101 Proof or Lower Recommendations (2 Viewers)

[Mandos]

If you have a Costco membership they get Barton 1L bottles once a year or so:
Kirkland signature Small batch ($20)
Kirkland signature Bottled in bond ($26)

These are my go to for just a basic bourbon (my "well" bourbon so to speak) whenever people want something to mix with Coke or for old fashioneds, the only drawback is you never know when they'll be available and they typically disappear within a day or two.

If you asked me my favorite sub100-proof sub-$50 bottle i'd probably go with Woodford Double Oaked which are 47 here but it looks like they run closer to 60 in Michigan. Four Roses Small Batch, Small Batch Select and Single Barrel are also contenders (looks like those run about $10 more / bottle there but still in the 35-50$ range), they should all come in right at 100 proof or below. I'd also add another vote for Legent (although the new Legent label looks stupid compared to the original with just the symbol straight on the glass) and Heaven Hill 7 yr Bonded. I've gotten good feedback from serving both of those.

(on a side note this thread is giving me sticker shock looking at the total wine listings in Michigan. Do they just tax liquor through the roof?)

 

[detroitdad]

A friend of a friend chef who helped do fancy meals for large events (Derby, Olympics, Super Bowls, etc.) once shared his preference that Woodford is the best-value, broadly available bourbon on the market. There are obviously better, more expensive, and more rare bourbons (the reverse of all 3 is also true) but I have come around to agree that Woodford is dead center in the sweet spot of price, quality, and availability.

Woodford reserve double oaked is a favorite of mine. The price point in Michigan is $65 bucks. Not a fan of that price, for that bottle.

 

[Mandos]

Woodford reserve double oaked is a favorite of mine. The price point in Michigan is $65 bucks. Not a fan of that price, for that bottle.

Yeah. That's the rub. I see it at Costco/Total Wine every week for 47.

 

[krafticus]

Woodford reserve double oaked is a favorite of mine. The price point in Michigan is $65 bucks. Not a fan of that price, for that bottle.

I found mine for 45.99 at Costco in DC.
It actually cost me $245.99 since I got a speeding camera ticket for going 37 in a 25 for $200. FU DC !!

 

[mike32]

Basil Hayden toasted is really good imo, or the dark rye. Both 80 proof.
Also Evan Williams 1783 is very solid for around $30. For cheap bourbon EW is one of my favorites.
Also BH may be above price point.

 

[detroitdad]

Yeah. That's the rub. I see it at Costco/Total Wine every week for 47.

I found it in Indiana a few months back at 42 per bottle. I wish I would have bought all of them lol

 

[Josh Kifer]

Fresca.

 

[mike32]

I haven’t had it in a while but I remember the double oak Jim Beam was also pretty decent for the price.

 

[BruceWayne]

Let’s add…

Early Times BiB
4 Roses small batch and single barrel
Coopers Craft
OGD BiB

The 3 core releases from Redwood Empire are solid $35-40 bottles and 90 proof

Coopers Craft is an amazing budget bottle at 100p, great rec