/r/bourbon beginners guide
First and most important, if you are a true beginner, make sure you read /r/bourbon’s FAQ as there will be some terminology that will go over your head if you don’t. Oh...you did that already? Well look at you. Looks like you're ready to take the next step and getting your feet wet. I am sure before you came here you have had some experience with the most basic whiskeys. Some may have even been bourbon. This guide doesn’t deal with those whiskeys. While everything in this guide is for beginners, none of these bourbons are something that even the intermediate or advanced bourbon drinkers turn down. They stand up to expert tastes, but are perfect to acclimate any beginner to the world of bourbon.
Before I get into the bourbons that you should try, we first need to bring in a few concepts that will be important in evaluating the differences between them. These three recommendations were selected for good reason.
You see - each of the three bourbons is at least 90 proof. Alcohol content can have an impact on flavor, and picking bourbons that are the same proof helps put them on the same footing.
Next is age - each of the three bourbons are at least a 4 - 6 year old product. If there is any barrel influence based upon age, they will be similar baselines. 4 - 6 years is considered a good baseline in the bourbon industry where it will be the sweetest without too much bitterness from the barrel to overpower it.
Last and most importantly - each of the three bourbons are relatively easily available. If you walk into a liquor store and can’t find these, I would be surprised. Some of these bourbons you probably have heard of. One of the most important part of this and the intermediate guide is to recommend bourbon that is easily available for all. While there are many other hard to find or limited distributed product out there that will be just as good, we want to make sure everyone has a good chance to start with the right ones AND be able to find them.
So, what makes these the right ones? Well, each are from three different mash bills and three different distilleries. What this will give you is a baseline for where you want to go next. Maybe you will enjoy them all? Or maybe you will only like one. I do recommend that before moving on to the intermediate guide that you make sure you have already had the three. No exceptions!
Now, on to the recommendations...
If you want further information about these bourbons, just click their name and it will take you to our whiskey review archive - created and maintained by our very own community!
Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac Company)
Low Rye Mashbill
If you didn’t know already - Buffalo Trace is an /r/bourbon favorite. It is one of my favorite’s, too. I often call it the gold standard in bourbon because whenever you drink Buffalo Trace, it is exactly what you would expect from a bourbon. It’s flavor profile is perfectly accessible to anyone new, but experts will covet its balance, complexity and value. The low rye mashbill will push forward more of the sweet, syrupy corn notes while still supplying a decent amount of mint and spice from the rye.
Diageo
High Rye Mashbill
Bulleit Bourbon has become a favorite with the trendy crowd, especially by bartenders who have been central to the cocktail revival trend that has been happening for some time now. Contract distilled by Four Roses distillery, Bulleit (pronounced like the projectile) has a high rye mashbill that is almost double that most standard bourbons. As a result, Bulleit Bourbon will have more spicy, herbal and earthier flavor profile while still having those sweet, creamy corn notes underneath.
Beam Inc.
Wheated Mashbill
Maker’s Mark has become one of the most iconic bourbons in the world. Incredibly popular and soon to be a bar standard to sit side by side with the likes of Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker. Often the popular beginner for most established bourbon drinkers and is still used as a base for any collection. Unlike the other two bourbons, which have rye in their mashbill, Maker’s Mark is based off a bourbon recipe that utilizes wheat instead of rye in the mashbill. This is able to give Maker’s Mark a softer, fruitier flavor profile backed by a sweet, syrupy, creamy backbone.
After tasting these and maybe even reviewing them... (See texacer’s guide to reviewing whiskey here) ...take note of which ones you like and which ones you don’t. They will be a central part in helping you choose what bourbons you want to try in the next intermediate guide!
/r/bourbon intermediate guide
The bourbons in this guide are standard pours for all bourbon fans. Not only are they always on our shelves, but they are always being poured. Only a few may be around $60 and not too far. Most of them will be less than $40. Some could be even had under $30! These are the bourbons we constantly drink because their quality is high but won’t break the bank. We all have different tastes so we compiled the best of the best standard pours to recommend. Just look for the caption “You will like this bourbon if you like:” and you are guaranteed that our recommendation will fit your tastes. This guide is split up between the standards, high proof bourbons, the single barrels and barrel strength bourbons.
The Standards
These bourbons are all at or around 90 proof and are pretty much the standard to expect from the industry, and its the full gamut of what the main distilleries in Kentucky have to offer.
Beam Suntory
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Eagle Rare 10, Evan Williams Single Barrel
This bourbon staple is a bit lower in proof to make it easier on the palate while still retaining a unique character: the yeast of Jim Beam. Jim Beam bourbons have a similar low rye mashbill as distilleries such as Heaven Hill and Buffalo Trace, but what makes Jim Beam unique is their sour, earthy and nutty flavors that are introduced thanks to Jim Beam’s own proprietary family yeast strain. Expect sweet caramel, ripe cherries, creamy chocolate and freshly sawed oak.
Russell's Reserve 10 years old (90 Proof)
Wild Turkey Distillery (Campari USA)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses Small Batch
A great introduction to the Wild Turkey Distillery, this bourbon is age stated at 10 years old and named in honor of legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. Wild Turkey bourbons are the lowest in the high rye mashbill category, so expect softer rye flavors like mint while still maintaining some spicy rye character of black pepper, all of which are balanced by the corn in the mashbill with a delivery of deliciously sweet toffee.
Brown Forman
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Four Roses Small Batch
Brown Forman’s premiere “small batch” bourbon. Brown Forman puts a lot of money into marketing Woodford Reserve at the Kentucky derby, but its juice is good enough to stand against the rest. Another bourbon that resides in the lower ranks of the high rye mashbill category, Woodford Reserve is the only bourbon that triple distills their bourbon, at a higher distillation proof than most and uses climate controlled warehouses to distinguish their brand. Woodford has a syrupy mouthfeel of fruits, tobacco and a nutty finish.
Four Roses Small Batch (90 proof)
Four Roses Distillery (Kirin Brewery Company)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford Reserve
Four Roses is now the hottest bourbon distillery in the enthusiast circles. Jim Rutledge had dedicated his life to creating the highest quality bourbon and it has begun to show. With Brent Elliot now at the helm, expect the same quality to persist. Four Roses uses 10 different recipes to craft their bourbon and Four Roses Small Batch is a marriage of the best of those recipes. Some of those recipes can contain some of the highest rye recipes in the industry. Expect a balanced profile of fruits, floral rye spice, herbs and vanilla.
Buffalo Trace (Sazerac Company)
Wheated Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Maker’s Mark
W.L. Weller is the original wheated recipe that even Maker’s Mark credits for copying. This original wheated bourbon is one of the best value in the wheated category. Nearly similar to Maker’s Mark in every respect, W.L. Weller Special Reserve has a bit more barrel character, offering candied fruits and creamy vanilla.
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old (90 proof)
Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac)
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Knob Creek Small Batch
Like Buffalo Trace? How about you take it up a notch with the same exact juice but an older blend of barrels from the many rick houses of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. More importantly, Eagle Rare is age stated for 10 years, at a minimum aged two years longer than standard Buffalo Trace. While the flavor profile mimics Buffalo Trace, each bottle could emphasize a flavor a little bit more. In most cases, the extra years add sweet sour apple and maple syrup with a rich coffee like finish.
Elijah Craig Small Batch (94 proof)
Heaven Hill Distillery
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare 10, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Knob Creek Small Batch
Elijah Craig is a bourbon brand of fantastic value. Aged a little more than most on the shelf, aging Heaven Hill’s signature recipe for around 10 to 12 years does wonders to the spirit, adding toasty brown sugar notes, creamy vanilla ice cream with a dash of spiced fruit.
High Proof Bourbons
Higher proof bourbons is really where intermediate bourbon drinkers become weak in the knees. The higher alcohol content usually provides bigger flavors that lower proof bourbons otherwise can’t provide.
Beam Suntory
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Eagle Rare 10, Evan Williams Single Barrel
Jim Beam bonded is the same Beam juice just taken up a notch. Released at 100 proof, this gold labeled bottle provides more flavor, better mouthfeel and a heavier kick. With tropical fruit top notes, a syrupy cola backbone and that sour Beam funk everyone knows and loves.
Knob Creek Small Batch (100 proof)
Beam Suntory
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Eagle Rare 10, Evan Williams Single Barrel
Knob Creek Small batch is the flagship of Beam’s Small Batch bourbon line. It comes off the still at a lower proof than standard Beam, retaining a little bit more of those tasty esters and congeners that a barrel turns into magic after some extended aging. Expect the Jim Beam distillery character in full swing with big sour, earthy and nutty flavors of tobacco, peanut butter and fresh oak before a caramel and maple syrupy sweetness help provide balance.
Old Forester Signature (100 proof)
Brown Forman
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford Reserve, Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, Wild Turkey 101, Four Roses Small Batch, Four Roses Single Barrel
Old Forester is the longest running bourbon brand on the market. Given how long it has been sold, it has to be good right? Old Forester uses the same recipe as Woodford Reserve, so if you like Woodford but want a kick, you will definitely love this. A bit drier than Woodford but loaded with more of the usual flavors of fruits, nuts and a lot of sticky toffee.
Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond (100 proof)
Beam Suntory
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Wild Turkey 101, Four Roses Small Batch, Four Roses Single Barrel
Old Grand Dad (OGD) is one of the more popular bourbon drinker’s bourbons, especially on /r/bourbon. OGD comes in a variety of proofs, but the best bang for the buck would have to be OGD Bottled in Bond. It has a bittersweet flavor profile of cornbread that is overpowered by a full and thick spicy kick to the teeth.
Wild Turkey Distillery (Campari USA)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, Four Roses Small Batch, Four Roses Single Barrel
Wild Turkey 101 is the original, accept no-compromises, Wild Turkey bourbon. It is a heck of a value and can be usually found anywhere. Unlike its more elegant couzin, Russell’s Reserve, Wild Turkey 101 kicks like a mule with rough charred corn and oak flavors, spicy rye and has an easy honeyed finish.
Old Weller Antique 107 (107 proof)
Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac)
Wheated Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Maker’s Mark, W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Do you like W.L. Weller Special Reserve or Maker’s Mark? Wish they were more flavorful? Well, pick up Old Weller Antique 107. Expect the same flavor as the two wheated bourbons but dialed up to maximum intensity.
Single Barrel Bourbons
Single Barrel Bourbons are a welcome change of pace to the usual standards. The best part (or the worst) about a single barrel bourbon is that there is always variation from barrel to barrel. Most often, single barrel bourbons will have barrel numbers written on the label so you can keep track of your favorite.
Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, Four Roses Small Batch, Four Roses Single Barrel, Wild Turkey 101
Blanton’s was the first single barrel bourbon on the market, so naturally it is the first one to be recommended. A popular gift for any bourbon drinker, Blanton’s is iconic for its uniquely shaped bottle and collectable horse stoppers. Blanton’s uses Buffalo Trace mashbill #2, a mashbill that is higher in rye than the standard Buffalo Trace mashbill. This higher rye mashbill leads to orchard fruits, grassy and musty oak with just a hint of spice to keep things interesting.
Evan Williams Single Barrel (86.6 proof)
Heaven Hill Distillery
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Eagle Rare 10, Knob Creek Small Batch
Every year, Evan Williams comes out with multiple single barrels of its premium value brand, Evan Williams Black. Evan Williams Single Barrel is probably the best value in single barrel bourbons. Annual releases are known to vary quite a bit, but never stray from the usual Heaven Hill Distillery profile of cherries, a hint of cinnamon and a dollop of cream.
Four Roses Single Barrel (100 proof)
Four Roses Distillery (Kirin Brewery Company)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, Four Roses Small Batch, Wild Turkey 101
Four Roses Single Barrel uses only one recipe out of Four Roses’s 10 bourbon recipes. The standard offering uses the OBSV recipe, which is the highest rye recipe that Four Roses offers in addition to one of the five yeast varieties. Four Roses Single Barrel is impeccably balanced with rich fruit, floral, cola, cocoa and syrupy flavors.
Russell's Reserve Single Barrel (110 proof)
Wild Turkey Distillery (Campari USA)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, Four Roses Small Batch, Four Roses Single Barrel, Wild Turkey 101
Like Russell’s Reserve 10 but want the full proof experience? Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is the perfect bourbon for those that like a little more kick found in standard Turkey, but can still deliver the softer, complex and elegant flavors unique to the Russell’s Reserve expression. Expect a bomb of toffee, interlaced with orange zest, tobacco and leather.
Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled in Bond (100 Proof)
Heaven Hill Distillery
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Bonded, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Eagle Rare 10, Knob Creek Small Batch, Evan Williams Single Barrel
Henry McKenna is the ultimate stat bourbon. Age stated at 10 years old? Check. Bottled in Bond? Check. Variety of releases thanks to being a single barrel? Check. This heavy hitter is priced for the lightweight division, and won’t hold back any punches. The Heaven Hill profile is best represented in this bourbon, with dry and brooding barrel characteristics of dry leaves and splintering oak, softened only by rich fudge and confectionery once it opens up.
Barrel Strength Bourbons
For those looking for the out of barrel experience, barrel strength bourbons are the final step for an intermediate drinker to get into. Barrel strength, also sometimes called cask strength, usually implies that the bourbon comes from the barrel uncut with water. This also usually means that the bourbon is unfiltered, which implies more flavor! These are the barrel strength bourbons you should be able to easily find on the shelf. Since not every barrel emptied or batch has the same proof when it is ready, expect the proof of these bourbons to vary.
Beam Suntory
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Bonded, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Eagle Rare 10, Knob Creek Small Batch, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled in Bond
Uncut. Unfiltered. Unbelievable.The legend in its own right. Named after the one that started it all - past Beam distiller Booker Noe - this barrel strength bourbon is the Beam profile in its most purest form. This flavor packed bourbon is akin to a liquid snicker’s bar. The bold and thick mouthfeel is for those that like to give their bourbon the ol’ Kentucky chew.
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength (Proof varies)
Beam Suntory
You will like this bourbon if you like: Maker’s Mark, W.L. Weller Special Reserve, Old Weller Antique 107
Maker’s Mark decided to put their wheated bourbon out in its purest form for all of its fans. It is the standard Maker’s Mark profile, amped up in intensity. It retains its creamy and fruitful character while providing a much richer mouthfeel. One of, if not the only easiest available barrel strength wheater’s on the shelf!