Whiskey is one of the most popular liquors around, with a wide range of pricing. Some bottles can go for several hundred dollars, particularly limited releases and products from top-shelf brands.
While there’s a lot of marketing involved in these liquors to drive up the price, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a good sip of whiskey. There are numerous affordable whiskey brands that can be just as enjoyable to drink as bottles with a premium label.
Our article will introduce you to five of the best affordable whiskey brands. We’ve set a price cap of $50 for this list, but you can purchase most of our top picks for even less. Read to the end to learn more about these affordable whiskey brands and gain valuable expert insights into choosing the best whiskey.
What You Need to Know About Whiskey
Whiskey is undoubtedly the most favored liquor in the US. In fact, it is the most popular type of liquor overall, ranking first in 18 states. As popular as it is, whiskey is also a versatile liquor that comes in different varieties, with each offering something unique to whiskey enthusiasts.
When buying a bottle of whiskey, you’ll see specific terms that indicate its type. The most popular types in the US are bourbon, rye, single malt, Tennessee, blended, and Scotch whiskeys. There are also Japanese, Irish, and Canadian whiskeys.
Since different types of whiskeys are available in every liquor store, knowing the minor differences is necessary to ensure you’ll get your hands on a bottle you enjoy drinking. Below, you’ll learn more about whiskey in general, as well as choosing the best whiskey, average costs, and where to buy.
Whiskey: An Overview
Whiskey is a popular type of liquor made from various grains, including rye, wheat, barley, and corn. However, different types of whiskey generally use a specific grain. For example, Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley, whereas bourbon whiskey must be made from at least 51% corn.
Regardless of the type, whiskey is generally aged in charred white oak barrels, typically for at least three years, though many brands age their whiskeys for up to multiple decades.
Whiskey is a versatile liquor you can drink neat or mix in with cocktails, though whiskey enthusiasts argue that the best way to drink their favorite liquor is straight. The reason whiskey enthusiasts insist on this is the rich, full-bodied flavor of whiskey. It can have a smoky, oaky, nutty, or chocolaty taste profile with hints of different spices and sweets.
How to Choose the Best Affordable Whiskey?
Every whiskey lover has specific preferences. If you need more clarification about the different types of whiskey available and it’s your first time buying a bottle of whiskey, the type, price, age, and alcohol content can help you choose which bottle and which brand is right for you. Considering these points, here’s an overview of what to pay attention to when buying whiskey.
- Whiskey Type: Different types of whiskeys have varying taste profiles. For example, Scotch whiskey typically has a malty and woody aroma, while bourbon whiskey tends to have a sweet, rich aroma with hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
- Price: An affordable whiskey shouldn’t cost more than $50. Even when you get close to this price, you’ll begin exploring mid-range options, which we also included in our list below.
- Age: Age is one of the biggest indications for quality, but it’s not always important unless you’re a whiskey enthusiast. Older whiskeys typically have a richer, smoother aroma, whereas younger bottles are less costly and often don’t have as complex flavors.
- ABV: The overwhelming majority of whiskeys have an ABV of 40 to 50%, though some can have a higher alcohol content.
Since our article will cover affordable whiskeys, the options below are perfect for beginners. Although a standard 750ml bottle can be too big for beginners still trying to find their taste in whiskey, you can get started with these cheap whiskey brands to identify the flavors you enjoy before purchasing something more expensive.
What Does Affordable Whiskey Cost?
Whiskey, with many premium brands releasing limited-edition products, has a wide range of pricing. You can get a good, affordable whiskey for about $30 to $45 a bottle. Going for a premium option, particularly for those aged up to 21 years, can run you several hundred dollars.
However, these don’t reflect the average price of whiskey. You can find many bottom-shelf options for about $15 to $25, with mid-range bottles generally costing between $30 and $70.
Where Can You Buy Affordable Whiskey?
Whiskey is one of the most popular spirits, so you’ll find it everywhere that sells alcohol. From your local liquor store to grocery stores, there will be plenty of options for buying whiskey. The range of whiskey available can be even greater in bars than in stores. Bars invest heavily in different types of whiskeys in varying price ranges to meet the high demand for this liquor.
Lastly, you can get whiskeys from online stores like Speakeasy. We have an extensive whiskey collection that ranges from affordable brands to premium bottles with limited availability only available for pre-order.
The Best Affordable Whiskeys
Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best affordable whiskeys. We’ve included options for beginners and experienced whiskey drinkers who enjoy drinking whiskey neat or in other ways. Everyone reading our article with different levels of experience drinking whiskey will find at least one affordable option that suits their preferences.
Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey
- MSRP: $49.99
- Proof: 92 proof / 46% ABV
- Tasting Notes: Vanilla Bean, Caramel, Nutmeg, Milk Chocolate, Custard Tart
- Our Rating: 5 stars
Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey is more expensive than most affordable whiskeys. It’s the costliest on our list. However, if you can spare a little more on a 750ml bottle, this award-winning whiskey can soon become your favorite.
Produced in Ohio, Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey is aged for at least four years in toasted and charred American white oak barrels. It is gentle on the nose and has a delicate balance of sweetness and spiciness. The mouthfeel is somewhat oily but incredibly easy to sip. It’s overall a subtle and sweet whiskey with a medium-length finish.
If you’re just getting started with whiskey and looking for something with minimal burning sensation, Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey should be at the top of your list for a good, affordable whiskey.
While an excellent affordable whiskey, you might have difficulty finding Middle West Spirits Straight Wheat Whiskey in physical stores. The further you go from Ohio, the more challenging it will be to find this whiskey in your local liquor store. Luckily, those interested in this whiskey can order it on our website.
Pros:
- A smooth, rich mouthfeel.
- Easy to sip with a minimal burning sensation.
- Perfect for beginners.
Cons:
- More on the expensive end of affordable whiskeys.
- Can be difficult to find in physical stores
Cedar Ridge Iowa Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- MSRP: $34.99
- Proof: 86 proof / 43% ABV
- Tasting Notes: Leather, Caramel Fruit Cake, Lemon Zest, Corn Pudding
- Our Rating: 4.5 stars
This bourbon whiskey from Cedar Ridge, an Iowa craft distillery, is among the best affordable whiskeys. The distillery is known for producing the Slipknot No. 9 line. Its Iowa Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a mash bill of 74% corn, 14% malted rye, and 12% malted barley.
You’ll immediately notice the corn and lemon zest scent on the nose with the addition of oak. It has a relatively thin mouthfeel, giving a perception of lower alcohol content, making it feel less harsh and easy to drink. These make Cedar Ridge’s Iowa Straight Bourbon Whiskey an ideal choice for beginners looking for an affordable bottle.
While a solid option for those just starting their whiskey journey, it can feel too young and under-proof for seasoned whiskey lovers. It misses the complexity and rich flavors of older whiskeys, though it is overall a good, affordable bourbon to drink straight.
Cedar Ridge’s Iowa Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a good choice for beginners exploring cheap whiskey brands. Those more experienced with different types of bourbon may find it underperforming. Lastly, since Cedar Ridge is a craft distillery, you may not be able to buy this whiskey in your local liquor store.
Pros:
- A good choice for beginners.
- Thin mouthfeel and easy to drink.
Cons:
- Not the best affordable whiskey for experienced whiskey drinkers.
- Can be difficult to find in physical stores.
10th Mountain Rye Whiskey
- MSRP: $44.99
- Proof: 86 proof / 43% ABV
- Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, Dark Fruit, Wet Hay, Touch of Toffee
- Our Rating: 4 stars
10th Mountain Rye Whiskey is a well-balanced, affordable option for those looking for an inexpensive whiskey to drink neat and mix in with cocktails.
Aged in new oak barrels for two years, 10th Mountain’s Rye Whiskey is fairly young, but it has a rich, smooth taste profile ranging from cinnamon and dark fruit to wet hay and a touch of toffee.
On the nose, you’ll notice subtle hints of cinnamon spice and sweet caramel. As with other affordable whiskeys we’ve covered in our list, it has a light mouthfeel. Given the taste profile, experienced whiskey drinkers may compare 10th Mountain’s Rye Whiskey to a single malt whiskey.
Overall, 10th Mountain’s Rye Whiskey is an affordable whiskey to drink straight and use as a base for cocktails. It’s widely available in the Midwest, East Coast, and Southeastern United States. In case you can’t find this rye whiskey in your local liquor store, you can order it from our online shop.
Pros:
- An affordable rye whiskey to drink straight and mix in with cocktails.
- Although young, it has a rich, smooth taste profile.
Cons:
- Resembles single malt whiskeys, which rye whiskey enjoyers might find off-putting.
- Price could be a little cheaper
Buying the Best Affordable Whiskey
We’ve gone over a wide variety of affordable whiskey options, both for beginners and seasoned whiskey enjoyers. From popular options like Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey to products from craft distilleries, you’ll find at least a few affordable bottles to your liking.
When exploring affordable whiskey brands, trying different varieties is the key to finding hidden gems that may become your go-to bottles. For more whiskeys, check out our extensive whiskey collection and order a bottle or two – cheers!
