Bourbon is America’s native spirit. It carries tradition, craftsmanship, and a wide range of flavors. Best of all, there is a bourbon for every wallet.
Some bottles cost less than a night out. Others are rare treasures that collectors chase for years. From everyday bargains to legendary releases, these six bourbons offer something special at every price point. So, let’s take a look at some of the best bourbons from $20 to $4,000, and help you decide where to put your money.
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (~$20)
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond is made by Heaven Hill Distillery. The distillery is one of Kentucky’s largest family-owned producers and has a long history with bottled-in-bond standards. This label has become a benchmark for affordable bourbon.
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The whiskey is 100 proof and aged at least four years. It offers classic flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toasted nuts. For such an inexpensive bottle, it shows surprising depth and balance.
It is often touted as the best bourbon bargain on the market. At around $20, few whiskeys can match its mix of tradition, quality, and everyday value.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed (~$50)
Wild Turkey is one of Kentucky’s most respected names. Known for its high-rye mashbills and long-standing heritage, the distillery has built a reputation for bold, full-flavored bourbon.
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READ THE STORYThis bourbon is bottled at barrel proof, usually around 116 proof. It blends 6, 8, and 12-year-old stocks. The result is a whiskey with richness and depth well beyond its price. Phil Dwyer said, “You can’t be without a bottle of this if you like bourbon, it is a must.”
Rare Breed is praised as one of the best bourbons under $50. It delivers cask strength intensity without losing balance. For drinkers who want big flavor at a fair price, it is a dependable choice that is widely available.
Stagg (~$100)
Buffalo Trace Distillery is home to some of the most sought-after bourbons in the world. Among them is Stagg, previously known as Stagg Jr. This barrel proof release has built a loyal following thanks to its power and depth.
Bottled at around 130 proof, Stagg is not for the faint of heart. It bursts with dark sweetness, from molasses and cherry cola to chocolate and oak spice. The finish is long, warm, and complex.
Each batch earns attention from critics and collectors. The whiskey previously placed 7th in Fred Minnick’s top American whiskeys. At roughly $100, Stagg offers barrel proof intensity with the pedigree of one of America’s most acclaimed distilleries.
Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon (~$300)
Four Roses is unique among Kentucky distilleries. It produces ten distinct bourbon recipes, which allows the team to create blends with remarkable complexity. Each year, the distillery releases a Limited Edition Small Batch that showcases this range.
These bourbons are bottled at barrel strength and often include stocks aged well over a decade. The 2025 release, for example, combined four 13 year old bourbons and a 19 year old bourbon. Our reviewer, Charles Steele, awarded this whiskey a 9/10, saying: “Another home-run from Four Roses and Brent Elliott.”
At around $250-$300 MSRP, it is a collectible bottle that also delivers a memorable drinking experience.
Michter’s 20 Year (~$1,000)
Michter’s has become a symbol of luxury in American whiskey. Its limited releases are known for meticulous aging and careful selection. The 20 Year Bourbon is one of its rarest and most celebrated expressions.
The palate is rich with dried fruit, toffee, and caramel, supported by deep oak and a silky, lingering finish. Each sip feels expansive and refined.
Michter’s Master of Maturation, Andrea Wilson, describes it as “a remarkable drinking experience… luxurious and expansive”. The brand was also named the World’s Most Admired Whiskey in 2024.
At around $1,000, this bourbon showcases a rare intersection of age, balance, and prestige.
Pappy Van Winkle’s 23 Year (~$4,000+)
Few bourbons carry the reputation of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year. Produced in partnership with Buffalo Trace, this wheated bourbon has become the ultimate trophy bottle.
The wheated mashbill gives it a smoothness that sets it apart, even at such an advanced age. Each pour feels rich and refined, the kind of whiskey people remember for a lifetime.
Its scarcity has pushed prices to $4,000 and beyond (some way beyond). For those lucky enough to taste it, Pappy 23 confirms its legendary status.
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