Some people say that good bourbon isn’t cheap. Well, those people are wrong. For everyone that doesn’t want to drop $15,000 on a bottle of Pappy, here are some alternatives that will make you look smart, taste delicious, are all under $40, and will give a full sense of the spectrum of flavors in bourbon.

List Of The Best Cheap Bourbons Under $40

1. Evan Williams Single Barrel: This bourbon is priced between $25-$30 and has a solid age (was 10 years, now closer to 7), typically solid palate (oak, vanilla, and orange), and affordable price.
2. Four Roses Small Batch: A true crowd pleaser, this bourbon delivers big notes of honey, dried fruit, and baking spices all wrapped up in a silky smooth mouth-feel. It is priced between $25-$30.
3. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ample doses of cinnamon, oak, and brown sugar make this one an easy choice for our top 10. We’ve seen this as low as $30, making it hard to find a better sipper for the price.
4. Old Forester 100 Proof Signature Bourbon: This bourbon is priced between $25-$30 and has a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
5. Bulleit Bourbon: This bourbon is priced around $32.99 and has a high rye content that gives it a spicy kick. It also has notes of vanilla and caramel.
6. Wild Turkey 101: This bourbon is priced around $26.99 and has a bold, spicy flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla.
7. Larceny Small Batch Bourbon: This bourbon is priced around $25 and has a smooth, sweet flavor with notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla.
8. Redemption Straight High-Rye Bourbon: This bourbon is priced around $30 and has a spicy, complex flavor with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
9. Buffalo Trace Bourbon: This bourbon is priced around $25 and has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of vanilla, toffee, and spice.
10. Old Grand-Dad Bonded: This bourbon is priced around $25 and has a spicy, bold flavor with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
11. Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon: This bourbon is priced around $40 and has a smooth, rich flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
12. Elijah Craig Small Batch: This bourbon is priced around $30 and has a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
13. Mellow Corn: This bourbon is priced around $15 and has a sweet, corn-forward flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.

Good bourbon doesn’t have to be expensive. This list of the best cheap bourbons will give any bourbon-lover or bourbon-newbie a headstart in attaining the best-valued spirits availible.