Top 5 bourbons under $30?

As with @Nolinske's similar discussion, prices are a big problem for an international club, where 90% of the world cannot buy $ 30 bourbon.

First part of your questions, under $ 30 USA bourbon prices:

1) Old Grand-Dad 114; understudy Old Grand-Dad 100 Proof, Bottled In Bond 2) Ancient Ancient Age 10 YO (available in Kentucky only); understudy: Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel 3) Bulleit bourbon (it's Four Roses, you know); understudy Four Roses Small Batch 4) Old Weller Antique 107; understudy W.L.Weller 12 YO 5) Eagle Rare 10 YO; understudy Evan Williams Single Barrel

@Victor I've been hearing a lot about old grand dad. I will need to pick some up. We see eye to eye on a few, but I'm surprised you didn't even mention Buffalo trace bourbon. It must be that my flavor profile differs from yours. I'm not a fan of the rye flavor much and I know you love rye. Could this have something to do with it?

@Maltmark I am pretty much in complete agreement with @Victor. The point I wi make is that I find buffalo face a great example of a generic bourbon. My problem is that I do not find that buffalo trace stands out in any particular way that appeals to me. It's just all around average IMO

Sorry for all the typos darn phone... :)

@Maltmark, yes, I do like a lot of rye content in a rye-containing bourbon, and I do expect that the fact that Buffalo Trace Mash Bill # 1, from which standard Buffalo Trace Bourbon is made, contains 8% rye content, about the lowest in the industry, does affect my degree of enjoyment of that particular bourbon. What I like to say about standard Buffalo Trace Bourbon is 1) that I like it ok, 2) it would rate in the 80s for me, though I've seen a lot of batch variation and some batches aren't so good, and, 3) most importantly, I like every single one of the other 20 bourbons I have tasted made at the same Buffalo Trace distillery more. George T. Stagg is also made from that same Buffalo Trace Mash Bill # 1 and I like George T. Stagg just fine. But that's the product of 15-18 years of aging. Despite liking it ok, standard Buffalo Trace bourbon rates rather low on my list of bourbon preferences. For example, I would drink 90 proof Ezra Brooks, Evan Williams Single Barrel, or Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond any day over standard Buffalo Trace. These are just individual preferences, of course. I am not in the business of telling other people what THEY should like.

Its interesting too....Weller 12 YO is really cheap when you find it. What I have found here in Boston lately though, is that when you DO find a 12 YO Wellers.....the sticker is 55 dollars because it is so difficult to find. When I ask the owner about the price hike, he simply says "if you dont want it, I know 20 other people who do". And simple supply and demand comes into play. Its the same for the Sazerac 8 year old (I think its 8, its the youngest of the Sazzy's)...when you find it, a respectable vendor sells it for 30-35.......its so hard to find

Oh my top 5 1) Weller 12 (no competition here for me, this is one of my favorite Bourbons. I love a good wheated, Victor and i should debate this over some day on a rainy afternoon with a few bottles open on the porch) 2) Old Fitzgerald 10 year old (again, wheated bourbon...see a theme here?) 3) Eagle Rare 10- cant get over the quality of bourbon for the price 4) Elijah Craig 12 5) Tie between Buffalo Trace and Weller Antique Again the list is based on price, not ease of location :)

@stevesmyth30, it is good to see you posting again. I have never had a taste of Old Fitz 10 yo., nor seen it offered for sale. I would certainly like to try a taste of it. Murray says that the Old Fitz's are a lot better now than they were for a few years there. I certainly hope so. I haven't been very impressed with most of the ones I have tried. I do like the Old Fitz Bottled in Bond, though, usually. No reason the Old Fitz can't be very good...after all these are the same people, Heaven Hill, who make the excellent Parkers Heritage Collection Wheated.

I recommend spending an extra three dollars on a bottle of Elmer T. Lee Str. Bourbon. 33 bucks is not a lot and it's quite good for a bourbon. Personally, I prefer scotch over bourbon.

i definitely agree on elijah craig. one of the best for-the-price bourbons imo. not sure what other bourbons i have that were under $30. not a big bourbon guy... i think old bardstown was also about $30. thats a pretty good one. oh, actually, larceny was $25 for a 1 liter, so that definitely qualifies. in fact, i might even put it above elijah craig in terms of value, as i found it relatively good for a bourbon.

Five lovelies for you: either of the Wellers (best value), Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare 10 and Evan Williams SB.

I love bourbon. That is all.

I’m from New Orleans and currently live in NY. I recently drive home and brought back about 12 bottles, as the prices in NO are 20-30% cheaper (due to liquor tax) than in NY. My top faves for under $30 - Four Roses yellow label, Buffalo Trace, McKenna, Evan Williams black label (my everyday go to bourbon) and Elijah Craig.