Going to make a bold claim, Buffalo Trace is the best sub-$30 bourbon. Old Weller Antique comes close, but it's a bit hot. Elijah Craig 12 is great but a bit to smokey for an every day drinker. Evan Williams Single Barrel is great but a bit too sweet for every occasion.

Bulleit isn't bad, but it's 2nd tier to these and Knob Creek is, imo, a hot boozy mess. I actually hate Knob Creek, it's the black sheep of the Beam line imo.

I wish I could find Buffalo Trace closer to where I live. I've only seen it available in a store that's somewhat near my school for $27. At the time, I was deciding between the Buffalo, Bulleit ($30 on sale), Four Roses Single Barrel, and Four Roses Small Batch. I went for the Single barrel, but I think I'm going to try Buffalo Trace next time.

My favorite "budget" Bourbon has been Fighting Cock at just $20 a bottle.

I don't think Bulleit is worth it's price, but at the same time I think that it's better than Evan Williams and other super budget option. I think the issue is that Buffalo Trace drinks more expensive than it costs. Bulleit is not bad, but it's pretty safe.

I've only had regular Four Roses, and it's a second tier at best budget bourbon, I'd place it slightly below Bulleit. I've never tried the small batch or single barrel though. Bulleit for $30 is absurd though, not on sale it's $26-$28 here.

I don't think Bulleit is worth it's price, but at the same time I think that it's better than Evan Williams and other super budget option. I think the issue is that Buffalo Trace drinks more expensive than it costs. Bulleit is not bad, but it's pretty safe.

I've only had regular Four Roses, and it's a second tier at best budget bourbon, I'd place it slightly below Bulleit. I've never tried the small batch or single barrel though. Bulleit for $30 is absurd though, not on sale it's $26-$28 here.

Four Roses Single Barrel is kinda risky. I've had three different bottles, and they all tasted significantly different. Not bad, but they were certainly different. The second bottle was one of the best bourbons I've ever had, but the other two were merely above average.

Going to make a bold claim, Buffalo Trace is the best sub-$30 bourbon. Old Weller Antique comes close, but it's a bit hot. Elijah Craig 12 is great but a bit to smokey for an every day drinker. Evan Williams Single Barrel is great but a bit too sweet for every occasion.

Bulleit isn't bad, but it's 2nd tier to these and Knob Creek is, imo, a hot boozy mess. I actually hate Knob Creek, it's the black sheep of the Beam line imo.

Agreed that OWA is a bit hot but for me that comes down to the extra proof.  Stagg has that same heat and I think it's just attributed to OWA being closer to barrel proof than BT.  I drink all bourbon neat, including barrel proof, but I hear adding a couple of drops of water to OWA can tame the heat a bit and possibly open up some more subtle flavors.  Weller 12 might be more to your liking unless you've already gone down that road and prefer the OWA.

I'm a fan of Widow Jane. They have a pretty strong hipster vibe but I think their stuff is really tasty. http://widowjane.com/products/