Best Bourbons, Ryes, & Whiskeys Under $30 to Pair With Your Cigar

Best Bourbons, Ryes, and Whiskeys Under $30

The working man's elixir. Served in barns, barbecue joints, and boozing establishments across America for hundreds of years. It should always be strong, smoky, and a little sweet. But never too pricey.

Of course, we're talking about bourbon. And rye. And whiskey. And seeking some guidance on the best bottles to be bought for 30 bucks or less, the Cigar Place crew recently solicited six favorites from Rob Stone, the cocktail manager at Slows Bar-B-Q in Detroit.

An expert in the boozy arts with years and years of bar-slinging experience, Mr. Stone previously plied his trade at the now-defunct Talula Restaurant on Miami Beach before moving cross-country to Denver, where he logged time as general manager at Colt & Gray and Ste. Ellie.

On what makes a fine bourbon, Rob says: “Balance. I don't like a bourbon to be too sweet. It needs some spice and other nuances.”

He also insists the strong stuff doesn't need to be expensive to be good. “An older, higher-priced bourbon or rye or whiskey might be a little smoother with some deeper flavors. But that doesn't mean you can't get the same kind of enjoyment out of a lower-priced bottle made by a solid, perhaps lesser-known distiller. It's really easy to overspend. But there's just no reason to drop big money, unless you're a bourbon nerd who's chasing some Colonel Taylor or Pappy Van Winkle.”

In that spirit of saving cash while still drinking well (and often), here are Mr. Stone's best bourbons, ryes, and whiskeys under $30.

Mellow Corn Whiskey: $19

“Fantastic, sweet, fun — this is a bottled-in-bond corn whiskey, which means it's over 100 proof. If you need to sweeten up a bourbon for a cocktail, you can mix in some Mellow Corn. But it's really cool on its own too. And the reason why this bottle makes sense in your bourbon cabinet is because corn is the basis of bourbon. For a bourbon to be a bourbon, its mash has to be at least 51-percent corn. So why not try a corn whiskey? The label is weird, and Mellow Corn might look like rotgut. But it's not. It's the liquid gold that's been sitting in the back of grandpa's liquor cabinet for too long.”

Cigar pairing recommendation: Ashton Symmetry

Old Overholt Rye Whiskey: $19

“For bourbon drinkers who want to try some rye, I really like Old Overholt. It's smooth, it's a bit of a secret, and it will only run you about $12 or $15 a bottle. And it is, in fact, quite easy to drink straight out of the bottle,” Rob jokes.

However, if you prefer enjoying your booze in a somewhat more civilized manner, our expert also adds that “Overholt works really well in cocktails, especially a Sazerac.”

“Sure, there are other great ryes, like Templeton and Rittenhouse, that go for $40 at the liquor store. But they aren't any finer than Old Overholt. It's the rye that every bourbon fan should always have at home.”

Cigar pairing recommendation: Rocky Patel Cigars

George Dickel No. 8 and No. 12 Whiskey: $22 and $25

“If you've got a friend who's just a Jack Daniel's drinker, turn them on to Dickel,” Stone suggests. “It's a fantastic Tennessee whiskey. And you can go with either the No. 8 or No. 12. They're both so smooth and elegant.

“This stuff is just another awesome example of why you don't need to blow a day's pay to get a very good drink.”

Cigar pairing recommendation: Liga Privada Cigars

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey: $25

“A little hard to find, because it's from Buffalo Trace and it's in the Sazerac Company portfolio, this rye tends to be allocated to certain liquor stores and restaurants and other buyers. So yes, it is rare. But it isn't expensive.

“The Sazerac is a bottle, unlike the Mellow Corn, that you see and say, 'How classy.' And it's a surprise when you spot the $25 price tag — which might actually lead you away, because you're thinking, Oh, it's just a cool bottle. Like Absolut, it's only marketing.

“But no, on the contrary, this stuff is amazing. Spicy and sweet, it goes great in the traditional Sazerac cocktail. But it's just so exceptional, I feel like it should be sipped straight.”

Cigar pairing recommendation: Oliva Serie V Melanio

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: $27

Buffalo Trace bourbon makes an excellent companion for cigars due to its rich and complex flavor profile, which pairs harmoniously with the earthy and smoky characteristics of many cigars. Buffalo Trace has flavors of rich caramel, vanilla, and a subtle oakiness, accompanied by a smooth, slightly sweet finish. Its medium-to-full body and long, slightly spicy finish, with hints of toffee and dried fruit, complement a variety of cigars.

There's lots of bourbons, whiskeys and ryes out there to try and pair with your cigars these days and there are even cigars that are pushing the envelope in terms of innovation in their aging process. We hear all the time about the unique things that liquor distillers are doing to enhance the flavors of their delectable treats, but what about cigar makers? Some are turning to the alcohol industry and buying up used bourbon barrels and are trying their hand at aging their wrapper leaves in those bourbon barrels.

Cigar pairing recommendation: La Aroma De Cuba

Piggyback 100% Rye Whiskey: $29

PiggyBack Whiskey by WhistlePig is a versatile rye that pairs well with a range of cigars due to its rich, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile.

This whiskey has bold rye spice, rich caramel, and a touch of vanilla. The spice and peppery notes make it a great match for medium to full-bodied cigars with similar profiles.

Cigar pairing recommendations:

Arturo Fuente Don Carlos – A medium-full bodied cigar with flavors of cedar, nuts, and coffee, balancing out the spice in the whiskey.

Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Maduro – The rich cocoa and coffee notes with hints of spice complement the rye's caramel sweetness and peppery finish.

Oliva Serie V – Rich, full-bodied, with coffee and dark chocolate notes, perfect for balancing the whiskey's sweetness.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon: $23

Maker’s Mark bourbon pairs beautifully with a variety of cigars due to its smooth, sweet flavor profile, which includes notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. These flavors complement the rich, earthy, and sometimes spicy characteristics of cigars.

Cigar pairing recommendations:

Cohiba cigars, whether Cuban or Dominican, are an excellent match with Maker's Mark. The creamy, cocoa, and leather notes of a Cohiba cigar balance the sweetness and oaky finish of the bourbon. The refined complexity of both the cigar and the bourbon creates a harmonious balance between sweet and savory flavors, offering a luxurious pairing experience.

Chillin' Moose cigars, known for their earthy and mellow notes, also pair well with Maker’s Mark. The cigar’s bold but smooth nature complements the rich caramel and vanilla undertones of the bourbon, creating a satisfying combination that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.

For those who enjoy Arturo Fuente Hemingway cigars, the slightly sweet and cedar notes mesh well with the spicy and sweet character of Maker’s Mark. This pairing enhances the cigar’s woodsy and peppery undertones, resulting in an elegant combination that’s enjoyable for any occasion.

For a fuller-bodied cigar experience, Oliva Serie V is a bold choice. Its peppery spice complements Maker’s Mark's subtle spice and rich sweetness. This pairing offers an intense, flavorful experience, ideal for those who enjoy a robust combination of flavors.

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