Tag Archives: affordable bourbon

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. 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. 48: Breaking the Rules With Green River

Posted on July 30, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Bourbon Cheapskate usually stays below $40, but Green River may be worth breaking the rules. I blind-tasted six releases to see which offered the best combination of flavor, proof and price. Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 22: The Best of $40 and Under (New Year’s Edition)

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Great bourbon doesn’t have to be expensive. These are the bottles that proved it in 2025—my Top 10 bourbons under $40, plus the best values under $30, $25, and even $20. No hype, no gimmicks—just bottles that consistently punched above their price and earned permanent shelf space. Continue reading →

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