From cult favorites to lesser-known gems, here are the best bourbons under $100 we’ve tried (and loved) in 2025.
Iron Fish Distillery Bourbon Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels – 10/10 – $54
Aaron Knapp approached this with skepticism. Maple syrup barrel finishing could’ve gone sticky sweet. But he was blown away. Awarding it a rare 10/10, he praised the balance between syrupy richness and spice. Expect caramel on red apple, cinnamon, molasses, and tangerine, with a lingering, smoky-sweet finish. It’s bold, it’s unusual, and it works. As Knapp put it, “The result was especially impressive.”
Michter’s US*1 – 8/10 – $40
Jade Cox called this “a great all-rounder,” and it’s easy to see why. Michter’s US*1 offers a polished take on small batch bourbon, with a mellow but layered profile. On the nose: honey, vanilla, brown sugar, and milk chocolate. On the palate: golden syrup, dried mango, oak, and a flicker of spice. It’s smooth, flavorful, and approachable, ideal for new drinkers, but satisfying enough for seasoned bourbon fans too.
Leiper’s Fork Bottled-in-Bond – 8/10 – $80
This small Tennessee distillery may be young, but it’s already turning heads. Leiper’s Fork Bottled-in-Bond impressed Phil Dwyer with its complexity: a nose full of green apples, peach, fresh bread, and bubble gum, followed by a palate of vanilla, peanut brittle, and orange oil, with a flicker of habanero spice. The sweeter finish rounds it off with baked vanilla and soft oak. It’s not cheap, but for a true small-batch bourbon with bold character, it earns its place.
Angel’s Envy Port Cask Finish – 8/10 – $30
I first tasted Angel’s Envy Port Cask Finish at the distillery in Louisville, and revisiting it a year later, I found it just as compelling. Finished in ruby port casks, it’s sweet and smooth, with vanilla, apricot, plum, and a subtle touch of toasted oak. The port influence is present but restrained, adding a soft layer of fruit and spice without overwhelming the bourbon’s base. It’s approachable but has a nice level of complexity. One of those pours that feels equally suited to beginners and seasoned drinkers alike.
Whiskey Row Bottled-in-Bond – 8/10 – $59.99
Named for Louisville’s historic whiskey corridor, Whiskey Row Bottled-in-Bond is a thoughtful, layered release that leans more on finesse than fire. Charles Steele noted pineapple, apricot, lemongrass, and mint on the nose, followed by cocoa, almonds, seared wood, and corn on the palate. The finish is smooth and subtle, with pine nuts and candied cherry. “A delightful journey through some more dense flavors than I anticipated,” Steele wrote, and one worth taking again.
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel – 8/10 – $86
Blanton’s helped launch the single barrel bourbon movement back in 1984, and it remains one of the most sought-after bottles today. Phil Dwyer’s 2025 review described it as fruit-forward and beautifully layered: orange, peach, and caramel lead the way, followed by spicy oak and classic vanilla. This particular barrel leaned heavily into peach, giving it a juicy, almost tropical twist. While price and availability remain issues, it’s hard to deny that Blanton’s is still a delicious bourbon with an unmatched legacy.
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