Just for the record: cheap does not equal poor quality. We are talking about liquors that are pleasing to the palette and easy on the wallet at the same time. These liquors aren’t the ones you would drink in college – they are good (but not the best) and cheap (but not the cheapest).
Evan Williams – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Evan Williams is consistently considered very easy to drink and the 86-proof isn’t anything to sneeze at. It’s been around since 1783, decades and decades before Jack Daniels ever hit the scene, and the taste is tried and true.
Sailor Jerry – Rum
This spiced rum is 92 proof, but it is surprisingly smooth with delicious warm flavors of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. It has a very passionate following that insists it mixes well with just about anything.
Smirnoff – Vodka
Smirnoff is the biggest vodka brand in the world, and yet, the price is totally right. They have classic vodka, as well as a ton of different flavors, so they always have something to make everyone happy.
Gordon’s – Gin
If this gin is good enough for James Bond, it’s sure as hell good enough for us. Most people acknowledge that Gordon’s is not a martini gin, but it’s perfect for a gin and tonic (it’s only 80-proof compared to the normal 95-proof gins, so it doesn’t really stand on it’s own in the martini).
What are some of your favorite inexpensive spirits? Are there any that you think are actually better than their more expensive counterparts?