Aldi's Bourbon Is Made In America, But You Can't Buy It At US Stores

If you're a frequent Aldi shopper, you've likely noticed that accessibly priced produce and European sweet treats aren't the only goods you can buy at this chain. You can save even more money at Aldi by stocking up on its budget-friendly selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Whether or not Aldi actually sells alcohol varies by location depending on local laws. Ironically enough, the store's award-winning Samuel Joe's Straight Kentucky Bourbon is only sold in the U.K. and select European countries like Ireland. Aldi's official U.S. product catalog strictly excludes Samuel Joe's or any other hard spirits, limiting its domestic alcohol selection purely to beer and wine in participating states.

Since Aldi protects the confidentiality of its private-label suppliers (including alcohol producers), the distillery behind Samuel Joe's is unknown. However, the bottle is labeled as a product of the USA, specifically a straight Kentucky bourbon aged for two years at 40% ABV. Aldi's vast international supplier network allows it to secure premium products in bulk. This commitment to suitable partnerships is especially reassuring for U.K. drinkers looking to purchase an authentic bourbon, which by classification must be made in the U.S. Alas, confirming just how this beloved grocery chain secures its bourbon remains a guarded secret.

In 2024, Samuel Joe's won a bronze medal in the Bourbon – Straight category of the International Wine and Spirits Competition. The judge's tasting notes highlighted such flavors as green apple, cinnamon, and plain corn sweetness. Online, a handful of Reddit users consider Samuel Joe's to be the most "drinkable" in cocktails like a classic old fashioned or a simple bourbon and coke (try upgrading it with a splash of lemon juice). For American tourists keen to snag some while visiting the U.K., the 70-centiliter bottle of Samuel Joe's Straight Kentucky Bourbon retails for €22 at Aldi (that's approximately $25), with ready-to-drink premixed whiskey and cola cans also available.

Considering the stacked list of bottles and cans available at Aldi's U.K. locations, we're bummed to miss out on the store's harder offerings stateside, like rum, vodka, and brandy. Even though Samuel Joe's isn't available in the U.S., you can still find a good bourbon on a budget at major chains like Costco, Kroger, or Target, contingent on your state of residence. Some of the premium bourbons sold at these stores include Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Wild Turkey, which sit reasonably between $25 and $50, depending on the age statement.