14 Best Whiskeys for Under $40

Whiskey has become more popular in recent years as more independent distilleries come online and sales for fine spirits increase. However, it could be tough to find something you like at a price point you can afford if you’re on a budget.

So get reacquainted with an old favorite, or learn to invest in whiskey with these fine selections under $40.

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1. Maker's Mark Bourbon 101

Courtesy of Maker's Mark

One of the best names in whiskey is Maker’s Mark, and you can get plenty of bottles from the label for under $40.

One of the best may be Maker's Mark Bourbon 101, which is distilled to have a bold taste while still being smooth enough to drink alone or add with some of your favorite mix-ins.

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2. Giant Texas Bourbon Whiskey

Courtesy of Giant Texas

It may have “giant” in the name, but this Texas whiskey doesn’t come with a big price tag.

The Giant Texas Bourbon Whiskey may be suitable for beer drinkers and has notes of hops and oak to go along with a hoppy, spicy finish.

Another great aspect of this whiskey is the price tag, as you may be able to find a bottle for under $25.

3. Coopers' Craft 100 Proof Barrel Reserve Kentucky Bourbon

Courtesy of Coopers Craft

Kentucky is one of the most well-known states for bourbon whiskey, and there are plenty of options from the area that won’t disappoint.

Check out Coopers' Craft 100 Pf Barrel Reserve Kentucky Bourbon, which has notes of vanilla, pear, and cinnamon and a clean finish that bourbon lovers will enjoy.

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4. Puncher's Chance Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Courtesy of Liquor Geeks

The dark bottle of Puncher's Chance Kentucky Straight Bourbon could be inviting for drinkers who want some hints of dark chocolate and caramel in their bourbon.

Puncher's Chance Kentucky Straight Bourbon also includes notes of vanilla, orange, spices, and maple.

5. Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Courtesy of WoodinVille

Whiskey in a bottle of Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey is aged more than five years to give it a rich flavor for bourbon fans.

Woodinville also distills, ages, and bottles its whiskey in Washington state, giving drinkers a chance to try a bottle that doesn’t come from a typical whiskey or bourbon state.

6. Hotel Tango Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Courtesy of Hotel Tango Distillery

Kentucky is represented again among bottles under $40 with the Hotel Tango Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

The bottle has hints of butterscotch and concentrated vanilla bean. Sip it on its own or use it as a great mix-in for a wide variety of cocktails.

7. High West American Prairie Bourbon

Courtesy of High West

Head to Utah for this High West American Prairie Bourbon, a blend of bourbons aged from two to 13 years.

The mix creates an aromatic whiskey that includes hints of honey nougat, sweet cornbread, and a little caramel apple, along with a typical vanilla taste.

8. Jack Daniels Bonded Tennessee Whiskey

Courtesy of Jack Daniels

Jack Daniels is a well-known name in the whiskey business, and the retailer has plenty of options at different price points to choose from.

The Jack Daniels Bonded Tennessee Whiskey will get you under the $40 mark if you’re looking for an affordable whiskey with notes of caramel and spices and a lingering finish.

9. Yellowstone Select Bourbon

Courtesy of Total Wine

Yellowstone has a long history as a whiskey distiller since the 1870s, and Yellowstone Select Bourbon celebrates the company’s long heritage.

Check out this select bourbon, which offers hints of sweet, spicy, and smoky bourbon in one bottle. It is sure to make bourbon fans appreciate the drink's history.

10. Dragon's Milk Beer Barrel Bourbon

Courtesy of Dragons Milk

Check out a bourbon from Michigan that connects the state’s craft brew industry with whiskey.

Dragon’s Milk Beer Barrel Bourbon is aged in Dragon’s Milk Stout barrels to give it hoppy notes, along with a hint of ginger at the finish.

A bottle of Dragon’s Milk Beer Barrel Bourbon is near the $40 mark, so this may be a bottle you can splurge on a bit without breaking your budget.

11. Bradshaw Bourbon

Courtesy of Bradshaw Bourbon

It makes sense for NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw to put his name on his whiskey, and this bourbon is no exception.

The bourbon has notes of vanilla, toffee, butterscotch, and cinnamon for a unique bottle that could be the perfect addition to a football party on Sunday.

12. Old Bardstown Estate 101 Proof

Courtesy of Total Wine

The bourbon from Kentucky has been double-distilled and aged for 10 years before being bottled and added to your shelf.

Check out the Old Bardstown Estate 101 Proof if you want a complex bourbon with hints of corn, vanilla, and oak for a sophisticated finish.

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13. Remus Bourbon Whiskey

Courtesy of Remus Bourbon

The bourbon whiskey comes from one of Kentucky’s northern neighbors in Indiana for a small-batch bottle with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

Remus Bourbon Whiskey is good on its own or as a mix-in for cocktails, particularly an Old Fashioned for a nightcap.

14. Town Branch Bourbon

Courtesy of Lexington Brewing Co

Town Branch has a long tradition of bourbon in Kentucky and is part of the state’s bourbon trail, which includes a stop at its Lexington location.

Check out a bottle of the Town Branch Bourbon, showcasing caramel, toffee, brown sugar, and cherry flavors in a bottle under $40.

Bottom line

Whiskey can be a great option if you want a whiskey to sip or to add to your favorite cocktails, and you don’t have to bust your wallet to get a good bottle.

When shopping for a bottle, consider liquor specialty stores and places where you may not expect to find affordable and unique whiskey options.

For example, one smart shopping hack is to check bulk retailers like Costco for name-brand liquor since it will likely be cheaper than the liquor stores you frequent.

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