15 Best Whiskeys for Under $30

NEWS & TRENDING - SHOPPING & DEALS NEWS
Add some whiskey to your bar to drink straight up or add to cocktails without busting your wallet.
Updated April 11, 2024
Fact checked
Man holds glass of brandy

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

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 to plenty of expensive bottles.

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

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

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.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

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.

Stop overpaying when you shop online

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2

Get Capital One Shopping now

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 that you may overlook at first.

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

None

Johnnie Walker is another classic name in whiskey and, like Jack Daniel’s, 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

Courtesy of Total Wine & More glasses of whiskey

These selections let you save money shopping for a good whiskey without breaking the bank.

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

Discover®️ Cashback Checking Benefits

  • Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month1
  • No minimum deposit, no minimum balance, and no account fees
  • Access your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay
  • 60K+ fee-free ATMs and make cash deposits at Walmart stores nationwide

Want to learn how to make an extra $200?

Get proven ways to earn extra cash from your phone, computer, & more with Extra.

You will receive emails from FinanceBuzz.com. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy

  • Vetted side hustles
  • Exclusive offers to save money daily
  • Expert tips to help manage and escape debt