Bourbon is truly is America’s spirit—there’s just something patriotic in each sip. In fact, Congress adopted a resolution declaring bourbon “a distinctive product of the United States” that can only be produced in America, according to sommelier, spirits expert, and director of Good Wine Good People Dan Belmont. But, how do you narrow down to the five best bourbon whiskeys under $100? Belmont has you covered.
“Many assume it’s a requirement to be produced within Kentucky or, even more specifically, Bourbon County, KY for a whiskey to be considered a bourbon. However, post prohibition, Bourbon County was dry until 2014!” says Belmont. “A bourbon can be produced anywhere in America—and there are some fine examples outside of Kentucky on our list.”
Kentucky does produce the lion’s share, cranking out 95 percent of the total production. And, fun fact: A biennial report compiled by the Kentucky Derby Association shows that the bourbon industry generates approximately $9 billion in total economic impact to Kentucky. It generated $358 million in state and local taxes last year, as reported by Spectrum News 1.
There are other legal requirements to be considered a bourbon though, according to Belmont. “The mash bill must be a minimum of 51% corn and the rest can be made up from different grains. We’ll feature some that highlight unique mash bills too.”
Bourbons are required to be aged in first-fill charred American oak barrels, which can be used only once for bourbon production. “There is no aging requirement for a bourbon, however we recognize the benefits of long-term aging, and extended aging features on our list as well,” says Belmont.
Without further ado, here’s Belmont’s top 5 bourbon whiskey picks that are under $100.
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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The first draft pick is the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. “This is bourbon in its most righteous form,” says Belmont. “It’s uncut, straight-from-the-barrel, and unfiltered.”
Each bottle features a unique age statement, proof, and batch number. It is widely recognized as a tentpole example of American bourbon. “Complexity abounds!” he says. “It is high proof and generally aged for over 10 years.”
Kings County Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Next is the Kings County Straight Bourbon Whiskey from New York City’s first whiskey distillery since the prohibition era. “They use a unique mash bill featuring 80% organic local corn and 20% malted barley from the UK,” says Belmont. “It’s Bourbon with a distinct nod to scotch production.”
This bourbon is is double pot distilled in custom stills from Scotland and aged in batches from 3-6 years and blended to perfection. “It’s a proper craft bourbon in scale, which it’s reflected in its nuanced complexity,” he adds.
Nine Banded Whiskey
A relative newcomer to the bourbon scene is Nine Banded Whiskey from Austin, Texas. It was launched in 2019. “Their wheated straight bourbon features a blend of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley,” says Belmont.
“The unique high-wheat mash bill makes for an incredibly rich, rounded mouthfeel and smooth finish. It is bottled at 90 proof with a complex nose, a rich palate, and a long finish. The spirit can be enjoyed neat or featured prominently in one of the 6 Best Whiskey Cocktails You Can Easily Make at Home.“
Old Grand-Dad Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
“We’re back in Kentucky and going old school with the Old Grand-Dad Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey,” says Belmont. “A traditional bourbon produced by the team at Jim Beam, this is the definition of ‘bottled-in-bond.'”
It is the product of one distillation season, by one distiller, at one distillery. It must have been aged in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision for at least four years, and bottled at 100 (U.S.) proof with 50% alcohol by volume (ABV). “This old boy features a high-rye mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye and 10% malted barley, yielding a classic spicy profile. It’s been done the same way since its creation in 1882. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—right?”
Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
Finally, we land on the Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon by Buffalo Trace Distillery. “I chose this one simply because it punches way above its price point. It is aged for a minimum of 10 years, which goes a long way towards an exceptional drinking experience,” says Belmont.
“It’s textural, assertive, expressive, complex, and it’s everything you want in America’s spirit. It has a big-ass eagle on the bottle for that extra kick of patriotism, in a time when we need it most!”
Pricing and discounts listed are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change.