This obviously wasn’t always the case. It’s far more of a precise wine these days, lightly tannic and fresh, reminiscent of port but delightful now. All rights reserved. A blended Scotch whisky, Famous Grouse is a solid option when you are looking for a blend on a budget. Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc 2018 $19.99. The red grape of the region, malbec, is also known as côt, hence the pun on the label. This means rye is a much more spicy liquor, great for mixing into cocktails -- or enjoying on the rocks if you like a bit of a kick. Earlier this year Spanish bottles dominated a roundup of wines under $15, so don’t hesitate to experiment with a few on your own. Thanks for sharing your love of Rebel Yell. And it’s great to know wines like these exist. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to come across outside of Kentucky. It all may seem a bit depressing to fans of good whiskey, but luckily there are still exceptional bourbons out there for less than twenty dollars a bottle. $20, 5. As a disclaimer, not all of these bourbons will be available at these prices everywhere (but they should). We’ll have to dig into the cabinet and revisit it soon! That’s on the younger side, but this bourbon packs a surprising punch with a big caramel nose and a spicy, wood-heavy, and citrusy palate that produces ample body despite its relative youth. Jameson is the bestselling Irish whiskey in the world for a reason. $17, 6. This one is not a bourbon, but rather a corn whiskey, and therefore the bourbon category is the closest place to put this budget whiskey. For American wines, dozens of states permit you to buy directly from wineries and have it shipped to your home. 100 proof. Based in Douro, port country, he pioneered the movement toward making lighter, fresher wines that aimed for finesse rather than power. Canadian Club Reserve is full of sweet toffee and oak notes, a result of a longer aging process than the brand’s other expressions. Ancient Ancient Age Bourbon – Like so many bourbons, Ancient Ancient Age once held an age statement (as a 10-year-old product), but it was long ago reduced to “10 Star,” which doesn’t actually mean anything. If the juice sits briefly with the skins before vinification, it develops a pale salmon color, so let’s call Hoof & Lur a rosé. At $14 for a bottle, you really can’t go wrong. Loosen sparkling Riesling. For only a few dollars more, Old Forester Signature Bottled-in-Bond is an even more refined pour that would easily take top honors in the under $25 category. It’s fresh and fruity and would be just right with juicy burgers off the grill. Why not try something new on a recommendation? The 10 Best Bourbon Whiskeys for Under $20. You may not find this bottle now, but it may show up in the future if you keep your eyes open. $15, 4. (Polaner Selections). It's 80-proof and aged for at least three years. This is, according to most, the best budget rye you can find. It may not be the highest quality, but put it with mixers (e.g. The best “cheap” bottles of whiskey ... and a hint of apple. There’s less rye influence than in any other Wild Turkey expressions, and while it lacks the frontier style of the 101, it still has a lot going for it. Chiara Condello, a young producer from a family of winemakers, makes this wine under her own label. There are, though, a number of good, cheap whiskies out there, which we have conveniently listed below. Full of honey and raisin flavors, Rebel Yell is a bargain, as it displays the flavor profile of something much more expensive. This wine, made without added yeast or filtration in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is fragrant and floral, bone-dry and lightly fruity. Chill a bit before serving. It is 100 percent sangiovese, and it’s more overtly fruity than, say, a Chianti Classico. Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon – Heaven Hill currently makes Ezra Brooks for Luxco, which just recently opened a new distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky to begin self-producing this and other lines in its portfolio. Brand Pfalz Weissburgunder Trocken 2018 1 liter $19, Daniel and Jonas Brand, two brothers, work in the northern reaches of the Pfalz region of Germany, where they farm organically and make a wide selection of excellent wines, many of them, like this one, sold in 1-liter bottles. The popularity of bourbon in recent years has not surprisingly coincided with an upward trend in prices. The Rankings: All 10 Scotches, Ranked From Worst to Best.