BEST BOURBON UNDER 50 $

When Blanton’s debuted in 1984 at $30—a price unheard of for bourbon—it was a bold move during an industry slump. Today, that same bottle can fetch $300, making affordable, world-class bourbon seem like a myth. But despite the hype around rare, expensive releases, there’s still plenty of top-quality bourbon you can buy without emptying your wallet. In a blind tasting of 15 bottles, Punch’s team and whiskey expert Aaron Goldfarb picked five standout bourbons that prove great whiskey doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

The only bourbon to make a comeback since our 2017 tasting, Elijah Craig Small Batch may not boast the layered complexity of Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old, but its standout flavor—rich, sweet, and reminiscent of banana pancakes smothered in maple syrup—still wins over the palate. “This is exactly the kind of bourbon people crave,” one taster remarked...

Maker’s Mark 46 French Oak elevates the classic Maker’s Mark profile with a bold, sophisticated twist. Finished with seared French oak staves, this bourbon delivers a rich, layered flavor that balances caramel sweetness, vanilla warmth, and hints of toasted spice. Smooth and full-bodied, it’s the perfect pour for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a refined cocktail.Experience a bourbon that’s familiar yet distinctly elevated—where Maker’s Mark tradition meets a touch of French elegance.

Wild Turkey 101 is a bold, full-flavored bourbon that has earned its reputation as a classic American whiskey. At 101 proof, it delivers a robust, spicy kick balanced by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Rich and complex yet remarkably smooth, it’s perfect for sipping neat, mixing in cocktails, or adding a little extra fire to your favorite recipes.

A true icon of Kentucky bourbon, Wild Turkey 101 brings character, depth, and tradition to every pour.

Write your text here...Basil Hayden’s Bourbon is a refined, approachable bourbon with a signature light and gentle profile. Crafted with a higher proportion of rye in the mash bill, it offers a subtle spice balanced by notes of caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of vanilla. Smooth and elegant, it’s perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails.

Experience a bourbon that’s both sophisticated and versatile—where flavor meets finesse in every pour.

Larceny is a wheated bourbon, meaning wheat replaces some of the traditional rye in the mash bill. This gives it a softer, sweeter flavor profile—making it smoother and more approachable than many other bourbons, yet still rich and full-bodied.