Top 20 AVAILABLE Bourbons Under $40 | Whiskey Talk

🥃 🥃 JOIN US ON PATREON: / stuffandwhiskey
🧢 👕 GET STUFF & WHISKEY MERCH: www.stuffandwhiskey.com
📺 📺 TUNE INTO OUR NEXT LIVESTREAM: Sunday, March 26th @ 9pm ET/8pm CT
📨 📨 GET IN TOUCH: [e-mail]
H9UYARD2G1OU2PI1

[@jmroz311]

Russel's reserve 10 year is so good. I always give it to people who aren't used to drinking bourbon. Everyone loves it

[@SuperJuiceman11]

I hope it is.. got a Russell's 10 and the first night sipping it had a scotch like finish and ended up giving me a ragging headache. I'll try again tonight. The noise was incredible. I could have been dehydrated or had the taste of something else on the palate. I'm the type of person who believes you can't know a whiskey by sipping it in a tasting you got to take a bottle home for 2-3 nights to truly get to know it and see if it calls back to you. The Jack Daniels bonded 100 I recently got the first night sipping artificial banana completely wasn't liking it the next couple nights at grew on me more and more I absolutely love it now

[@slamfire6005]

Wild turkey 101 is all I buy now… I don’t mix drinks, I sip… and it’s a perfect affordable daily drinker that gets better with each sip.

[@BrianVaughn]

Wild Turkey 101 is a killer in blinds. It is one of the few bottles I rebuy regularly.

[@jicalzad]

Agrees

[@rhayes458]

As always, great video! Really appreciate this topic and the effort you put into this! Great stuff. I’m excited to see you talk about Bowman Brothers Small Batch. I don’t see many folks talk about it. I really enjoy the older brother of John J Bowman Single Barrel, but never tried the small batch. Plan to do so now! Thanks!

[@justinmaynard8638]

Yall have great channel! I've learned a lot as a guy that just got into bourbon a few months ago. Keep it coming!

[@Nole1992]

Such a great list. Goes to show that you don’t have to spend a lot to get great pours. Perfect for daily sippers and mixing. Also, congrats on 10k subscribers

[@charliemaddox3226]

With Early Times BIB, you mentioned the percieved taste difference between the Brown-Forman and Sazerac bottles, but left out one huge point. Everything out right now was still produced by Brown-Forman. Sazerac announced where they would start making their own in 2021, so that has not been released yet. The big test for any changes in taste won't happen until 2024 or 2025.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

For sure. We're still a ways away from having to cross that bridge. Right now the big difference is the folks at Sazerac blending the Brown-Forman whiskey rather than the folks at Brown-Forman. We've tried three bottles of each side by side and preferred the Sazerac bottles every time, but based on what we've heard we're convinced there are some bad Sazerac-blended bottles out there as well.

[@robertlee6781]

I am hoping it was some of the first bottles they blended where the Sazerac blenders weren’t up to speed with the Brown Forman product. I won’t know with out trying so I’ll have to try it.

[@TryinitwithOliver]

The one I have smells like permanent Markers. Worst nose Taste is good. Blue top

[@craiglsu72]

I’m just now seeing your calculator watch! Digging it!

[@badgerjeff6081]

Nice to see some new characters on a budget list - Wheel Horse, etc. I appreciate your tasting notes. I think they are very accurate and helpful to folks. Good stuff!

[@matthewlenehan3345]

Great video. I’ve got at least 8 of these bottles in the cabinet at the moment. Big love for Four Roses, Cooper’s, Russell’s 10, and Early Times.

[@ericdolby1622]

I have never found Early Times BIB in 4 different states I travel to in the south. But who cares I have WT 101.

[@rossgullet4436]

Great job. Really enjoy content. You guys are on target with selection.

[@Rickflairshair]

Great list yall. Really appreciate your time and effort into making it.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

And we appreciate you having one of the best names in all of KZbin. Cheers!

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

I need to tell my wife that. I am not drinking extra bourbon, I am priming the pump. Brilliant.

[@billjoynes3433]

Great list !! Many great bourbons that are overlooked... Several of these are in my cabinet. Favorite on the list is Four Roses SiB 🥃

[@scottmoody3926]

Great list and reminds me of ones I need to revisit

[@jeffdavenport8104]

Great job on the production value and the topic! Have a fantastic week guys!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks Jeff! Cheers and have a great week yourself!

[@curtboxley7678]

I love you two! You two are amazing! Wonderful list! Such a great reminder that their is still amazing bourbon out there for around $40.00 or less.....the prices these days are getting crazy! Cheers

[@paullee2177]

Good list, I have over half of them on my shelf already. Going shopping tomorrow!

[@DaSnakee]

I agree with all top 10. Great work guys. I love theses!

[@bendavis2967]

Solid lists folks! Agreed that the Knob Creek SB is a great pour.

[@richardbrandl7832]

Really appreciate the review of these bourbons. With the cost of bourbon continuing to go up it makes it hard for many of us to purchase the traditional bourbons we look for. Love Cooper's craft and hard to find where I live. A lot of great options. Thanks.

[@knight946]

Great list! I have had 15 of the 20 and I couldn’t agree more.

[@LakeSailor321]

Pretty sure I have most of these in my cabinet haha. Solid picks. That Coopers 100 is a surprise hitter for us. It was #1 or #2 for every person in my tasting group here lately in multiple blinds. Also love Four Roses small batch in this price range, I know my wife prefers it slightly to the Elijah Craig SB, so that's one we usually instantly rebuy. Shockingly I don't have any WT101, I feel like I should fix that. But I often enjoy Russel's 10 yr and SiB and I adore Rare Breed. Thanks!

[@kevinconnolly8784]

This is great! I’m ending up with too many sippers (read: expensive). I definitely need to get a few of these.

[@christopherteves7952]

Awesome video, so helpful to my bourbon journey, thank you!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Josh here. Glad to hear that Christopher! I love rolling up the sleeves and getting uber-nerdy but we really try to balance that type of content with more helpful and accessible content as well. It wasn't long ago that I was looking up videos just like this myself so I'm glad to hear you found it helpful. Cheers!

[@Reamer]

Great video, and great list. Cheers!

[@troybucher6383]

Great topic. So much good shelf whiskey.

[@dougtucker1267]

Congrats on 10k!!! Solid list, btw. 🥃

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much for being a big part of it!

[@loonypeat312]

This was an enjoyable video. I have learned a lot from other channels but this one is kind of a breath of fresh air. Being able to suss out great tasting bourbons without destroying the bank account is nice to see. Thanks for the great info. Based on your “mission statement,” FOMO, I’m happy to be a new subscriber. Keep up the great content.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Glad you found us and we appreciate you watching! Cheers!

[@Brian_W.]

As a casual enthusiast, this video is right up my alley. I havent tried some of these and now have something to go to to mix things up.

[@madhatter5331]

Watching your video as we speak, I picked up a bottle of KC 9yr today and I really like it. Drinking it neat without the burn is my favorite part. Thanks for your recommendation. I will try 1792 next week.

[@robertjason6885]

Talk about performing a service to the "nerd" community. THIS video is a blessing to us bourbon noobs (2 years and counting). Thanks much!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!

[@chrisdunning5481]

Another great video. My wife is a pastry girl as well. Your list reminds me of the bourbons I bought when I was starting to get more in to bourbon. When I broke the tequila habit. Back in the days when $40 seemed like a lot! I did chuckle when you included the Dickel Bourbon. Sean Paisley owes you a case of that!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Was all I could do to resist the urge for jokes, but I had a great laugh in my head. Cheers Chris!

[@CutterPhillips]

Could not agree more! I drank whiskey for years before I actually tried WT101 - thought it would be too hot with the proof. Evan BIB, Early Times, and 4 Roses are my suggestions to anyone wanting to step out of the Jack and Cokes! - great list!

[@tedcatranis]

Excellent review. Thanks. I highly agree on the 101. There is a bourbon that we have started liking that I do not see in video reviews - Jim Beam Double Oak. At 43 % it might be below a cut-off. It comes through very smooth for the price. Good nose and smooth taste. Fairly balanced taste. My wife and I enjoy it straight. We keep coming back to it.

[@imoffthegrid2158]

I agree that 4 roses 🌹 single barrel is probably the best easily attainable $40 bourbon. Eagle rare and 1792 bottled in bond are also great , if you can find them .

[@MatthewSmith-cp3hu]

wrote you list down going to try them all thank you! i bought about 5 so far open 3 and they were all much better than if i just randomly tried bottles that caught my eye

[@miked8236]

Welp…….sad to admit that after about 3 years into my bourbon hobby……I FINALLY bought a 4 Roses single barrel for my shelf …..and of course immediately it’s become one of my favorite pours. Kicking myself but hey here I am with another hitter that I can call one of my go to’s. Finally I’m seeing some more early times in my market too. Great Review and Cheers y’all!

[@MatthewSmith-cp3hu]

incredible pictures, so pretty and clear, visually inspiring but also so helpful to idenitfy what i am looking for

[@BigWodie904]

Totally agree with you on the Four Roses SiB!! It to me is the best SiB on the market for the price!! I recently purchased a Barrel Strength SiB and was blown away...I will hunt those to ends of the Earth!! Great video!

[@mack9527]

Thanks again for another awesome video!!!

[@rpredl]

Thanks for this list.

[@011humphrey]

Nice list! Bourbon is new to me. I have the wild turkey 101, still have to sample it

[@PourFolks1920]

Great list! We have had our channel for about a year and I am surprised at the number of these that we have not tried yet. Trying not to let FOMO rule. New list compiled. Thanks

[@justinlacasse1720]

Great list! I know it can be somewhat divisive but I would probably add Old Tub to the list.

[@1911syndicate]

Congrats on 10k

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much!

[@reedr7142]

I’ve been chasing Cooper’s ever since I got into bourbon. This is a fun list. I would probably have a few differences: •Larceny •Old Tub •Benchmark •Old Grand-Dad Bonded Four Roses is not under $40 in my area, but Buffalo Trace is.

[@jasonc_0928]

Another winning video! With inflation and availability making the whiskey hobby more challenging, it's always good to hear that there are so many available and affordable bottles of great quality out there. I'm in agreement with so many of your choices. As for the 4R, I may be in the minority because I don't love their high rye mashbill, but that's just my palate - no wrong answers here, just a wonderful variety of options. Thanks again Josh and Erin!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Funnily enough, we tend to like the shelf standard OBSV recipe to a lot of the store picks we've tried. It seems more balanced and less "out there" like some of the Four Roses picks can be. That said, totally hear you on Four Roses not being your thing. It's a somewhat polarizing profile for some.

[@drrobert8678]

I probably would have swapped out JD Bonded for Larceny Small Batch, otherwise our lists would be very very similar. I even agree on the Dickel Bourbon. Great list, and very well presented.

[@BoozewithNick]

A lot of my personal faves are on this list, along with a few more that I need to try (like Coopers).

[@amandasnoddy]

Another great video! We have quite a few listed. But missed Fighting Cock. After seeing it on a previous video I bought it & it has become a go-to sipper.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It's so rarely on shelves around here that we forgot about it honestly. Well worth an inclusion to be sure!

[@timmbottoni3135]

Love this video! Such great advice! Its not until you blind taste many yourself that you realize that the FOMO and hype are just that, and yes there are some really good bourbons over $50 and over $100, but if you can't get them at MSRP, they aren't worth buying (unless you have money to waste, in which case, give me some).

[@jamesstreet1144]

With the exception of JTS Brown, I have, or have had all of these. All good whiskey. I’m pleased to see the Green River make your list. I really enjoy that one. I’ve even given a few to friends, and they all liked it.

[@cjcrook1]

Nice list! Knob Creek is $60 for a 1.75L at my local Costco, making it $25.71 for 750ml!! That, Wild Turkey 101 and Old Forrester 100 are my 3 favorite inexpensive/daily drinkers.

[@m1henry]

You guys hit my 2 favorite daily pours in Early Times Bottle N Bonded and Wild Turkey 101. All roads eventually lead back to these two for me

[@FakingANerve]

I wish Early Times BIB was sold in my state. The alcohol sales here are _terrible._

[@joehockey2138]

I drink so much 101. It’s so good. My go to for everything.

[@BigBadJerryRogers]

​@@FakingANervethat's actually very limited in parts of the country, it's perpetually annoying to see it on so many lists of easy to find brands

[@ttiger9780]

Love both of these. Hard to beat.

[@msutton01]

Fantastic list guys! Way to embrace the Dickel!

[@jeffreyjennings1640]

YAY! 10K subscribers! EW 1783 is a real good pour for the price. Russell's Reserve is a great buy for a 10 year. I like 1792 laos, but I find it has a more cinnamon taste than sweet. This anti-fomo video is exactly what is needed in Whiskey Tube. Cheers.

[@cloneaidan]

What a great list! As an employee at Green River, I'm thrilled to see our bottle at number 4 and Wheel Horse at 13.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Huge fan of what y’all do!

[@dawson0000]

Good list. My #1 is ET BiB at $19.95 for a liter bottle, #2 is WT101 $24.95. Four Roses would be #3 but it is $49.95 here in OR. No Sales Tax though.

[@canucklehead0]

Awesome video you two!!! There are so many decent, quality pours on your list that I can't think of anything to add in this price range other than maybe Wild Turkey Rare Breed which is about $55.00CDN ($40.00USD) but it is not for the beginner being a high proof Bourbon. Erin, your marriage comment reminded me of a joke my Wife used to tell just after we were married (it is kind of crude though) Why are Men like floor tiles?? Because if you lay them right the first time, you can walk all over them for years!!! Thank-you folks, I'm here all week!! Try the Veal and please remember to tip your waitress or waiter!! lol Take care guys - Dave

[@csd3823]

Excellent video! New to the channel but I like your flavor profile. Been on a value quest for some time and landed on 101. Got a 1.75 here in Fl for 37.99. Those numbers do not lie. Cheers!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Appreciate you watching! Cheers!

[@williamcornelison4721]

This really helps me a bunch again...

[@PorscheSpeedster-kz6nc]

Just came across your channel and I love it. Been binge watching your 18 blinds. Awesome. One comment, the 20 bottles under $40 video posted in early March 2023 - your sound on the microphone sounds tinny or tunnely. Not sure if it is due to new equipment or location change. Anyway, love the channel, you guys are great!

[@michelerivera6183]

Awesome list!

[@thewhiskeycrow01]

I'm amazed at the prices in your neck of the woods. You're rattling off prices at 30ish bucks that run me 40-45 where I am. It's not just availability that varies so much by region, but the cost often enough, too.

[@michaelhoffer9172]

I've never seen Green River or Wheel Horse in my area, but I really like your list and agree with your choices wholeheartedly. On the other hand, the Blue Note Uncut is only $39 here. The only one I am a little lukewarm on is the Four Roses Single Barrel. The cork broke off in the last two I bought, and they just weren't that good. I'll probably still give it another try. Cheers!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Oh snap, Blue Note Uncut for $39 is a STEAL! Congrats on that pricing! And it's possible that Four Roses may not be for your palate. It can be pretty polarizing for sure. The quality is there for us to put it first but that said, if you don't like it, you don't like it. We feel like that could also apply to Russell's 10.

[@jackhanson857]

Wild turkey 101, Early times BIB, Old Forrester signature 100 and Old grandad BIB are my favs

[@bryanc8275]

Good list. I have Makers cask strength on mine but haven't tried the 46 yet.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Maker's CS can be great for sure! 46 is a whole different ball of wax being much lower proof and softer. Maker's 46 CS is the real winner but quite a bit higher priced than this list.

[@bobbygriffith1429]

Knob Creek, Woodford, Evan Williams are all great bottles! Old Forester 100 haven’t tried yet, but look forward to trying it very soon! #fightthefomo

[@sweetsinnndy5201]

Great video, like WT101, gave me some ideas, thanks.

[@user-qk7cm7ju5t]

Great List, Four Roses SB unfortunately is over 50 in my area but it is still a rebuy!

[@davevogelsang6791]

Cannot argue with any of your picks. Early Times BIB is the one I always want to drink at least once a week. Cooper’s Craft 100 is just a fantastic bottle. You could have had a Top 25 and added Old Grand Dad 114, New Riff, Bulleit, Larceny, and Redwood Empire Pipe Dream or Lost Monarch.

[@PMantle]

actually prefer the regular juke joint over the Crossroads. Great list BTW

[@gkmandymoo]

Just did a double blind with 4 bourbons. WT101, Early Times, OF100 - 1,2,3

[@uwrossl]

With Green River being acquired by Bardstown it should be hitting all of their current markets(24) within the next year and it sounds like Bardstown has a lot of fun things planned for the brand. Definitely one to watch.

[@josephthomas2226]

I have not seen them yet, but I am looking forward to trying them.

[@bobbygriffith1429]

Okay, okay, Elijah Craig, Blue Note, 1792, I need to try also… Russels is ABSOLUTELY great pour! Wild Turkey 101 a great buy and pour, LOVE IT!! I also lone the 101 Rye.. 🥰. 4 🌹…. ❤

[@Jared40]

Glad you guys did this list I know one other whiskey KZbinr not going to mention his name or channel. He had a video a couple weeks ago saying not to buy budget bourbon. I disagree with that statement. Buywhat you want to buy. His video was just rampling on and on and was a bore fest. I'm glad you guys made this video for new whiskey drinkers and even guys like me who are seasoned drinkers. There were some on the list that I haven't ever tried. Totally agree with #1 and #2. I would have put KC 9 Year and Makers Mark 46 though higher both are very solid🥃

[@stuffandwhiskey]

The funny thing is that this was originally supposed to be a Top 10 list. There's just too many good value budget bourbons out there to limit it to 10 only, so we went to 15, and then had to expand to 20. Could've easily taken it to 25-30+ actually but didn't in the interest of time. It's always nice to have a reminder that you don't need to spend a ton to get a good bottle of bourbon.

[@brite_luddite]

Love the Dickel 8. One of the best values if you don’t have a hang up on the name of Dickel.

[@ericdolby1622]

4 roses single barrel is $36 at sam's club here. I'll have to give it a try.

[@ckeats2]

Great list. Fan of quite a few of those. I am a sucker for the value proposition. Warning, coming at you in the comments. I have an Early Times BiB blue cap and I think it's very good. Would definitely rebuy

[@louisstokes1898]

I so agree with your #1. I just had my first bottle of Four Rose Single Barrel and it is the best I've ever bought. It's about $44 in my market (Waco, TX). The Small Batch which is nearly as good is under $40. Surprised that one didn't make your list

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Small Batch just comes across a little too light and thin for us. Not bad by any means though. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@williamcornelison4721]

This really helps me a bunch..

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Happy to hear it William! Thanks for watching!

[@dougsowell]

Lol, that was funny. Four Roses is what I'm sipping on now. Great choice.

[@mikebartley3304]

You guys should put the 86 vs 100 old forester in your blinds!!! To see if it stands uo

[@DD-xx8wh]

awesome list and comments!..."overly or too sweet" is usually mentioned in your tastings...what product(s) would the S&W team consider a good example?!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Basically the Buffalo Trace profile. Some of their products can be quite sweet without much oak or spice to balance out all that sweetness. It's the sort of thing that makes their products crowd favorites, but it's also the thing that makes their products a bit dull and one dimensional to us.

[@brentworls8509]

Knob Creek 9 is a great bottle to buy by the half gallon for a daily. Works great as a mixer, especially in Diet Dr. Pepper. Works great as a sipper. I recently found a half gallon of Old Forrester 100 and it was $47.99.

[@kevinfoster2246]

its better than most on this list also! IJS

[@brentworls8509]

@@kevinfoster2246 I agree!

[@bughjr1]

Love the 4 roses single barrel. Never seen it below $50 in my area.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We're lucky here then we suppose. Cheers and thanks for watching Robert!

[@lionelg4648]

Great list!!! I found Green River this week while on vacation and picked up a bottle. I wish i had grabbed a few backups as it is fantastic #best90proofbourbon

[@mttech1995]

Solid solid list….! Thank you for putting 18 bourbons ahead of JTS Brown!! That way no one will remember it and it’ll remain findable for $15. It is hands down the best value bourbon on this list, I’ll take it over WT101, EW BiB.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It's a personal favorite here as well. Often it can be found in our decanter.

[@RobertWilliams-ie4pl]

I can get WT 101 Bourbon or rye for $18.00. Great value. Love the rye.

[@matthewserna7475]

Only one I can't get on with is the dickel 8 year. Almost drained it but felt guilty it was 32$

[@kathyhughey7350]

All solid bottles and either have or have had all of them. Cheers

[@RobertThomas-hw2gu]

Erin... "fight the fomo" is pretty much my life motto lol

[@francisrizzo1529]

I'm in an ABC state and 4R is $45 and 101 is $25, I would easily flip that ranking. And I would still have ER in the list ($37 after recent price bump) but knock it down 2-3 spots for being harder to find in most areas. Redwood Empire also needs to be on the list, either the Pipedream or the Lost Monarch.

[@Glock2201]

FRSB is $50 in our market but I agree with it being on top of this list. We do not have a lot of these in our market but the ones we can I agree are all good. We can get WT101, ECSB, 1782SB, KC9, WR, OF86 not the 100, EWBIB, and MM46. I have not opened the MM46 yet. I would put EWBIB and WT101 closer to the bottom of this list or actually add Four Roses and Buillett to the list and WR closer to the top. I hope at some point to pick up some Cooper's craft and RR 10 year, They seem to be on a lot of best of lists.

[@kybetts1521]

I'm down with OGD- yeah, you know me. Sorry... I'm an idiot. Thanks for the great list, I would definitely add Old Grandad BIB- maybe it's not that available... I shouldn't doubt your research. Great video as always! Cheers!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It's spotty here to be sure, but it's not a profile we tend to love over JTS Brown and Knob Creek 9, so it was just outside the list.

[@LP23D6]

That's a great list.

[@Falconsgang8988]

is the single barrel significantly better than a small batch? i got a small batch last night for i believe 36 ish but they had a single barrel there although it was lke $10 over my budget of 45

[@stuffandwhiskey]

For us, we like the single barrel a lot more. It’s got a fair bit more proof and spice, but also carries a lot more flavor. All depends on whether you’d like the extra flavor, spice, and heat or not.

[@stuartrollings602]

Nice list..on the Bowmans Bro we have heard they no longer use the Buff Trace distillery and are all in house now…maybe you can check as well. But it is a great pick either way! Thanks a bunch!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We'll have to look into that. For now, the bottles we've gotten definitely still taste very Buffalo Trace-ish. Thanks for the heads up Stuart!

[@mikemccarthy8706]

@@stuffandwhiskey I recently picked one up and it’s not good! Unfortunately I’m Using it for mixers.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

​@@mikemccarthy8706not good how?

[@geo7mad]

Erin is so cute. She makes me want to buy all 20 bottles. Lol. Awesome content. You got a new subscriber in me. Keep up the good work. I’ll be watching.