Category Archives: The Bourbon Cheapskate

Great whiskey doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The Bourbon Cheapskate searches the bottom and middle shelves for affordable bourbons and whiskeys that deliver more than their price tags suggest. Some are surprising bargains. Others prove that you get what you pay for. Either way, we’re looking for value, one pour at a time.

The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 62: Three Bourbons, One Salute to America’s Veterans

Posted on November 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Three bourbons, three tributes and one salute to America’s veterans. An Air Force veteran raises a glass to Maker’s Mark POVAT, Green River Army 250 and Jim Beam Freedom’s Finest, exploring their flavors, value and the stories behind these special releases. At $25 to $50, each offers something worth appreciating. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 61: Barrel Key Bourbon — Unlocking a Mystery at a Bargain Price

Posted on November 5, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Two unfamiliar bourbons, one Publix BOGO deal, and a mystery stretching from Indiana to Oklahoma to St. Louis. We investigate Barrel Key’s origins, reveal its mash bills, and find out whether the 6-year or 8-year deserves a spot on your shelf. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 60: Four Jim Beams Walk Into a Blind Tasting

Posted on October 29, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Four Jim Beam bourbons. Four identical sample bottles. One blind tasting. The winner was close, but the last-place finisher was a genuine surprise. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 59: Southern Comfort 100 Review—Too Sweet for Comfort?

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

After nearly 40 years, I’m giving Southern Comfort another chance. At 100 proof and just $18.99, has this sweet Southern staple finally grown up? Or are some things better left to memory? Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 58: A Calumet Celebration at a Cheapskate Price

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

A $40 clearance find at Broudy’s in St. Augustine puts Calumet Farm 10-Year against Knob Creek 12-Year in a blind tasting. Two mature, 100-proof bourbons. One narrow winner. And a reminder that great whiskey doesn’t always require a great big investment. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 57: A Return Visit With Old Grand-Dad

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Ten months and countless bourbon tastings later, I’m revisiting two of my Bourbon Cheapskate favorites: Old Grand-Dad 114 and Old Grand-Dad 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond. Have my tastes changed? Were my original scores too generous? Or do these affordable bourbons still deserve their places on my shelf? It’s time for a rematch. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 56: Can Five Cheap Bourbons Make One Good One?

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Five bourbon minis costing less than $2 each face a blind tasting before being combined into a homemade infinity blend. The winner was surprising—and the blend may have found a way to rescue the worst bourbon of the night. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 55: Double-Oaked Challenge Quarterfinals

Posted on September 24, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The Double-Oaked Challenge reaches the Elite Eight. Eight blind pours become four semifinalists, and the top three seeds are all eliminated. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 54: Double-Oaked Challenge — Round of 16, Part One

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The Double-Oaked Challenge reaches the Round of 16. Eight whiskeys go blind, four head-to-head matchups decide who survives, and one upset shakes the bracket. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Rye Cheapskate, Vol. 53: 3 Affordable Rye Whiskeys Compared

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Which affordable rye gives you the most for your money? Benchmark, Jack Daniel’s and Middle West face off on flavor, price and Cheapskate value. Continue reading →

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