20 Of The Best Bourbons to Give As A Gift for Under $100

20 best bourbons to give as a gift

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Finding the perfect gift can be challenging, especially when shopping for someone who appreciates the finer things in life. For bourbon lovers, a thoughtfully selected bottle is always a welcome present. With a wide range of flavors, age statements, and price points, bourbon offers a little something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the best bourbons you can gift for under $200, divided into categories to suit your budget.

Bourbons Under $50

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch

Uncle Nearest Small Batch is more than just a bottle of bourbon—it’s a celebration of history and heritage. Crafted to honor the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first African American master distiller, this small-batch bourbon is composed of smooth flavors of caramel, vanilla, and warming spices. Its meaningful history and exceptional quality make it a wonderful gift for bourbon lovers.

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish

The Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish combines traditional bourbon craftsmanship with innovative finishing. Aged in red wine barrels, this bourbon opens with a bright, fruit-forward profile and finishes with a spiced, velvety finish. It’s a unique offering that’s perfect for someone who appreciates a twist on the classic bourbon experience.

Jim Beam Winter Reserve

Jim Beam Winter Reserve is a cozy, seasonal bourbon designed to warm the soul and the palate. With wintery flavors of toasted nuts, vanilla, and a touch of nutmeg, this delightful bottle evokes the feeling of sitting by the fire on a cold evening. Its affordable price and wintertime charm make it a delightful gift for the holiday season.

Four Roses Single Barrel

Four Roses Single Barrel stands out for its complexity. Each bottle is carefully selected from a single barrel, offering robust notes of ripe cherry, cocoa, and spice. This is an excellent choice for the discerning bourbon lover who appreciates a premium experience without a premium price tag.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Buffalo Trace is a classic, versatile bourbon with a rich history. Its approachable flavor profile, featuring notes of toffee, vanilla, and oak, makes it an interesting staple for any enthusiast’s collection. A safe yet thoughtful gift for an array of bourbon appreciators.

Devil’s River Bourbon

Bold and full-flavored, Devil’s River Bourbon delivers notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and toasted oak. Its smooth finish and memorable packaging make it a standout gift for someone who enjoys bold flavors and small-batch craftsmanship.

Russell’s Reserve 10-Year

Russell’s Reserve 10-Year is a product of master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell. This delicious bourbon is aged for 10 years and offers complex flavors of vanilla, toffee, and spice. Its pedigree and exceptional aging make it a truly sophisticated gift.

Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon

Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon balances sweet caramel and honey with a hint of peppery spice. Its beautifully designed bottle and smooth, approachable flavor make it a versatile and thoughtful gift for bourbon fans of all levels.

Bourbons Under $100

TX Bourbon Barrel Proof

A Texas treasure, TX Bourbon Barrel Proof is crafted to showcase boldness and complexity. This high-proof bourbon bursts with robust flavors of roasted nuts, honey, and vanilla, complemented by warm spices and a hint of oak. Its unapologetic intensity and velvety mouthfeel make it a perfect gift for those who appreciate full-bodied, flavorful spirits with a powerful kick.

Hogsworth Whiskey Armagnac Blend

Hogsworth Whiskey is a masterful fusion of bourbon and the French brandy Armagnac, creating a harmonious and indulgent profile. Layers of dried fruits like figs and raisins mingle with rich caramel, toasted oak, and subtle floral notes. This whiskey offers a luxurious mouthfeel and a lingering, complex finish, perfect for anyone who loves a unique twist on traditional whiskey.

Maker’s Mark Texas Two Step

Maker’s Mark Texas Two Step celebrates the meeting of Kentucky tradition and Texas flair. This limited-edition bourbon features the signature Maker’s Mark smoothness enhanced by bold Texas-inspired flavors. Creamy vanilla and caramel are elevated with a touch of cinnamon spice and smoky oak, creating a rich and balanced profile. A must-have for bourbon fans seeking a special and regionally inspired release.

Spec’s Single Barrel Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is a standout choice for bourbon enthusiasts. Each bottle from this exclusive barrel delivers a unique symphony of flavors, including dried fruit, warm baking spices, and toasted oak. The smooth, well-rounded finish makes this an exceptional gift-worthy bourbon, combining premium quality with affordability for under $100.

Smoke Wagon Small Batch

Smoke Wagon Small Batch offers a meticulously crafted bourbon that balances bold flavors with elegant sophistication. Rich notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and caramelized sugar unfold on the palate, accented by subtle oak and spice. With its velvety texture and complex profile, this bourbon is a favorite among connoisseurs and a perfect addition to any collection.

Brother’s Bond Bottled-in-Bond

Brother’s Bond Bottled-in-Bond represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and authenticity. This meticulously distilled bourbon showcases deep caramel, luscious stone fruit, and warming spices, creating a layered and satisfying experience. The adherence to Bottled-in-Bond standards ensures a high-quality, age-stated spirit, making this a standout choice for bourbon purists.

Elijah Craig Spec’s Small Batch

Elijah Craig elevates the classic bourbon profile with enhanced notes of toffee, cinnamon, and vanilla. This well-balanced bourbon delivers a rich, smooth experience that bourbon enthusiasts will love. Its exceptional quality at an affordable price point makes it a go-to option for gifts or special occasions.

George Dickel 9-Year Single Barrel

George Dickel 9-Year is a testament to the art of patience and precision in whiskey making. Aged to perfection, this bourbon offers a harmonious blend of sweet vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit, balanced by spicy undertones and a hint of toasted oak. Its refined character and impressive complexity make it a distinguished gift for whiskey aficionados.

Old Forester King Ranch

Rich, with a smoky sweetness, Old Forester King Ranch combines heritage and innovation, offering a rich bourbon experience. Layers of caramel, dark chocolate, and charred oak create a deeply warming and satisfying flavor profile. Ideal for collectors and enthusiasts.

Charles Goodnight Bourbon

Charles Goodnight Bourbon pays homage to quality and tradition, offering a perfectly balanced blend of smoothness and complexity. Bright citrus notes and sweet honey intertwine with toasted oak and a gentle spice, delivering a versatile flavor profile. Its reasonable price point and premium craftsmanship make it an excellent gift for bourbon lovers of all levels.

Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit

Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit is a single barrel bourbon that exemplifies bold character and masterful distillation. Notes of vanilla, warm spice, and rich oak dominate the palate, complemented by a long, velvety finish. This bourbon is both approachable and complex, making it an ideal choice for seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Lazy K Bar Bourbon

Lazy K Bar Bourbon offers a delightful and approachable drinking experience. With flavors of rich caramel, dried fruit, and a touch of toasted nuts, this bourbon balances sweetness and depth. Its smooth finish and nuanced flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gifting.

Each bourbon featured here tells a story—of craftsmanship, history, and dedication to quality. By choosing a bottle that resonates with the recipient’s taste or interests, you’re not just giving a gift but an experience to savor and enjoy. So, raise a glass to great bourbon, great gifting, and great memories. Cheers!

Owned and operated by the same Houston family since 1962, Spec’s is a true destination shopping experience. We now operate over 150 stores all over the great state of Texas and offer a large selection of wines, spirits and finer foods.

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