. I like BT a lot and think it is a great value. I just picked up some of the MM 46 and might be wrong but thought it was closer to $40. I will have to try some of the EW products at some point. I might have to add Buillett to your list.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We film in batches so that would certainly make the next video filmed after this one a lot of fun. 😂 MM46 fluctuates in our market but usually hovers around $29.99 to 34.99. Markets do vary though, unfortunately.

[@kevinsamuels3140]

Cooper Craft is good people are sleeping on that.👌🏾

[@justinjohnson3174]

Dickel 8 year Bourbon is one of the best in this category.

[@StillLivinginthewoods]

Yeah, I just picked up a bottle last week and I was really impressed. Honestly, it tastes nothing like Dickel to me. If you gave it to me blind I would swear it was a high rye bourbon because it has got a little spice to it. 90 proof is a little boring though. If only they could get that flavor profile into a product over a hundred proof,.. now that would be a good one.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We’re going to buy a bottle the very next time we see one after hearing how much folks are enjoying it. Looking forward to trying it! For the money it’ll have a hard time unseating Evan Williams SiB and Cooper’s Craft for the money. Can’t wait!

[@mr.richiej]

Hey guys like your work .We tried the Old Forester 100 and it was terrible so you think we could have gotten a bad bottle it was like rubbing alcohol with cooking spice thrown in .

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Potentially. It’s also worth giving it some time and trying it again on a few occasions to see if/how it changes as air gets into the bottle. Old Forester for us can sometimes hit us with that rubbing alcohol or acetone note, but it’s not all the time. It just depends on our palates that day. It’s one of those pours we have to be in the right mood for. Hopefully the bottle comes around for you. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Some nice selections. Nice review

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@mattwise4741]

Great selection!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks for watching, Matt. Cheers!

[@scurfie2343]

I poured a Cooper's Craft Reserve for a bourbon buddy. He never had it before, and just like everyone else he stopped mid sip and asked "What is this? This is good!"

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That pour tends to have the effect on people. Cheers Scurfie!

[@marceljohnson2215]

If you haven’t tried it, building station is really good. 29.99 so it fits the criteria

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That’s a new one for us. We’ll keep our eyes peeled. Thanks for the recommendation and for watching Marcel!

[@dunny2124]

Very well done review, to the point with common sense feedback. Going to get the EW single barrel. Love all the wild turkey 🦃 skus , my favs under $50, Plz do more scotch reviews, enjoyed that one a lot, do a non-peated review - others provided great suggestions, good luck… new subscriber

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much Dunny! We try to keep it down to earth and common sense as possible, backed up by a lot of blind tastings to remove all the hype. We've definitely got some more Scotch content in the pipeline as well. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@gcbwoods]

Once I saw you "squeezed" in 114 OGD, I knew the list had to be good.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Haha thanks so much! We appreciate your watching!

[@silverlochwhiskyreviews6157]

Great list … and spot on 👍

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much SLWR! Cheers!

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Hard to beat wild turkey 101 under 30

[@StillLivinginthewoods]

If you like whiskey with a little spice to it and a proof over 100, Wild Turkey is basically the only option.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

The list easily could’ve been five bottles of Wild Turkey 101 TBH. #WTWT

[@IC86]

Good review, thanks for posting it. My only comment is that Makers Mark Cask Strength is really good like the MM46, and should be in that reasonable price range. I’m also a fan of Buffalo Trace and just about anything they put out there.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Maker's Cask is a great pour to be sure. Here it's in the $40 range though but we have heard of it being cheaper in some areas. Cheers and thanks for watching IC86!

[@superman6338]

@@stuffandwhiskey $45 in my area

[@mrpapinchock]

Makers 46 Cask is another level. Aside from the Private Selection store picks out there….best MM for a wheated bourbon.

[@IC86]

@@mrpapinchock I agree about MM 46 Cask Strength. But it’s more expensive than the range this video was discussing.

[@MrCoffeekelly]

I'm not sure about everywhere else but I can almost always find knob creek for 28-29 dollars. Blows all those out of the water imo.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That would’ve been a great one to include. We do love us some Knob Creek. These days we so often go for the 120 proof single barrels that we often forget about the 100 proofer. We haven’t had one of those in years but we do need to pick another one up and get it into some blinds for sure.

[@69CamaroSS]

Early Times BIB can NOT be beaten in this price range…..AND it’s a full liter (1/3 more) for under $30!!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It took us a while to come around to Early Times but we're fully on board now!

[@adamjohnzon]

great Job!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Appreciate you watching, Adam. Cheers!

[@mrpapinchock]

Coopers Craft is a Brown Forman so, banana on the nose! OF100 Rye. Can’t get it in Nebraska…gonna probably have to look for it in KC.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Appreciate you watching and commenting. Cheers Cody!

[@mrpapinchock]

@@stuffandwhiskey so, I’ve been watching you guys and Sara and Chad…. I have a RR single barrel store pick that I LOVE. Keep thinking I’d be doubling up on similar juice if I got some Rare Breed but y’all’s videos are quite convincing 😂

[@stuffandwhiskey]

@@mrpapinchock there’s definitely enough of a difference in our minds to justify both, but we’re also huge Turkey fans. For the money it’s hard to beat!

[@mattd.4133]

I like Larceny.

[@billjoynes3433]

I prefer the 40 to 70 range, however, there are many great choices for less !! No need to chase allocated bourbon !

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We couldn't agree more. Well said, Bill!

[@peteaiello1784]

46 🔥 price and availability 💯

[@stuffandwhiskey]

For sure! Cheers and thanks for watching Pete!

[@parkerprecision6675]

how do i find store picks?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

What market are you in? Not all stores do them but it’s worth asking your local stores about. It’s also worth checking online sites such as Seelbachs, Keg n Bottle, Bourbon Outfitters, Blackwell’s, and Mash and Grape.

[@parkerprecision6675]

@@stuffandwhiskey wow i wasnt expecting a reply, thank you for the suggestions. i live in north texas but work in wyoming and utah.

[@ericdolby1622]

Russell's Reserve 10 is $29 here.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That's fantastic price and value!

[@josephthomas2226]

the lowest I have seen where I live is $40 (which is what I paid)

[@ericdolby1622]

@@josephthomas2226 totally worth $40 still.

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

You can get Maker's Mark 46 for under $30??? Maker's regular costs 30 here, and the 46 is $40. Other than that, I can get behind this list.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Yep yep, it’s a $29.99 bottle at most stores in our market, although some do nudge it up to $34.99. Solid easy sipper for the money for sure!

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

​@@stuffandwhiskey Guess I need to come to Tennessee. Based on my research both of those prices are incredible for Makers 46 compared to the national average. If all the prices are like that, gives our channel so much potential. Haha.

[@alankelley8570]

OGD BiB is a way better option than OGD 114. Not a fan of the 114

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

The bonded is good. I've not had the 114 yet - it's been out of stock here for months.

[@877-MASH-NOW]

WHISKEY CHEERS

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Cheers Jay! Hope you had a good weekend buddy!

[@JMo-uh5cd]

Yall must be in KY or something if youre getting 46 for 30 bucks! Thats crazy

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Nashville, TN. It floats between $30-33 here at most stores.

[@robertlee6781]

$28 at the Krogers in KY. Nashville prices are a few bucks higher than Kentucky.

[@johnburesh4221]

E.c.s.b. for under or at 30 ? No way. Small batch maybe, not s.b.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We'd have to rewatch to be sure of the reference but Elijah Craig Small Batch and single barrel picks of Elijah Craig Small Batch are both 29.99 in our market.

[@tonylema5334]

I know I’m in the minority, but I don’t like WT101 at all

[@stuffandwhiskey]

While it's a great value pour in our book, we definitely know of some folks out there that don't love it. If we all liked the same stuff then life would be pretty boring so we're always happy to hear a differing opinion. Cheers and thanks for watching Tony!

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

😢

[@huntermcdougal5013]

Coopers craft was the most disappointing bourbon ive tried this year

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We can see it. Especially with all the hype it’s gotten in some circles.

[@deangood6682]

@@huntermcdougal5013 wow you are one of very few🥃 cheers