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15 Best Whiskeys for Under $30

Add some whiskey to your bar to drink straight up or add to cocktails without busting your wallet.

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Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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It can be nice to wind down after a long day with whiskey or start the night with party drinks.

But whiskeys can come in a variety of affordable choices, from plenty of expensive bottles.

So, if you’re trying to keep more money in your wallet, check out these options. They're good straight-up or mixed with your favorite drink ingredients for the perfect cocktail.

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Jameson Irish Whiskey

Courtesy of Total Wine & More jameson irish whiskey

Jameson Irish Whiskey has a clean, crisp taste after being aged in bourbon and sherry casks.

It also has nut, vanilla, and spice notes, leading to a smooth finish for straight whiskey drinkers.

Redemption Rye

Courtesy of Total Wine & More redemption rye

Check out Redemption Rye to try a take on Indiana's rye whiskey. The bottle includes rye notes as well as citrus and light floral tones.

It can be a great mix-in for whiskey cocktails that do well with a hint of mint.

Kirkland Signature Canadian Whiskey

Courtesy of Total Wine & More kirkland signature canadian whiskey

You may be surprised to see Costco’s store brand whiskey on a list of the best whiskeys.

Kirkland Signature Canadian Whiskey can be a good substitute for Crown Royal whiskey at a lower price point than the better-known brand.

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Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Courtesy of Total Wine & More straight bourbon whiskey

The Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 100 Proof is a small-batch bourbon that may be a great option if you prefer a straight-sipping drink with wheat tones out of Kentucky.

George Dickel Rye

Courtesy of Total Wine & More george dickel rye

If you want to try something from Tennessee, the George Dickel Rye may be a good option for your whiskey collection. The rye bourbon includes spice and fruit notes that lead to a smooth finish, making it a good-tasting option on a budget.

Pendleton Canadian Whisky

Courtesy of Total Wine & More pendleton canadian whisky

Pendleton Canadian Whisky is a blended whiskey using whiskeys distilled from northern grains and aged in oak barrels.

Its smooth finish makes it great for sipping after a long day or if you just need a relaxing nightcap.

Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey

Courtesy of Total Wine & More tullamore dew irish whiskey

Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey has a sweet streak with apple, vanilla, and spice notes. Drink it on its own or make a delicious Irish coffee with it.

Bulleit Rye Whiskey

Courtesy of Total Wine & More bulleit rye whiskey

Bulleit Rye Whiskey is one of the most affordable whiskeys on this list, and it works great on its own.

The bottle includes hints of black cherry, peach, and apricot, giving it a pleasing aroma and taste for whiskey fans.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Courtesy of Total Wine & More kentucky straight bourbon whiskey

The Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey includes notes of brown sugar and cinnamon along with other spices to give it a long, dry finish whiskey fans.

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Jack Daniel’s Black

Courtesy of Total Wine & More jack daniels black

It may seem like an obvious choice, but there’s a reason Jack Daniel’s is known so well for being good and affordable.

It’s perfect for mixed drinks like a classic Jack and Coke, or add it to a glass with some bitters and simple syrup for the perfect Old Fashioned.

Early Times Bottled In Bond

Courtesy of Total Wine & More early times bottled in bond

The Early Times Bottled In Bond may be a good option if you’re looking for a whiskey with some added sweetness.

The bottle includes notes of chocolate, cinnamon, spices, and even a hint of cookies, giving it a unique flavor and finish.

Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Bourbon Whiskey

Courtesy of Total Wine & More ezrbrooks-bourbon-whiskey

The small-batch Ezra Brooks 99 Proof Bourbon Whiskey shines with a spicy rye bourbon taste.

The bottle also has a stand-out flavor due to its high-proof content and smooth finish, which is ideal for straight bourbon drinkers.

WL Weller Special Reserve Bourbon

Courtesy of Total Wine & More wl weller special reserve bourbon

Bottles of the small-batch WL Weller Special Reserve Bourbon include plenty of wheat instead of the traditional rye grain to give it a flavor with a smooth taste.

Each bottle has 90-proof bourbon that’s been aged for seven years.

Evan Williams Single Barrel

Courtesy of Total Wine & More evan williams single barrel

The Evan Williams Single Barrel has spicy notes and a complexity you may overlook initially.

The bourbon is aged for nine years, giving it some great taste without the high price tag that other bottles in the category may carry.

Johnnie Walker Red Label

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Johnnie Walker is another classic name in whiskey. Like Jack Daniel’s, it is known for affordable bottles that also taste good.

Grab a bottle of the classic Johnnie Walker Red Label. Its distinctive flavor comes through even when added to whiskey cocktails.

Bottom line

razoomanetu/Adobe whiskey in an oak barrel

These selections let you save money shopping for a good whiskey without breaking the bank. You might even find a bottle that will help you learn how to invest in whiskey. 

Enjoy these budget-friendly options, savor the experience responsibly, and discover the world of flavors this versatile spirit offers.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.