You’ve sifted by means of the bourbon choices within the below $50 phase. What about one thing that’s somewhat extra upmarket? Just a bit extra upscale than 50 bucks can get you?
With this story, we’re elevating the stakes on the perfect bourbons available on the market, and setting our most worth at $100. As you may think about, this opens the door fairly a bit to a extremely big vary of whiskeys that handle to get on the shelf at that worth. Whittling them right down to our favourite dozen-plus wasn’t straightforward.
As we did with our prime bourbons below $50 checklist, we had been as scientific concerning the pricing as doable, since prices differ significantly from retailer to retailer. Once more, we used the nationwide common for the spirit as decided by wine-searcher to determine whether or not every product was eligible for inclusion. You’ll see that worth mirrored in every of the writeups under — although, in fact, the precise worth you pay goes to differ dramatically in shops and on-line. You’ll completely discover a few of these on deep low cost sometimes, possibly as little as half the value we’ve listed under. In the event you see these costs, we suggest you purchase.
One other observe on eligibility right here: Basically, we’re specializing in full-time, year-round releases, although as you’ll see in a few spots, we’ve made exceptions for just a few annual releases which have a confirmed monitor file and which stay accessible year-round. One other rule we enacted is that the whiskeys included needed to have “affordable availability” on a nationwide scale, that means your native Whole Wine, Spec’s, or Bevmo is prone to inventory it.
If $100 is simply too wealthy for you, try our sub-$50 and sub-$20 lists, each of that are stuffed with value-priced gems.
Once more, this checklist will not be in any specific order, however we’ve caught some favorites close to the highest once more that deserve particular point out.
Up to date 2026 with the addition of George Dickel and Wilderness Path.
17 Prime Bourbons Below $100
Considered one of our favourite “on a regular basis however upscale” drinkers since its 2016 launch, Outdated Forester 1920 is bottled in a “Prohibition Type,” which, so far as we will inform means “further boozy.” The 57.5% abv bottling has develop into simpler to search out in recent times and a standby for these within the know, who discover its aggressive punch tempered by beautiful notes of dried fruits, baking spice, and a whip of licorice on the end. Advanced however cohesive, it’s a neck-and-neck favourite from OldFo’s Whiskey Row Sequence alongside its burlier (however decrease abv) 1910 version.
115 proof. $63 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Launched as Russell’s Reserve Small Batch Single Barrel in 2013, this bottle received a rebrand some years later and dropped the “Small Batch,” however saved the whole lot else just about the identical. It’s a darkish, brooding whiskey that leans heavy into the barrel because of an alligator char earlier than it lastly lets some sweetness into the room. That stated, the whiskey guards the visitor checklist to maintain issues tight, with anise and mint the first secondary notes to emerge later within the recreation. It’s maybe not a whiskey for everybody — however it’s the whiskey that received one of many highest variety of mentions among the many workers after we got down to create this checklist.
110 proof. $71 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
As soon as a dependable worth model, Eagle Uncommon has rocketed up in each worth and demand, and with good motive. The whiskey stays a crowd-pleasing delight that showcases a biggest hits of bourbondom: Vibrant citrus fruit, baked apples, wintry pie spices, and loads of lingering caramel apple and candy butterscotch. Eagle Uncommon mixes fantastically and drinks like a dream by itself. Only some years in the past it was half the value (and earlier than {that a} single barrel product), however there’s nonetheless a robust case to be made for choosing it up by the case as we speak.
90 proof. $69 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
An under-the-radar bottle that’s virtually inconceivable to efficiently order at a bar with out being mistaken for asking for “Maker’s” (although that’s a superbly acceptable selection, too). This venerable Beam product turned a single barrel providing in 2019, and it’s nonetheless a stable choose, invariably showcasing cherry (and cherry cola) parts which can be a core element of the Baker’s DNA. In fact, single barrels imply the whiskey goes to vary from bottle to bottle — and with Baker’s this may be important — so you could discover the expertise varies from bar to bar.
107 proof. $68 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Choose is a step up from Outdated No. 7. Single Barrel Barrel Proof is the step up from there. (This was truly JD’s first ever barrel power launch.) This burly bottling might have you ever rethinking what you understand concerning the Tennessee large, showcasing the whiskey’s large physique alongside sultry dessert tones. JD’s charcoal mellowing works its magic effectively at tempering any harshness or overt booziness from the expertise, even at full energy. Vanilla and caramel coat the tongue on the best way out, in the very best method.
~133 proof, abv varies by bottle. $72 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Nonetheless Austin will get justifiably excessive reward for its specialty blue corn and crimson corn bourbon releases, however each of these are far too dear to qualify for our sub-$100 checklist. This extra reasonably priced cask power model of its “The Musician” launch is a pleasant compromise, although it’s a moderately easy bourbon that’s dominated by ample char, numerous peanuts, and a dill pickle observe. Nonetheless Austin Cask Power is youthful however all the time evolving, so don’t be shocked to search out newer bottles displaying a larger sense of maturity and complexity.
118 proof. $57 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
This 12 12 months outdated is the step up from Knob Creek 9 Years Outdated (which you’ll discover on our prime bourbons below $50 checklist), and the one different Knob Creek providing accessible for below $100. It’s a fruitier and spicier rendition of the entry-level providing, showcasing ample wooden but additionally loads of wintry cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Whereas it veers towards austerity at instances, it nonetheless has the necessities of the Knob Creek DNA on full view — and the upcharge isn’t all that excessive.
100 proof. $70 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Bardstown Bourbon Co. is finest recognized for the seasonal releases making up its Discovery and Fusion collection, however don’t overlook its extra approachable and reasonably priced Origin Sequence, which showcases the distillery’s wares with none gimmicks. This wheat-heavy bourbon has a considerable depth to it that isn’t all the time current in wheaters, showcasing darkish brown sugar, coconut, and cherry notes. Candy however not too candy, the six 12 months outdated providing punches effectively above its asking worth.
100 proof. $50 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof received its begin as a everlasting launch, however it’s since morphed into one of many extra dependable seasonal releases, popping out in arcanely named batches 3 times a 12 months. These batches differ in age and high quality and, because of this, worth, however just about all of them are price tasting — and price selecting up in case you see them at lower than $100, which is widespread save for a number of the ultra-prized releases like batch A121. The nonvintage model should be hanging round on the market too, and it’s additionally well worth the asking worth in case you see it.
Proof varies. $89 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Whereas promoting for greater than its $60 MSRP, Outdated Fitz’s superb 7 12 months outdated bonded bourbon nonetheless sneaks in at below the $100 worth level, and it stays a extremely worthy providing ought to Outdated Fitzgerald’s semiannual particular version releases (like its killer 2025 VVS bottling) be out of attain. This everlasting version (albeit one which will likely be launched annually with classic date on the bottle) is enchanting and on the candy facet, showcasing honeyed caramel and silky vanilla notes, segueing into banana bread and wafer cookie flavors. A pop of citrus sharpens up the end, however it’s again quickly sufficient to the dessert tray earlier than too lengthy.
100 proof. $96 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Wild Turkey’s OG barrel proof providing, Uncommon Breed is a mix of 6-, 8-, and 12-year outdated whiskeys, all blended up at cask power. Launched yearly however typically thought of pretty steady in profile in recent times, it’s fairly a discount at lower than $60 and typically approaching $50. The whiskey showcases lots of the highlights of the Wild Turkey distillate, full-bodied with spicy and peppery qualities, tempered by vanilla and chocolate and even coconut on the end. Don’t stress the classic an excessive amount of, as Uncommon Breed is all the time a deal with.
116.8 proof. $59 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Wish to get in on the toasted barrel bourbon craze with out spending a fortune? (Michter’s Toasted Barrel runs over $250 as of late.) Take a look at Penelope’s stable rendition, which is aggressive on the nostril however sweeter on the palate than anticipated, lush with vanilla and baking spice, with a sophisticated, oily end. Notes of cherry add to the whiskey’s thriller.
100 proof. $64 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
That is your solely probability to get an E.H. Taylor launch for below $100. Bottlings just like the Barrel Proof launch commonly fetch $500 and up. Small Batch isn’t our favourite of the lineup, however it makes an announcement like lots of its brethren — heavy on citrus notes, loads of sweetness, and a chocolate orange observe on the end. This expression tends to be wood-heavy, however the remainder of the expertise works round it effectively sufficient.
100 proof. $96 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Recommending a favourite bottle from Barrell is a near-impossibility. By our depend the model is approaching 100 totally different bottlings, together with practically 40 in its Barrell Bourbon Batch collection. The trick it that plenty of these disappear from the market rapidly, so it’s exhausting to decide on only one to deal with. We’re going to strive, nonetheless, with a call-out for Armida, a wildly distinctive blended bourbon that sees three totally different whiskeys completed individually in pear brandy, rum, and amaro casks. The outcomes are, as you’d count on, wholly distinctive and intensely spicy and fruit-laden. At below 100 bucks it’s a steal — and whereas technically a seasonal launch, not all that tough to search out.
112.1 proof. $91[BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
This can be a barely difficult one as a result of Fourteener is a restricted launch that comes and goes, with new batch numbers every time. However it’s a 14 12 months outdated bourbon, which you’ll not readily discover within the sub-$100 worth band, and virtually by no means within the sub-$70 band. The 2 Fourteener batches up to now differ in high quality — No. 2 is best — however each are price a glance if you wish to attempt to wrap your thoughts round Colorado’s distinctive strategy to whiskeymaking. You’ll get numerous peanut, numerous spice, and plenty of malt — after which take into account climbing a mountain to have a good time.
84 proof. $69 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Dickel is perennially missed by the trade, so naturally we forgot about it with our unique checklist in 2025, too. This 15 12 months outdated is a knockout, showcasing brilliant spices and a layer of candy orange zest that elevates it above lots of Dickel’s extra restrained choices. A bit fiery at instances, the whiskey finally settles right into a groove paying homage to cinnamon rolls and praline ice cream. As a single barrel launch, your mileage might differ a bit from bottle to bottle, however we assure an excellent time regardless.
104.6 proof. $68 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
The Household Reserve whiskey collection from Wilderness Path contains quite a lot of recipes and variants. What you need is the wheated bourbon, which incorporates a mashbill of 24% wheat. It’s a mild and nutty whiskey, milk chocolate and mint organising a end that leans into marzipan and vanilla, with late-game anise and dill weed including a contact of greenery to the combo. Once more, it is a single barrel so variations are pure, however we’re massive followers of what we’ve sampled so far.
110.4 proof. $87 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
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