Bourbon doesn’t have to be expense these ten Bourbons Under £40/$50 deliver robust flavour and versatility, whether you’re sipping neat or mixing up cocktails. Each one is available (at time of writing) from The Bourbon Family just click the bottle name to go straight there.
1. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Why It’s Great:
Consistently lauded as the best value bourbon under $50. It’s smooth, balanced, and versatile—think vanilla, caramel and a touch of rye spice—great for cocktails or neat bourbons.com+5liquor.com+5drinkhacker.com+5.
Sip or Mix? Both. Ideal for an Old Fashioned or highball, but just as satisfying on the rocks.
2. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
Why It’s Great:
A high-proof (50.5%) bourbon with a bold character—notes of burnt sugar, cinnamon and warm oak, it’s a classic workhorse en.wikipedia.org+2liquor.com+2breakingbourbon.com+2.
Sip or Mix? Both, but especially sturdy in cocktails.
3. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Why It’s Great:
Premium small-batch bourbon with honeyed vanilla, butterscotch and gentle spice. Jim Beam’s go‑to for Mint Juleps at the Derby simplyrecipes.com.
Sip or Mix? Both. Exceptional neat or in refined cocktails.
4. Maker’s Mark 46
Why It’s Great:
An enhanced version of the classic Maker’s Mark with extra oak from French oak staves—richer and deeper, but still sweet and silky mybartender.com+10thewhiskeyshelf.com+10foodandwine.com+10.
Sip or Mix? Best sipped neat, but lovely in sweeter cocktails.
5. Four Roses Small Batch
Why It’s Great:
A blend of Four Roses’ recipes for a complex pour of bright fruit, cinnamon and light oak. Award-winning and under $50 gq.com+2brostrick.com+2bourbons.com+2.
Sip or Mix? Both. Fruity enough to sip, yet layered for cocktails.
6. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Why It’s Great:
Aged bourbon (around 8–12 years) with rich caramel, oak and spice—deep and textured for the price .
Sip or Mix? Sip confidently; also stands up in stirred cocktails.
7. Larceny Small Batch
Why It’s Great:
A wheated bourbon with honeyed sweetness—vanilla, stone fruit and gentle spice, often cited as an excellent wheated pour under $30 mybartender.com+15thewhiskeyshelf.com+15wineenthusiast.com+15.
Sip or Mix? Best neat, but light enough for versatile use.
8. Old Forester 100 Proof
Why It’s Great:
One of the first bottled-in-bond bourbons, delivering spicy oak, toasted nuts, and baking spice at elevated proof—great value uproxx.com+5liquor.com+5foodandwine.com+5.
Sip or Mix? Both—ideal for a rich Manhattan or enjoyed neat.
9. Rowan’s Creek Bourbon
Why It’s Great:
This small-batch bourbon from Willett brings playful spice, dark chocolate, molasses—a favourite with bartenders and award-winners .
Sip or Mix? Primarily for sipping, but shines in stirred drinks.
10. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Why It’s Great:
A budget powerhouse—at ~£20, it offers substantial dark-roast, sweet flavours at high proof, with bottled-in-bond authenticity .
Sip or Mix? Mixes beautifully, but neat drinking is a treat.
Why These Make the Cut
- Under £40/$50: Great value, consistently in stock.
- Widely available: These aren’t limited editions—daily-drinkers that avoid inflated secondary pricing.
- Well-reviewed: Cited across expert sites (Liquor.com, Bourbon Inspector, Food & Wine) foodandwine.com+3bourboninspector.com+3liquor.com+3.
- Versatile: Balanced for both neat enjoyment and cocktail creation.
How to Choose: Sip or Mix?
| Preference | Look for… | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Sipping neat | Higher proof, complex ageing, smooth finish | Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig, Maker’s 46 |
| Mixing or cocktails | Bold flavours, spices, proof to balance sweet/citrus | Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 101, Old Forester 100 |
| Budget-friendly | Great taste for lower price | Evan Williams, Larceny |
| Wheated profile | Softer, sweeter bourbon without rye bite | Maker’s 46, Larceny |
Why Buy from The Bourbon Family?
- Huge selection: Over 20,000 spirits—including all our picks.
- UK/EU delivery: Easy checkout, VAT included.
- Click-to-buy convenience: Bottles linked for instant access.
- Stock updates & offers: Best Sellers page and allocation alerts.
Top Tips Before You Buy
- Watch stock – Most bottles are readily available, but favourites like Buffalo Trace may run out.
- Check ABV – Higher proofs (like Wild Turkey 101) offer boldness but sip slower.
- Bottle size – All under £50 are typically 70cl/750 ml standard bottles.
- Mix or enjoy neat – Pick based on your preferred drinking style.
Your Perfect Pour: Which One Will It Be?
- For everyday sipping: Go for Woodford Reserve or Elijah Craig.
- For back-bar cocktails: Load up on Buffalo Trace and Old Forester 100.
- Want something sweeter: Try Maker’s 46 or Larceny.
- Stretch your budget: Evan Williams BiB delivers great flavour for far less.
A Note on Prices
All above bottles are under £40 at The Bourbon Family at time of writing. Prices fluctuate, so check link pages and use the site’s alerts for best deals.
Cheers to Great Bourbon!
Good bourbon needn’t break the bank. Whether you’re a newcomer wanting to explore or a seasoned sipper hunting for value, these ten bottles offer reliably excellent flavour and character well under £40. Dive into The Bourbon Family, click your bottle, and raise a glass to good taste without overspend.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of July 2025. Please check the store before purchasing. Cheers! 🥃
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