Best $30 bottle

[upStomp]

All my standard pours are in the $20-$30 range. Four Roses SmB (when I want something higher rye - $26), Buffalo Trace (when I'm feeling corny - $23, but I have to hop a border for that price), and Old Weller Antique (when my palate is in wheat country - $23). I usually keep a case of the BT and OWA on hand at all times, but the recent shortages have made larger dents in my stock than usual.

[wrkingsley]

I've had most of the suggestions so far, but y'all have offered a few that I haven't. Elmer T Lee, Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Elijah Craig 12 are all ones I'll need to try out. My favorite so far, though I haven't found a bottle in this city (Nashville) is Weller 12. Had to pick it up while traveling through Knoxville.

[qman22]

scram, damned cultist!

[kjbeggs]

ETL if you can find it, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and as mentioned several times already- OGD114 ($17.99 here)

[mbroo5880i]

I would opt for a small batch to get a feel for the brand. Four Roses Small Batch is a solid sub $25 option. If you like it, then you can step up to Four Roses Single Barrel. EC12 is another solid small batch option.

For $30, you could also try two BIBs (maybe OGD and HH) which would give you a sense of different "house" styles.

There are several single barrel options, as many have already recommended. The only caution is variability in a bottle of a single barrel might turn you off to the brand entirely, even when you might really like it if you had gotten a good bottle.

[boneuphtoner]

EC12, FR Yellow Label, FR Small Batch, Henry McKenna BIB, JW Dant BIB, Evan Williams BIB, WT Rare Breed. These are all great in my book and most will set you back far less than $30

[Flyfish]

So, the consensus to this point is it's hard to find a bad bourbon in the $20-$30 range. We have our preferences but we also have a plethora of outstanding options.

[k1052]

EC12 and McKenna BIB usually get my dollars in that price range. Honorable mentions to FRSB, EWSB, and MM46.

[amg]

So, the consensus to this point is it's hard to find a bad bourbon in the $20-$30 range. We have our preferences but we also have a plethora of outstanding options.

I've tried to think of a bad bourbon in that price range, and I'm having a hard time. I found Corner Creek to be pretty disappointing I guess. Town Branch bourbon is pretty dull, though I thought their Rye was decent, though maybe overpiced, when I tasted it.

[GaryT]

C'mon man! It's gotta be ETL. Never disappoints.

When I saw the title, this was my first thought!! ER10 also comes to mind, or KC, or OGD114 . . . damn, can't really pick a "best" out of the group. The moral of the story is there's a lot of good bourbon under $30!!

[amg]

I wish I could find ETL. Haven't seen it in months.

[Tony]

Going to go with FRSmB and when I can get it when I travel for 30 the FRSB.

Best regards, Tony

[dcbt]

ETL if I can find it, ER10 if I can't, and EC12 are my go-tos around that price point.

[Paddy]

Those are some great suggestions above, but don't leave out Dickel Rye. Best bang for the buck rye to be had!

[Rkkingsley]

This isn't the answer I'd give everyone with the same question, but... Your brother needs to get you some sample bottles so you can decide for yourself. Come on, Rick!

[wrkingsley]

Guilty. I hang my head in shame. I don't have most of the mid-range bottles on hand that have been suggested.

Though, I will say that EC12 was the first bottle I suggest he get...

What you don't have, I probably do. Weller 12, OWA 107, FRSB and OGB 114 are all open and dutifully explored. Finished my McKenna BiB last month.

I'm finding I have a propensity for wheated bourbon, but that's because I got hooked after having Weller 12. Right now, I find that I'm enjoying everything new I can sample. I'm sure it won't always be like this, but it's exciting at the moment. I'm glad that most of the recs are for "readily available".I think my next will have to be EC12. I've heard this is basically a two year older version of HMBiB. Also heard Old Fitz 1849 is similar to those and just picked that up. Good cheap buy at $17.99

[DaveOfAtl]

Second the MM46 and OGD114 recommendations. Elijah Craig 12 is another good one. I'd add Elmer T Lee if it wasn't so scarce now.

[Richnimrod]

If you want some maturity (wood) in your pour, and a really rich nose, you can hardly beat Henry McKenna 10-year, SB, BIB.

I think it's around $30 in some states.

[sutton]

If you want some maturity (wood) in your pour, and a really rich nose, you can hardly beat Henry McKenna 10-year, SB, BIB.

+1 - have had great bottles of standard and store-picked Henry McKenna BiB. I wish I had at least one more of the last Julio's store pick, but it seems the store-picked bottles are there and gone very quickly these days.

[GaryT]

+1 - have had great bottles of standard and store-picked Henry McKenna BiB. I wish I had at least one more of the last Julio's store pick, but it seems the store-picked bottles are there and gone very quickly these days.

But be careful - I bought my first (and maybe my last) six months ago, as I had tasted a few before and all were solid. The one I bought - garbage. I literally poured it out as I wouldn't even bother mixing it with anything else. I guess this is a risk with any single barrel product, but thus far - this is the only one I've been burned by.

[TunnelTiger]

But be careful - I bought my first (and maybe my last) six months ago, as I had tasted a few before and all were solid. The one I bought - garbage. I literally poured it out as I wouldn't even bother mixing it with anything else. I guess this is a risk with any single barrel product, but thus far - this is the only one I've been burned by.

Same experience here. My last bottle, just happened to be the new label, was horrible and nothing like the several others I had purchased in the past year. Had to use the whole thing as a mixer with diet coke, yuck.

[sutton]

Hmmm.. thanks for the heads up, Gary and TT. My last off the shelf McKenna BiB was the old label; the store pick was the new label. I have not had a new label McKenna BiB that wasn't a store pick. Gary, was yours the new label?

[Jiggity]

+1 for the HM BiB.

That said, if you hit a small lottery or a good bonus, I'd recommend dropping some coin and buying a few bottles (say 5-7) that have been recommended. That way, you can do side by side comps and start better understanding of your preferred flavor profile and proof. Lots can be had for sub-$30

Here is a list of what has been recommended so far:

Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Old Grand Dad (114 and BIB)

Old Weller Antique 107

Henry McKenna BIB

Four Roses (SB and SmB)

Weller 12

Knob Creek 100

Makers Mark 46

Elijah Craig 12

Evan Williams SB

Elmer T. Lee

Buffalo Trace

Larceny

JW Dant BIB

Eagle Rare 10

[jeffrey r]

^^^ Though that list is really a $40 and under list in many markets as to some of the bourbons listed, it shows how good we have it despite the boom, and the shortages, and the price hikes, and the craziness for the limited editions, etc. That's some darn good hooch right there, for fair prices.

[squire]

A situation which I intend to exploit to the fullest.