Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.
See all posts Rohit MittalBest Budget Bourbon: Top Picks for Affordable and Delicious Whiskey
Updated on March 1, 2024
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Bourbon is a popular whiskey with a unique flavor. However, prices can vary greatly. Budget bourbons offer an affordable way to enjoy this liquor without losing quality. When choosing a budget bourbon, consider your preferred flavor profile, the age of the bourbon, and the price. In this article, we’ve done the research and testing to bring you the best budget bourbons. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a newcomer, we have recommendations for you.
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Best Budget Bourbon
We understand that not everyone wants to spend a fortune on a bottle of bourbon, but that doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice quality. After extensive research and taste testing, we’ve put together a roundup of the best budget bourbons on the market. These options are perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious glass of bourbon without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer your bourbon neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us introduce you to some of the best budget bourbons out there.
Woodford Reserve Premium Bourbon Ball Gift Box
Woodford Reserve Premium Bourbon Ball Gift Box, 9 candies per box, delicious and perfect for holiday gifts
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If you're looking for a unique gift for a bourbon lover, look no further than the Woodford Reserve Premium Bourbon Ball Gift Box.
Pros:
- Beautiful gift box - perfect for gifting on holidays, birthdays, or any occasion
- Made with real cream, butter, and award-winning Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- Decadent and delicious array of bourbon candies, including Mint Julep Bourbon Balls, Bourbon Caramels, and the now famous Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls
Cons:
- Candy texture is a bit dry and not as creamy as expected
- Bourbon flavor is not as strong as some may prefer
- Price is a bit high for the amount of candy included
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We recently tried the Woodford Reserve Premium Bourbon Ball Gift Box and were impressed with the beautiful packaging and array of bourbon candies inside. The candies are made with real cream, butter, and award-winning Woodford Reserve Bourbon, making them a truly unique and delicious treat.
While the candy texture is a bit dry and not as creamy as we expected, the flavors are still enjoyable. However, some may find that the bourbon flavor is not as strong as they would prefer.
Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and delicious gift for a bourbon lover, the Woodford Reserve Premium Bourbon Ball Gift Box is definitely worth considering.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ball Gift Box
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ball Gift Box, 16 Candies per box, delicious and perfect for holiday gifts
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If you're looking for a unique and delicious gift for the bourbon lover in your life, the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ball Gift Box is definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- The beautiful gift box makes it perfect for holiday gifts, birthdays, office parties, or any other gifting occasion.
- Made with real cream, butter, and award-winning Woodford Reserve Bourbon, these candies are a decadent treat.
- Voted "Kentucky's Best Bourbon" by Kentucky Monthly magazine, and a three times Gold Medal winner for Best Bourbon at the distinguished 2000, 2002, and 2003 World Spirits competitions.
Cons:
- Some reviewers noted that the candies were dry and lacked the expected bourbon flavor.
- A few reviewers found the chocolates to have a slight bloom.
- A handful of reviewers were disappointed with the amount of bourbon flavor in the candies.
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In our experience, the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ball Gift Box is a great gift option for any bourbon lover. The beautiful packaging and delicious candies make it a thoughtful and unique gift. However, some reviewers noted that the candies were dry and lacked the expected bourbon flavor, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.
The chocolates are made with real cream, butter, and award-winning Woodford Reserve Bourbon, which gives them a rich and decadent flavor. They’re also a unique Kentucky tradition, making them a great gift for anyone who loves bourbon or Southern culture.
Overall, we think the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ball Gift Box is a great option for anyone looking for a unique and delicious gift for a bourbon lover. Just be aware that some reviewers have noted that the candies can be a bit dry and lacking in bourbon flavor.
Ringsun Genuine Leather Cash Envelopes for Men, Reusable Budget Envelope Wallet, Retro Clutch Wallet for Men, Cash Wallet for Men,Minimalist Wallet for Men Women, Bourbon Brown
Ringsun Genuine Leather Cash Envelopes for Men, Reusable Budget Envelope Wallet, Retro Clutch Wallet for Men, Cash Wallet for Men,Minimalist Wallet for Men Women, Bourbon Brown
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If you're looking for a budget-friendly wallet that is both stylish and practical, then the Ringsun Genuine Leather Cash Envelopes for Men is definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- The full-grain leather material is waterproof and scratch-resistant, ensuring that your cash and other valuables stay safe and secure.
- The envelope-style design is simple and elegant, making it a great choice for both men and women.
- The wallet is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around in your pocket or handbag.
Cons:
- While the wallet is great for holding cash and small items like keys or gift cards, it may not be practical as a primary wallet for those who carry a lot of credit cards or other items.
- The stud button closure can be a bit cumbersome to use, especially if you need to access your cash or cards quickly.
- The wallet may be a bit too bulky for some users, depending on their personal preferences.
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Overall, we think that the Ringsun Genuine Leather Cash Envelopes for Men is a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and practical budget wallet. The full-grain leather material is high-quality and durable, while the envelope-style design is both simple and elegant. While it may not be the best choice for those who carry a lot of credit cards or other items, it’s a great option for anyone who wants to keep their cash and small items organized and secure.
Bourbon Baggers – Barrel Finish in Your Glass
Bourbon Baggers - Barrel Finish in Your Glass 100% American Oak Infusion Bag. Infuse Your Whiskey, Wine, or Bourbon in Minutes, Not Weeks or Months (Toasted Barrel)
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If you're a bourbon lover looking for a quick and easy way to add complexity to your drink, Bourbon Baggers could be the perfect solution.
Pros:
- The toasted bagger adds a unique twist to your good bourbons with subtle oaks, warm vanillas, and fruit-forward sweetness.
- Infuse your bourbon with the complexity of a charred or toasted barrel, one glass at a time with the 15 baggers included in the package.
- Unlike other options like mini-barrels that take weeks or months to barrel finish, Bourbon Baggers takes only minutes.
Cons:
- The product is not suitable for those who prefer a smooth, mellow bourbon.
- The baggers are only for one-time use, which may not be cost-effective for regular bourbon drinkers.
- The product may not be suitable for those who prefer traditional barrel-aged bourbon.
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Bourbon Baggers are a great option for those who want to experiment with different flavors and add complexity to their drink. Simply place a bagger in your whiskey glass, pour in your bourbon, wait for 5-15 minutes, and enjoy your infused drink. Swirling the glass helps it move along faster.
The product contains 3.5 grams of 100% kiln-dried American White Oak grown in Colorado, the same wood used in every barrel of bourbon made. It contains no filler, no chemicals, no additives, or any other nonsense.
The product is easy to use and comes with clear instructions. The toasted option will add hints of oak, sweetness, and notes of vanilla, while the charred option will add complex flavors including caramel and spice. You can try both options with all of your different bourbons.
In conclusion, Bourbon Baggers is a great option for those who want to experiment with different flavors and add complexity to their drink. It’s easy to use, comes with clear instructions, and adds unique twists to your good bourbons.
Bath and Body Works Bourbon Men’s Fragrance 3.4 Ounces Cologne Spray
Bath and Body Works Bourbon Men's Fragrance 3.4 Ounces Cologne Spray
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If you're looking for a unique and masculine scent, Bath and Body Works Bourbon Men's Fragrance may be worth considering.
Pros:
- The blend of white pepper, dark amber, and Kentucky oak creates a warm and inviting scent that is perfect for everyday wear.
- The cologne spray is not tested on animals, making it a cruelty-free option.
- The packaging is sleek and stylish, making it a great gift option.
Cons:
- The scent may not be long-lasting enough for some users.
- Some users may find the scent to be too strong or overpowering.
- The price point may be too high for those on a tight budget.
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In our experience, Bath and Body Works Bourbon Men’s Fragrance is a great option for those who want a unique and inviting scent. The blend of white pepper, dark amber, and Kentucky oak creates a warm and masculine scent that is perfect for everyday wear. The cologne spray is not tested on animals, making it a cruelty-free option that is also stylishly packaged, making it a great gift option.
However, some users may find that the scent does not last as long as they would like, and others may find it to be too strong or overpowering. Additionally, the price point may be too high for those on a tight budget. Overall, we recommend giving Bath and Body Works Bourbon Men’s Fragrance a try if you’re looking for a unique and inviting scent.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ball Gift Box
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ball Gift Box, 32 Candies per box, delicious and perfect for holiday gifts
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If you're looking for a unique and delicious gift for a bourbon lover, the Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ball Gift Box is a great option.
Pros:
- The beautiful gift box contains 32 candies per 16 ounce box, making it perfect for holidays, Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, office parties, or any gifting occasion.
- Made with real cream, butter, and award-winning Woodford Reserve Bourbon, these candies are a decadent treat.
- Voted "Kentucky's Best Bourbon" by Kentucky Monthly magazine, and a three times Gold Medal winner for Best Bourbon at the distinguished 2000, 2002, and 2003 World Spirits competitions, you can trust that the bourbon used in these candies is of the highest quality.
Cons:
- Some customers have found the price to be a bit high for the amount of candies in the box.
- A few customers have received partially melted candies due to shipping issues.
- One customer found the taste to be "weird" and not enjoyable.
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The Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ball Gift Box is a unique and delicious gift for any bourbon lover. The beautiful gift box makes it perfect for special occasions, and the candies themselves are made with high-quality ingredients and award-winning bourbon. While some customers have found the price to be a bit high, overall the reviews are positive and these candies are sure to be a hit with any bourbon enthusiast.
Bourbon Noir Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch
Bourbon Noir Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch - Bourbon Gifts for Men, Cocktail Beginners & Enthusiasts, Old Fashioned Smoker Kit - Six Woods, Whiskey Stones, Drink Smoker Kit with Two Toppers &...
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If you're looking to elevate your home bar game, the Bourbon Noir Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch is a must-have. With six different wood chips, a culinary torch, whiskey stones, an ice mold, and two glass toppers, this kit has everything you need to create a smoky and flavorful cocktail experience.
Pros:
- The kit includes six different types of wood chips, allowing you to experiment and perfect your own signature smoked cocktail.
- The luxurious wooden box makes it a perfect gift for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.
- The kit includes easy-to-follow instructions ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable experience creating your own smoked drinks.
Cons:
- The kit is on the pricier side compared to other budget bourbon options.
- The culinary torch may take some practice to use properly.
- The kit may be too extensive for those who prefer a simpler cocktail experience.
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We were impressed with the quality and variety of this kit. The six different wood chips allowed us to experiment with different flavors and find our favorite combinations. The whiskey stones and ice mold were a nice touch, ensuring our drinks stayed chilled without diluting the flavor. The glass toppers were a perfect fit for most whiskey glasses and added a professional touch to our drinks.
Overall, we highly recommend the Bourbon Noir Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch for those looking to take their home bar game to the next level. While it may be on the pricier side compared to other budget bourbon options, the quality and versatility of this kit are well worth the investment.
The Bourbon Bucket List Scratch Off Poster
The Bourbon Bucket List Scratch Off Poster - World's Top 50 Bourbons | Perfect Wall Decor for Man Caves, Bars and Offices | Best Birthday Gift for Whiskey Lovers and Bourbon Collectors
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If you're a bourbon enthusiast looking for a fun and unique way to track your favorite bourbons, The Bourbon Bucket List Scratch Off Poster is a great option.
Pros:
- The scratch-off design is visually appealing and adds an element of excitement to discovering new bourbons.
- The poster is beautifully crafted and makes a great addition to any man cave, bar, or office.
- The poster is a great gift option for Father's Day, birthdays, or any occasion.
Cons:
- The sizing of the poster can make it difficult to find a frame that fits.
- The scratch-off squares may be difficult to scratch off cleanly.
- The poster only features 50 bourbons, which may not be enough for some enthusiasts.
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This scratch-off poster is a fun and visually stunning way to experience the best bourbons on the market. The scratch-off squares make it exciting to discover new bourbons and track your favorites. The poster’s design is eye-catching and adds a great touch to any room.
If you’re looking for a unique and visually appealing way to track your favorite bourbons, The Bourbon Bucket List Scratch Off Poster is a great option. It also makes for a great gift for any bourbon enthusiast in your life.
Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch: Whiskey Smoker Kit with 6 Flavors Smoked Wood Chips – Old Fashioned Drink Smoker Infuser Kit for Bourbon, Whisky Smoking Gifts Box Smoke Set for Men(Without Butane) With Torch (No Butane)
Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch: Whiskey Smoker Kit with 6 Flavors Smoked Wood Chips - Old Fashioned Drink Smoker Infuser Kit for Bourbon, Whisky Smoking Gifts Box Smoke Set for Men(Without Butane)
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If you're looking for a simple and easy-to-use cocktail smoker kit, the Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch from Rafow is a great option to consider.
Pros:
- The kit includes everything you need to get started with smoking cocktails, including a high-end smoker torch, six different flavors of natural wood chips, a wooden smoke infuser chimney with lid, two stainless steel mesh filters, two ice stones, a wood chip clip and spoon, and a cleaning brush.
- The natural wood chips used in the kit are air-dried and free of any chemicals, ensuring that the original smell of the wood is preserved and that the chips can be fully burned.
- The kit is extremely user-friendly, making it easy for beginners and professionals alike to create perfectly flavored drinks and dishes.
Cons:
- The holes in the smoke infuser chimney are small and located on the side, which can make it difficult to get the smoke to distribute evenly throughout the drink or dish.
- The torch included in the kit may not be as durable or long-lasting as some users would like.
- The kit may be more expensive than some other options on the market.
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Overall, we think the Cocktail Smoker Kit with Torch from Rafow is a great choice for anyone looking to add a smoky flavor to their cocktails, whiskey, or bourbon. The kit includes everything you need to get started, and the natural wood chips ensure that you get a rich and exciting flavor every time. While the kit may be a bit more expensive than some other options, we think the quality and convenience make it worth the investment.
Beginner Bourbon Recipe Mash and Fermentation Kit – Make Your Own Bourbon at Home – Gifts for Whiskey Lovers – Gifts for Him – Gifts for Dad
Beginner Bourbon Recipe Mash and Fermentation Kit - Make Your Own Bourbon at Home - Gifts for Whiskey Lovers - Gifts for Him - Gifts for Dad
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If you're looking to make your own bourbon at home, the Beginner Bourbon Recipe Mash and Fermentation Kit by TAPCRAFT might be worth considering.
Pros:
- All-in-one kit with all the ingredients needed to make a 5 gallon mash of Bourbon Whiskey
- Specialty grains allow for more "mature" flavored bourbon with less time
- Toast oak chips are included so age on. Oak chips have very high surface area to impart oak flavor much quicker than staves or barrels
Cons:
- Requires additional spring water that is not included in the kit
- Some users reported issues with the instructions and had to make adjustments to the process
- Results may vary based on individual skill and experience
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We found that the Beginner Bourbon Recipe Mash and Fermentation Kit by TAPCRAFT is a great option for those looking to make their own bourbon at home. The kit comes with all the ingredients needed to make a 5 gallon mash of Bourbon Whiskey, including specialty grains that allow for a more “mature” flavored bourbon with less time, and toast oak chips that impart oak flavor much quicker than staves or barrels.
However, it’s important to note that the kit requires additional spring water that is not included, and some users reported issues with the instructions and had to make adjustments to the process. Additionally, the quality of the final product may vary based on individual skill and experience.
Overall, the Beginner Bourbon Recipe Mash and Fermentation Kit by TAPCRAFT is a solid choice for those looking to experiment with making their own bourbon at home.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying budget bourbon, there are a few key things to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your money. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Price
Of course, one of the most important factors for many people when buying bourbon is the price. While budget bourbons will generally be less expensive than their premium counterparts, it’s still important to compare prices and look for the best deal. Keep in mind that some brands may offer better value for money than others, even if they are similarly priced.
Age
The age of the bourbon is another important consideration. Generally, the longer a bourbon has been aged, the more complex its flavor will be. However, older bourbons are often more expensive, so it’s important to find a balance between age and price. Look for bourbons that have been aged for at least two years, but don’t overlook younger options that may still offer a great taste.
Mash Bill
The mash bill is the recipe of grains used to make the bourbon. Different mash bills can result in different flavors, so it’s worth considering which grains are used in the bourbon you’re considering. For example, bourbons with a higher percentage of rye in the mash bill will generally have a spicier flavor, while those with a higher percentage of corn will be sweeter.
Proof
The proof of the bourbon refers to its alcohol content. Generally, bourbons will have a proof of between 80 and 100. Higher proof bourbons will generally have a stronger flavor, but may also be more expensive. It’s worth trying different proofs to find the one that suits your taste and budget.
Tasting Notes
Finally, it’s always a good idea to read up on the tasting notes of a bourbon before buying it. This can give you an idea of what flavors and aromas to expect, and can help you choose a bourbon that suits your preferences. Look for tasting notes that match your preferred flavor profile, whether that’s sweet, spicy, or smoky.
By considering these factors when buying budget bourbon, you can find a product that offers great taste and value for money.
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Rohit Mittal
Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.