Best Bourbon Bottles to Try If You are New to Whiskey
For a long time, I thought bourbon just wasn’t for me.
Every time I tried whiskey, it felt too strong, too sharp, or simply not enjoyable. Still, I kept hearing people talk about how smooth and flavorful bourbon could be, so eventually, curiosity got the better of me.
I didn’t become a bourbon expert overnight. What changed everything was realizing that your first bourbon matters more than you think.
Once I started with the right bottles, bourbon finally made sense.
What I Learned About Bourbon as a Beginner
The biggest misconception I had was that all bourbons were intense and harsh. They’re not.
The ones I enjoyed most early on shared a few things in common:
- They were smooth, not aggressive
- They had a natural sweetness
- The alcohol didn’t overpower the flavor
Vanilla, caramel, light oak — these flavors felt familiar and easy to enjoy, even as a first-timer.
Bourbon Bottles That Helped Me Ease Into Whiskey
I didn’t try everything at once. I took it slow, and these were the bottles that worked best for me as a beginner.
Buffalo Trace
This was the first bourbon that made me pause and think, Okay, I get it now. It was balanced, slightly sweet, and easy to sip without feeling overwhelming.
This was the first bourbon that made me pause and think, Okay, I get it now. It was balanced, slightly sweet, and easy to sip without feeling overwhelming.
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark felt softer than I expected. There was a smooth, almost creamy quality to it that made it very approachable. If you’re coming from wine or cocktails, this one feels like a gentle transition.
Maker’s Mark felt softer than I expected. There was a smooth, almost creamy quality to it that made it very approachable. If you’re coming from wine or cocktails, this one feels like a gentle transition.
Woodford Reserve
This was where bourbon started to feel more interesting. Still smooth, but with more depth. It made me slow down and actually pay attention to the flavors.
This was where bourbon started to feel more interesting. Still smooth, but with more depth. It made me slow down and actually pay attention to the flavors.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
This one tasted classic to me — rich but not heavy. The caramel and oak notes felt familiar rather than intimidating.
This one tasted classic to me — rich but not heavy. The caramel and oak notes felt familiar rather than intimidating.
Four Roses Small Batch
This surprised me the most. It was lighter and cleaner than I expected, with a smooth finish that didn’t linger too long.
This surprised me the most. It was lighter and cleaner than I expected, with a smooth finish that didn’t linger too long.
How I Started Enjoying Bourbon More
I stopped trying to drink bourbon the “right” way.
Instead, I focused on what felt comfortable:
- Small sips
- Ice when needed
- A splash of water if it felt too strong
Once I relaxed, bourbon stopped feeling intimidating and began to feel enjoyable.
A Few Things I’d Tell Anyone New to Bourbon
Don’t start with high-proof bottles.
Don’t rush through a pour.
And don’t assume bourbon has to taste harsh to be good.
Don’t rush through a pour.
And don’t assume bourbon has to taste harsh to be good.
The right bottle can completely change how you feel about whiskey.
If you’re new to whiskey and curious about bourbon, take your time, start simple, and trust your own palate.
When I was exploring bourbon options in Ridgefield, checking reviews and browsing a local wine and spirits shop on Google helped me feel more confident before trying my first bottle.
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