Okay, so I’ve been on this quest to find decent booze that doesn’t cost a fortune. You know, something you can sip on without feeling like you’re drinking paint thinner, but also won’t leave your wallet crying. I started this whole thing because, honestly, I was tired of paying premium prices for, well, sometimes not-so-premium liquor.
The Deep Dive
First, I hit up the local liquor stores. Just walked the aisles, looking at the bottom shelves, the stuff they don’t put at eye level. I figured, the big brands pay extra for the good spots, so maybe the hidden gems are down low.

I grabbed a few bottles of different things – vodka, rum, whiskey – all under $15. Some were brands I’d never even heard of, which was a little scary, but hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?
The Tasting (and the Aftermath)
Back home, I lined them up. I’m no expert, so I didn’t do any fancy swirling or sniffing. Just straight shots, to get the real, unfiltered taste. (Yeah, maybe not the best way, but it’s efficient!)
- Vodka 1: Oof. This one tasted like rubbing alcohol. Definitely a mixer-only situation, and even then, I’d be careful.
- Rum 2: Surprisingly okay! It had a bit of a burn, but a decent flavor. I could see myself using this in cocktails, no problem.
- Whiskey 3: This one was… interesting. Not terrible, not great. It had a weird aftertaste that I couldn’t quite place. Probably wouldn’t buy it again.
- Vodka 4: Hey, not bad! Super smooth for the price. I might drink it again.
The next day, I woke up feeling… surprisingly okay. No major hangover, which was a good sign. It means I wasn’t drinking pure poison, at least.
The Verdict
So, the mission was kinda successful. I found that you can find some cheap liquors that aren’t totally awful. You just gotta be willing to experiment, maybe have a few bad experiences, and lower your expectations a little. It’s not gonna be top-shelf stuff, but it’ll do the job without breaking the bank.
You have to know where to search for it, dare to try, maybe you will find your treasure.