The Best American Whiskeys Under $30, According To Reddit

Whether you're looking for something to sip neat or selecting a base for the best old fashioned you've ever had, choosing a budget whiskey can be a tall order. Once you get to the bottles below $30, many of them fall short of the warmth and body that you would otherwise expect from the spirit. 

There are plenty of hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems when it comes to whiskeys under $30, but it can be hard to know where to find them. Luckily, just like many other communities on the online platform, Reddit's band of whiskey lovers is unflinchingly honest — and their reviews of bottles at all price points do not mince words. If you're curious about some of their picks for budget American whiskeys, you have come to the right place.

The following list features some of the best bottles of American whiskey that you can snag for $30, according to Reddit. From bottled-in-bond bourbon to straight rye, this selection has something for budget-seeking connoisseurs and those who are just dipping their toes into the world of whiskey. 

If you are looking for one of the most quintessential budget whiskeys, you will not want to miss Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, which retails for around $29.99 at Total Wine & More. Across posts, comments, and forums, Redditors consistently sing the praises of this bottle as their go-to for a high-quality whiskey that doesn't break the bank. Fans love to drink it straight and savor its oaky flavor and notes of cherry and vanilla, but they also say that Wild Turkey is harmonious as a mixer with your favorite soda. 

"Tasting it, it does not taste like a [budget] bottle. It does have that funk that I think most Wild Turkey products have. But that gives it some charm," reads one Reddit review. "On the finish I marvel at how easy it went down and the notes of brown sugar I get on the back of my tongue."

Wild Turkey Bourbon is one of Reddit's most frequent picks, but the whiskey brand also has a long history. The first officially branded bottles went to market in 1940 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky (although the founding family began distilling there in 1869). Wild Turkey also happens to be Harry Truman's favorite bourbon.

In the same year that Wild Turkey began officially selling its bourbon, whiskey maven Owsley Brown I acquired the recipe for Old Forester Rye, and the rest is history. A bottle of Old Forester Rye 100 Proof goes for around $25.99 at Total Wine & More, and Redditors say it is worth every penny.

While Reddit users agree that this rye leans sweet, with flavor notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, caramel, and even candy canes, they also emphasize that the sip remains balanced. Those who love the burn should be satisfied here, too: multiple Reddit reviewers identify herbal and menthol notes in the Old Forester Rye 100 Proof.

"This is an excellent value bottle — one of the best values that we've rated so far," one Reddit user writes. "It's pleasant to drink neat, though somewhat simple, and it definitely will elevate a cocktail with its strength, although it is relatively sweet for a rye — not the typical young rye profile."

The cheapest bottle on this list is Mellow Corn Whiskey, available for around $18.99 at Total Wine & More. True to its name, Mellow Corn, created by Kentucky-based distillery Heaven Hill, is a straight corn whiskey with a mash bill of at least 80% of the grain. The effect of this unique distilling process is a sip that is on the lighter, sweeter side for whiskey, so much so that Redditors liken it to bourbon (although straight corn whiskey is technically in a category of its own).

Corn-haters, beware — unsurprisingly, many Reddit users say that the whiskey's primary flavor is its namesake ingredient. However, those who appreciate the grain's natural sweetness will also delight in notes of nutmeg, toffee, and a hint of lemon.

"Mellow Corn has some youthful graininess but not enough to impact its overall enjoyability," one review on Reddit reads. "Its strength is the classic whiskey flavors that enhance its underlying corn-based profile. For the price, you can't go wrong. The worst-case scenario is using Mellow Corn to make a very good Old Fashioned."

Considering that Evan Williams' claim to fame is opening Kentucky's first distillery in 1783, a list of budget whiskeys would be incomplete without a bottle from the brand named after him (also produced by Heaven Hill, which makes several of your favorite liquors). More specifically, the Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond 100 Proof Bourbon, available for around $21.99 via Total Wine & More, comes highly recommended by the whiskey drinkers of Reddit.

Users are constantly shocked by the quality of this bottle for its low price, which stands out for its notes of stone fruit, spiced apples, and oak. It is also one of the strongest whiskeys on this list with 50% alcohol by volume, and its youth compared to other Evan Williams products means it boasts stronger and longer-lasting flavors.

"For a 50% ABV bourbon, it's amazing how sweet it felt, but flavors are well balanced and the alcohol doesn't feel too strong," reads one Reddit post. "It's easy to drink it regularly and I've had 45% ABV bourbons that felt stronger."

In Frankfort, Kentucky, Buffalo Trace Distillery created its bourbon line, Benchmark, with the goal of providing more accessible and adaptable bourbons meant to be enjoyed straight or in your favorite cocktail. On Reddit, the budget whiskeys, especially the Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon, listed for about $23.99 at Total Wine & More, are a big hit.

Many Redditors sing the praises of this bourbon as a mixer, but that does not disqualify it from being a good straight-up sipper. Its dominant note is caramel, but other reviewers also identify flavors of cinnamon and oak, as well as a spiciness that is not to be ignored. While Buffalo Trace Bourbon might be getting harder to find, Reddit fans say that a glass of this full proof varietal is worth the search.

"The value is absolutely insane. You're getting a 125-proof, genuinely enjoyable bourbon for a price that feels like a mistake," one Reddit user writes. "Is it the most complex pour? No. Does it need to be? Also no. This is the kind of bottle you grab for a second or third pour and it holds up great."

On the higher end of this budget whiskey list, find Larceny Small Batch Bourbon, available for around $29.99 at Total Wine & More. This bottle is the flagship product of the Kentucky distillery, and Reddit users swear that its relatively higher price is justified.

Expect a tapestry of flavor and scent notes in a glass of Larceny, with Redditors identifying baked bread, orange, oak, cherry, pretzel, and even cinnamon-flavored Big Red gum. Although some argue that this bourbon is on the safer side, not offering much complexity on its own, reviewers still agree that it has an excellent taste for its price point.

"In my opinion, this is good enough to drink neat and cheap enough to mix without second guessing yourself," one Reddit reviewer says. "I think my favorite thing is the Big Red gum note on the finish, I really love that! I like how the oak just sort of fills in the edges of [the] profile and doesn't dominate like some bourbons."

This Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey brand, owned by the larger Sazerac Company, has roots dating back to 1860 and is named as a nod to old-fashioned whiskey-making techniques. More than 150 years since its inception, its bottles, including the Early Times Bottled in Bond Bourbon 100 Proof, available for around $21.99 at Total Wine & More, are well-loved on Reddit.

Redditors agree that this bourbon tastes fruitier than many of its value-adjacent peers. Expect deep, jammy, and fragrant notes of cherry, as well as supporting actors such as chocolate, brown sugar, and vanilla. It is undoubtedly a sweet sip, but the saccharine flavors are balanced with a hint of smokiness and char on the back end for a more well-rounded tasting experience.

"This is a solid bourbon, especially for the price — nice sweet flavors, especially on the fruity side. The oak presence is medium; it adds some spice here and there, but often takes on a more subtle role," reads one review on Reddit. "There was just a hint of youthful grains at times, but that was quite reserved, too. Good balance overall, a pleasant sipper."

Heaven Hill Distillery strikes again with Rittenhouse Rye, named after the nationally renowned Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia (not, for once, Kentucky-related!). The Rittenhouse Rye 100, available via Total Wine & More for around $26.99, is another bottled-in-bond rye whiskey that consistently receives rave reviews across Reddit for its high complexity — a difficult quality to find at such a low price.

Unlike many of the other drinks on this list, do not expect any sweetness when it comes to Rittenhouse Rye. Redditors describe the bottle as far more herbal and astringent than many of its peers, with a glass offering notes of pepper, lemon, and mint. For your troubles navigating this more challenging sip, enjoy some comforting notes of cinnamon and vanilla, as well.

"Wow, I highly recommend Rittenhouse. This will be a staple in my cabinet for a sipper for myself and making Old Fashioneds for friends," one Reddit user says. "If you enjoy a spicy, flavorful delivery look no further."

There is a reason why this bourbon brand remains one of the best selling in the world year after year. Jim Beam consistently delivers top-quality whiskey at affordable prices, and Reddit fans agree. The Jim Beam Black 7 Year Bourbon, available for around $27.99 at Total Wine & More, is a particular favorite for its balance of flavors and its accessibility as a whiskey for first-timers and long-timers alike.

Out of all of the bottles on this list, Redditors have taken the most creative liberties, by far, for describing the flavor and scent notes in Jim Beam Black 7 Year. They are all over the map — including peanuts, peach sweet tea, banana purée, Hi-C juice, white pepper, cereal, and tobacco. Despite what seems like a smattering of flavors, Reddit users agree that these flavors sing when combined for this budget bourbon.

"This is showing lots of classic Jim Beam character — full of peanuts, almonds, and baking spice flavors. A decent balance of sweet and dry overall, and while the oak is noticeable with that extra aging time, it isn't overly tannic or dry," reads one Reddit review. "A 7 year age statement at this price point is refreshing to see from a big heritage distillery, and while it's a slightly simple bourbon, it's also a solid one."

From the makers of Jim Beam Bourbon, James Beam Distilling Co. also brings Old Overholt, a straight rye division established in 1810 that considers itself the oldest brand of rye whiskey you can buy in the United States. Its Old Overholt Bonded Whiskey, available for around $24.99 on Total Wine & More, is a popular choice among Reddit users.

Redditors agree that this bottle of Old Overholt is particularly rye-forward, even for a rye whiskey. Other complex flavors also join the mix, with one user identifying notes of polenta and another identifying a hint of copper. While some enjoy sipping a glass of the bonded rye straight, others swear by it as the base of a Manhattan, where those grainy flavors can be put to good use in a slightly sweet cocktail.

"In my personal opinion, this rye whiskey punches well above its price point. Every aspect of it is above average, particularly the palate," one Reddit reviewer writes. "I appreciate the sweetness and how it pairs with the mint and orange notes. This rye works great in cocktails, and so it's definitely worth the purchase."

In order to curate a list of Reddit's favorite American whiskeys under $30, it was first important to establish an overwhelming consensus among reviews for each bottle considered. All of the bottles in this list feature more than 10 positive reviews, with the majority of them exceeding that number. American whiskeys were defined as those that were distilled and bottled in the United States. 

Because prices of whiskey may vary based on location, store, and availability, all of the prices for these bottles were sourced from the same Total Wine & More digital storefront location. Whiskeys were only considered for the list if their standard, 750-milliliter bottle was below $30 before tax and shipping at the time of writing this article. This list was assembled with the goal of showcasing a diverse array of whiskeys with various flavor notes, distillation processes, ages, and sticker prices.