"There are some bourbons out there that are just plain bad. Very little craftsmanship has gone into them, and it seems the whole point was to make a whiskey they could sell cheaply and as quickly as possible. However, not all cheap bourbon is created equally. Some are perfectly drinkable on their own or as a lovely addition to mixers or cocktails. Trying to find these bourbons yourself can lead to a lot of frustrating trial and error. That's where I wanted to help."
"Here I'll showcase 10 bottom-shelf bourbons that are not only drinkable but ones you'll be happy to buy again. As a bourbon expert, I have a lot of experience in knowing which bourbons you should avoid buying and which ones are worth your time. I've tried all of these bourbons, and I'd happily drink these 10 again."
"If you're new to bourbon terminology, you need to look out for the "straight bourbon" designation. One of the interesting facts about bourbon is that there is no minimum requirement. However, for "straight bourbon," it needs to be matured for at least two years. For any cheap bourbon to be drinkable, it really needs at least that level of aging. Evan Williams is such a bourbon, and it's one that always impresses when it comes to value for money."
Some bourbons are produced quickly and cheaply with little craftsmanship, but several under-$25 options remain drinkable neat or in cocktails. A practical qualifier for drinkable bottom-shelf bourbon is an average cost under $25 and at least two years' maturation when labeled "straight bourbon." Evan Williams meets that standard, offering caramel, spice, and light oak and serving as an accessible entry-level profile. Budget bourbons often lack deep complexity yet reliably deliver core flavors. Careful selection can avoid excessive trial and error and allow enjoyment of neat bourbon on a modest budget.
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