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Top 10 Best Value Bourbons For the Money: Budget Bottles That Still Slap in 2025
When you're hunting bourbon, it's not just about what looks good on the shelf or what TikTok's hyping up this week. It’s about finding that perfect pour that gives rich flavor without wrecking your wallet. Bourbon prices can get out of hand fast, but some bottles still bring serious heat without breaking the bank. Whether you’re stocking your bar cart, showing out at a house party, or just sipping solo, these are the bourbons that offer the most bang for your buck right now.
We spent a fun evening sipping all the bourbons recommended by Brewzle, and here’s the Woke Waves-approved ranking of the Top 10 Best Value Bourbons in 2025, based on flavor, availability, and price point.
10. Russell's Reserve 10-Year
Price: Around $45
Proof: 90
Russell’s Reserve 10 is a go-to pick for anyone looking for a 10-year Kentucky bourbon that doesn’t require a secondary market hustle. Made by Wild Turkey, this bottle has a flavor profile that hits with vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of oak. It’s smooth, mature, and honestly feels more expensive than it is. The only knock? Some might want a higher proof, but at $45, it's a solid way to flex without splurging.
9. Four Roses Small Batch
Price: Around $38
Proof: 90
This one's a bourbon lover's classic. Four Roses Small Batch offers a mellow balance of sweet and spicy, perfect for sipping or mixing. It's approachable for newer drinkers but layered enough to keep seasoned bourbon heads coming back. If you're building out your starter shelf, this needs a spot.
8. Early Times Bottled-In-Bond
Price: Around $26
Proof: 100
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond has had its ownership switched up in recent years, but it’s still punching way above its weight class. Aged for at least four years and clocking in at 100 proof, it’s bold, smooth, and ridiculously affordable. Some collectors even hunt down older screw-cap versions, claiming the flavor hits different. Either way, it's a steal.
7. Old Forester 100 Proof
Price: Around $28
Proof: 100
Old Forester knows how to bring the heat. This bottle has a rich profile with hints of tobacco, oak, and a sweet vanilla note that almost feels like bourbon birthday cake. It’s high enough proof to satisfy those who like a stronger sip, but still smooth enough to be dangerously easy to drink.
6. Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Price: Around $53
Proof: 116.8
If you're into bold, spicy, high-proof pours, Rare Breed is that bottle. Wild Turkey stays on this list for a reason, and Rare Breed proves why. It brings a slightly nutty, dusty flavor that feels complex and rugged. If you like your bourbon with a bit of bite, this is the power move.
5. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Price: Around $62
Proof: 115
Old Forester’s 1920 is the strongest bottle in their “Whiskey Row” series and one of the best flavor bombs you can find for under 70 bucks. The dark fruit, chocolate, and caramel vibes are next-level. If you want a bourbon that feels like a full-on experience, this is your pick.
4. Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond
Price: Around $20
Proof: 100
This bottle is basically the definition of high-quality on a low budget. Evan Williams BiB is one of the best values in any liquor store, full stop. It brings classic bourbon notes with a solid finish and is perfect for those just getting into whiskey. You could buy three of these for the price of some “premium” bottles and still come out on top.
3. Eagle Rare 10-Year
Price: Around $45
Proof: 90
Eagle Rare is hard to find, but if you see it under $50, grab it. Aged 10 years and made by Buffalo Trace, this bourbon is known for its smooth and sweet flavor with notes of orange, toffee, and oak. It’s got that velvety finish that makes you slow down and savor every sip. This one feels like sipping straight-up luxury.
2. Buffalo Trace
Price: Around $28
Proof: 90
Buffalo Trace is a fan-favorite that’s surprisingly accessible in some states. It's well-balanced, with hints of vanilla, toffee, and a little spice. While it's not as layered as Eagle Rare, it’s easier to find and still delivers major flavor. At under 30 bucks, this is one of the best daily sippers out there.
1. Wild Turkey 101
Price: Around $25
Proof: 101
The undisputed champ of budget bourbon. Wild Turkey 101 is affordable, available almost everywhere, and full of flavor. It brings that sweet, spicy, classic bourbon feel with just enough proof to kick up the heat without burning your throat. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned drinker, this bottle never disappoints. It's proof that great bourbon doesn't need to cost a fortune.
Why These Bourbons Made the Cut
It’s not just about being cheap. Each bourbon on this list checks multiple boxes: flavor, availability, and value. From the rich depth of Old Forester 1920 to the everyday ease of Buffalo Trace, these bottles give you a premium experience without dipping into your rent money. Even if you can’t find every bottle locally, most of them are accessible with a bit of effort, especially compared to the hard-to-get unicorns in the bourbon world.
Personally, my go-to from this list is Wild Turkey Rare Breed. It hits hard with proof, but stays smooth with layered complexity. It feels like a reward at the end of a long day and proves you don't need a fancy label to get a five-star pour.
Pro Tip for Gen Z Bourbon Shoppers
Check your local stores on delivery days, build a relationship with your local liquor folks, and don’t be afraid to explore new picks. TikTok and Reddit can help, but sometimes the best bottle is just sitting quietly on the shelf waiting for you to notice it. Also, don’t sleep on store picks. They’re often better than the mass-produced versions and cost the same.
Whether you’re buying your first bottle or restocking your bar cart, you don’t need to drop triple digits to find flavor, depth, and style in a bottle. Bourbon’s meant to be shared, savored, and enjoyed...not stressed over.
Stay tuned for more spirited guides and Gen Z-approved drink picks only at Woke Waves Magazine.
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