A Whiskey Insider Reveals the Best Cheap Whiskey Under $30 Right Now
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One of the biggest liquor misconceptions is that you have to spend a fortune to find a delicious bottle of whiskey. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of the best cheap whiskeys also happen to be the best whiskeys in the world—period.
Sure, you may like the thrill of hunting down unicorns, but there are plenty of wonderful undervalued whiskeys that are widely available. It just takes some insider knowledge to find these steals on store shelves.
Fortunately, we put whiskey insider Brad Japhe on the case. He spends most of his time eating and drinking his way around the globe. When you’re in a liquor store or staring down the business end of a bar menu, Japhe is the ideal phone-a-friend to help you make a selection. And, boy, does he deliver!
For the 2026 Men's JournalSpirits Awards, we tasked him with selecting the best cheap whiskeys—guaranteed to deliver without breaking the bank.
His best overall affordable whiskey award went to Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which is a workhorse of a spirit and equally delicious on its own or in cocktails.
Best Affordable Whiskey of 2026 Overall
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The eponymous product of America's beloved distillery is sometimes overlooked. After all, Buffalo Trace’s older brothers include Pappy Van Winkle, George T. Stagg, and Eagle Rare—some of the most sought-after spirits on shelves today.
“Sleep on this flagship offering at your own peril,” Japhe writes. “It’s creamy, full of caramel and toffee, and punches way above its price, which hangs around $30.”
In total, Japhe selected 17 affordable bottles across Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, Scotch, rye, and more. No matter what kind of whiskey you like to drink, you'll find something that pleases your palate and always keeps your bar cart stocked with affordable everyday pours.