Best Bargain Bourbon?

[veedublin]

My friends and I love to taste many of the upper-shelf expressions out there, naturally, but we're also big fans of finding lower-priced offerings.

Old Heaven Hill BIB (<$15, but haven't seen it in months)... Been so long since I've had it, I don't know that i can accurately describe it. Was it harsh? Was it sweet? I've looked everywhere for a bottle, but seems to be discontinued in these parts. (Minnesota.)

Old GrandDad BIB (<$20 for 1L)... Read that it's the same mashbill as Basil Hayden's, but aged for half as long. I totally can see that. Surprisingly smooth. Lots of spice, and well rounded. I like, and will probably always keep a bottle around.

Fighting Cock (~15 for 750)... Been a few months, but I remember it being serviceable. Not particularly complex at all and it seemed more alcoholic than its 103 proof would indicate.

Very Old Barton BIB (~$20 for 750)... Haven't tried this yet, so I probably shouldn't have it in MY list... but I plan to pick up a bottle on my next trip to the LS.

(DISCLAIMER: price can vary wildly by state, and what you find for a sub-$20 750ML in one region might be $30 in another.)

Anyway, what are your favorite budget bourbons?

[amg]

Very Old Barton BIB (~$20 for 750)... Haven't tried this yet, so I probably shouldn't have it in MY list... but I plan to pick up a bottle on my next trip to the LS.

I like this stuff, but $20 seems high. It's $12-$15 around here.

Evan Williams BIB is a solid $15 bottle.

I can get OGD 114 for $19.99 and I like it quite a bit more than the BIB, even when cut to the same proof. It's worth the ~$5 more than the BIB imho.

I also enjoy the Old Fitzgerald BIB at around $15.

[JDSmith619]

I really enjoy Henry McKenna BiB and a few stores around here get the store selects barrels which is decent stuff for under $25.

OWA is one of my favorits and its ~$20

[The Good Sir]

AAA10 and 4R Yellow

[ramblinman]

EWBiB. If you like the HH house style you can't beat it (in broadly available stuff anyway), right around $20 for family size.

[BootsOnTheGround]

AAA10

Sure, if you're in KY and have a 4-leaf clover in one pocket and a rabbit's foot in the other.

OP: you said "best" and that doesn't exist. You than asked "favorite," which I think is a better question. That said, Booker's is my favorite "bargain" bottle.

[veedublin]

OWA is one of my favorits and its ~$20

Agreed, love love love OWA, but it's more like $25 where I am. Still a great price-to-value ratio, so I have no issues adding it to the bargain list.

Buffalo Trace is good, too, but it's the same price as OWA -- so I'll take OWA over BT any day.

[bourbonfoot]

What's the bargain threshold? I feel like EC12 is a bargain at $28 Around here I can get OGDBIB and OGD114 for under $20. 4R Yellow is around $15 typically. Old Fitz BIB handles are around $35 when I can find them. OWA handles can be had for a bit more.

[veedublin]

I think the bargain threshold is maybe $20 for a 750. But I also think it's pretty easy to find something REALLY good for $25. And for that extra $5, I would pick REALLY good. So, let's say $15 for a 750. But shops in your part of town might force you to subscribe to a different threshold.

Yeah, I said "best" because that had better alliteration.

But, yeah, favorite.

[screinhard]

For me it's Fighting Cock and Rebel Yell.

[Richnimrod]

I'd add Evan Williams Black label, since it's so reliable, so inexpensive... and so easy to find.

Wild Turkey 101 is a bit more; but worth the difference, if you like their particular style (I do).

Not as big a fan of Rebel Yell; but Fighting Cock is worth the money, and pretty decent, especially if making a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

[jwilson82]

OGD 114 is my hands down favorite bargain. Also Rittenhouse rye to bring a new player to the table

Also OWA when you can find it in stock

Edited July 28, 2014 by jwilson82
added owa

[Quintilian]

I want to try HHBiB, but it's hard to find. I might have to go to Indiana for that one. Many sing its praises.

I am huge fan of EWBiB. I think it's one of the best values out there. VOBBiB is solid but not as fulfilling as EWBiB for me.

I haven't had OGDBiB in a long time, but I remember not being impressed.

Four Roses Yellow Label is usually just under $20 and is solid.

Around here I get Weller Special Reserve for $19.99. That's a deal.

I was surprised by Rebel Reserve, but it might be over a little bit over $20.

Though you're not going to get it for under $20, more like $25 around here, Buffalo Trace is definitely a bargain.

[393foureyedfox]

I can get OGD 114 for $19.99 and I like it quite a bit more than the BIB, even when cut to the same proof. It's worth the ~$5 more than the BIB imho.

[Enoch]

Right now I can get WSR and OC8 for less that $20 per handle so I always keep them around. Used to be able to FRYL for that but it has gone up to $28/handle but I still keep it also.

[ModernThirst]

At that sub-$20 range, it's really hard to beat the BiBs. HH6, EW White Label, Old Fitz, VOB, OGD- they're all really good pours for really small amounts of change. Part of that is the higher proof than a lot of other lower cost bourbons...it makes them pop a little, and stand out from the crowd. I'd also strongly agree with those who threw the OGD 114 and EW Black in there.

[Jackinbox]

Pretty much what others have said.....here's my favorite bargains sub-$20 (in no particular order, depends on my mood):

Old Ezra Brooks 101

OGD BIB

HH 6-Year BIB

VOB BIB

Larceny

These can be found at certain stores for under $20, but most places charge a couple of dollars more:

OGD 114

WT101

[ramblinman]

I'll add one that's definitely a regional find, Virgin 101. 7 years, nicely proofed and around priced at around $15

[risenc]

When I can get them, I try to have HHBiB and OFBiB side by side on top of the liquor cabinet, ready to pour. I like the HH a bit better, but there are days when only the OF will do.

[risenc]

Oh, and Johnny Drum Green Label. It's my wife's favorite, and I enjoy it too. It's a little too smooth and unassuming for me, but it's a great, cheap intro for newbies who might roll by the apartment.

[Quintilian]

Oh, and Johnny Drum Green Label. It's my wife's favorite, and I enjoy it too. It's a little too smooth and unassuming for me, but it's a great, cheap intro for newbies who might roll by the apartment.

I haven't been able to find that around these parts. I hope to grab a bottle sometime.

I also agree with others that EWBlack should be in the discussion. It's not spectacular but solid for the price.

What about Virginia Gentleman, aka The Fox? I've never had it, but I am interested in what others think about it.

[squire]

I have little to add except I feel comfortable recommending the Various Heaven Hill offerings in the 86-100 proof range. My pick is the 7 year old 101 proof Virgin Bourbon but that one can be hard to find.

[squire]

What about Virginia Gentleman, aka The Fox? I've never had it, but I am interested in what others think about it.

I like it, it was a favorite of a friend so we kept some around for his benefit. I believe it's only available as a dusty now.

[Harry in WashDC]

Va Gentleman is 80 proof. I first tried it circa 1971 and revisit it from time to time. It is ok but nothing special. "The Fox" was its 90 proof version, sold in a bottle that looked like a VOB or OWA jug. It had a fox hunting scene on the label. Haven't seen an actual The Fox since I bought a bottle about 2004. BUT, A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, VA, (formerly in Fairfax, Virginia) still bottles VaG at 4 yrs 80 proof. It also bottles a 90 proof version called Bowman Brothers Pioneer Spirit Small Batch (age varies by batch, but I don't care because I LIKE it). Va Gentleman is sold in Virginia ABC stores for the fixed price of $12.45 plus tax per 750ml. Bowman Bros PS SmB sells there for $29.95. ASB is owned by BT although the ASB tour guides and others say BT makes distillate for ASB using a proprietary ASB yeast. ASB redistills and ages and then bottles the distillate (by HAND - I've SEEN it!!:shocked:) on its own premises. SO, while VaG may be considered a bargain bourbon and is certainly a nice one to consider, I don't think the BBSmB can be. OTOH, EWBlack is my standard bourbon for newbies and mixing.

[squire]

Also Evan Williams black label is very consistent as well as being easily available.