Affordable Bourbons for Everyday Enjoyment

Finding a bourbon that fits your budget and pairs well with your meals can be a rewarding experience. With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This guide highlights four excellent everyday bourbons priced under $90, each with a unique flavor profile and meal pairing suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Everyday bourbons paired with meals

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Price point: Around $30-$40

Flavor profile: Buffalo Trace offers a smooth and balanced taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. It has a medium body with a slightly sweet finish, making it approachable for both new and seasoned bourbon drinkers.

Meal pairing:

• Grilled pork chops with apple chutney

• Roasted vegetables with a touch of maple glaze

• Classic cheeseburger with caramelized onions

  
  

Buffalo Trace’s sweetness complements pork and grilled dishes, while its spice cuts through richer flavors like caramelized onions. It’s a versatile bourbon that works well with everyday meals without overpowering the palate.

Four Roses Small Batch

Price point: Around $40-$50

Flavor profile: This bourbon is known for its complexity and smoothness. Expect rich notes of ripe plum, cherries, and a touch of cocoa, balanced by a gentle spice and oak undertones. The finish is long and warming.

Meal pairing:

• Barbecue ribs with a smoky sauce

• Dark chocolate desserts

• Spiced roasted nuts

  
  

Four Roses Small Batch stands out with its fruity and spicy character, making it a great match for smoky and sweet barbecue flavors. It also pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, enhancing the richness without overwhelming sweetness.

Eagle Rare 10 Year

Price point: Around $40-$50

Flavor profile: Eagle Rare 10 Year is a well-aged bourbon with a deep amber color. It features notes of toffee, orange peel, leather, and oak. The taste is smooth with a dry finish that lingers pleasantly.

Meal pairing:

• Grilled steak with herb butter

• Aged cheddar cheese

• Roasted root vegetables

  
  

The dry finish and oak notes of Eagle Rare complement hearty dishes like steak and aged cheeses. Its complexity adds depth to meals with robust flavors, making it a solid choice for dinner pairings that need a bourbon with character.

Wild Turkey 101

Price point: Around $25-$35

Flavor profile: Wild Turkey 101 is a higher-proof bourbon with bold flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spice. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a warm, long finish that carries a bit of heat.

Meal pairing:

• Spicy Cajun chicken

• BBQ pulled pork sandwiches

• Spiced pumpkin pie

  
  

The boldness of Wild Turkey 101 stands up well to spicy and flavorful dishes. Its heat and spice enhance Cajun and barbecue flavors, while its sweetness balances desserts like pumpkin pie, making it a versatile choice for those who enjoy a stronger bourbon.