Good company, a quiet campfire, slaking your thirst after a hard day at work.

What makes a cheaply priced yet fine tasting bourbon?

At least a 51% corn mash bill stored in charred oaks for four years and distillation in the US is what makes a bourbon, although 95% of the spirit bottled is distilled in the heart of Kentucky.

There are great tasting cheap bourbon brands for every liquor lover or fan of American whiskey. The following collection delivers a variety of brands for consideration to save you money at the checkout, offering a mix of beloved favorites and great tasting bourbon.

You won’t find anything fancy, just a collection of traditional straight bourbon whiskey choices for the everyday (not literally, please drink responsibly) bourbon drinker.

1. Makers Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky

Check Price
 

Created by Bill Samuels Snr. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky is the original handmade premium bourbon. It’s an easy bottle to spot and admire to spot with its distinctive red wax neck, simple labelling and clean honey color.

Made with the customary corn, malted barley and a large dose of red winter wheat, Makers Mark is less spicy but smells of spiced honey, cut fruit and citrus peel. You can taste barley malt, butterscotch and vanilla bean, while the medium length finish tastes of caramel and dry oak spice.

Offering a smoother, less spicy finish than its rye whiskey competitors, Makers Mark is the type of bourbon to drink neat or over ice with water, or as the anchor to quality cocktails with friends.

A lead in 750ml bottle of Maker’s Mark starts from $29.99 USD but there are plenty of different options for one of the USA’s most loved operators, ranging from gift packs to bottles commemorating your favorite racehorses and even the LA Lakers NBA team.

2. Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey