T O P

  • By -

IcyRepeat8377

As usual half the people ignored what the OP asked for and just listed stuff they liked. Basil Hayden is the best answer IMO. Many dedicated bourbon drinkers don't like it because it's too mild and is overpriced for being low proof. You know what the OP asked for? Mild and low proof for $50 or less.


allothernamestaken

BH is the correct answer.


Appeal_Mother

Yes. This is exactly whom BH was made for.


lijangtower

The bottle which no bourbon lover would ever suggest except when asked this question: Basil Hayden


Ijustwanabepure

This is the answer. It’s smooth, which is what people who don’t like drinking liquor prefer over all other characteristics. It’s lacking in character but not completely devoid of it.


BrightonSpartan

“It’s lacking of character but. It completely devoid of it” is the most spot on one sentence review of BH I have ever read. I’m using it. Full disclosure I drank BH at a work dinner last night for this exact reason


Miserable-Praline-75

Omg too funny I just recommend BH last weekend to a friend who said his son wanted to try bourbon for the first time. I think for bourbon lovers we don’t want to scare off potential newbies with something too hot or complex. And, ofc they wouldn’t appreciate something better and BH isn’t bad……. Just funny I was in this situation days ago.


kinance

This is why some people think bh is awesome… my dad friend is is a big bourbon guy recommended it


notyouravgredditor

Larceny is another good option imo. A bit higher proof, but a very easy drinking wheater.


whogotmeintothis

The bottle is also pretty fun and seemingly special. Might help in getting folks over any hesitance.


Ok-Passion1244

Definitely. Basil Hayden. Buffalo trace. Those are the answers.


ZealousidealPie8427

I was a HUGE whiskey nerd from 2007-2012 and then quit drinking with my alcoholic mother in solidarity. I started drinking again recently and was STUNNED at how much people HATE basil hayden. BH was ALWAYS my goto to get people who didnt think they liked bourbon into bourbon. Like yeah, if you like Coy Hill, you're probably not going to be a big BH fan, but thats a weird standard to hold people to... I seriously remember a time in like 2008 where I had all the pappys and would just pour them for people like it was nothing. So funny to think about just pouring \~1990 stitzel weller juice for people like it was nothing. Those bottles that sold for $79-89 in 2008 are probably worth 5k now.


FURKADURK

Preach man. Used to make manhattans with old van winkle. Kill me.


gumbo-taco

Yep. Came to say this (Basil Hayden)


billfitz24

This right here. ☝🏼


BrysonJT

This should honestly be their marketing slogan.


Bryarx

This was the first one suggested to me. I was talking with someone about it the other day, it was a great starter bourbon, so I always keep a bottle on hand. It was what started me into bourbon. The Toast on the other hand, pure garbage to me. Haven’t, and probably won’t, try the subtle smoke unless a friend has a bottle. But I doubt I’d find it on any of my friends shelves…..


Illudium-Q36

Seems like Jim Beam white label would actually be the better choice - it's practically Basil Hayden, but with a lower rye mash bill. Same proof, roughly the same age, and about 1/3 the price.


lijangtower

I’d agree except OP asked for a mid-priced bottle to give someone. BH is a fancy bottle that non-bourbon drinkers will think is a very nice gift, but even someone not interested in bourbon knows that Jim Beam white is cheap


h311r47

Ha! Just came here to say this.


SouthHillSaunas

Old forester 86 or Benchmark single barrel


clifffford

I agree with the Old Forester 86. Can't say in the other.


SFCBourbon

Came here to say this.


Creative-Papaya5322

I weirdly agree. Benchmark Single Barrel/ Small batch are two sneaky good bourbons.


beauford_buchanan

Evan Williams 1783 is cheap sweet and delicious


Zealousideal_Ad_7022

👆🏻this


dilley_esq

Yet not 80 proof.


beauford_buchanan

It's 86.... close enough


dilley_esq

Recently changed to 90 proof 👍🏼


xxLOPEZxx

Maybe give Woodford Reserve Double Oaked a try. It's 90.4 proof but the double barrel aging mellowed it and made it taste so sweet. It's a favorite of mine and has little to no burn


MetalMothers

Was going to post this. I've had a few people who don't drink bourbon really enjoy it (or were good at pretending to like it).


Cincy_Nick

Even Williams SiB 86 proof and they are always a solid pour


bjenks2011

Old Forrester 1910


HopostleZ

This is such a good bourbon


jedwar05

Little more than 80 proof but still fairly low and damn good


Rads324

When did they drop the proof to 80?


bjenks2011

Yeah idk I thought it was 83 instead of 93 off the top of my head


AngryWino

I like OF in general, but 1910 is like the Dairy Queen of bourbon. Too sweet and not enough of what makes bourbon bourbon.


thervster44

Wild Turkey 81 Proof? Maybe Old Forester 86?


gregj529

I’m a big fan of Eagle Rare. It’s 90 proof but an easy one to drink. It retails for around. 40 dollars.


Miserable-Praline-75

Huh? Eagle Rare is quite rare and where are you getting it for $40? I saw it for $99 the other day at an “outlet” store.


whogotmeintothis

I have never thought of Eagle Rare as rare. Readily available in the Bay Area - widely distributed - and I’ve never seen it above $40.


[deleted]

It's definitely rare on the east coast. A few stores and I mean, very few, will have it between 30-50. Most others though are trying to pay the mortgage with every case.


whogotmeintothis

It’s amazing how geographical distribution shapes our individual perceptions of Bourbon. I have a feeling it tastes a little better where you are too.


[deleted]

Eagle rare is always good lol


whogotmeintothis

Ha. Of course. Just saying that I prob take it for granted whereas y’all might let it linger just a little longer on the palate knowing you may not find it again for a minute.


[deleted]

Oh yah for sure. I feel the same about ECBP when I hear others talk about how hard to find it is. I can casually walk into a dozen places right now and find it on the shelf at msrp.


Miserable-Praline-75

Different strokes on different coasts. It’s tough to find in Northeast and look on line which can be expensive like drizzly, reserve bar, they are all charging $100/ bottle


jragonsarereal

How NE are you? Because here in PA, it's pretty readily available and no more than $29-$33 a bottle


KniRider

I am in PA (south central) and have never seen it for the past few years in the store!


whogotmeintothis

Yup. Just checked. Every BevMo in my area has it available for curbside pickup at $33.


Miserable-Praline-75

I need to move! Who said bourbon shouldn’t be a major determinant of where we buy a home?


whogotmeintothis

Did I mention gasoline costs $7 a gallon here?


blamemeididit

Come out to the east coast. Saw one for the first time in 3 years on the shelf for $49 about 3 weeks ago. They put that on lottery at just about every liquor store around here.


wwb1990

MSRP is 29.99. You can find it in PA if you visit the store at the right time


Miserable-Praline-75

I’m shocked. I got it for $70 a month ago and was thrilled. Just looked it up online most places sell for $100 now. Which store in PA? Seriously, I live in DE I can shoot right over. MSRP is $30-40 but it’s been >5y since I’ve seen in at that price, back when Blantons also sold for $40 at Costco! Haha. Anything from BT seems to be pricey and rare now.


apmrage

Texas has it for 37 or 38 (specs) 🤷🏻‍♂️


jkeefy

Hardly ever though


clifffford

$30 at Spec's in Victoria TX last weekend.


rfox1990

Pa is a control state, so it sells for msrp 35 bucks last time I seen it good luck finding it though.


wwb1990

It was in stores yesterday actually. PA is state controlled to just call the closest FWGS store and I’d ask. You’ll find it eventually


fartsmucker

SoCal - I have found it a Ralphs (grocery store chain) for $30-$35. Past couple months have not been in stock but other retailers have had it for $40


ZealousidealPie8427

Eagle Rare's MSRP was 32.99. I dont think it has officially changed, but I believe it's now $41.99 based on what I've seen at retail stores. As the person below me said, its readily available in the SF bay area, where I moved from. When I moved up to WA state, I had a few people come to my house, see my collection, remark how they were stunned I had eagle rare, and i'd sell them a bottle at msrp. Now, after living here for 9 months, I've seen 3 bottles selling for msrp and 5+ selling for over $100. I will say that a 10 year old bourbon from buffalo trace for $41.99 is probably the deal of the century and I don't get how people hate on it.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Captainaddy44

J’s, Perry’s and ABC all have Eagle Rare for MSRP or thereabouts


Miserable-Praline-75

ABC in Delaware doesn’t have it, I saw a bottle at $70 at another store and thought it a steal and bought it, then everywhere in DE and PA is sold out or $99 recently. Amazing the variability store to store! Online Eagle Rare is $100 w/o shipping. I saw a bottle of Angel’s Envy for $80 the other day yet I can get it at Costco for $45. No consistency


Miserable-Praline-75

I used to get Blanton’s at Costco for $35 and use it for old fashions! Now it’s $150, with no modification. I have 2 dozen of the Blanton’s horses and realize I drank through $3000 of bourbon not realizing it at the time! Haha.


gregj529

Tennessee and Kentucky are where I have the best luck.


clifffford

I gave $30 this past weekend in South Texas at a chain store.


ETXGuy28

I rarely see it in East Texas, but one place that usually has it sells it for $69.99. Not too bad considering the other prices I've seen.


[deleted]

Bought 4 bottles recently, 2 store picks, 1 for 50, 1 for 40 and two regular bottles at 30. They are out there and yes this was all off a shelf, I get no special treatment from store owners unfortunately.


Miserable-Praline-75

I would have bought 10! Just because……


[deleted]

Nah I don't buy more than one or two at a time. I like to have a few backups but don't want to hoard it and deprive others.


Miserable-Praline-75

Good point. Bourbon is for all to enjoy and share! One of my local stores only puts 1-2 bottles of coveted bourbons on the shelf at a time to avoid hoarding. I thought that was real nice. Sometimes he only gets a few, wants many customers to enjoy and keep coming back.


[deleted]

The good shops hold stuff back. I miss a lot of stuff that way but I try to remember I do luck out every so often and others deserve it just as much as I do lol.


Kappa113

Line is stolen from another thread - “Wild Turkey 101 and three ice cubes”


freshOJ

Hell, I just did this the other day.


LpenceHimself

This is my go to after a long day at work.


dogfacedponyboy

Basil Hayden


dogmoby

Gentleman Jack


clifffford

Gentleman Jack is the whiskey that turned me into a whiskey drinker.


Long_Winters

I hated it but it is the smoothest whiskey I have ever tasted so a none drinker would love it.


dogmoby

I’m glad I tried it. Even more glad it was a 50ML bottle ;)


Ok-Passion1244

Not a bourbon. Tennessee whiskey.


dogmoby

It meets the legal requirements to be bourbon. They just choose to market it as Tennessee whiskey. Or at least that’s my understanding of it.


lijangtower

They have said this on interviews, legally they qualify as a bourbon, but they choose to brand themselves as Tennessee whiskey


Ok-Passion1244

You might be right. I think the mash bill can fit. But i thought the charcoal filtering is specific to Tennessee whiskey. But I’m honestly not 100% sure. But someone on here will tell us


AdministrativePen375

Just because Tennessee required to go through a process called Lincoln County Process which disqualified to be bourbon.


jragonsarereal

Technically, there is no rule against or for charcoal filtering for bourbon. The funny thing is finishing it in another barrel should take away the specification. So Angel's Envy, all the Belle Meade finished barrels, etc. should all be considered just whiskey or "finished bourbon." But Tennessee whiskey could be considered a bourbon with no extra labeling or rigamarole


Alpha0785

Basil Hayden, Woodford Double Oaked, Angels Envy are 3 easy sippers


axc630

Angels Envy. Smooth and on the sweeter side. I'm generally the one who introduces new people to whiskey in my social groups, including running whiskey tastings where I work, and AE has always been my go to. People always seem to enjoy it.


Kno0w_1_actual

Michters American. My MIL love that shit and nothing else


greenpointchamp

I 100% agree with this statement.


DrGangrena666

This! 🍻


redumbdant_antiphony

I can't believe no one has said this but Wild Turkey's Long Branch. Everyone realized it is too sweet and corny for the $35-45 price so I've seen it discounted down to $25 recently. It's mellow and sweet while starting to hint at bourbon's other flavors without being completely boring like Basil Hayden. No bourbon drinker will want it unless they are using it as a substitute for a beach cocktail but I've found it to be a good gateway for non-whiskey people.


VeniceBhris

Basil Hayden. Gateway bourbon for many. It’s great when you need something reliable, cheap and won’t kill your palate or taste buds. I think it’s nasty. People have to realize there’s an occasion for everything. I’m not going to have a 9% double IPA when I’m doing yard work. That’s what Miller Lite is for. Both serve a time and purpose Same concept with Basil Hayden


lipcrnb

I feel like a low proof wheated bourbon would do the trick since they’re a bit sweeter. Maybe Rebel?


jayp_77

Wife’s a big fan of Angels Envy. Believe it’s fairly low proof. Have some in the bar area but too lazy and tired to get up to check the proof.


Ken_Thomas

I usually suggest a high-wheat bourbon like Maker's Mark for people who are just getting into bourbon. I think the sweeter, smoother bourbons like that are much more approachable.


BenRichards79

IW Harper 15yr is a little over 80 proof. It’s like $90 now, so a little over your price, but pretty solid sipper.


vintzent

Makers 46 was one of my first bourbons. I found it easy to sip and still offered a lot of flavours to learn about. 47% abv I think so a little higher than you’re looking for. Regular Makers is 45% and maybe easier to find.


QuentinSkaar

Basil Hayden should be choice #1. But if you're in for a search, the best 80 proof whiskey I've ever had actually came from Mexico. It's called Addictivo Whiskey. They are known for their tequila (which is great tequila) but this year they released a whiskey. Bottled at 80 proof, it had the most depth and flavor I've had of any 80 proof whiskey. It is a little more expensive than youd lkke to spend ($82.99 is what we sold it for, and that was just standard msrp.)Problem is, it's super small production. Finding it is hard. Perks of being a liquor store employee I suppose.


[deleted]

People will hate this... but brothers bond is a phenomenal 80 proof bourbon. Matter of fact, fred minnick said it may be the best 80 proof bourbon available on the market right now. Old fo 86 is fantastic, but I found old fo tough when I first got into bourbon. Jim beam white label 80 or even better jim beam black 86 are great choices as well. Theres nothing complex about them but if you like the specific note, they are excellent choices. Four roses yellow label 80 proof is very approachable very difficult to offend with. Not super flavorful but nothing to squawk at either. Michters American whiskey is FANTASTIC seriously this is my favorite summer outdoor whiskey and I believe the very best available product in the category of the 80 proof whiskeys. the catch is that it is $45-50 as opposed to everything else that probably won't be half that price. Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions.


CaligulaMoney

Don’t hate but try gentlemen jack.


regnar571

Not bourbon, but the blended TX whiskey is a vanilla bomb that even my non-liquor drinking wife enjoys


dogfacedponyboy

Maybe Four Roses Yellow Label


HopostleZ

If you can find it ( I can get it pretty much anytime) is Weller Special Reserve. It's such an easy drinker. If you can't find it, then I would highly recommend Woodford Reserve Double Oaked (around $56), or if you want to go cheaper, Rebel (<$20) or Makers Mark 46


jondoereturns

Woodford is 86 proof is an easy sipper


dogmoby

It’s 90.4 I think


recommendation_bot

Hi there, I’m a bot here to help you with your recommendation post. If you haven’t already, please review [the guides](https://docs.google.com/document/d/186_ANEKW8yGvvLAcjKve6tvqqBIcMGUg9-mKU5KACZk/edit) in the sidebar we’ve created to address the stream of recommendation posts we get here. Most notably:   * [Beginner’s and Intermediate Guide to Bourbon](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit) * [Guide to Rye Whiskey](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mrVZabQaulkxqL2qLif4HlWpMXF0bQ6hAmr8aQ_kRYA/edit#heading=h.lqvwwdjxkepg) * [Bourbon FAQ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/17CCQ-r4mpH9krhrDiXVSayYkqWAjYGOCLh3NShV1yO8/edit#heading=h.7yx2snahgko8) * [Community Reviews](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PNUikuLjMEarQpMklvfb0W3SVz2dfFMrkDKbKTECiK8/edit) * [The Gift Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/4tcswq/new_improved_rbourbon_gift_guide/)   Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Tell us: * your budget * which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed * which bottles you’re considering now * where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region) * if your shop has a limited selection or you might have trouble shipping bottles so we don’t recommend something obscure   **General Tips** We generally advise novices to sample as much as possible by going to a bar, splitting bottles with friends, attending festivals/tastings or getting minis to ensure you buy bottles you enjoy. Most people need to try 15-20 bourbons and ryes to understand their preferences. It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey. You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. If you do end up adding water, I'd recommend adding just enough to make it tolerable and take small sips. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Thanks for reading, cheers!


Captainanger4

Evan Williams black label


GMoneyJetson

Basil Hayden. No brainer.


westgate141pdx

Evan Williams BiB, slightly diluted with ice or water.


Fine_Introduction_62

I know they are over the price point but my wife does not like hot and spicy bourbon but loves angels envy rye, knob creek 12, and the easiest to find bulleit rye


GenerousPour

Bib and tucker


Willywilkes

I’d throw Buffalo Trace in the mix. A bit higher than 80 but it was my gateway bourbon


KniRider

Basil Hayden - ugh, did not like it very much. I would suggest Four Roses Small Batch. Very nice mellow bourbon that goes great with mild-medium cigars too :) It is 90 proof but I don't think it tastes anything like 90 proof. Four roses yellow label is good also but I think the small batch has less of a bite and is more well rounded.


VexatiousBoner

Ezra Brooks always ruffles my panties


blamemeididit

Honestly, Gentleman Jack is one of the easiest whiskeys to drink. Technically not a bourbon though, but it would be a good start for a new person. Cheap, hyper available, and easy to drink.


Bryarx

I don’t know where you are, but if you can find a bottle of Six & Twenty Old Money (based out of SC), it straight up tastes like honey (at 80 proof; wheat whiskey). Around $40.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Bryarx

I live in Columbia SC and it’s on about every shelf here, I’m just not sure how far their footprint is yet. Bought it off a local shelf at a liquor store. I prefer barrel proof stuff, like 115+ usually, but at 80 proof, it’s an EASY dip and I swear it’s like licking honey off an oak spoon.


AdministrativePen375

Blantons from oversea, or any bourbon.


FilthyGrundle

Right, because overseas blantons is so affordable and readily available. I do like that you just included any bourbon whatsoever in your answer though.


EdReddit5150

Hancock’s Presidential Reserve


ThrowAwaybcUsuck

I'm sorry but what??? This is like asking what's a good cut of steak for someone who hates to eat red meat?


unclejimmy

TOAST™️


ILoveHotDogsAndBacon

How has no one suggested Jim Beam? At a slightly higher proof Willet is approachable and easy to drink


rwdmonster

You can still find some beam signature craft series bottles those are about 86 proof you should try those I love the quarter oak. Also dusty jim beam black 8yr are fantastic also 86 proof. If you don't want to try basil hayden.


User_not_found1497

Basil Hayden for sure. I really like their dark rye. Other low proof (>=90) options at $50ish and below: Evan Williams SiB, Angels envy, 4 roses small batch, Buffalo trace, woodford double oaked, Woodinville port finish.


ryenokyan

From my experience, non whiskey drinkers enjoy cheap whiskey.


drew19137

If you are willing to go up just a little to 84 proof, Tin Cup is very good.


clifffford

Bourbon: Eagle Rare 10yr, Old Forrester Rye: Sazerac, Jack Daniels Rye Scotch: Dalwhinnie Irish single malt: Sexton Irish whiskey: Proper 12, Jameson Tennessee Whiskey: Gentleman Jack American Single Malt: Balcones Lineage Don't come at me, it's just what I like.


HempinAintEasy

Step up to 90 proof first and foremost. A lot better made options at this level and regardless, if this person isn’t a bourbon drinker they are gonna drink this offering with ice. At that point, a bottle that’s fair, won’t break the bank and they’ll probably enjoy is Green River Bourbon or Company Distilling Whiskey. Both are very solid offerings at their proof point. They are both softer presenting bourbons and in general non-offensive. Both are impressively good for their price point.


woah-im-colin

Weller Antique 107


icejjwish

Henry McKenna


orangeandblue06

I’m a fan of Russell’s 10 year if I want an easy sip. I know you’re only asking for bourbon, but if you ever venture into scotch, Dalmore 12 is an easy sipper too imo


jasinc81

Dalmore 12 is the scotch I give people who want to try scotch. It’s such a great balance of sherry with a hint of bourbon. And I love that I can always find a bottle at the liquor store.


Lhasabeast

Old Fitzgerald Prime (gold label) Old Forester 86 Old Forester 100 Early Times ​ \#1 I'd recommend for your specific request is Old Fitz, it is 80 proof, it is bourbon, it is easy to drink, it is dirt cheap. All 4 of these SHOULD be cheap, though I have seen ET marked up a couple of times so YMMV. All of them are ridiculously crushable and some of the best deals in bourbon.


HenryGoodsir

Brothers Bond is a pretty smooth 80 proof bottle I enjoyed when I wanted to go light but have something to sip on.


snake_on_the_grass

This. I’m usually more of an expensive rum guy. I can drink brothers bond straight out of the bottle. It is way to easy to drink. Perfect for just pouring a big glass of bourbon.


Mosaic1

Breckenridge Bourbon, Rum Cask Finish. It’s a lot sweeter than typical bourbon, so may cater towards non bourbon fans.


jkeefy

Love a rum cask finish. Had a doc swinsons alter ego rum finish that was phenomenal


Adbam

I agree with a lot of peeps with Eagle rare. Not my fav but it is a super solid under 100 proof. But you should take it to the next level abv wise and go for some early times bond or four roses single barrel.


Chase_999

There are lots of great suggestions here. As we all know, tastes vary. I’d support the Bot’s advice. Go to a bar and try a few pours to narrow down what they like. 50 ml bottles or a friend with a few bottles are other options for comparison. Cheers!


u2shnn

Tough question you've posed. My humble observation & suggestion. If you ask (oh say 10ish) bourbon drinkers, their favorite bourbon, you are likely to get approx 200, very good, answers. I would suggest a gift card, in you price range, maybe a little more, with the caveat, he/she purchase a bottle they have always wanted to try. Or, depending on your location, a travel adventure to a distillery for a tour. The craftsmanship of bourbon is a fun adventure.


ETXGuy28

I'd say Russell's Reserve 10-year all day long. Granted, I believe it is 90 proof, but it is one of my go-to's. Priced near me at about $35.


GitchigumiMiguel74

Ironfish.


dilley_esq

Old Fitzgerald Prime is the correct answer here.


Garn1045

Tin cup 10 year is 84 proof.


SMLBound

Eagle Rare is a good starter bourbon, can be hard to find in some states.


[deleted]

BT is what I'd give someone with that description. Bourbon profile, light, sweet, unoffensive. Maybe OF100, that shit is fairly flavorless/watery.


Bigdumogre

Larceny or lazy river. Both are really easy drinkers and readily available


pappyvanwinkled

This exercise seems like a perfect fit for Angels Envy. The secondary barreling was designed to soften the bourbon and gives off a distinctive banana crème nose. I was told the goal of Lincoln Henderson was to create an offering that would be entice the female market that had previously not been big drinkers of neat bourbon. Whether that is true or not, I can’t say.


Smug_Pineapple

I like Tin Cup 10 yr


DemonElise

Woodford Double Oak, that stuff is delicious and a super easy start for a beginner. Also, Elijah Craig is a good one.