Whether you’re new to the spirit or simply open to trying new styles, it’s always a great time to get into American whiskey. Sure, bourbon is king, and you could spend the rest of your days sipping America’s “native spirit” and be completely happy with your corn-based whiskey choices. But there’s much more to American whiskey than sweet, mellow, nuanced bourbon whiskey.
We’re living in the middle of a whiskey revolution in America, so there are deals to be had. By that, we mean expressions that fit a specific price-to-quality ratio. There are countless memorable American whiskeys available for less than $100. You might not realize that more than 2,000 distilleries are currently operating in the U.S, and many produce bourbons, rye whiskeys, wheat whiskey, American single malt whiskeys, and more varieties. To say that’s an awful lot of whiskey to choose from is a major understatement.
Below, you’ll find some of our favorite bourbons, cask strength bourbons, rye whiskeys, wheat whiskeys, and American single malt whiskeys, all priced below $100. Keep scrolling to see them all. These outstanding American whiskeys will find permanent placement in your collection.
Photo by Widow Jane
Bourbon—Widow Jane 10
When it comes to value bourbons, there are many options to choose from. If you want to go really inexpensive, you can’t beat the appeal of a $30 bottle of Buffalo Trace. But if you’re looking for something a little more complex, we suggest a bottle of Widow Jane 10. This award-winner is the brand’s flagship expression. Made with a blend of hand-picked bourbons that were matured for at least 10 years, this non-chill filtered expression is known for its complex flavor profile of vanilla beans, cinnamon candy, orange peels, maple candy, almonds, and just a hint of wintry spices.
Photo by Still Austin
Cask Strength Bourbon—Still Austin Cask Strength
If you only stick to the “big names” and never give a brand like Still Austin a chance, you’re limiting your American whiskey experience, and few value bottles are better than Still Austin Cask Strength. This award-winning, 116-proof sipping whiskey begins with a mash bill of 70 percent white corn, 25 percent rye, and 5 percent malted barley. Matured for at least two years in charred-oak barrels, the result is a memorable whiskey filled with flavors like herbal mint, candied cherries, cinnamon candy, stone fruits, candied pecans, toffee, and brown sugar. The finish is peppery and spicy and leaves you craving more.
Photo by Frey Ranch
Rye Whiskey—Frey Ranch Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye
If you’re a bourbon drinker, you probably already know all about the appeal of Nevada’s Frey Ranch. But if you haven’t tried its bottled-in-bond rye whiskey, you’re missing out. This award-winning, 100-proof rye whiskey is made with 100 percent Winter Cereal Rye andmatured for at least five years. The result is a spicy, complex, sippable whiskey loaded with flavors like caramelized sugar, ginger candy, cracked black pepper, honey, citrus peels, raisins, and cacao nibs. It’s the kind of whiskey you’ll want to sip neat or on the rocks to warm you from inside out on an unseasonably cool evening.
Photo by Cedar Ridge
Wheat Whiskey—Cedar Ridge Wheat Whiskey
When used as an ingredient in whiskey, wheat is known for its soft, sweet, very mellow flavor profile. There’s a reason some of the most iconic brands use wheat as an important ingredient in their bourbon. Wheat whiskey itself is no different. More wheat is included (at least 51 percent of the overall mash bill). One of our favorites is Cedar Ridge Wheat Whiskey. This 86-proof, Iowa-made whiskey starts with a mash bill of 100 percent malted white wheat. Matured in white oak barrels for two years, it’s known for its complex palate of cereal grains, sweet honey, toasted vanilla beans, clove, cracked black pepper, and rich, oaky wood.
Photo by Balcones
Single Malt—Balcones Texas Single Malt Whiskey Rum Cask Finished
If you’re a Scotch drinker, you know all about the appeal of a well-made single malt whisky. There are countless award-winning, innovative expressions currently available. The best part? Many of these whiskeys are available for under $100. This includes Balcones Texas Single Malt Whiskey Rum Cask Finished. First Balcones ages its Texas Rum. When the rum is bottled, its Texas Single Malt Whiskey is added. Bottled at Cask strength, this perfect melding of two spirits creates a palate of banana bread, molasses, stone fruits, candied nuts, and gingerbread. The finish is sweet, lightly spicy, and ends with a final flourish of rich oak.
