Best of American Whiskey

Every year we taste hundreds of bottles to build the lists we wish existed. From the best bourbons at every price to our favorite ryes and American single malts, these guides highlight the bottles we confidently recommend. Whether you’re building your first shelf or searching for your next great pour, you’ll find our latest Best Of rankings right here.

2026 Arthur Cherry 2026 Arthur Cherry

Best American Whiskey Under $25

Finding a great bourbon under $25 is easier than most people think. While limited releases and allocated bottles get most of the attention, some of the best values on the shelf are affordable, widely available, and consistently excellent.

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Finding a great bourbon under $25 is easier than most people think. While limited releases and allocated bottles get most of the attention, some of the best values on the shelf are affordable, widely available, and consistently excellent.

Every bottle on this list has been reviewed, tasted, and compared by Arthur and Scott. Rather than ranking bottles from one to ten, we selected the best bourbon for ten different jobs, from the best beginner bourbon and best everyday pour to the best high-proof value, hidden gem, and our overall favorite bourbon under $25.

Whether you’re building your first whiskey shelf or looking for the best value bourbon to buy this year, these are the bottles we confidently recommend for 2026.

 

Our Picks

  • Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
    Proof: 90
    Age: NAS (estimated 6 years)
    MSRP: $20–25

    Tasting Notes: Caramel, Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Cherry, Soft Oak

    Why It Won: Buffalo Trace delivers classic Kentucky bourbon flavors in a bottle that’s approachable, reliable, and easy to enjoy any day of the week

    Buy If: You want an easy-drinking everyday bourbon with classic Kentucky flavors.

  • Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
    Proof: 90
    Age: NAS
    MSRP: $22–25

    Tasting Notes: Honey, Vanilla, Fresh Bread, Baking Spice, Light Fruit

    Why It Won: Its wheated mash bill creates a softer, sweeter profile that makes it one of the easiest bourbons for new whiskey drinkers to enjoy.

    Buy If: You’re just getting into bourbon or prefer smooth, approachable pours.

  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
    Proof: 100
    Age: Minimum 4 Years (Bottled in Bond)
    MSRP: Around $20

    Tasting Notes: Peanut Brittle, Caramel, Cinnamon, Toasted Oak

    Why It Won: The extra proof and Bottled in Bond quality let this bourbon shine in cocktails without getting lost behind bitters, citrus, or syrup.

    Buy If: Old Fashioneds, Whiskey Sours, Kentucky Mules, or any bourbon cocktail is regularly on your menu.

  • Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
    Proof: 125
    Age: NAS
    MSRP: $20–23

    Tasting Notes: Brown Sugar, Cherry, Vanilla, Oak, Pepper

    Why It Won: Few bottles offer this much proof and flavor at such an affordable price, making it one of bourbon’s best high-proof values.

    Buy If: You enjoy bold, full-flavored bourbon without spending premium-barrel-proof prices.

  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
    Proof: 90
    Age: NAS
    MSRP: Around $22

    Tasting Notes: Toffee, Vanilla, Creamy Caramel, Toasted Oak, Light Fruit

    Why It Won: Often overlooked in favor of Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, 1783 delivers remarkable balance, richness, and flavor for the price.

    Buy If: You want the most complete sipping experience possible for under $25.ption

  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co.
    Proof: 100
    Age: NAS
    MSRP: Around $23

    Tasting Notes: Roasted Peanuts, Caramel, Grain, Baking Spice, Oak

    Why It Won: Old Tub is a conversation starter. Its unfiltered, old-school Beam profile gives bourbon fans something fun and unique to experience together.

    Buy If: You enjoy introducing friends to bourbons they probably haven’t tried before.

  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
    Proof: 100
    Age: Minimum 4 Years (Bottled in Bond)
    MSRP: Around $18

    Tasting Notes: Roasted Nuts, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Oak, Brown Sugar

    Why It Won: This classic Bottled in Bond bourbon quietly delivers outstanding quality and value, making it one of the best hidden bargains on the shelf.

    Buy If: You love finding exceptional bottles that fly under the radar.

  • Distillery: Old Forester
    Proof: 100
    Age: NAS
    MSRP: Around $25

    Tasting Notes: Cherry, Dark Caramel, Cocoa, Cinnamon, Charred Oak

    Why It Won: Rich, balanced, and packed with flavor, Old Forester 100 is one of the most satisfying neat pours you can buy at this price.

    Buy If: Most of your bourbon is enjoyed neat in a Glencairn or rocks glass.

  • Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co.
    Proof: 100
    Age: 7 Years
    MSRP: Around $25

    Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Citrus, Caramel, Oak

    Why It Won: Its higher-rye mash bill adds spice, citrus, and extra character without sacrificing value, making it an easy choice for rye fans.

    Buy If: You enjoy bourbons with more spice, structure, and a livelier finish.

  • Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
    Proof: 100
    Age: Minimum 4 Years (Bottled in Bond)
    MSRP: $18–20

    Tasting Notes: Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Roasted Peanuts, Cinnamon, Oak

    Why It Won: J.W. Dant delivers everything we want in an everyday bourbon, excellent flavor, Bottled in Bond quality, solid availability, and incredible value, all for under $20.

    Buy If: You want the best overall combination of flavor, proof, value, and drinkability under $25.

 

Our Take

Building a great bourbon shelf isn’t about chasing unicorns or spending more money. It’s about finding bottles that consistently deliver for the price and fit the way you actually enjoy whiskey.

Every bottle on this list earned its place for a different reason. Some are perfect for newcomers, others shine in cocktails, and a few simply offer incredible value that punches well above their price tag. Together, they prove you don’t need a big budget to enjoy outstanding bourbon.

How We Build These Lists

Our recommendations are based on firsthand experience, not paid placements or sponsored rankings. We consider flavor, value, availability, and whether a bottle truly stands out within its price range.

Our annual Best Of guides are updated as the whiskey landscape changes. If a better bottle comes along, we’ll update the list.

 

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Product Features

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Care Instructions

  • Spot clean with warm water and mild dish soap

  • Use a soft-bristled brush for tough spots

  • Do not soak

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