Skip The Flippers....Bourbons under $25
Anyone who’s been exposed to Bourbon in the past 10 years has heard about those bottles that are just unattainable. There are only 2 ways to get them. Either you get lucky and find a retailer selling them at a price they’re supposed to, or you go to the secondary market and buy it from a bottle flipper which in some cases can set you back $1000-2000. Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle 17, George Stagg, Michters 10 or 25, and Evan Williams 23 are just a few of the hard to finds. Even if you go to Louisville attempting to seek out one of these you’ll be told that they are put out in extremely few quantities (2-4 bottles at a time) on random days as these distilling companies desperately try and keep these bottles out of the hands of bottle flippers and into the hands of consuming consumers. However, what if you don’t have the desire nor the means to spend $250-500 on a bottle of bourbon? Here I will give you my best recommendations for very drinkable bourbons under $25 per bottle. Some may surprise you!
The Rules
1. All of these bottles are listed under $25 in Michigan. Sorry, some of these may exceed the $25 mark in your market, but hopefully not by much.
2. All of these bottles are 750ml
3. I have only listed bottles I have tasted myself. There are quite a few more that fit these criteria that I haven’t tried. Be on the lookout for an update post with more.
4. I am not sponsored by any company and have purchased these bottles myself or tried them at a bar.
The List
Top Pick
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Age: Bonded (4 Years Minimum)
Proof: 100
Michigan Price: $16.99
A smooth and elegant Bourbon. Hints of vanilla, brown sugar with oak and baking spices. This has quickly become my “Go-To” bourbon. You cannot beat the price and it holds up extremely well in any format. Great for cocktails or served neat. I’m sure this will find its way to your cabinet soon.
Honorable Mention
Old Forester 86
Age: Straight (2 Years Minimum)
Proof: 86
Michigan Price: 23.99
In some markets, this one may be over the $25 mark. But, usually not by much. Brown Sugar, Oak, and Flowers are the predominant flavors for me. A great all-purpose pour that never disappoints. Personally I think it makes a great Mint Julep.
The Runners Up
Old Grand-Dad Bourbon
Age: Straight (2 Years Minimum)
Proof: 80
Michigan Price: 18.99
This one surprised me. I’ve seen this whiskey on social media posts for a long time and I didn’t pick up a bottle until recently. The mash contains a high rye percentage giving a noticeable sweetness and spiciness but the corn flavor remains pretty prevalent. Hints of cedar and a pleasant firey finish.
Old Fitzgerald Prime Bourbon
Age: Straight (2 Years Minimum)
Proof: 80
Michigan Price: Not Available in Michigan, $13.99 in IL
So on a recent trip to Chicago, I picked up this bottle at a local chain. The brand has a very famous history with the 11-Year-old Bottled-in-Bond that will set you back $500 retail and well over $2000 on the secondary market. However, this wheated bourbon did not disappoint. Very light in flavor when compared to most other Bourbons. sugar, maple, and oak with toasted bread. I was drinking it neat, but I wouldn’t hesitate using it in a cocktail. However, due to its subtle nature, I’d stick to using it for an Old Fashioned cocktail, anything with more ingredients just won’t show off this whiskey.