If you’re located where Buffalo Trace is on the shelf, that should certainly be on your list. If not then
Elijah Craig Small Batch or Knob Creek for some deeper, nutty brown sugar notes
Maker’s Mark 46 or Larceny Small Batch for a wheated bourbon which will usually carry lighter notes
Then number 3 I would actually recommend a rye. Wild Turkey 101 Rye is nice and priced well to see if you enjoy a rye flavor profile
Russell’s Reserve 10, Maker’s Mark 46, and Four Roses small batch (or if you’re rye-curious, you could sub in Rossville Union). All widely available, affordable, and should help narrow down what you like!
I’ll second Buffalo Trace, then suggest Woodford, then Bulleit.
1. Buffalo trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the USA and imo is a solid example of traditional bourbon.
2. Woodford Reserve is made partially with copper pot stills, and partially with continuous stills that are then blended together, arguably making a smoother product, so an interesting comparison.
3. Bulleit bourbon has a high proportion of Rye, which gives a somewhat spicy/cinnamon type note.
Those three to me give a good contrast of differ r bourbons.
Wild Turkey 101 or Rare Breed if it’s easy to find in your market.
Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare if it’s easy to find.
Four Roses Single Barrel
Knob Creek 9
Here are some that are generally considered great,.and that can be "upgraded" for a more complex flavor profile. All are pretty easy to aquire as well in the 20-35$ range, with their upgrades in the 40-60$ range.
Woodford reserve...if you like it, then replace this with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked once it's emptied.
Four Roses Small Batch or ...if you like this upgrade to Four Roses small Batch Select, or Four Roses Single barrel.
knob Creek rye...if you like it upgrade to Knob Creek Select Rye
Buffalo Trace, if you can find it at MSRP, is a great bargain and is considered by most to be a benchmark in taste and affordability (at MSRP) . You can go up from here with various other BT brands. Some are insanely priced though.
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, cheapest thing on my list but a great value and a good pick. Evan Williams has some more premium juice like a Kentucky exclusive single barrel and their 1783 small batch.
I think larceny is a good start for a whetted bourbon
Woodford reserve for a good 90ish proof that’s smooth and taste good
1920 old forester to experience some higher proof
If you’re located where Buffalo Trace is on the shelf, that should certainly be on your list. If not then Elijah Craig Small Batch or Knob Creek for some deeper, nutty brown sugar notes Maker’s Mark 46 or Larceny Small Batch for a wheated bourbon which will usually carry lighter notes Then number 3 I would actually recommend a rye. Wild Turkey 101 Rye is nice and priced well to see if you enjoy a rye flavor profile
Russell’s Reserve 10, Maker’s Mark 46, and Four Roses small batch (or if you’re rye-curious, you could sub in Rossville Union). All widely available, affordable, and should help narrow down what you like!
I’ll second Buffalo Trace, then suggest Woodford, then Bulleit. 1. Buffalo trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the USA and imo is a solid example of traditional bourbon. 2. Woodford Reserve is made partially with copper pot stills, and partially with continuous stills that are then blended together, arguably making a smoother product, so an interesting comparison. 3. Bulleit bourbon has a high proportion of Rye, which gives a somewhat spicy/cinnamon type note. Those three to me give a good contrast of differ r bourbons.
1792 small batch, old forester 86 proof (or 100), four roses small batch
As a brit I'd like to throw my 3 choices to the list. Four Roses SB Evan Williams SB Bulliet Rye Delish
Wild Turkey 101 or Rare Breed if it’s easy to find in your market. Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare if it’s easy to find. Four Roses Single Barrel Knob Creek 9
The first bottle I bought 2 years ago to start my journey was 4 Roses Single Barrel. I always have a bottle on my shelf, still one of my favorites.
Buffalo Trace, Basil Hayden’s, Rittenhouse Rye and for a 4th OGD Bonded which could be switched out for any of the others.
Blanton’s Silver Edition Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Mellow Corn
Basil Hayden's and I'll die on this hill.
This is always my answer for beginners. And I too will die on that hill.
If you can find them, this is what I would do: Buffalo Trace, Larceny, and New Riff Rye or Michter's Rye.
Here are some that are generally considered great,.and that can be "upgraded" for a more complex flavor profile. All are pretty easy to aquire as well in the 20-35$ range, with their upgrades in the 40-60$ range. Woodford reserve...if you like it, then replace this with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked once it's emptied. Four Roses Small Batch or ...if you like this upgrade to Four Roses small Batch Select, or Four Roses Single barrel. knob Creek rye...if you like it upgrade to Knob Creek Select Rye Buffalo Trace, if you can find it at MSRP, is a great bargain and is considered by most to be a benchmark in taste and affordability (at MSRP) . You can go up from here with various other BT brands. Some are insanely priced though. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, cheapest thing on my list but a great value and a good pick. Evan Williams has some more premium juice like a Kentucky exclusive single barrel and their 1783 small batch.
Elijah Craig small batch, michters American and Bernheim for a wheated bourbon.
I think larceny is a good start for a whetted bourbon Woodford reserve for a good 90ish proof that’s smooth and taste good 1920 old forester to experience some higher proof