Bourbon for Beginners
Great bourbons for those just getting into whiskey.
Friends who are interested in bourbon often ask me where they should start and what bourbons they should be looking to try. Below is a list of bourbons that I think most people should try and that are fairly readily available. There is no reason for someone newly interested in bourbon to chase after big names. Instead, try a bunch of different bourbons with different mashbills from different distillers and see what you do and do not like.
These are in no particular order.
~$26
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Distiller
Mashbill
78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Age
8-12 years
Proof
94º
~$60
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Distiller
Mashbill
78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Age
12 years
Proof
Varies by release
A little harder to find than the Small Batch, but if you find yourself liking higher proof whiskeys this is one to look out for.
~$23
~$22
Bulleit Bourbon
Distiller
Mashbill
68% Corn, 28% Rye, 4% Barley
Age
~6 years
Proof
90º
Also available in a barrel strength version.
~$35
Four Roses Small Batch
Distiller
Mashbill
A blend of Four Roses’ two mashbills which are 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Barley and 75% Corn, 20% Rye, 5% Barley
Age
6-7 years
Proof
90º
~$26
Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year
Distiller
Mashbill
75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley
Age
9 years
Proof
100º
Also available in a 12 year 100º version and (my favorite) a 12 year 120º Single Barrel version.
~$28
Buffalo Trace
Distiller
Mashbill
90% corn, 10% or less rye, remainder malted barley
Age
~6 years
Proof
90º
~$65
Blanton’s
Distiller
Mashbill
85-88% corn, 10-12% rye, remainder malted barley
Age
~6 years
Proof
93º
~$20
~$58
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
Distiller
Mashbill
75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Age
~8-9 years
Proof
101º
~$93
Booker’s
Distiller
Mashbill
77% Corn, 13% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Age
~6 years
Proof
Varies by release
~$50
