You can ask anyone for their favorite bourbon and chances are you’ll get a different answer most times. One of the things I enjoy about American whiskey is that there are quality varieties from large distilleries and small independent producers, and room for everyone whether you’re from Texas or Kentucky.  

Whiskey is accessible and interesting for experienced drinkers but also offers a welcoming smile and tip of the hat for newcomers. The following collection delivers 10 brands offering a mix of mash bills, maturation ages, cask types, and whiskey styles, all under $100 a bottle. There’s even a couple of collaborations between distillers and famous bourbon fans that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

There are great tasting bourbon brands for every liquor lover or fan of American whiskey. If your favorite bourbon doesn’t appear on this list, I’m sure that one of these 10 examples could become one. 

Best Buy

1. New Riff Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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The New Riff distillery does some great exploration of mash bills, and this straight bourbon is no exception – featuring 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley to pack the bourbon with more than a hint of rye spice amongst the sweeter, more caramel notes.

Bottled in Bond for 100 proof pop and without chilled filtration, New Riff Straight Bourbon is aged 4 years in toasted oak barrel before bottling, giving it a rich unfiltered amber color

The rye in the mash bill really comes through at the finish, drawn out against the sweetness and oak wood flavor. It’s an almost perfect exploration of a full-bodied American whiskey.

2. Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old