Best Bourbon Under $50: Top Bottles Worth Every Dollar

Looking for a great bourbon without breaking the bank? You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a smooth, complex pour. We've handpicked our favorite bottles under $50 from our shelves at Buffalo House Liquor & Wines — every one of these is available right now in our store or for local delivery across Buffalo.

Our Top Bourbons Under $50

Four Roses Bourbon $26.99 Shop Now Wild Turkey 81 $27.99 Shop Now Elijah Craig Small Batch $33.99 Shop Now 1792 Small Batch $34.99 Shop Now Knob Creek Smoked Maple $39.99 Shop Now Four Roses Single Barrel $48.99 Shop Now Angel's Envy $49.99 Shop Now

The Breakdown: What Makes Each Bottle Special

Four Roses Kentucky Straight Bourbon — $26.99

This is one of the best values in bourbon, period. Four Roses blends four different bourbon recipes together to create something gentle, floral, and easy to drink. You'll pick up honey, ripe fruit, and a gentle spice on the finish. At under $27, it punches way above its weight.

Best for: First-time bourbon drinkers, cocktails, or sipping neat on a Friday night.

Wild Turkey 81 — $27.99

Wild Turkey doesn't mess around. Even their "standard" 81-proof bourbon has the signature depth and richness the brand is known for. It's bold with notes of vanilla, caramel, and baking spice — but it doesn't burn. A solid all-rounder that works as well in an Old Fashioned as it does on its own.

Best for: Old Fashioneds, bourbon and ginger, or anyone who likes a bigger flavor.

Elijah Craig Small Batch — $33.99

If you want to know what "classic bourbon" tastes like, start here. Elijah Craig Small Batch delivers rich caramel, toasted oak, and a long smooth finish. It's been winning blind taste tests against bottles twice its price for years. There's a reason it keeps showing up on every "best bourbon" list.

Best for: Sipping neat, making a perfect Manhattan, or gifting to a bourbon-curious friend.

1792 Small Batch — $34.99

Made with a high-rye mashbill, 1792 brings a nice kick of spice balanced by notes of cherry, vanilla, and caramel. It's a bourbon with personality — a little more complex than the average pour, but still incredibly approachable. Great on a cold Buffalo evening.

Best for: People who like a little spice, or anyone who wants to graduate beyond basic bourbon.

Knob Creek Smoked Maple — $39.99

This one's for the adventurous. Knob Creek takes their bold, full-bodied 9-year bourbon and adds natural smoked maple flavoring. The result is smoky, sweet, and absolutely perfect for fall and winter sipping. Pour it neat, on the rocks, or try it in a Maple Old Fashioned — you'll thank us later.

Best for: Cold weather sipping, creative cocktails, or anyone with a sweet tooth.

Four Roses Single Barrel — $48.99

This is Four Roses' premium expression, and it delivers. Each barrel is hand-selected, so every bottle has its own unique character. Expect rich layers of spice, ripe plum, cocoa, and a creamy vanilla finish. At $48.99, it competes with bourbons that cost twice as much.

Best for: Special occasions, sipping neat, or impressing bourbon-loving guests.

Angel's Envy — $49.99

Angel's Envy finishes their Kentucky straight bourbon in port wine barrels, which gives it a uniquely smooth, fruity character. You'll notice dried cherry, vanilla, maple, and a touch of dark chocolate. It's approachable enough for newcomers but complex enough for the experts.

Best for: Special occasion sipping, a bridge for wine lovers getting into bourbon.

How to Pick the Right Bourbon for You

Not sure which bottle to grab? Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Brand new to bourbon? Start with Four Roses Kentucky Straight — it's smooth, easy, and affordable.
• Want something bold? Go with Wild Turkey 81 or 1792 Small Batch.
• Celebrating something? Angel's Envy or Four Roses Single Barrel will make it special.
• Making cocktails? Elijah Craig Small Batch is a bartender favorite.

Need a recommendation? Call us at (716) 770-1230 — we love talking bourbon.

How to Taste Bourbon Like a Pro

To get the most out of your bourbon, follow these simple tasting steps:

1. Look

Hold your glass up to the light. The color tells you a lot about the bourbon. Lighter golden hues often mean a younger bourbon, while deep amber and mahogany suggest more age. Swirl the glass and watch the legs — thicker, slower legs indicate higher proof and more body.

2. Nose

Bring the glass to your nose gently. Do not stick your nose all the way in — hold it a few inches away and breathe in. Common bourbon aromas include vanilla, caramel, oak, cinnamon, and dried fruit. Some bourbons have notes of cherry, leather, or tobacco. Take your time here — the nose is where bourbon really reveals itself.

3. Taste

Take a small sip and let it coat your tongue. Notice the sweetness first (most bourbons have a sweet entry), then look for spice, fruit, and oak flavors. The finish — what you taste after swallowing — is where quality bourbon shines. A good bourbon has a long, warm finish with evolving flavors.

4. Add Water (Optional)

A few drops of water can open up a bourbon's flavors, especially at higher proofs. Try it neat first, then add a splash and taste again. You may be surprised at the difference.

Best Bourbons Under $30

If you are on a tighter budget, these bottles punch well above their price:

• Buffalo Trace (~$25) — Caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. One of the best values in bourbon.
• Evan Williams Single Barrel (~$28) — Aged at least 5 years, with rich caramel and oak flavors. An incredible value.
• Old Grand-Dad 114 (~$27) — High-rye mashbill gives it spice and complexity. A bartender favorite.
• Wild Turkey 101 (~$22) — Bold, spicy, and full-flavored. A classic for cocktails or sipping.
• Jim Beam Black (~$20) — Extra-aged for more depth than the white label. A solid everyday pour.

Bourbon Cocktails to Try at Home

Great bourbon is fantastic neat or on the rocks, but it also makes incredible cocktails:

• Old Fashioned: 2 oz bourbon, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, orange peel. The king of cocktails.
• Whiskey Sour: 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup. Add egg white for a silky texture.
• Manhattan: 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, cherry garnish.
• Mint Julep: 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz simple syrup, 8 mint leaves. The signature drink of the Kentucky Derby.

Where to Buy Bourbon in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo House Liquor & Wines carries one of the best bourbon selections in Western New York. From everyday sippers to rare allocated bottles, we have something for every bourbon lover and every budget. Visit us at 1230 Colvin Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14223 or browse our bourbon collection online. We offer free same-day delivery on orders over $49.