Introduction
If you’re looking for the best bourbons under $40, you’re in the right place. This list brings together bottles that deliver premium flavor without premium pricing — smooth enough for beginners, complex enough for enthusiasts, and perfect for pairing with cigars, celebrating small moments, or sipping after a long day.
Whether you’re building your Patriot Bar or leveling up your bourbon journey, these are the bottles that overdeliver.
1. Buffalo Trace – Smooth, Sweet, Legendary
Buffalo Trace is often the first bourbon people fall in love with — and for good reason.
Flavor: vanilla, caramel, light oak
Why it’s a milestone pour: balanced and incredibly drinkable
Price: ~$28–$34
Pairs beautifully with cigars from Top 10 Affordable Cigars That Smoke Like Luxury. Coming Soon
Learn more about this distillery at the official Buffalo Trace site.
2. Wild Turkey 101 – Bold, Spicy, and Incredibly Affordable
High-rye spice with a warm finish — a classic that tastes more expensive than it is.
Flavor: spice, vanilla, charred oak
Price: ~$24–$30
3. Maker’s Mark – The Beginner’s Wheated Bourbon
Wheated bourbon = smoother, sweeter, gentler. Perfect for newer drinkers.
Flavor: honey, soft wheat, caramel
Price: ~$28–$34
4. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond – The Best Value in Bourbon
A 100-proof powerhouse that tastes like it should cost twice the price.
Flavor: vanilla, citrus, oak
Price: ~$18–$22
Why it’s a milestone pour: unbeatable value-to-flavor ratio.
5. Four Roses Small Batch – A Flawless Balanced Pour
Blended from ten recipes, Small Batch is a crowd-pleaser.
Flavor: fruit, spice, sweetness
Price: ~$32–$38
In addition, you don’t need to overspend on the smoke either; here are our picks for affordable cigars that taste like luxury.
6. Early Times Bottled-in-Bond – The Sleeper Gem
Continuously underrated, incredibly smooth, and under $25.
Flavor: brown sugar, caramel, oak
Price: ~$20–$25
7. Old Grand-Dad Bonded – High-Rye Spice for Cheap
Big flavor, bold spice, and a great introduction to high-rye bourbons.
Flavor: pepper, cinnamon, burnt sugar
Price: ~$22–$28
8. Elijah Craig Small Batch – Rich, Deep, Dessert-Like
A signature bourbon for anyone building their at-home bar.
Flavor: vanilla frosting, oak, warm spice
Price: ~$28–$35
See Elijah Craig awards at Heaven Hill.
9. Bulleit Bourbon – The High-Rye Crowd Favorite
Smooth enough for beginners, spicy enough for seasoned drinkers.
Flavor: orange zest, rye spice, caramel
Price: ~$28–$34
10. Old Forester 100 – A Historic Bottle With Modern Muscle
One of the most flavorful bourbons under $40.
Flavor: dark fruit, oak, baking spice
Price: ~$26–$32
Delicious when paired using The Bourbon Tasting Method.
Best Bourbons Under $40: How to Choose the Right One
If you’re choosing from this list:
✔ Want smooth and sweet?
👉 Maker’s Mark • Buffalo Trace
✔ Want bold and spicy?
👉 Wild Turkey 101 • Old Grand-Dad Bonded
✔ Want the best value?
👉 Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
✔ Want balanced complexity?
👉 Four Roses Small Batch • Elijah Craig
Pairing These Bourbons With Cigars
The right cigar amplifies these flavors.
Use Pairing Cigars With Bourbon: The Bathrobe Patriot Method to choose the perfect match.
Final Thoughts: Small Price, Big Flavor
These best bourbons under $40 prove you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a great pour. Whether you’re new to bourbon or expanding your collection, every bottle on this list delivers flavor, character, and quality far above its price tag.
Your Patriot Bar just got more affordable — and a whole lot better.