Welcome to the world of bourbon! If you are stumbling across this blog post, odds are you are looking for some direction as you start your bourbon journey. You are in for quite the journey and you will end up finding your favorite bourbon down the road. But as you get started, you can use a few of the selections below to get your taste buds moving in the right direction.

Best Starter Bourbons

Maker’s Mark

This was my first bourbon and I recommend it as one of your first bourbons as well!

Maker’s Mark is a classic bourbon that is known for its smooth and approachable flavor profile. It is made using red winter wheat instead of rye, which gives it a mellow sweetness that is perfect for bourbon beginners. Maker’s Mark is also bottled at a relatively low 90 proof, which makes it easy to sip and enjoy.

Buffalo Trace

If you have joined any bourbon Facebook group, you know there is a very big following for all of the Buffalo Trace products. This being the case, it’s becoming harder and harder to find. If you can get your hands on a bottle of plain Buffalo Trace, you are going to be a happy camper.

Buffalo Trace is a well-regarded bourbon that is known for its complex and layered flavor profile. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with a subtle hint of spice on the finish. Buffalo Trace is also reasonably priced, which makes it a great value for bourbon beginners who are just starting to explore the world of bourbon.

Wild Turkey 101

Yeah – I’ve got a daughter in the clinic getting cured off the Wild Turkey……

Cousin Eddy (from Christmas Vacation) might be on to something here. Wild Turkey is a nice change of pace for the starter in the bourbon world.

Wild Turkey 101 is a higher proof bourbon that is perfect for those who are looking for a bit more of a kick. It has a bold and spicy flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon, clove, and black pepper. Despite its high proof, Wild Turkey 101 is surprisingly smooth and easy to drink.

Elijah Craig Small Batch

I’ve had some experience with Elijah Craig products, but it’s one that I need to continue to explore. I’ve found some amazing pours when trying the toasted barrel and the barrel strength. Plus a few barrel picks have been great.

So I’m adding the Small Batch to the list for bourbon newbies.

Elijah Craig Small Batch is a bourbon that is known for its rich and complex flavor profile. It is aged for a minimum of four years, which gives it a deep amber color and a rich, caramel-like flavor. Elijah Craig Small Batch also has notes of vanilla and toasted oak, with a hint of spice on the finish.

Four Roses Yellow Label

Out of the tours I have taken, Four Roses was one of my favorites. Because it wasn’t a tour at all. I got to sit at the bar with these two ladies and they poured us the entire line-up. And they weren’t shy on their pours. And I realized I actually liked their base bourbon – Four Roses Yellow Label.

Four Roses Yellow Label is a smooth and mellow bourbon that is perfect for those who are just starting to explore the world of bourbon. It has a light and floral flavor profile, with notes of honey, vanilla, and citrus. Four Roses Yellow Label is also reasonably priced, which makes it a great value for bourbon beginners.

Jim Beam White Label

If you are truly going to appreciate Knob Creek, Basil Hayden, Bakers, or Bookers, you need to have the an understanding of the basic Jim Beam bourbon. And that’s why you need to give Jim Beam White Label a try.

Jim Beam White Label is a classic bourbon that is known for its smooth and sweet flavor profile. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with a subtle hint of spice on the finish. Jim Beam is also widely available and reasonably priced, which makes it a great choice for those who are just starting to explore the world of bourbon.

Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit is one of my favorite bourbons for a cocktail and it has a totally different than some of the other bourbons on this list. I think you should know the taste of it neat or on the rocks before you start drinking it in an old fashioned or any other cocktail.

Bulleit Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that is known for its bold and spicy flavor profile. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and toffee, with a distinct peppery finish. Bulleit Bourbon is also reasonably priced and widely available, which makes it a great option for those who are just starting out.

Woodford Reserve

When I think back to my bourbon journey, Woodford was my first “upscale” bourbon I remember trying. I don’t know if it was the marketing, the perception, or the price point that made me think this. And now it’s a good old standard if I go out and don’t know what to grab.

Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon that is known for its complex and layered flavor profile. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice, with a hint of smoke on the finish. Woodford Reserve is a bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but it is still a great choice for bourbon beginners who want to try something a bit more upscale.

Evan Williams Black Label

This one is on the list, but it isn’t one that I have a ton of experience with. And I probably need to give it another try and take my preconceived notions and put them in the trash. I was scarred when I remember a good friend of mine drinking this during college, so I just always associated it with that. Maybe he was really on to something and I just didn’t know.

Evan Williams Black Label is a classic bourbon that is known for its smooth and easy-drinking flavor profile. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with a hint of spice on the finish. Evan Williams is also very affordable and widely available, which makes it a great option for those who are just starting to explore the world of bourbon.

Final Thoughts

Where you start your bourbon journey, you are going to have fun along the way. This list is just a starting point and I hope you are able to share your opinions in the comments below. There is no perfect bourbon. There are just a ton of amazing expressions just waiting to be tasted.

So get out into nature (Dino Train reference for the parents out there) and try a few new bourbons.

Cheers!