Best Bourbon Under $50: Top Value Bottles to Buy

The under-$50 tier is where smart bourbon drinkers live. Below are our top picks, all in stock, that deliver real quality without the premium price tag.

How to Find Great Bourbon Under $50

At this price, look for single barrels (more character than mass-blended bottles), solid proof (90+ gives you flavor and cocktail versatility), and trusted distilleries. Skip bottles priced on marketing alone; the picks below earn their place on flavor. Browse the full bourbon collection to explore.

Best Single Barrels Under $50

Single barrels are the value sweet spot, unique, characterful, and often hand-selected. Our own Bowman Brothers Single Barrel Select is a smooth, flavorful standout picked by Wooden Cork. Jefferson's Reserve Single Barrel brings higher-proof, robust character that drinks like a pricier bottle.

Best Everyday Bourbons Under $50

Maker's Mark is the wheated classic, soft, approachable, and endlessly versatile. Barrell Foundation 5 Year brings award-winning blending to an accessible price. America First Bourbon is a solid, patriotic everyday pour.

Best Cocktail Bourbons Under $50

For mixing, you want flavor and proof without overspending. Willett Speakeasy is a characterful, affordable choice from a respected Bardstown name. Smoke Wagon Desert Colt brings full-strength flavor that holds up in an Old Fashioned or boulevardier.

Want to step up? See our best bourbon under $100 and best bourbon for the money guides, or the complete bourbon buyer's guide. Mixing cocktails? Don't miss our best bourbon for an Old Fashioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bourbon under $50?
Single barrels like Bowman Brothers Single Barrel Select or Jefferson's Reserve, classics like Maker's Mark, and value blends like Barrell Foundation all deliver excellent quality under $50.

Can you get good bourbon for under $50?
Absolutely. The under-$50 tier includes single barrels, age-stated bottles, and characterful everyday bourbons that rival far pricier options.

What's the best cheap bourbon for cocktails?
Look for flavorful, 90+ proof bottles like Willett Speakeasy or Smoke Wagon Desert Colt, which hold their own in an Old Fashioned or whiskey sour.

What's the best bourbon under $50 for a beginner?
Maker's Mark is a soft, approachable wheated bourbon that's easy to enjoy neat or in cocktails, making it a great starting point.