From well-aged classics to newer names making waves, each one proves that great whiskey doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.
1792 Small Batch
Tasting Notes: Spice, sweet caramel, vanilla
Buy Now: From $25
The bourbon is blended from hand-selected barrels to hit a consistent, full-flavored profile. It’s bottled at 93.7 proof, giving it just enough punch without overwhelming newer drinkers.
Must Read Stories
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old
Tasting Notes: Toffee, orange peel, herbs, honey, leather, oak, candied almonds, rich cocoa
Buy Now: From $70
It is worth noting that the price of Eagle Rare 10 can vary between states and markets. For example, here in the UK, you can pick up a bottle for around £40. It is a little harder to find in the U.S., but if you are savvy, you can find it for around $70-$80.
Five Trail Cask Finish Imperial Porter Barrels
Tasting Notes: Biscuit, roasted nuts, caramel, toffee, tobacco, vanilla pudding, apple, candied dates, almond, oak tannins, black tea, cinnamon crumb cake, ginger
Buy Now: From $55
Coors might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of whiskey, but their Five Trail Cask Finish is making a strong case. This whiskey picked up Best American Blended Whiskey at the 2023 International Whisky Competition with a score of 91.6.
It’s a blend of bourbons, rye, and single malt sourced from Indiana, Kentucky, and Colorado, all finished in Imperial Porter beer barrels. The result is a whiskey that stands out: smooth, slightly malty, and rich without being heavy.
At 95 proof, it’s got presence, but it’s approachable. If you’re after something a bit different without going off the deep end, this is a clever bottle to have on your shelf.
Stranahan’s Sherry Cask
Tasting Notes: Raisins, figs, dates, honey, grape syrup, jam, candied fruit, honey, Montmorency cherries, blackcurrant, walnuts, caramel, whipped creme, brown sugar, smoked cayenne
Buy Now From: From $57
American single malt is a growing category, and Stranahan’s has been ahead of the curve since 2004. Their Sherry Cask expression took top honors for Best Cask Finish Whiskey at the 2023 International Whisky Competition, scoring 93.33 points.
This release starts with their core single malt, made from 100% malted barley, distilled in Colorado, and aged in new American oak at high altitude. It’s then finished in 500-liter Pedro Ximénez sherry casks from Spain, which bring bold fruit, nut, and spice notes to the final whiskey.
Uncle Nearest Rye
Tasting Notes: Praline, nutmeg, white pepper, vanilla cream, caramelized sugar, spice
Buy Now: From $57
Their Straight Rye was added to the lineup in 2022 and quickly made its mark. The Single Barrel version won Best Rye Whiskey at the 2023 International Whisky Competition, but the standard 100-proof Straight Rye shares the same base and plenty of character.
It’s made from 100% rye, distilled in Canada to American rye specs, aged in New York, and finished in Tennessee. It’s rich, spicy, and incredibly smooth for the proof.
Rockfish Whiskey
Tasting Notes: Caramel and vanilla
Buy Now: $24.95
Rockfish Whiskey might not be a household name yet, but it’s already racking up awards. Produced by Weldon Mills Distillery in North Carolina, this easy-drinking blend took Best American Corn Whiskey at the 2023 International Whisky Competition.
This isn’t one for barrel-strength fans or rye lovers. But if you’re after something mellow, versatile, and affordable, Rockfish is a great everyday pour that punches well above its weight.
The Bottom Line
These six whiskeys prove that great taste doesn’t have to mean a high price. Every bottle on this list has picked up serious awards, some topping their category, yet you can get them all for under $80.
From bold, high-rye bourbons to silky sherry-finished malt and easygoing blends, there’s something here for every kind of drinker.
