Best Bourbons Under $50 at BSW (2026 Guide)
- waylonsbourbonshel
- Mar 1
- 9 min read
If you’re searching for the best bourbons under $50 at BSW, you’re not alone — bourbon’s popularity in Canada has exploded in recent years. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy rich, premium flavour. Whether you’re sipping neat, mixing in a cocktail, or discovering your go-to everyday pour, there are plenty of great bottles under $50 that deliver character, depth, and value.
If you're just getting started with bourbon, you may also want to check out our guide to [Best Bourbons for Beginners] — it breaks down smoother, more approachable bottles that are perfect for new whiskey drinkers.
Before we get into the bottles, let’s start with something many people overlook — the accessories that can dramatically improve your bourbon experience. The right glassware, ice format, and storage setup can completely change how your whiskey tastes and feels.
In this complete guide, you’ll discover:
The best budget bourbons available at BSW right now
Which bottles are best for beginners, sipping, and cocktails
The best bourbon accessories from Amazon Canada
How to choose the right bourbon for your taste
This guide is designed to help you get the absolute best value for your money.
Must-Have Bourbon Accessories
Before choosing your bottle, upgrading your glassware can dramatically improve your bourbon experience.
1. Glencairn Whisky Glass (Best Overall Whisky Glass)
Amazon Canada Link: https://amzn.to/4aSnCQD
Typical Price: $30 CAD
Why you need it: The Glencairn glass is the official whiskey tasting glass used by distilleries worldwide. Its shape concentrates aromas, making your bourbon taste smoother and more complex.
2. Old Fashioned Glass Set (Best Whisky Glass for Cocktails)
Amazon Canada Link: https://amzn.to/4aSnCQD
Typical Price: $28 CAD
Why you need it: The Old Fashioned Glass Set is designed to elevate your bourbon or cocktail experience by providing the perfect vessel for sipping. Its wide, sturdy base allows for easy muddling of ingredients and plenty of room for large ice cubes or spheres, which chill your drink slowly without quickly diluting the flavors.
3. Bangp Ice Cube Tray (Cocktail Upgrade)
Amazon Canada Link: https://amzn.to/4aPltoL
Price: $20 CAD
Why you need it: Silicone sphere and square ice ball maker enhances your drinking experience by creating large, slow-melting ice shapes that chill your whiskey or cocktail without quickly diluting it.
4. Crystal Whiskey Decanter (Best Bar Upgrade)
Amazon Canada Link: https://amzn.to/4tUqSU7
Price: $45 CAD
Why you need it: The Crystal Whiskey Decanter is crafted to showcase and preserve your favorite bourbon or whiskey in style. Its elegant design not only adds a touch of sophistication to any bar or tabletop but also allows for proper aeration, enhancing the drink’s aroma and complexity.
Why Buy Bourbon at BSW Liquor?
BSW is one of the best retailers in Canada for bourbon lovers.
Here’s why:
Excellent pricing – Often cheaper than competitors
Large selection – Budget and premium options
Frequent sales – Great opportunities to save
Hard-to-find bottles – Rare bourbons appear regularly
If you're serious about bourbon in Canada, BSW should be your first stop.
Here Are The Best Bourbons Under $50 at BSW
1. Evan Williams Black Label
Blended straight bourbon from High West with layered honey and spice — great as a bonus under-$50 pick.
Evan Williams Black Label is a classic Kentucky straight bourbon produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery. Named after the 18th-century distiller Evan Williams, who is often credited as one of Kentucky’s first commercial whiskey producers, this bourbon is known for offering rich flavor at an accessible price point. Aged for several years in new charred oak barrels, it delivers notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, balanced by hints of spice and a smooth, medium-bodied finish. Bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), Evan Williams Black Label is widely appreciated as a dependable everyday bourbon, suitable for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
BSW Price: $29.99 CAD
Why buy it:
Cheapest quality bourbon
Great mixer
Why it’s great:
This bourbon is affordable and reliable
Perfect for cocktails
Smooth for its price point
Best for:
Bourbon Beginners
2. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond delivers higher proof caramel and spice for a bold yet affordable pour from BSW.
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond is a Kentucky straight bourbon produced by Heaven Hill Distillery and crafted under the strict standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This designation means it is the product of one distillation season, from one distiller, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). Named after early Kentucky distiller Evan Williams, the bourbon delivers a fuller, more robust profile than the Black Label expression, featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and warm baking spices, with a rich mouthfeel and a long, warming finish. Its higher proof and structured character make it popular both for sipping neat and for standing up confidently in classic bourbon cocktails.
BSW Price: $37.99 CAD
Why buy it:
Best value overall
Higher proof
Why it’s great:
This is one of the best deals in bourbon
High proof delivers excellent flavour
Outstanding value.
Best for:
Bourbon enthusiasts
3. Wild Turkey Bourbon
Wild Turkey Bourbon is a bold Kentucky straight bourbon produced by the Wild Turkey Distilling Company in Lawrenceburg. Known for its high-rye mash bill and traditional production methods, it is distilled and aged under the long-standing guidance of master distillers including Jimmy Russell and Eddie Russell. Typically bottled at 81 or 101 proof depending on the expression, Wild Turkey Bourbon is recognized for its rich, full-bodied character, offering flavors of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and bold baking spices, with a peppery kick and a warm, lingering finish. Its robust profile makes it a favorite for sipping neat as well as for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
BSW Price: $37.99 CAD (on sale right now for $32.99)
Why buy it:
Smooth and balanced
Great beginner bourbon
Excellent mixer
Why it’s great:
Wild Turkey Bourbon is one of the best entry-level bourbons available today
Offers classic Kentucky flavour with smooth caramel, vanilla, and oak notes
This bourbon is extremely versatile; it tastes great neat, on ice, or in cocktails
The smoothness makes it perfect for beginners
Best for:
Beginners and cocktails
4. Jim Beam Black 7 Year
Jim Beam Black 7 Year is a well-aged Kentucky straight bourbon produced by Jim Beam at the historic James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Kentucky. Aged for a full seven years in new charred oak barrels, it offers a richer and more refined profile than the standard Jim Beam expression. Bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), it delivers smooth layers of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and light baking spices, complemented by subtle notes of dark fruit and a mellow, lingering finish. The extended aging brings added depth and balance, making Jim Beam Black 7 Year a versatile choice for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in classic bourbon cocktails.
BSW Price: $41.99 CAD
Why buy it:
Extra aging
Smooth
Rich flavour
Why it’s great:
This bourbon is aged longer than standard Jim Beam
The extra aging creates deeper flavour, including: Oak, Vanilla and Caramel
It offers excellent value
Best for:
Neat sipping
5. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a Kentucky straight bourbon produced at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. Made using the distillery’s low-rye mash bill and aged in new charred oak barrels, it is known for its balance, smoothness, and depth of flavor. Bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV), Buffalo Trace Bourbon offers inviting notes of caramel, vanilla, and toffee layered with hints of baking spice, oak, and subtle dark fruit. Its medium-to-full body and gently warming finish make it approachable for newcomers while still complex enough for seasoned bourbon drinkers, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
BSW Price: $45.99 CAD (on sale right now for $39.99)
Why buy it:
Extremely smooth
Premium taste
High demand
Why it’s great:
Buffalo Trace is famous for its smoothness
Its vanilla and caramel flavours make it easy to drink
This bottle frequently sells out at BSW
Best for:
Neat sipping
6. Jim Beam Old Tub
Jim Beam Old Tub is a limited-release Kentucky straight bourbon produced by Jim Beam at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Kentucky. Inspired by one of the brand’s earliest pre-Prohibition labels, Old Tub is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) and is non-chill filtered, allowing more of the natural oils and flavors from the barrel to remain in the whiskey. This results in a robust, full-bodied profile featuring notes of roasted peanuts, caramel, vanilla, and oak, along with a pronounced spice character and a warm, lingering finish. With its higher proof and traditional style, Jim Beam Old Tub appeals to bourbon enthusiasts seeking a bolder, more old-school expression from the Beam portfolio.
BSW Price: $45.99 CAD
Why buy it:
Bold flavour
Authentic profile
Why it’s great:
It delivers bold flavour with rich grain and spice notes
Many bourbon fans love its authentic profile
Something off the beaten path to try from James B. Beam Distilling Co.
Best for:
Bourbon enthusiasts
7. Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101 is a high-proof Kentucky straight bourbon produced by the Wild Turkey Distilling Company in Lawrenceburg. Bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), it is known for its bold, full-bodied character and consistent quality, shaped by the expertise of master distillers Jimmy Russell and Eddie Russell. Made with a high-rye mash bill and aged in heavily charred oak barrels, Wild Turkey 101 delivers rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak layered with pronounced baking spices and a peppery kick. The higher proof gives it a warm, lingering finish and makes it especially popular both for sipping neat and for adding structure and depth to classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
BSW Price: $46.99 CAD (on sale right now for $34.99)
Why buy it:
Higher proof = more flavour
Rich and bold
Incredible value
Why it’s great:
Wild Turkey 101 delivers bold flavour thanks to its higher proof; Expect rich caramel, cinnamon spice, and oak
This is widely considered one of the best value bourbons in the world.
Despite its strength, it remains smooth
This is a favourite among bourbon enthusiasts
Best for:
Sipping neat
8. High West Bourbon (Bonus Bottle)
High West Bourbon is a blended straight bourbon crafted by High West Distillery in Park City. Known for blending sourced and in-house distilled whiskeys, High West creates a balanced and approachable bourbon that combines different mash bills to achieve complexity and smoothness. Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), High West Bourbon offers inviting notes of caramel, honey, vanilla, and light oak, complemented by hints of dried fruit and gentle spice. The result is a medium-bodied whiskey with a smooth, slightly sweet finish, making it versatile for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Boulevardier.
BSW Price: $54.99 CAD (on sale right now for $46.99)
Why buy it:
Premium feel
Smooth
Why it’s great:
High West Bourbon tastes refined and balanced
Flavour notes include: Honey, Vanilla and Oak
Excellent quality
Best for:
Bourbon enthusiasts
Final Ranking – Best Bourbons Under $50 at BSW
Best Overall: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond
Best Premium Taste: Buffalo Trace
Best Strong Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101
Best Beginner Bourbon: Wild Turkey Bourbon
Best Flavour Pallet: High West
Best For Sipping: Jim Beam Black 7 Year
Conclusion
So, there you have it—finding a great bourbon under $50 CAD at BSW is totally doable, and it proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy something delicious. Whether you’re reaching for a smooth classic like Evan Williams Black Label, something a bit bolder like Wild Turkey 101, or a reliable all-rounder like Buffalo Trace, there’s a bottle here for every taste. These bourbons aren’t just affordable—they’re flavorful, full of character, and perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or mixing into your favorite cocktails.
The best part? Trying budget-friendly bourbon gives you the freedom to explore and experiment without worrying about overspending. Many of these bottles carry decades of distilling tradition and craftsmanship, which means you’re getting quality in every sip. They’re great for sharing with friends, enjoying on a quiet night in, or even gifting to the bourbon lover in your life. So next time you’re browsing BSW, don’t overlook the under-$50 section—some of the best pours might just surprise you, proving that awesome bourbon doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.
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