In this list of whiskeys under $50, you’ll notice that I tend to value uniqueness in my recommendations. Anyone can rattle off a list of well-known name brands. At Wine Whiskey Dine, I want to give you stuff that stands out from the crowd.
With the popularity of American whiskey going through the roof, premium and limited release bottles are going for a small fortune
The good news is that there are still excellent whiskeys that can be easily found, no matter your budget. In this series of posts, I will highlight some of the best American whiskeys between $20 and $150. In the last post, I highlighted great bottles that you can get for under $30. In this post, I will feature my picks for American Whiskeys between $30 and $50. You’ll notice that I tend to value uniqueness in my recommendations. Anyone can rattle off a list of well-known name brands. At Wine Whiskey Dine, I want to give you stuff that stands out from the crowd.
Note: Since prices can vary quite a bit based on region, and availability, I will use the aggregate of prices from large retail/online distributors like BevMo and Total Wine and More.
Top 10 Whiskeys Under $50
These are Whiskeys that you’d feel good serving to guests who have the palate to enjoy a good dram. These are also good enough for a nice slow sip by yourself on a weekend night as you stare at the stars and contemplate the mysteries of the universe.
10. Willet Pot Still
Is this the coolest bottle ever, or what? The shape alone makes this whiskey worthy of a special gift to whiskey loving friends. The best news is that it contains some pretty darn good juice. A whiff and a taste will let you know why Willet Pot Still earned the nickname “buttered popcorn”. That’s exactly what you get from this bottle. Movie popcorn, caramel corn, candy corn (you get the drift). While Willet is more well known for their aged ryes, this bourbon is a $50 winner
9. Alley 6 Rye
This Northern California brand gets a spot on the list of top 10 whiskeys under $50 for its quality and uniqueness. The folks at Alley 6 were originally known for their outstanding beers. when they ventured into the world of spirits, they’ve carried a bit of their beer legacy with them. There is a definite”hops” quality that comes through on this whiskey (which makes sense, since its brews with hops). In addition to the classic spicy notes that you expect from a quality Rye, you also get piney resin and pleasant roasty bitterness from the hops.
8. Basil Hayden
Another cool bottle! Basil Hayden is legendary for the script and buckle on the front of the bottle. But branding gimmick aside, this is a really good whiskey. What I like about this whiskey is that it is a bit of a departure from the classic notes that you expect. In the glass, you will find pronounced notes of anise, spearmint oil, and botanicals. This makes for a great addition to premium mixed drinks as well as a wonderful dram to drink on its own.
7. High West Rendezvous Rye
I absolutely LOVE High West. Like some of the other whiskeys on this list, High West proves that you don’t have to have a distillery in the deep south to make first-class American Whiskeys under $50. This is simply a great rye. Classic baking spices (cinnamon, clove, allspice) on the nose, with incredibly rich, mouthcoating gingerbread elements on the palate.
6. Koval Millet Grain
Remember when I emphasized uniqueness at the top of this post? This bottle is all about that. As the name implies, this whiskey has a significant amount of millet in the mash bill. Millet is a grain that is popular in Europe but not nearly as well known in America. Nevertheless, it is a noble grain that has been a part of the human diet for millennia. I love the way that modern distillers are experimenting with new and unique ingredients and methods. They don’t always succeed, but you have to respect the innovation. Koval is one of several producers whose innovations knock it out of the park. The millet in this mash bill gives this whiskey remarkable notes or green caramel apple, along with roasted cashews and sugar cane.
5. Wyoming Whiskey
The first wheated whiskey on this list! Proof that Wyoming can produce more than mountainous busts of former Presidents! (oh wait, that’s South Dakota. Never mind). In any case, this whiskey proves that Wyoming’s claim to fame SHOULD be great wheated bourbon! This is a truly great bottle with classic notes of brioche, almonds, rock candy, sugar cookie, and hazelnuts. One of the best wheated you’ll find in this price range.
4. Sonoma 2nd Chance Wheated Bourbon
Ok, this is the OTHER great wheated bourbon you’ll find in this price range. and yes, you’re starting to notice that there are a few California whiskeys on this list (gotta represent the Golden State). Its time people realized that great bourbons are being made outside of Kentucky. Plus this one is made just one county north of me in beautiful Sonoma. This bourbon has a mix of corn and wheat in the mash bill, offering a unique nose and palate of anise, cinnamon, pine resin, and roasted pecans.
3. Old Forrester Statesman
A venerable brand, Old Forrester offers a plethora of affordable whiskeys. but this is my second favorite (my absolute favorite being their annual Birthday Bourbon release, but good luck finding a bottle under $400). Stateman is a spectacular dram at the $50 price point, featuring a heady and powerful blend of everything you want from a bourbon, including toffee, mocha latte, graham cracker, and brown sugar. ABsolutely fantastic!
2. Lost Republic Bourbon
Yeah, I know, another California bourbon. I know the purists are rolling their eyes. So what!? It time you crusty old neanderthals pull yourselves out of the stone ages and accept what the rest of us know – great whiskey is not about the region in which its produced. it’s about talented distillers and quality ingredients. Lost Republic makes some excellent whiskeys under $50 and this bourbon is no exception. It has a relatively low proof point (91), which makes it exceptionally smooth and easy to drink, and the final product produces a note of vanilla ice cream and lavender, followed by a remarkable palate of creme brulee, and milk chocolate – yum!!
1. Hudson Maple Cask Rye
At the top of this list is New York’s finest. Hudson makes a great line of legendary whiskeys, and this special bottling is by far their best. Made with locally grown rye in small batches, this whiskey is taken over the top by being aged in barrels that once held premium maple syrups produced by their Canadian neighbors a few hundred miles to the north. The rye mash pulls every luscious bit of that maple goodness out of those barrels producing what is (in my not so humble opinion) the whiskey under $50 on the market. Get ready for a glorious assault on the senses that includes maple (obviously), nutmeg, and a big, warm, delicious oatmeal cookie
So that will do it for Top 10 Whiskeys Under $50. In the next entry in this series, I will reveal the top 10 American Whiskies you can buy for $55 to $75
Cheers!
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