Bourbon is a type of whiskey that has to be made in the United States. In fact, according to the Kentucky Distillers ' Association, Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s bourbon.
While it can be made with different types of grains, like rye, wheat, or barley, at least 51% of the grain has to be corn. It also needs to be at least 80 proof, which means 40% of it is alcohol.
While we often like to provide tips on how to save money shopping, including for whiskey, here are some great bottles that are worth splurging on.
Editor's note: Prices are subject to change.
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
Widow Jane 10-Year-Old Bourbon
Price: $73 at Reserve Bar
The Widow Jane 10-Year-Old Bourbon is made by mixing five-barrel batches to give it a rich taste.
It’s also one of the few Bourbons on the list that isn’t from Kentucky. Instead, this one comes from a distillery in New York City.
Jim Beam Signature Craft Soft Red Wheat Bourbon Whiskey
Price: $74.99 at Seelbach's
One of the best-known bourbon makers is Jim Beam, which has bottles at a range of price points for bourbon drinkers.
This signature bottle is on the higher end, but the extra wheat kick in the mix may be favorable for some drinkers.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey
Price: $75.99 at Total Wine
One thing that makes Elijah Craig’s barrel-proof bourbon special is that each bottle is unique.
The bottles are hand-labeled and include the batch number and proof for that specific bottle, meaning each bottle may vary depending on the bourbon’s characteristics at bottling.
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.
Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Price: $40.99 at Total Wine
Widely available, Four Roses has a smooth vanilla taste with hints of plum and cherry for bourbon drinkers. This bourbon is delicious and served straight or on the rocks.
Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon
Price: $48.99 at Total Wine
Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon is another rare bourbon made outside of Kentucky. It has a crisp feel and a smooth finish.
Trending Stories
Early Times Bottled In Bond Bourbon
Price: $27.99 at Total Wine
This Kentucky bourbon is an old-style treat with a mash that’s almost 80% corn.
It’s 100-proof bourbon — which entitles it to the “bottled in bond” designation — and has a sweetness with lingering notes of cookies and chocolate.
Legent Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Price: $46.99 at Total Wine
Legent Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a collaboration between legendary distillers from Kentucky and Japan.
Their special approach includes finishing the bourbon in red wine and sherry casks to give it a bold, fruity flavor.
Breckenridge Reserve Blend Bourbon Whiskey
Price: $43.99 at Total Wine
The Rocky Mountains of Colorado are home to the Breckenridge Distillery. Its basic bourbon includes notes of dried orange peel, vanilla, and rye spice in each glass.
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight
Price: $30.99 at Caskers
This Kentucky bourbon includes sweet notes of candy that may give it a more approachable taste than some more traditional bourbons.
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
Heaven’s Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Price: $68 at Reserve Bar
The name of Heaven’s Door comes from Bob Dylan, who is a partner in this bourbon venture. The bottle includes an iron gate design that Dylan created in his metal-work studio.
Noah’s Mill Bourbon
Price: $63.99 at Total Wine
Made in small batches in Kentucky, Noah’s Mill Bourbon features notes of walnut with spice, lavender, and caramel flavors. It also works well with mixed drinks like mint juleps and old fashioneds.
Eagle Rare 10-Year Bourbon
Price: $42.99 at Total Wine
Eagle Rare is aged for at least 10 years, but patience is rewarded with a smooth taste. Drink it on the rocks or use it for cocktails like a whiskey sour or Manhattan.
Maker's Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Whisky
Price: $43 at Reserve Bar
Maker’s Mark may be a household name when it comes to bourbon, but this version has an extra kick you can’t get from the typical bottle at your local liquor store.
The Cask Strength means it has a higher alcohol content than other bourbons.
Pinhook Bourbon Heist
Price: $52.99 at Cost Plus Liquor
This bottle, which features a racing Thoroughbred in honor of its Kentucky roots, includes notes of toasted coconut and caramel to give it a smooth finish.
Watershed Distillery Blended Straight Bourbon
Price: $59 at Seelbach's
Ohio is home to the Watershed Distillery, which combines two of its own bourbons for this blended straight bourbon. It also gets some extra flavor from apple-brandy casks to finish the bottle.
Hirsch Selected Whiskeys: The Horizon
Price: $49 at Seelbach's
From an Indiana distillery, The Horizon combines two bourbons aged for different lengths of time to make one tasty bourbon.
Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. California Oak Bourbon
Price: $33.99 at Total Wine
Broken Barrel Whiskey Co. presents this bourbon with hints of berries that are aged in California Cabernet wine cask staves to give it a distinctive taste.
Russell's Reserve 10 Years Old
Price: $38.99 at Total Wine
This fruity bourbon includes a taste of dried orange peel and a bit of a woodsy aroma. It’s another bourbon that may be just as good in cocktails as it is on the rocks.
Kirkland Signature Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Prices: Varies by state but generally less than $25
Kirkland Signature’s small batch of bourbon has notes of vanilla and caramel that give it a smooth finish.
And if you’re on a budget, a store brand like Costco’s Kirkland Signature is one of the membership perks you can use to save money. They might be as good as a name brand but at a lower cost, helping you save some cash.
Bottom line
Bourbon is a $9 billion industry in Kentucky alone, so there’s plenty of good stuff to go around. They aren't always cheap, so you may want to consider investing in whiskey before getting hooked.
Whether you’re new to bourbon, want to try something different, or are well-versed in your favorite types of bourbon, there are bourbons at all price points.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details