The Best Bourbon to Give This Holiday Season (At 5 Different Price Points)
Yeah, it’s Christmas—the season of love, joy, and over-the-top consumerism. And what better way to spread holiday cheer than by gifting your loved ones the timeless joy of bourbon? Because who doesn’t love the warm embrace of ethanol wrapped in a decorative bottle? But not all bourbons are created equal. Some are for the bourbon connoisseur, others for the guy who thinks “scotch is just bourbon but worse,” and then there’s the cheap stuff that’s barely passable as alcohol. So, let’s break down the best bourbons you can give at five different price points, shall we? I promise, it’ll be as heartwarming as a Hallmark movie, but with more whiskey and fewer awkward family hugs.
1. The “Please Don’t Judge Me, But I Spent $25” Bourbon
Price Range: $15–$25
Who’s Buying It: Your broke college roommate, the person who forgot to buy a gift until December 24th, or your sibling who still thinks $25 is a lot of money for a bottle of liquor.
Ah, yes, the budget bourbon. For those who are looking to get a decent gift without actually spending real money. Nothing says “I put thought into this” like a bottle of something you can buy in bulk at your local grocery store. But don’t worry, there are still some semi-acceptable choices.
Recommendation: Evan Williams Black Label
This is the equivalent of buying a nice sweater from the discount rack, but hey, it’s functional. The Evan Williams Black Label is a great choice if you want to appear like you know what bourbon is, but you’re also maybe trying to stay under $25. With a solid, yet simple flavor profile of caramel and vanilla, it’s almost like drinking candy, but without the joy. It’s reliable, it’s cheap, and at least it’s not vodka, which is practically a crime in the bourbon world.
Pro Tip: Wrap it in fancy paper. No one will notice the cheap bottle if you hide it behind some gold foil.
2. The “It’s Christmas, I Guess You Deserve Something Decent” Bourbon
Price Range: $30–$50
Who’s Buying It: Your aunt who spends more time picking out candles than actual presents, or the friend who’s almostyour best friend but not quite.
Ah, the sweet spot. Not quite as low as the bargain bin, but also not as extravagant as you’re about to go with your next purchase. This is where the magic happens—or, at least, where you can justify spending a little extra cash because you want to feel like a “thoughtful” gift-giver. Let’s dive in.
Recommendation: Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace is the kind of bourbon that makes you feel like a seasoned whiskey drinker without actually needing any expertise. It’s good. It’s consistent. It’s the middle child of bourbons, but don’t tell that to the people you’re giving it to. With hints of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle oakiness, it’s like your friend who’s “low-key” but is still better than all the other friends. It’s a safe bet, but still has enough flavor complexity to seem impressive, especially when paired with a story about how “hard to find” it is (even though it’s literally everywhere).
Pro Tip: Tell them you got this because it “pairs well with the holiday spirit.” That’s vague enough to sound profound.
3. The “I’m Trying, But I’m Not Trying That Hard” Bourbon
Price Range: $50–$100
Who’s Buying It: Your boss who thinks they’re being clever by buying you a gift that might make you think they care, or your friend who just got a raise and is trying to show off a little.
Okay, now we’re getting serious. You want to look like you actually care, but without breaking the bank and starting a GoFundMe campaign to cover your holiday shopping. This is where you start flexing a little bit. You’re telling your friend or relative, “I’m not just here for the party. I’m here to give you an experience.” An experience in the form of liquid happiness, of course.
Recommendation: Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is the bourbon equivalent of buying a fancy bottle of wine that people will nod at appreciatively but not really talk about much beyond “it’s good.” With rich notes of dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate, it’s smooth, elegant, and quite drinkable. The bottle looks expensive, which is really what matters here, right? Because isn’t it about the aesthetic? It’s classy without being pretentious. You’re not throwing down the cash for a top-shelf bottle, but you’re definitely stepping it up from the basics.
Pro Tip: Share the “award-winning” line. Because if it has a medal, it’s basically elite.
4. The “I’m Really Going for It” Bourbon
Price Range: $100–$150
Who’s Buying It: The person who just got their first big bonus, your actual best friend who deserves a nice gift, or that person who insists they’re “just being generous” but you know they’re secretly trying to outshine everyone else in the room.
Now we’re into the realm of gifts that might make your recipient ask, “Do you like me more than I like you?” But hey, if you’ve got the budget to make it rain, why not go all in? This is the bourbon equivalent of showing up to a party in a suit. You’re here to impress, and the people will know it.
Recommendation: Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton’s is like the Beyoncé of bourbons—everyone loves it, but not everyone can get their hands on it. You could honestly just hand over a bottle and tell them it’s “from a single barrel” and they’ll probably lose their minds with joy. The flavor is complex, featuring notes of honey, vanilla, and spices, and it’s so smooth you’ll feel like you’re being gently rocked to sleep by a bourbon angel. Sure, it’s a bit of a cult classic, but that’s exactly what makes it fun. It’s also surprisingly available if you live in the right area—or if you know the right people who happen to be in a liquor store at the right time.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to mention that this is a “collector’s item.” No one will question the price then.
5. The “I’m Literally Made of Money” Bourbon
Price Range: $200+
Who’s Buying It: You. The person who finally broke through the glass ceiling and now thinks it’s their duty to bestow gifts that scream “I’ve made it.” Or the rich uncle who’s been waiting for an excuse to flaunt their wealth without actually seeming like a jerk.
And now, we’ve arrived at the land of dreams—the ultra-premium bourbons. These are the bottles that make people think you’ve got a trust fund and an Instagram account full of inspirational quotes. You’re gifting experience here, and that experience is worth more than most of us will ever earn in a year. But who’s counting? Certainly not you.
Recommendation: Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve
Pappy Van Winkle—because you don’t come to the party to just participate; you come to dominate. This is the bourbon that turns heads. It’s smooth, rich, and possesses the kind of flavor complexity that makes people believe in the impossible. It’s got notes of oak, caramel, and a perfect balance of spice that could only be achieved by bourbon-aging elves in a secret forest. The only problem? If you’re able to get your hands on it, the price will probably make you consider canceling your vacation plans for the year. But hey, you’re giving a bottle that’s legendary, so who cares?
Pro Tip: If they try to thank you, just respond with, “It’s Pappy.” That’s all that needs to be said.
Final Thoughts:
So there you have it—five bourbons, five different price points, and endless opportunities to either impress or ruin Christmas depending on how well you execute the gifting. But hey, it’s bourbon. As long as you’re not giving someone a bottle of something that tastes like regret, you’ve probably won the holiday season.
