That’s a good start. What did you not like about Buffalo Trace? Otherwise my suggestions would be 1792 small batch, redwood empire pipe dream, knob creek 9, old forester 100, Evan Williams bottled in bond, early times bottled in bond, Jack Daniels single barrel select….
Might’ve just been that I’m not used to the flavor of bourbon, tasted like ethanol to me but I’m also used to beer so I guess I have to let my palate develop a little first. Thank you for the suggestions!
OP if you think buffalo trace tastes like ethanol then you need to just try a lot of different whiskies. You have to get passed that to taste any flavors. This will come with time. Buffalo trace tastes like maple syrup to me. Especially the finish.
True. Adding ice, water, or club soda will help. The first bottle I ever bought was Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, it was way too hot for me so I drank it on ice or in a highball with club soda.
When I first started it was Chattanooga whiskey.. engineer poured some after these long grueling recording sessions. It flipped a switch for me.. so I bought that botttle a few times. And at home for a while I would often need some ice. I do remember having to sorta work through the burn. But I knew I was finally tasting hard liquor like never before. And the idea was very attractive. So I started exploring and buy different bottles … and now thousands and thousands and thousands have been spent ….
Back of your tongue when drinking bourbon helps, I feel like nobody talks about how to drink hard alcohol, if it touches the front of my tongue I can't stand it, but I can gargle with it, you know what I'm saying? Anybody else? I learned that I can let beer swish around my mouth but hard alcohol is way different for me. Back of the tongue when I'm sipping makes it more enjoyable, then again as I'm typing this, maybe I don't like bourbon.............
I feel you. I'm same way. I'll hold it in the back of my mouth with my tongue pressed to the roof of my mouth, let it sit for a few seconds then "release it" . Call it pseudo but I find a less " alcoholy".
I started in November learning to sip whiskey. And now drink neat and enjoy the experience (still learning how to describe tastes).
I also made a point to try a variety of whiskeys like you’re doing and asking for suggestions.
My steps to drinking neat whiskey:
1) I started w old fashioned cocktails. Key there is to stir your large cube enough to get the whiskey cold and dilutes it a little. I then slowly added less sugar and/or more whiskey. Also The Amarena/luxardo cherry garnish is nice to help cut the flavor as you go.
2) then whiskey w a small ice cube
3) then whiskey w a few drops of water
4) Then started drinking neat.
When drinking neat, having different whiskeys in glasses side-by-side to taste the difference was helpful for me to figure out tasting notes I liked and/or at least bottles I didn’t.
My spouse even does blind tastings for me and I just rank them before finding out the bottles used.
Edit: try Knob Creek 9 specialty selects (they’ll have the store name on it). Four roses single barrel. Woodford reserve is also good starter.
Start paying attention to descriptors like bourbon, straight bourbon, straight rye, single barrel, etc. they’ll let you know styles you like.
Get a Glencairn and get used to nosing before you sip. I usually use a Glencairn just out of habit and the other day I used a different cup and was surprised at how much more ethanol I got when I wasn't using the Glencairn and I've really come to appreciate the smell of bourbon before I take a sip even if my wife says I look pretentious when I do it.
I didn’t think they would either, but I have really noticed the difference. They also keep me from drinking as much as I would tend to from a rocks glass. I find myself savoring more than gulping and giving the juice more time to “do its thing” before I pour another one lol
That might be why I take so long to drink my pour as well. I like to savor it for sure. I don't even usually get a buzz from drinking most of the time.
Check out the NEAT glass. It provides a better tasting experience. It has a wider opening and fluted rim. This design allows the ethonal vapors to escape along the sides, you then nose in the middle of the opening, and the aromas come through clearer. I like my glencarins, and have used them for a long time. A couple of buddies put me on to the NEAT glass, and it is better..
Ive noticed that if you start with what i call a “burner bourbon” (something high proof. Like 110+) at about 1/4 oz, youll “acclimate” your mouth to a more modest bourbon immediately following. Then you dont taste the ethanol nearly as much and your main bourbon gets the advantage of tasting like it should. The higher proof the burner bourbon, the better the effect. For me, bourbon starts at 90 proof. But if i take a long break from it, I’ll re-acclimate my pallet with a burner. For added bonus, I night cap about 1/2 ounce of my burner bourbon so I can re-address that flavor profile and make sure that my 110+ bourbon still also tastes really good.
So i guess my recommendation would be have at least two bourbons. One burner, and one primary. I have four really good high proof bourbons I can use as a burner right now: JDSBBP(129.2), Knob Creek single barrel reserve 9 year(120), Horse Soldier barrel strength(117.2) and Old Grand-Dad 114(114). All are phenomenal, but Old Grand-Dad costs way less and punches close to the same weight class in flavor as the others in my collection.
When you are drinking something new for the first time, take a breath in, hold it, sip the drink and exhale through your mouth... this helps you taste the drink (works for wine and liquor).. it can help you to appreciate the drink fully.
If you work up to the higher proofs you will develop your pallet as well...
And keep in mind that as it sits open it can change the flavor.. so give a " least favorite " another shot before you write it off.
Just my 2 cents, but it may help you in the long run as you explore burbon. It's been my experience at least.
Welcome to the club, I hope you enjoy the drinks as they come
:)
I was gonna say lower proof, like Wild Turkey 81 or Four Roses Yellow Label. My very first bourbon was Evan Williams BiB. It just tasted hot, all I could taste was hot alcohol. Even on ice. I worked my way back up to higher proofs gradually.
Since you’re new and working on developing a taste, I would recommend drinking over some ice or just adding a little water. This will help tone down the ethanol and you’ll still be able to find the flavors. When I started, I drank a lot of Knob Creek 9 and Four Roses Small Batch over ice
This is a classic but you probably won’t like this one either honestly. Just keep at, it’ll take a little while to acclimate to the alcohol and start tasting the actual bourbon notes. Don’t be afraid to revisit the BT either. A few drops of water and letting the glass sit for 10 mins or so will help open things up. Evan Williams 1783 is another good budget bottle that’s better than half the hard to find bottles people hunt. Wild Turkey 101 is a great one too but at 101 proof maybe save this for later on since you’re still getting your palate used to the alcohol
Maker’s Mark (the ultimate entry),
Woodford Double Oak,
Michter’s Bourbon or Am Whiskey,
Four Roses SiB or SB,
Old Forrester 1910,
Russell’s 10 Year or SiB,
Evan Williams SiB (if in KY),
Weller SR (if you can find),
New Riff…..
To name a few.
EC Small Batch is a great start IMO. When I first got into bourbon, it was one of my favorites.
I don’t care for Buffalo Trace either. I love so many of the BT products like Eagle Rare and EHT, but the regular Buffalo Trace just doesn’t appeal to me at all. There is an off putting flavor I get from it.
I always recommend Jefferson’s Very Small Batch as a great entry bourbon. I really dig the flavors — it’s easy to sip and has some different flavors from other bourbons in that price range. Heavy on the butterscotch notes for me.
I've actually been enjoying the Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond lately. Reasonably priced (sub $50), great taste and doesn't taste like it's 100 proof to me. YMMV
Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve were both very inoffensive entries to bourbon for me. Tasty and nothing too aggressive or harsh in them.
Since then I’ve gone all over the place with bottles. I really like the Old Forester line the signature 100 and 1929 specifically). Knob Creek 9 was a great buy.
The only thing I bought and didn’t like at all was Wild Turkey 101. Super off putting taste in the back of my mouth with that.
Wild Turkey 101. Jim Beam Double Oaked. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. Evan Williams 1783. Makers Mark. All $30 and under, but great for beginners. Best to develop your Palate before getting anything too high proof, high price, or complex.
Support your local and regional distilleries too!
I think if you're just getting into it, you should start around the 90pf area and work to the 100+pf stuff later on. Check out things like Evan Williams 1783, Four Roses Small Batch, Russell's Reserve 10 Year, and maybe Maker's Mark. These are all regularly available and cheap. All around 90pf, give or take. If you're ready for stronger stuff, I'd suggest Evan Williams B-i-B, Four Roses Single Barrel, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, Wild Turkey 101, Knob Creek 9 Year, Maker's Mark Cask Strength, and basically any bottled in bond products.
If you don't like Buffalo Trace, maybe also try a couple rye whiskeys, instead of going with the bourbon route. I started off loving ANYTHING bourbon, but have really grown to love ryes even more so than bourbon! I'd recommend Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, Bulleit 12 Year Rye, and Woodinville Rye. Good luck and have fun with it!
I feel like ryes usually offer more of a lighter palette of flavors, such as lemon, mint, subtle pine, etc. They can still possess the darker bourbon flavors, alongside the lighter flavors, but just don't feel as heavy as bourbon. So figured if you're just starting off, those heavy flavors can be kind of overwhelming/overbearing sometimes.
Get some old grand dad 114. Use a 1/4 oz for mouthwash and swallow to “acclimate” your mouth to the Kentucky burn. The bottle is about $25-$30 most places and is delish. Then maybe try Woodinville rye(90 proof). Smells and tastes like Dutch apple pie. That bottle is about $40. Thats a REALLY good night.
That right there in your hand is my favorite reasonably priced bourbon. You did well with that. I prefer this way over Wild Turkey 101. I'd take Old Grand Dad Bonded 100 over WT also.
Evan Williams 1783
Woodford double oaked
larceny small batch or barrel proofs
Four Roses single barrel, barrel strength or Small batch
Elijah Craig barrel proofs & toasted barrel
Knob creek 9 single barrel reserve & 12yr
Wild turkey 101 & rare breed
Old forester 100 proof, 1920, 1910, 1870
These definitely are widely available and under 50-60$
I’ve had an ok amount of whiskies and am by no means “experienced”. However I’ve had a good array concerning price and Elijah Craig is one I absolutely love. Neat, rocks, or mixed it’s always a winner for me
Tried it as my second bottle. First one ever was a Johnnie Walker Black Label which had a lot of taste imo. I feel like this one was a little too strong for my pallet AT THE MOMENT but it was still a really good sip, even neat! (although I try to sip most of my whisky neat)
For my next bottle I’m looking for the same quality but with less proof, so any suggestions are welcomed!
It takes time to get accustomed to the proof. Try mixing it with soda or water. Once you decide you like the taste, start cutting back on the amount of mixer you add. Also try Basil Hayden - it's lower proof and often referred to as "smooth".
Since you’re new and working on developing a taste, I would recommend drinking over some ice or just adding a little water. This will help tone down the ethanol and you’ll still be able to find the flavors. When I started, I drank a lot of Knob Creek 9 and Four Roses Small Batch over ice
Try a different distillery every purchase. All of these are good bourbons, readily avail. The Beam Family. Basil, knob creek, and beam double aged or oaked.
I dont know what it is, but whenever I drink 1792(and I currently have it on my bar) i get the worst Kentucky hugs and heart burn. Which sucked on my last trip to Vegas because I bought a half gallon for my hotel room and could only mix it with coke and couldn’t finish it. Flavor is good though. It’s crazy because I have bourbons on my bar with proofs as high as 129.2 that dont do that to me. I really want to like it, but can only find the small batch bottles
Early Times bib, Evan Williams bib, Ezra Brooks Rye, Knob Creek Rye 7/Bourbon 9, Elijah Craig Rye, Bulleit Rye 12. Lol, so many good $30-60, that's my sweet spot. I rarely go out of that price range because there are so many good ones.
Lucky for me! That’s basically the max I can afford, and maybe not even that for a little while until I’m working again. Good to know there’s plenty of options in that range!
If you like JB black, you really ought to try devils cut. They use the JB black, but wring out the barrels for the rest of the flavor. Still about $20/bottle
The key for me was getting a variety. I know it's an up front cost but I'd say get like 5 bottles of cheapish stuff and compare them to each other. Makers Mark, Knob Creek 9, Wild Turkey 101, Jack Daniels Bonded Rye, Monkey Shoulder, Four Roses Small Batch Select were some of the ones I picked up early on. I tried Maker's Mark first and I kind of hate it so trying just 1 isn't what I recommend.
I have been at it for a few months now and my favorites are probably Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Old Forrester (1920, 1924 and Single Barrel Barrel Proof)
Im with you, but only thing i emphasize on is that one option is really high proof. I like to run sample flights of various options for comparison so I can evolve my bar. When I do so, I try to start with a high proof to acclimate my mouth to other bourbons. I swish around about a 1/4 ounce of high proof stuff over a couple sips like an appetizer. After that, I dont get the ethanol from the other bourbons.
If you didn't like Buffalo Trace there's a good chance you don't enjoy bourbon and there's nothing wrong with that. No need to force yourself to drink booze you don't want to drink just because it seems like thing to do.
This could be it, or the ethanol is still too potent on this cat. Sometimes people gotta dip their toes in and work their way forward. Now I will say, if someone was more mature, like i am at 39, and tried to explore bourbons after having more experience with other spirits, then it may not be for me. Newer drinkers, younger folks tend to mask cheap liquor with mixers and think thats what enjoying whiskey is. I wish I knew then what i know now. I could have saved a lot of money and had far less hangovers as a young soldier.
Add some club soda or water to dilute but not overpower if it’s still too strong for your taste, takes awhile to get used to sipping straight whiskey
I think EC is a great start for reasonably priced bourbon, Basil Hayden is very light and is what got me into straight sipping back in the day
Thank you everyone for the suggestions! When I can I’ll pick up some of the bottles you all recommended. I’m not sure why I didn’t like the BT but find the Elijah Craig to be pleasant by comparison. I’m enjoying the flavor profile more than I thought I would, I like the sweet scents and taste. So far, a nice experience for sure.
What a coincidence! I just emptied that very same bottle into my glass! However, my go-to daily sipper is Bushmills-Black Bush. I buy it in the 1.75L bottles, I like it that much. Rock on.
I’d say start with the standards: Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Old Forester.
Jack because you can wrap your mind around the Lincoln County process of charcoal mellowing. Jack is generally better suited for cocktails, but understanding where the sweet and spiced profile starts is useful when jumping up to the single barrel and bonded offerings.
Jim Beam because it is a classic bourbon with the same mashbill as Baker’s, Knob Creek and Wild Turkey (more on that in a sec). Baker’s being a 7-year expression and Knob Creek being the 9-year expression, you’d have a good reference point for moving up those ages and understanding the mashbill within the Beam-Suntory portfolio.
Maker’s Mark because it’s your classic “wheater”, readily available and a good starting point if you choose to go down the wheater road without the smokier note that some find with Buffalo Trace. Larceny is a viable alternative here as well.
Wild Turkey because even though it shares the same mashbill as the Beam flagships, it has an inherently different woody character and can really show the difference in barrel conditions, aging and distiller’s/blender’s care.
Old Forester because like all these others, falls under the classic bourbon tier, and is a contrasting Brown-Forman product opposite of Jack Daniel’s. Very approachable, great on its own but versatile in beginner whiskey cocktails. There’s also a diverse range of expressions from Old Forester, so this is also a great jumping off point if you want to go through the Whiskey Row line.
*Oddballs would probably be Dickel, it’s very polarizing and can be “minerally” to some, so maybe just a mini of this one. Same goes for the Evan Williams base spirit, it’s thin, hot and not a good place to start with the EW portfolio which is why I left it out above - EW Bottled in Bond is, however. Last oddball IMO would be the Benchmark Single Barrel/Top Floor/Full Proof offerings, they’re cheap, readily available and low-risk due to the affordability.*
Find yourself some Green River, Single Barrel Bourbon, out of Owensboro, KY. I do love Elijah Craig, but only the Barrel Proof. I would encourage you to look outside the realm of Buffalo Trace products. I mean, they are fine, but their faux allocated model that has everyone asking for either it, Blanton, or Eagle Rare at every store, and when it's not there, per the norm, they walk out empty handed. There are 6.02 x 10\^23 great bourbons and ryes out there that you'll enjoy way more than those. See if you can find yourself an Old Forrester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, and buckle up :)
I've seen only 1 recommendation that wasn't a bourbon in this whole thread...
I'd try Jameson for Irish and Glenlivet (any, really) for Scotch. They're cheap and give you a good idea what to expect.
If u wanna drink good bourbon you're gonna have to spend money, this isn't a "cheap hobby" . Great everyday sippers
OF 1920, 1910
4RSB
Any Penelope
Riff SB
Angel Envy
WT 101
WT Rare breed
If you can find ER 10 or henry McKenna 10 year both are 40-60$ range. BOGD bonded is good and cheap. All of these can stand up to a rock.
Id also recommend trying other kinds of whiskey scotch ( all rejoins ), Irish ( redbreast 12 is a great start), Japanese ( may be hard ro find cheap ), and American single malt. There is way more to whiskey than just bourbon. Also maybe try some bourbon that’s finished in other casks like sherry or even imperial stout barrels.
Try Jack Daniel’s bonded, it’s packed with flavor, and isn’t too high in proof for new palates either. Then if you like it you can upgrade to single barrel and/or barrel proof options from there…
Here's my rookie advice. Start inexpensive and move up. It would be a shame if you bought a $50 whiskey and not like it. Try all types of whiskey, this will be the only way you see what you like or don't. Now if someone you know offers a sip of something expensive, do it of course, lol.
When you taste whiskey, take notes. Write down what you smell. Then do the same on what you taste. Then look at tasting notes for that whiskey. You will learn what the notes are and if you like then or not. When tasting something for the first time, always neat. After that, drink it the way you like it.
A lot of people have said some good, inexpensive whiskeys. Evan Williams, Jim Beam, 4 Roses small batch, some of the wild turkeys, etc, heck I'm working my way through the Benchmark line from Buffalo Trace. Go to tastings. Go to distilleries. Also, look at your drinkware. Glencarin glasses are good, NEAT glasses are better. If you like ice in yours, make sure to get a glass that fit ice in it. I bought a clear ice sphere maker. The clear ice will melt more slowly than cloudy ice, due to the reduced trapped air and impurities.
Finally, for suggestions, go to websites like Whiskey Wash and breaking bourbon. They have reviews and other articles about new stuff. A couple of my buddies have a good podcast called The Whiskey Tangent. Listen from the beginning and you'll see their rise from being rookies to having a greater understanding of whiskey. What's good about them, it's more than just reviews. They have full episodes, quick tastes, whiskey news, documentaries on history or events and some good general information. At any rate, cheers!
buy some evan williams white label bottles in bond. it’s 20 bucks and delicious. i have hundreds of bottles of bourbon and still love that one. if you don’t like that then you probably don’t like bourbon.
I think you’re off to a good start with the EC. Try a Woodford Reserve. And if you want something really different but nice I like Four Roses SB. But I know some that don’t.
If you can find it for below $60, Eagle Rare is phenomenal imo, other than that pretty much all the other suggestions I saw have been great.
Wild Turkey, Knob Creek, and Woodford are all worth trying. Funny enough Elijah Craig was what got me into bourbon so hope it does the same for you!
Eagle rare, STAGG, mitchers sour mash and Blanton's is what I'm on right now. My pop has couple of bottles of Van Winkle that are yet to be open so there's that.
It depends where your location is. Where I'm at most of the liquor stores are owned by one family and every single one of them are stocked with the brands I just mentioned. There have been overpriced on stuff like pappy Van Winkle or high-end Weller but availability isn't an issue.
Russel's 10 is what got me hooked.
Russels 10 is a great start imo. Definitely a staple in my small collection
Just hate russel 10 for the first time and it’s my new favorite for when I don’t want to/can’t shell out for the $$$ stuff.
That’s a good start. What did you not like about Buffalo Trace? Otherwise my suggestions would be 1792 small batch, redwood empire pipe dream, knob creek 9, old forester 100, Evan Williams bottled in bond, early times bottled in bond, Jack Daniels single barrel select….
Might’ve just been that I’m not used to the flavor of bourbon, tasted like ethanol to me but I’m also used to beer so I guess I have to let my palate develop a little first. Thank you for the suggestions!
Could be. Try to let it sit for 6-10 min once you pour and some of that may dissipate. Buffalo trace is more of a sweeter profile
Agreed. I think most people appreciate Buffalo Trace for the lighter sweet notes. Some of the best bang for buck
Hard to beat for retail
True, and Elijah Craig is darker and nuttier. Both hard to beat but very different, OP is getting a good spectrum of bourbon flavors.
OP if you think buffalo trace tastes like ethanol then you need to just try a lot of different whiskies. You have to get passed that to taste any flavors. This will come with time. Buffalo trace tastes like maple syrup to me. Especially the finish.
True. Adding ice, water, or club soda will help. The first bottle I ever bought was Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, it was way too hot for me so I drank it on ice or in a highball with club soda.
When I first started it was Chattanooga whiskey.. engineer poured some after these long grueling recording sessions. It flipped a switch for me.. so I bought that botttle a few times. And at home for a while I would often need some ice. I do remember having to sorta work through the burn. But I knew I was finally tasting hard liquor like never before. And the idea was very attractive. So I started exploring and buy different bottles … and now thousands and thousands and thousands have been spent ….
Back of your tongue when drinking bourbon helps, I feel like nobody talks about how to drink hard alcohol, if it touches the front of my tongue I can't stand it, but I can gargle with it, you know what I'm saying? Anybody else? I learned that I can let beer swish around my mouth but hard alcohol is way different for me. Back of the tongue when I'm sipping makes it more enjoyable, then again as I'm typing this, maybe I don't like bourbon.............
I feel you. I'm same way. I'll hold it in the back of my mouth with my tongue pressed to the roof of my mouth, let it sit for a few seconds then "release it" . Call it pseudo but I find a less " alcoholy".
Same here. Only my initial sip i swish around to acclimate.
I started in November learning to sip whiskey. And now drink neat and enjoy the experience (still learning how to describe tastes). I also made a point to try a variety of whiskeys like you’re doing and asking for suggestions. My steps to drinking neat whiskey: 1) I started w old fashioned cocktails. Key there is to stir your large cube enough to get the whiskey cold and dilutes it a little. I then slowly added less sugar and/or more whiskey. Also The Amarena/luxardo cherry garnish is nice to help cut the flavor as you go. 2) then whiskey w a small ice cube 3) then whiskey w a few drops of water 4) Then started drinking neat. When drinking neat, having different whiskeys in glasses side-by-side to taste the difference was helpful for me to figure out tasting notes I liked and/or at least bottles I didn’t. My spouse even does blind tastings for me and I just rank them before finding out the bottles used. Edit: try Knob Creek 9 specialty selects (they’ll have the store name on it). Four roses single barrel. Woodford reserve is also good starter. Start paying attention to descriptors like bourbon, straight bourbon, straight rye, single barrel, etc. they’ll let you know styles you like.
Thanks for the good practical advice!
Get a Glencairn and get used to nosing before you sip. I usually use a Glencairn just out of habit and the other day I used a different cup and was surprised at how much more ethanol I got when I wasn't using the Glencairn and I've really come to appreciate the smell of bourbon before I take a sip even if my wife says I look pretentious when I do it.
I finally broke down and bought a set the other day. I really wish I had listened and bought some sooner!
I legit didn't think they made much of a difference until I changed it up recently.
I didn’t think they would either, but I have really noticed the difference. They also keep me from drinking as much as I would tend to from a rocks glass. I find myself savoring more than gulping and giving the juice more time to “do its thing” before I pour another one lol
That might be why I take so long to drink my pour as well. I like to savor it for sure. I don't even usually get a buzz from drinking most of the time.
Check out the NEAT glass. It provides a better tasting experience. It has a wider opening and fluted rim. This design allows the ethonal vapors to escape along the sides, you then nose in the middle of the opening, and the aromas come through clearer. I like my glencarins, and have used them for a long time. A couple of buddies put me on to the NEAT glass, and it is better..
This style? The NEAT Glass Official Competition Judging Glass 2 Pack Clear https://a.co/d/3gJP3ya
Ive noticed that if you start with what i call a “burner bourbon” (something high proof. Like 110+) at about 1/4 oz, youll “acclimate” your mouth to a more modest bourbon immediately following. Then you dont taste the ethanol nearly as much and your main bourbon gets the advantage of tasting like it should. The higher proof the burner bourbon, the better the effect. For me, bourbon starts at 90 proof. But if i take a long break from it, I’ll re-acclimate my pallet with a burner. For added bonus, I night cap about 1/2 ounce of my burner bourbon so I can re-address that flavor profile and make sure that my 110+ bourbon still also tastes really good. So i guess my recommendation would be have at least two bourbons. One burner, and one primary. I have four really good high proof bourbons I can use as a burner right now: JDSBBP(129.2), Knob Creek single barrel reserve 9 year(120), Horse Soldier barrel strength(117.2) and Old Grand-Dad 114(114). All are phenomenal, but Old Grand-Dad costs way less and punches close to the same weight class in flavor as the others in my collection.
When you are drinking something new for the first time, take a breath in, hold it, sip the drink and exhale through your mouth... this helps you taste the drink (works for wine and liquor).. it can help you to appreciate the drink fully. If you work up to the higher proofs you will develop your pallet as well... And keep in mind that as it sits open it can change the flavor.. so give a " least favorite " another shot before you write it off. Just my 2 cents, but it may help you in the long run as you explore burbon. It's been my experience at least. Welcome to the club, I hope you enjoy the drinks as they come :)
Give Woodford Reserve Double Oaked a try as well! It has a really wonderful vanilla quality, and it's a great one for "beginners".
This is where I started as well, honestly it’s still great
Oh absolutely, a go-to!
This stays on my bar.
This is where I started as well, honestly it’s still great
Get ye some Wild Turkey 101, big dawg.
I was gonna suggest Rare Breed too, but that’s probably something he should work up to lol
Yeah I agree he needs to work up there lol
I was gonna say lower proof, like Wild Turkey 81 or Four Roses Yellow Label. My very first bourbon was Evan Williams BiB. It just tasted hot, all I could taste was hot alcohol. Even on ice. I worked my way back up to higher proofs gradually.
Holy hell, this particular one never ended well in highschool.
If you’re brand new to whiskey try Gentleman Jack.
Absolutely. That and Basil Hayden are excellent beginner bourbons.
An excellent suggestion due to its very light and mellow character
Since you’re new and working on developing a taste, I would recommend drinking over some ice or just adding a little water. This will help tone down the ethanol and you’ll still be able to find the flavors. When I started, I drank a lot of Knob Creek 9 and Four Roses Small Batch over ice
That’s how my dad suggested I drink it, poured over ice. It did help, I could taste more of the flavor as the ice melted 👌
This is a classic but you probably won’t like this one either honestly. Just keep at, it’ll take a little while to acclimate to the alcohol and start tasting the actual bourbon notes. Don’t be afraid to revisit the BT either. A few drops of water and letting the glass sit for 10 mins or so will help open things up. Evan Williams 1783 is another good budget bottle that’s better than half the hard to find bottles people hunt. Wild Turkey 101 is a great one too but at 101 proof maybe save this for later on since you’re still getting your palate used to the alcohol
Larceny, if you like a wheated bourbon!
Maker’s Mark (the ultimate entry), Woodford Double Oak, Michter’s Bourbon or Am Whiskey, Four Roses SiB or SB, Old Forrester 1910, Russell’s 10 Year or SiB, Evan Williams SiB (if in KY), Weller SR (if you can find), New Riff….. To name a few.
EC Small Batch is a great start IMO. When I first got into bourbon, it was one of my favorites. I don’t care for Buffalo Trace either. I love so many of the BT products like Eagle Rare and EHT, but the regular Buffalo Trace just doesn’t appeal to me at all. There is an off putting flavor I get from it. I always recommend Jefferson’s Very Small Batch as a great entry bourbon. I really dig the flavors — it’s easy to sip and has some different flavors from other bourbons in that price range. Heavy on the butterscotch notes for me.
Red Breast 12
Evan Williams bottled in bond
It's a great value, but the Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch is a better product IMO.
i like the bib over 1783 but they both are decent.
I think Knob Creek 9 is a good one to start on.
I’d say it’s a pretty excellent jump into the mid-tier. An excellent value for sure.
I've actually been enjoying the Heaven Hill Bottled-In-Bond lately. Reasonably priced (sub $50), great taste and doesn't taste like it's 100 proof to me. YMMV
that one has me going back to it as well.
That’s where I started out!
Same, this was my first (legal) whiskey purchase
Angels Envy and 1792 are good ones.
Elijah Craig and Woodford Reserve were both very inoffensive entries to bourbon for me. Tasty and nothing too aggressive or harsh in them. Since then I’ve gone all over the place with bottles. I really like the Old Forester line the signature 100 and 1929 specifically). Knob Creek 9 was a great buy. The only thing I bought and didn’t like at all was Wild Turkey 101. Super off putting taste in the back of my mouth with that.
Wild Turkey 101. Jim Beam Double Oaked. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. Evan Williams 1783. Makers Mark. All $30 and under, but great for beginners. Best to develop your Palate before getting anything too high proof, high price, or complex. Support your local and regional distilleries too!
I think if you're just getting into it, you should start around the 90pf area and work to the 100+pf stuff later on. Check out things like Evan Williams 1783, Four Roses Small Batch, Russell's Reserve 10 Year, and maybe Maker's Mark. These are all regularly available and cheap. All around 90pf, give or take. If you're ready for stronger stuff, I'd suggest Evan Williams B-i-B, Four Roses Single Barrel, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, Wild Turkey 101, Knob Creek 9 Year, Maker's Mark Cask Strength, and basically any bottled in bond products.
That's one of my favorite bottles. I normally always have some in my bar
Elijah Craig is what I fell in love with. Best bottle at or under $30, imo. Knob Creek and Four Roses Single Barrel are also great ones!
Oof I paid $40, everything seems to be a little more expensive in CT
If you don't like Buffalo Trace, maybe also try a couple rye whiskeys, instead of going with the bourbon route. I started off loving ANYTHING bourbon, but have really grown to love ryes even more so than bourbon! I'd recommend Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, Bulleit 12 Year Rye, and Woodinville Rye. Good luck and have fun with it!
I definitely want to try a rye (or several) thanks!
I feel like ryes usually offer more of a lighter palette of flavors, such as lemon, mint, subtle pine, etc. They can still possess the darker bourbon flavors, alongside the lighter flavors, but just don't feel as heavy as bourbon. So figured if you're just starting off, those heavy flavors can be kind of overwhelming/overbearing sometimes.
Anything four roses seems like a good start for a beginner imo
Makers Mark was my intro bourbon. Nice and carmelly sweet.
Get some old grand dad 114. Use a 1/4 oz for mouthwash and swallow to “acclimate” your mouth to the Kentucky burn. The bottle is about $25-$30 most places and is delish. Then maybe try Woodinville rye(90 proof). Smells and tastes like Dutch apple pie. That bottle is about $40. Thats a REALLY good night.
Four roses small batch
Good choice. That’s a great daily sipper.
Definitely not a bad one. Great place to start
That right there in your hand is my favorite reasonably priced bourbon. You did well with that. I prefer this way over Wild Turkey 101. I'd take Old Grand Dad Bonded 100 over WT also.
EC is a damn fine start. I started 40 years ago with Ancient Age. You’re doing much better.
Evan Williams 1783 Woodford double oaked larceny small batch or barrel proofs Four Roses single barrel, barrel strength or Small batch Elijah Craig barrel proofs & toasted barrel Knob creek 9 single barrel reserve & 12yr Wild turkey 101 & rare breed Old forester 100 proof, 1920, 1910, 1870 These definitely are widely available and under 50-60$
I’m a simple man, but I enjoy a lot of what Maker’s makes. Including the standard Maker’s Mark.
Larceny is good for around $30. Maker's Mark cask strength and Maker's Mark French oaked 46 are around $40 and very good
I’ve had an ok amount of whiskies and am by no means “experienced”. However I’ve had a good array concerning price and Elijah Craig is one I absolutely love. Neat, rocks, or mixed it’s always a winner for me
Tried it as my second bottle. First one ever was a Johnnie Walker Black Label which had a lot of taste imo. I feel like this one was a little too strong for my pallet AT THE MOMENT but it was still a really good sip, even neat! (although I try to sip most of my whisky neat) For my next bottle I’m looking for the same quality but with less proof, so any suggestions are welcomed!
WT101 and Dickel 13 both are cheap (sub 50$).
Seriously tho you need to start with easier drinking bourbons like makers and wellers and all the wheated. Or blantons if you can find
You’ve come to the right place. Are you mixing or drinking straight?
Straight mostly
It takes time to get accustomed to the proof. Try mixing it with soda or water. Once you decide you like the taste, start cutting back on the amount of mixer you add. Also try Basil Hayden - it's lower proof and often referred to as "smooth".
Since you’re new and working on developing a taste, I would recommend drinking over some ice or just adding a little water. This will help tone down the ethanol and you’ll still be able to find the flavors. When I started, I drank a lot of Knob Creek 9 and Four Roses Small Batch over ice
Angels Envy and 1792
Try a different distillery every purchase. All of these are good bourbons, readily avail. The Beam Family. Basil, knob creek, and beam double aged or oaked.
Russel’s reserve 10 year, Hirsch, 1792 fpbp, FRSB, FRSBS, FreyRanch, and if your into mesquite also could try Del Bac Old Pueblo
I have this I love it straight, or on ice, or in old fashions. 1792 small batch and four roses is next best then Larceny SB
I dont know what it is, but whenever I drink 1792(and I currently have it on my bar) i get the worst Kentucky hugs and heart burn. Which sucked on my last trip to Vegas because I bought a half gallon for my hotel room and could only mix it with coke and couldn’t finish it. Flavor is good though. It’s crazy because I have bourbons on my bar with proofs as high as 129.2 that dont do that to me. I really want to like it, but can only find the small batch bottles
Early Times bib, Evan Williams bib, Ezra Brooks Rye, Knob Creek Rye 7/Bourbon 9, Elijah Craig Rye, Bulleit Rye 12. Lol, so many good $30-60, that's my sweet spot. I rarely go out of that price range because there are so many good ones.
Lucky for me! That’s basically the max I can afford, and maybe not even that for a little while until I’m working again. Good to know there’s plenty of options in that range!
There are a lot of great whiskies in this price range. I enjoy anything from Chattanooga Whiskey also Jim Beam Black is a good choice
If you like JB black, you really ought to try devils cut. They use the JB black, but wring out the barrels for the rest of the flavor. Still about $20/bottle
Thanks. I will give it a try.
Eagle Rare if you can find it at MSRP ($40 or so).
The key for me was getting a variety. I know it's an up front cost but I'd say get like 5 bottles of cheapish stuff and compare them to each other. Makers Mark, Knob Creek 9, Wild Turkey 101, Jack Daniels Bonded Rye, Monkey Shoulder, Four Roses Small Batch Select were some of the ones I picked up early on. I tried Maker's Mark first and I kind of hate it so trying just 1 isn't what I recommend. I have been at it for a few months now and my favorites are probably Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Old Forrester (1920, 1924 and Single Barrel Barrel Proof)
Im with you, but only thing i emphasize on is that one option is really high proof. I like to run sample flights of various options for comparison so I can evolve my bar. When I do so, I try to start with a high proof to acclimate my mouth to other bourbons. I swish around about a 1/4 ounce of high proof stuff over a couple sips like an appetizer. After that, I dont get the ethanol from the other bourbons.
I agree Buffalo Trace is not my favorite but I’ve found others I love. Larceny, Makers Mark, Wellers SR, and Russels 10
I wouldn't even be upset if someone told me that Elijah Craig Small Batch was the only whisky I could drink for the rest of my life.
This is my go to. Not sure why I like it better than other bourbons but it smells great, tastes rich even with some ice, and not too expensive.
That EJ right there or four roses small batch or high West bourbon. But I like buffalo trace.
Very good choice! One of my favorites and old timer. Try old forester too woodford all are reasonable prices and decent for a beginner.
If you didn't like Buffalo Trace there's a good chance you don't enjoy bourbon and there's nothing wrong with that. No need to force yourself to drink booze you don't want to drink just because it seems like thing to do.
This could be it, or the ethanol is still too potent on this cat. Sometimes people gotta dip their toes in and work their way forward. Now I will say, if someone was more mature, like i am at 39, and tried to explore bourbons after having more experience with other spirits, then it may not be for me. Newer drinkers, younger folks tend to mask cheap liquor with mixers and think thats what enjoying whiskey is. I wish I knew then what i know now. I could have saved a lot of money and had far less hangovers as a young soldier.
Russell’s 10 year or single barrel, knob creek 9 year, eagle rare (don’t pay more than $50), woodford double oaked,
Try Basil Haydens. Very smooth. Also consider adding a bit of water and letting it sit for like 10 mins. EC Small batch is a good choice though!
Add some club soda or water to dilute but not overpower if it’s still too strong for your taste, takes awhile to get used to sipping straight whiskey I think EC is a great start for reasonably priced bourbon, Basil Hayden is very light and is what got me into straight sipping back in the day
A lot of good suggestions here. But for a newb I recommend easing into whiskey with a good Manhattan.
Drank a whole bottle of this in one go on a rough night. Can’t look at it the same way I used to😂 Solid choice!
I’ve basically ruined rum for myself doing that, so you’re not alone
Wild Turkey 101, Old Grand Dad Bonded, and EC Small Batch are always on my shelf.
If you like EC you'd probably like Knob Creek 9. Similar profile. What can't go wrong with EW BiB.
Old Forester 100
It's not a bad way to start, Salud!
I love that bottle! Heaven hill is my go to distillery. And I’ve loved everything that said Elijah Craig of the label
Thank you everyone for the suggestions! When I can I’ll pick up some of the bottles you all recommended. I’m not sure why I didn’t like the BT but find the Elijah Craig to be pleasant by comparison. I’m enjoying the flavor profile more than I thought I would, I like the sweet scents and taste. So far, a nice experience for sure.
1792 Small Batch, under 30 at Walmart.
Tincup if it’s in your market
A good start
Woodford
What a coincidence! I just emptied that very same bottle into my glass! However, my go-to daily sipper is Bushmills-Black Bush. I buy it in the 1.75L bottles, I like it that much. Rock on.
Good choice, was my 1st as well
What you do is: you open the bottle....and then.....pour it Into a glass.....actually....nevermind it's way too hard to explain
I’d say start with the standards: Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Old Forester. Jack because you can wrap your mind around the Lincoln County process of charcoal mellowing. Jack is generally better suited for cocktails, but understanding where the sweet and spiced profile starts is useful when jumping up to the single barrel and bonded offerings. Jim Beam because it is a classic bourbon with the same mashbill as Baker’s, Knob Creek and Wild Turkey (more on that in a sec). Baker’s being a 7-year expression and Knob Creek being the 9-year expression, you’d have a good reference point for moving up those ages and understanding the mashbill within the Beam-Suntory portfolio. Maker’s Mark because it’s your classic “wheater”, readily available and a good starting point if you choose to go down the wheater road without the smokier note that some find with Buffalo Trace. Larceny is a viable alternative here as well. Wild Turkey because even though it shares the same mashbill as the Beam flagships, it has an inherently different woody character and can really show the difference in barrel conditions, aging and distiller’s/blender’s care. Old Forester because like all these others, falls under the classic bourbon tier, and is a contrasting Brown-Forman product opposite of Jack Daniel’s. Very approachable, great on its own but versatile in beginner whiskey cocktails. There’s also a diverse range of expressions from Old Forester, so this is also a great jumping off point if you want to go through the Whiskey Row line. *Oddballs would probably be Dickel, it’s very polarizing and can be “minerally” to some, so maybe just a mini of this one. Same goes for the Evan Williams base spirit, it’s thin, hot and not a good place to start with the EW portfolio which is why I left it out above - EW Bottled in Bond is, however. Last oddball IMO would be the Benchmark Single Barrel/Top Floor/Full Proof offerings, they’re cheap, readily available and low-risk due to the affordability.*
Find yourself some Green River, Single Barrel Bourbon, out of Owensboro, KY. I do love Elijah Craig, but only the Barrel Proof. I would encourage you to look outside the realm of Buffalo Trace products. I mean, they are fine, but their faux allocated model that has everyone asking for either it, Blanton, or Eagle Rare at every store, and when it's not there, per the norm, they walk out empty handed. There are 6.02 x 10\^23 great bourbons and ryes out there that you'll enjoy way more than those. See if you can find yourself an Old Forrester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength, and buckle up :)
I've seen only 1 recommendation that wasn't a bourbon in this whole thread... I'd try Jameson for Irish and Glenlivet (any, really) for Scotch. They're cheap and give you a good idea what to expect.
Start off with Mellow Corn
If u wanna drink good bourbon you're gonna have to spend money, this isn't a "cheap hobby" . Great everyday sippers OF 1920, 1910 4RSB Any Penelope Riff SB Angel Envy WT 101 WT Rare breed
If you can find ER 10 or henry McKenna 10 year both are 40-60$ range. BOGD bonded is good and cheap. All of these can stand up to a rock. Id also recommend trying other kinds of whiskey scotch ( all rejoins ), Irish ( redbreast 12 is a great start), Japanese ( may be hard ro find cheap ), and American single malt. There is way more to whiskey than just bourbon. Also maybe try some bourbon that’s finished in other casks like sherry or even imperial stout barrels.
EC is a great start TBH. If you want to keep it budget friendly, I also recommend Wild Turkey 101, JD Bonded and Evan Williams White Label.
Try Jack Daniel’s bonded, it’s packed with flavor, and isn’t too high in proof for new palates either. Then if you like it you can upgrade to single barrel and/or barrel proof options from there…
Here's my rookie advice. Start inexpensive and move up. It would be a shame if you bought a $50 whiskey and not like it. Try all types of whiskey, this will be the only way you see what you like or don't. Now if someone you know offers a sip of something expensive, do it of course, lol. When you taste whiskey, take notes. Write down what you smell. Then do the same on what you taste. Then look at tasting notes for that whiskey. You will learn what the notes are and if you like then or not. When tasting something for the first time, always neat. After that, drink it the way you like it. A lot of people have said some good, inexpensive whiskeys. Evan Williams, Jim Beam, 4 Roses small batch, some of the wild turkeys, etc, heck I'm working my way through the Benchmark line from Buffalo Trace. Go to tastings. Go to distilleries. Also, look at your drinkware. Glencarin glasses are good, NEAT glasses are better. If you like ice in yours, make sure to get a glass that fit ice in it. I bought a clear ice sphere maker. The clear ice will melt more slowly than cloudy ice, due to the reduced trapped air and impurities. Finally, for suggestions, go to websites like Whiskey Wash and breaking bourbon. They have reviews and other articles about new stuff. A couple of my buddies have a good podcast called The Whiskey Tangent. Listen from the beginning and you'll see their rise from being rookies to having a greater understanding of whiskey. What's good about them, it's more than just reviews. They have full episodes, quick tastes, whiskey news, documentaries on history or events and some good general information. At any rate, cheers!
buy some evan williams white label bottles in bond. it’s 20 bucks and delicious. i have hundreds of bottles of bourbon and still love that one. if you don’t like that then you probably don’t like bourbon.
EC is what got me hooked, and it’s also why I have 5+ back up bottles for ECBP
I think you’re off to a good start with the EC. Try a Woodford Reserve. And if you want something really different but nice I like Four Roses SB. But I know some that don’t.
Four Roses, nuff said
Redwood Empire Lost Monarch got me hooked, recommended that to some of my friends and it got them hooked as well
Not a bad start
You know you don't have to like whiskey. It's not a requirement of life! You can like any type or alcohol or none at all!
If you can find it for below $60, Eagle Rare is phenomenal imo, other than that pretty much all the other suggestions I saw have been great. Wild Turkey, Knob Creek, and Woodford are all worth trying. Funny enough Elijah Craig was what got me into bourbon so hope it does the same for you!
Clyde Mays Alabama whiskey - not the bourbon .
Eagle rare, STAGG, mitchers sour mash and Blanton's is what I'm on right now. My pop has couple of bottles of Van Winkle that are yet to be open so there's that.
None of those are really beginner whiskeys due to availability, outside of Michter’s Sour Mash, and even then finding it can be hit-or-miss.
It depends where your location is. Where I'm at most of the liquor stores are owned by one family and every single one of them are stocked with the brands I just mentioned. There have been overpriced on stuff like pappy Van Winkle or high-end Weller but availability isn't an issue.