Let's face it, bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Some people manipulate their genetics during their natural aging process by visiting the gym, eating healthy, and receiving coffee enemas. Others let father time put his stamp on them, becoming what some may call "filled out" or "paunchy" or "bleh." What I firmly believe in is a Body by Bourbon, a rock-solid foundation built on the only ingredient a man or lady needs to live off of: corn, barley, rye, and wheat.
Sure, we'd all love to reach for the shelf every time our #BBB needs a tune up. But what about those secrets of the trade, the #bargainbourbons that lurk in the $30 range, waiting to be scooped up and guzzled by us doing our bodies right? This article will serve as the foundation of your liquor cabinet, so next time you visit the liquor store, bring your mobile version of #BBB and get down with some of the best bargains bourbon has to boast.
#5: Evan Williams 100 Proof
Before you're all like "eeewwwwwghhhhh", I'd like to start by saying what an incredible name this bourbon has. Top of the line designation, and anyone with that name should be proud to have it. But anyway, this little twisted sister comes in at $18.99 in my area, and as far as I'm concerned that's a steal for this Bottled-in-Bond selection. Perfect for a bourbon lemonade or an Old Fashioned, or if you're like me and want that #BBB look, a few fingers of this over ice will absolutely but some of that much desired hair on your chest. One of the least expensive items on the list, Evan Williams 100 Proof should be given the respect it's lower-proof counterpart has failed to yield.
#4: Wild Turkey 101
While Wild Turkey's reputation may eclipse that of Evan Williams in the quality department, you will be paying a little extra for this gobbler compared to our #5 on the list. At $27.99, this bourbon is creeping towards our cap but still deserves the its moment in the limelight. This is the perfect mixing bourbon but absolutely smooth enough to be drank straight. A nice burn and a high proof to boot, try mixing in this Wild Turkey favorite as the weather switches to chilly and your #BBB needs to be on point.
#3: Heaven Hill Green Label
This is a mythic beast you probably won't find in Pennsylvania, but I was able to stumble across it in Kentucky. At a concerning low price of $12.99 at Kentucky retailers, this is by far the best value on this list. Heaven Hill Green Label is smooth enough to drink right out of a snifter... I kid you not. Of course, at this price point you'll want to mix it, but I'm telling you if you find this bourbon, try it first. Let your nostrils say hello and swish it around before draining it down to your #BellybyBourbon (?) and tell me that's not the best 13 bucks you've ever spent. My only regret is not buying a case to bring back.
#2: Maker's Mark
Perhaps the most boring pick on my list is the elegant Maker's Mark bourbon. At $25 for a bottle of this, it's just a sin to keep it out of the top 5. A very strong contender for an ice cube and a sip and used in many cocktails at high-end establishments, Maker's Mark is something every #BBB advocate should always have on deck, as it fits the bill for any occasion. Predictable as it may be, Maker's Mark earned its spot this high on the list. But, there can only be one #1...
#1: Buffalo Trace
The King of not just affordable bourbon, but delicious, top-tier bourbon, is Buffalo Trace. Their self-titled and elusive bourbon is seen sparsely in liquor stores for $24.99 and is hands down the best value you can get from a bourbon under $30. In Kentucky, they use this as well bourbon (which blows my friggin mind) but it can be consumed neat if that's your style. My favorite bourbon under $30 or not, Buffalo Trace holds a special place in my #BBB and is purchased in bulk whenever I'm lucky enough to track a bottle down. And you should too. Keep working on that #BBB!
Did I miss any of your favorites? Have any recommendations to add to the list? Comment below, subscribe, drink bourbon, all of that.