I do not often write about whiskey and bourbon to buy now, but it is the holiday season, and many people are looking for bourbon and whiskey gifts. While I have had the unique opportunity to sample many rare and expensive whiskeys, this list will include bottles that can be located and purchased at an affordable price.

Bardstown Bourbon Company Amrut

Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Collaboration Series includes Amrut. It is a 110-proof whiskey with a flavor profile I have never experienced. Whisky Advocate just named it the fourth-best whiskey of 2024.

The Amrut Distillery is based in Bengaluru, India, with a history of producing the finest Indian Single Malt Whisky since it began in 1948. Amrut single malts are available in 44 countries and have received numerous accolades for their distilling accomplishments. Amrut Fusion was rated the third finest whiskey in the world according to the 2010 edition of the Whiskey Bible. This unique pairing of straight rye whiskeys finished in Amrut Single Malt Barrels and blended with straight bourbon whiskey is a memorable collaboration. 

The taste profile I experienced was not what I expected. There were dark plum notes, molasses, baking spices, and even baked chocolate. It has an MSRP of $160.00. For more information on this bottle, please see our review here.

Wild Turkey 70th Anniversary Release

This 101-proof eight-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a wonderful homage to the legendary Jimmy Russell. His seventy years at Wild Turkey are a milestone worth celebrating with a special bottle. What does this bourbon provide? A lot of what you want in a bourbon? Toffee, with a caramel candy on the palate, along with clove, cinnamon, and even anise. The other good thing about this bottle is that it was released in quantities so that it can be found. MSRP is $50.00.

Cream of Kentucky Small Batch

The release of Cream of Kentucky Small Batch opens this bourbon to many people who could not find or afford some of the earlier releases. I am a fan of Jim Rutledge, and this brand has his experience and expertise behind it. While this small batch release does not have the complexity of the eleven to thirteen-year-old Cream of Kentucky bottles, it does have a balanced flavor profile with hints of caramel, apple, and allspice. It does not carry an age statement, but I estimate it is about four years old. This bottle would be a great gift at an MSRP of $60.00.

I. W. Harper 15-year-old

I. W. Harper’s 15-year-old is one of my favorite gift bottles because of the elegant square-cut glass bottle. It has a rich look, and any bourbon drinker would appreciate it. It is bottled at 86 proof and has tasting notes of cinnamon and dark chocolate. This brand disappeared for a while but has been produced regularly since 2015. It is one of the featured bourbons at the historic Stitzel-Weller distillery. Berries, licorice, and vanilla wafers give this whiskey a light but balanced flavor. It makes a great gift, from the retro-look bottle to the 15-year-old bourbon inside. I have seen these bottles for as high as $100 but recently saw them at a liquor store for $72.00.