My suggestion isn't a bottle to try. Since you and viewers covered those well. My advice is to buy the smallest bottle size you can. Sometimes it is the 750ml, but there's nothing wrong with the 375's or even the 50ml bottles. This way you can try a huge variety with minimal investment.
I came to give the exact same advice! I had tried whiskeys and bourbons for decades at bars/restaurants but I really wanted to get into them seriously. I took 40 bucks to a local liquor store, got a 750ml of EW BiB, 350ml of Buffalo Trace, a 350 ml of WT101, and money left over. :) Gave me a great sense of the basic flavors of bourbon, differences by distilleries, and most importantly set a bar in terms of flavor and the cost I am expected to pay. It's unfortunate that the higher quality bourbons are only in full sized bottles since I only go through a few bottles a year, so I was so grateful to get the small bottles to try when I was starting out.
I’ve tried a few….I liked Buffalo trace, Monkey shoulder, Maker’s Mark, but didn’t like Pendleton or Johnny walker black label (too smoky tasting). Jamison is good too, but almost too smooth, like not enough body, aroma or something…
I am very much a beginner. This channel is my 100% go to for information. The first bourbon was a shot of Makers Mark I couldn't tell you how many years ago. Flash forward close to a couple decades. As the enlisted part of a company command team (1SG), the best Commander I ever served with shared a bottle of Basil Hayden's. Now I am a bourbon fan. I've bought a few types. Old Forrester 86 was the first I bought, then Elijah Craig Small Batch. There has only been a couple more, but I'm enjoying everything so far. Thank you Kurt for not just the education but also grade A entertainment Old Forrester 86 was my
Snobs will tell you Basil is dog shit, it's not the best neet or on rocks, but it kills in Manhattans and Old Fashions. It's also only 80 proof, so it's good for beginners.
From your top 5 I have Wild Turkey 101 and Evan Williams Single Barrel. I found the Wild Turkey to be a bit spicy for me so I did your trick of adding a water bottle cap of water. I am only in my third month of being a bourbon drinker but quite enjoy the hobby. So far I have 12 Bourbons and one scotch on my shelf. My nearly 77 year-old taste buds aren't real sharp but I can pick out differences from bottle to bottle, My first trip to the liqueur store got me Buffalo Trace, Makers 46 and Elijah Craig for my start into the world of bourbon. Really enjoy you videos. Thanks for all the advice Curt.
Back in the '60s I drank what my Dad drank - I.W. Harper 100. However, as an entry level bourbon I'd suggest Evan Williams Black. I still keep a bottle around to use in the BBQ sauce and I can still drink it when I want something light.
When you get comfortable at around 100 proof I'd suggest Old Forester BiB. It's pure cherry candy, if you are into that profile. Their standard 100 proof is good too. Has a bit of banana and brown sugar. Actually you are probably well past that now your comment is 2 years old. Sorry man
I have only been into bourbon for about 4 months. One of the very first videos I watched was your top five bourbons for under $30 because I wanted good options at a reasonable price. I have bought every bourbon on that top 5 list. I do have to say I enjoyed the Knob Creek and the Larceny the best but they all were good. I have enjoyed your videos ever since. Your videos are always great on information and your presentation always makes the viewer feel like they are sitting at the bar talking to a friend who just happens to be the bartender. Keep up the great work. God bless. My list would be Knob Creek 9 year, Old Forester Signature 100 proof, Elijah Craig small batch and Larceny.
I'm very new to bourbon, and tried Larceny at a friend's bachelor party the other night. I absolutely loved it. It really prompted me to start learning more about bourbon!
Nice list! Here are the 5 I recommend to my friends beginning their journey: Makers Mark (Wheater), Knob Creek (Nutty), Wild Turkey 101 (Spice), Old Forester 100 (Dark Fruit), and Four Roses SB (High Rye).
I got my wife into bourbon with Jim Beam white label. Had her taste it and kept adding water until she found it palatable. Over time she made it to neat and became aware of the flavor profile. Then she started trying many different whiskeys. She's a huge whiskey fan about a year after despising it.
I am pretty new to bourbon, not to whisky, have had some experience with scotchs. My favorites so far are: 1. Eagle rare 2. 1792 small batch 3. Four roses single barrel 4. Wild Turkey 101 5. Evan Williams single barrel (vintage 2010) I still struggle a bit with the ones above 100 proof. And I live in Europe, so some Bourbons I just can't find, eventhough I really would love to try them. Thanks for a great channel :-) Best regards from Denmark
I started tasting bourbon & scotch in 2020, as a pandemic hobby:). And I watched videos like this to determine which ones I should try, as a beginner. The basic Elijah Craig and Evan Williams Single Barrel were my first two bottles bought. I was lucky enough to stumble onto Woodford Reserve Double -Oaked as my third bottle - which is still my favorite to-date (in terms of an always-available bourbon). I totally agree on the Michter's American Whiskey - Very drinkable and flavorful, even not being technically bourbon due to the used barrels (as opposed to new).
Evan Williams 1783 and Bulleit Bourbon started it off for me. Looking back the advice I'd give is go to the mini section. Start off there with the 200ml to 375ml bottles. Then get small bottles of each and don't rush. Get the WT101, Elijah Craig and a Makers 46. Definitely agree on Price and Proof. Don't go past 45% ABV.
I recently picked up a bottle of Old Forester 86 and Evan Williams single barrel as entry points into bourbon so it's nice to know I'm on the right track. So far I've only opened the OF but I love it!
I’d also say regular makers mark, woodford reserve, and Jim beam black label are good beginner bourbons as well. Those are just a few of the bottles that got me into bourbon. In my opinion they are all somewhat easy to drink, have different flavors between each bottle, and also are good for the whiskey cocktails I like to make.
I GOTTA SAY I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS AND APPROACH. Kurt/Curt you can really see the passion and, even though I've been into bourbons (Kentucky boy) for a few years now, you make me want to explore some brands even more. I've will definitely try a couple of these only because of your descriptions. Very much appreciate it!!!
I'm more of a rye or Irish whiskey drinker and this makes me feel more confident about trying bourbon. Oddly, the only one of these I know for sure I've seen in our local shop is Buffalo Trace. But this is rural Montana - the store is smaller than my bedroom and the only shop in the county. 😁
Just for a bit of a laugh, the first bourbon I ever tasted was Bourbon Supreme. In 1969 I was stationed at Nakhom Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base. It was $1.70 for a quart.
I think these are good recommendations. Some things I tried early and am glad I did and would recommend: Try at least 1 wheat Try better bourbon ($25-30). Some really cheap bottles are just not good and may turn you off to bourbon. Try multiple different rye levels, proof points and viscosities. Some examples Makers mark (16% wheat) 110 proof Wild Turkey 101 (13% rye) 101 proof BUDGET Old Forester 86 (18% rye) 86 proof BUDGET 1792 (18% rye) 93 proof Four Roses single barrel (35% rye) 100 proof -This was the first time I had an oily bourbon, or visible legs on the glass. Good luck on your journey! Some favorites after a few years of my own journey: Elijah Craig small batch 4 Roses Single Barrel Wild Turkey Rare Breed Coopers Craft (100) Knob Creek (100) Old Forester 1920 Old Forester 86 1792 Small batch
I couldn’t agree more with you Kurt on the old Forester. If you were to get one collection as a beginner I would say to get the old forester line for sure
Four roses was my first ever bourbon. I would try wild turkey 101, makers mark 46, Evan Williams and Elijah Craig small batch. Do not spend more than £30-£40 on your beginner bourbons.
Great list. I’m a fan of four out of five. I’ve not tried the Ancient Age, so I’m getting a bottle today. Never can go wrong with Kurt’s recommendations.
I'm fairly new to bourbons. One I love that I think would be good for beginners is George Reamus. Lower proof, around $32, I'll buy me another. Love the channel.
I really enjoy your content and delivery, it's great to see father and son having a good time doing something together with different opinions! Trent I bought my first CASK strength Bondstone Cask Whiskey 61.4% according to the label. I have started my bourbon collection for sharing with family and friends, so most is lower proof! My first taste was very BOLD tingle in the nose, eyes watered a bit, kind of took my breath! I then started the process adding a couple drops of water Better then 1 ice cube swirl until glass was cold then tasted again! Long story short it is now one of my favorites truly a whiskey with a range of flavor that can be adjusted to the flavor you enjoy most!
I would recommend starting at even lower proofs. I think the 100 proof ones you have MIGHT be too much for entry level. Really depends on the person, but if they find 100 proof too much, then OF 86 (on your list), Wild Turkey 81, Jim Beam and Jack all very affordable and in that 80-90 proof range. I have not had Benchmark but might be an option as well.
It really depends. If its a newbie doing cocktails I would suggest something far different than a newbie trying out a neat or rocks pour. A buddy of mine wanted to try a bourbon neat so I got him a pour of Woodford Double Oak and that converted him to trying all of the bourbons neat rather than mixing or over ice.
This is the great thing about being part of a bourbon (or any whisk(e)y) community, is the people, like Kurt here, that can give a person pointers on how to approach this topic in a way that doesn't scare a person away. Good on ya, Brother Kurt!!! I, personally, appreciate you pointing me to many whiskeys, including Old Forrester offerings, Wild Turkey 101 and Russell's Reserve, and Bardstown offerings. I remember walking up to the bourbon section, at my local liquor superstore, and having no clue where to start. I lucked out, one particulart time, when I ran into a co-worker that had a bit more bourbon experience, and he pointed me to an entry Four Roses, which I enjoyed. When I went back to give him feedback, I started running into more and more individuals that had a passion point for specific offerings, and this led me to venture out a bit more. The big tipper came when I was invited to come to a WEEKENDS IN WHISKEY event, and stood in a line of avid whiskey lovers. It was a bit of a rush to be in the middle of all this joy for bourbon & whiskey...and it cemented, in my mind, that I came to the right place...I learned a LOT that month.
As a Brit I was more into scotch, BUT after seeing your recommendations, I tried WT 101, I would say if the proof point is too high, ice! or as with scotch a drop of water, this can help ease you in! especially if you are not used to spirits. Over here Jack Daniels single barrel is 90 proof only (although not bourbon I know) this is so much better than std JD, it has become one of my favourite drinks. BTW WT101 comes out close to $50 here , JD single barrel around $75 - cheers Kurt
So for me starting in bourbon I liked Elijah Craig and Buffalo trace, as well as Evan Williams single barrel which you mentioned. I know the other two are a little more in price however one thing that I did for myself is i bought a few of the mini bottles of stuff to try the 50ml ones. For the wild turkey it was on $2 and it let me try several right off. I didnt like Knob Creek when I began but now it's one of my favorites, amazing how the pallet develops. Woodford Reserve is a GREAT one to try in a mini bottle.
This is a fine lesson with good advice, Kurt. I have to agree with some others that pushing 100 proof probably is too much proof for most beginners, though, regardless of the quality of WT 101. It's very easy to get caught up in the hype and excitement and start chasing fine, expensive whiskies, and the big cask strength, barrel proof beasts that everybody seems to talk about. (I've done it.) For beginners to Bourbon, and to whiskey in general, one should build one's tastes slowly. Your recommendations are good, except my caution about the 100 proof bottles. OF 86 is especially good. I also suggest Four Roses yellow, Benchmark, MM, maybe McKenna 80, and EW 1783. BT would be solid, if one can get it. I never see any Michter's in my Oregon shops. It may be a little pricey, too, for beginners. Carry on the good work, and cheers!
Good list, I’d also add Makers Mark 46 and Woodford Reserve double oak. If you like Makers you can go try a bunch of different wheaters. If you like Woodford there are some double barrels to explore like Old Forester 1910.
I would pick 3 starter bourbons to start with: Wild Turkey 101, 1792 Small Batch, and Old Forester 86 or 100. Honorable mention OGD114 (can be a bit powerful for a beginner) but is actually quite nice for the price and has a different flavor profile than the others I mentioned and would be a good step up into the higher proof range once the bourbon palate is becoming established.
You wound up with 5 anyways. Nobody said two couldn't be from the same distillery. 86 and 100 BIB OF are pretty different. I just had 86 all day Easter with dinner.
Elijah craig , makers 46, knob creek, woodford reserve were some of my favorites starting out as well as the early times and old forester bottled in bond. Anything from Chattanooga whiskey is amazing maybe start with the 91 its really good but a tad pricey for some beginners but it is worth it 👌 😉 even regular makers or larceny is also a nice sipper as well if they like sweeter bourbons
A great informative list, even for those who are not exactly beginners...because there's always something new to learn and experience. Three of the five (EW Single Barrel, OF 86, and Turkey 101 have been on my go-to list for some time, especially the 101. Wild Turkey was my original Bourbon when I started drinking whiskey regularly back in college days, and I've enjoyed various Old Forester products for quite a while as well. I didn't really get into Evan Williams until I visited Heaven Hill and sampled some several years ago; I had it pegged as a bottom shelf Bourbon. However, Evan Williams Single Barrel is great, although I admit, I like the 100 Proof BIB more as a day-to-day Bourbon. Ancient Age has sort of flown below the radar for me, so I may have to invest a sawbuck and see what I've been missing. Same for Early Times. Thanks for another great video; I have to say that some of the folks who do these types of programs seem to be more concerned with presenting or maintaining a particular image, or with trying to be comedians. Your presentation is straightforward, informative, accessible, and not about yourself as much as about the endlessly fascinating subject of whiskey, especially Bourbon.
Buffalo Trace bounces back and forth on whether it’s easy to find around me but I’d agree that it’s a very good starter option. Nice low proof and classic flavors. All the Michtners products are very good though, at least here, would be at the upper end of the price range you suggested (which I also think was good advice). The Evan Williams is actually pretty rare out here. It’s a very good choice but it’s harder to find than the Buffalo Trace. The other option that I might suggest would be the Four Roses Small Batch. It’s about $34 around here at least. I think it has some more complexity than the BT for instance while still being easy to drink.
If I go WAY BACK, I started with Wild Turkey in high school. I don’t recall which variety it was but I do remember that it tasted awful. As an adult, I got back into bourbon with Jim Beam Black. Tasty and inexpensive but I don’t drink it anymore. From there, I moved on to Knob Creek 9 year and Woodford Reserve. I would still recommend both of these today. Over the years I have tried countless brands and varieties in all different price ranges. For me, big ticket bourbons just don’t make much of a difference compared to mid shelf (and even some bottom shelf) offerings. So these days I enjoy Wild Turkey 101, Old Grand Dad 114, Evan Williams 1783, and Four Roses Small Batch as my “always in stock” bourbons. None of these offerings are over $35 and all of them are truly delicious.
Thanks Kurt! I can’t always find Early Times in my area so I think a good sub would be Old Forester 100. I also think for the money the Benchmark line is a decent bourbon for new people to try.
first Bourbon I tried was Knob Creek 9, loved it, thanks for your recommendation, it's reasonably priced and taste good. I also loved the Elijah Craig smallbatch. Never thought I would love tasting different bourbons, I'm so glad I came across your youtube channel.
Living in Brazil my options are limited but with my very friendly sellers I can still get great bourbons. My favorite is still Four Roses Single Barrel, followed by Wild Turquey 101, Buffalo Trace and Evan Williams.
I started with OF 100 (it was a gift) and I liked it but didn’t love it. I bought a bottle of Four Roses and loved it, then found a bottle of BT and loved it too. After a while I went back to that OF 100 and it’s my new daily sipper. Just had to warm my palate up I reckon lol
Found your page tonight and absolutely love it. Living in Nashville I’m right in the heart of the bourbon - whiskey country. If you one of the purist. Well I’m not a complete newbie, I am enjoying what I’m learning and like to learn more. I have a very good shop near where I live with a very knowledgeable staff and I learned a bunch from them, but often you wonder if their opinions may be skewed by other loyalties. I actually live very close to local distillery, Leiper‘s Fork distillery which I think is putting out some very nice product.
One of your excellent , to the point presentations. I've enjoyed all 5 of these, and yes, they are bargains. Every bourbon cabinet should contain WT 101. Ancient Age is an underrated low price pour. I like it! 😉 Thanks
I might add 1792 Small Batch in there, since it's got so much going on in the nose & palate, without being a super-high proof. @ just < $30 in these parts, it probably wouldn't feel too spendy for most.
Big issue with my beginner friends who visit my basement bar for a tasting is they don't know how to sip bourbon and enjoy the nuances of each sip. They drink instead of sip. I've learned to pour just enough in a glass for a sip and instruct them on how to let flow from the tip of tongue to the back. Like you, I enjoy the Wild Turkey products. Russells Reserve single barrel is my favorite with Rare Breed a close second. Only Wild Turkey product I didn't adapt my palate for is the Longbranch. Received a bottle as a gift that set on my shelf for a year. Read a tip from one of your viewers about mixing so I did a Longbranch pour with Rare Breed, 1 to 1 ratio, and Voila! turned into a delicious pour. My personal recommendation for a beginner is Elijah Craig small batch. $35 a bottle here. It was probably one of the 1st 5 I purchased and I continue to enjoy still today. Lot of value for the flavor it provides.
Hey Kurt, bought my first bourbon bottle (Basil Hayden) this Xmas, as I’ve grown up in a scotch family. I stumbled on to your channel and I’ve bought a Buffalo Trace and An Elijah Craig….looking forward to cracking them open this weekend. Great work on your channel….thanks for helping us noobs!
I would add Yellow Rose to the list. It's got a nice sweetness to it and doesn't have a harsh kick to it at all, very smooth an easy to drink. The WT101 is spot on, it's everything a bourbon should be.
Curt (sp.) Great list I would substitute Maker's Mark for Early Times(it can be hard to find) and Maker's being a Wheat vs Rye it helps show beginners like me the difference wheat makes.
As a relative newbie, I really enjoy the WT 101, also Bulliet and Buffalo Trace ... thanks for the vid guys ! Evan Williams looks like something I'll be seeking ! Cheers
It is my Birthday today and though I have finally know where to fine Old Forester Rye, while I was out today I picked up an Old Forester 86 on sale for $22. Looking forward to try it.
My brother started me with Woodford Reserve. I think Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Michter's US 1 Small Batch and Michter's American, all would be on my list to introduce a friend to bourbon.
Great idea for a video! I agree with the commenter who suggested making it an annual event as things DO change from year-to-year. As for an idea for a new video, how about the same approach but looking at “cocktail” bourbons? Another idea: a Bourbon 101 video covering things like “mash bill” and what the different combos do to flavor, who the “major” distillers are and which brands belong to whom, standards (if there are any) for “cask strength”, what the “char levels” are for barrels, and what’s “typical”, etc. Living in Napa, I’ve learned a lot about wine, and can GUESS at some of these things regarding bourbon (and other whiskeys), but I’d love to “know”.
What's not to love about WT and the OF. I would swapout the Ancient Age (too harsh for beginners in my opinion) and add in Maker' Mark. It's a wheater so it would be softer and a little sweeter on the palette then the higher rye bourbons. Especially if the newbie is coming from a rum background as I did many years ago.
I’ve been a long-time scotch drinker - Dewars neat. Recently, my son-in-law gave me a shot of Makers Mark and I liked it. So I bought a bottle. I’m about halfway through it now and am thinking about trying OF 101 next.
Evan Williams Single Barrel and the WT 101- great choices for beginners or experienced bourbon lovers- great choices, great channel- thanks Kurt, really enjoy your take on these
I really enjoy your channel, keep up the great work. I recently started getting into whiskey and appreciate your honest opinion. Even though I didn’t enter, I enjoyed watching the bourbon madness tournament!
My first suggestion to anyone new to whisky would be to learn how to drink it first! When I got into it first, I didn't like whiskey neat because I thought it burned too much. It took me a while to realize that I was drinking too much each sip. The best analogy that helped me was drinking it like a really hot cup of tea or coffee. Just a very small amount and let it pass over the lips first, not straight to the tongue and don't just immediately swallow it like taking a shot. As far as finding new whiskeys, airplane bottles and local bars are your friend. Most liquor stores will have a large variety of 50ml bottles for $1-2. Most of those are typical mixing whiskeys but some places will have things like bulleit, gentleman's jack, woodford reserve and makers mark for $3 or less. If you have a local bar that has a large whiskey selection, go there and talk to the bartenders. Figure out what bartenders work there that are whiskey drinkers and what days they work. As a bartender myself, I LOVE talking to new people about whiskey and making recommendations. A good bartender that knows what they're doing can set you up with something you'll like for $8 or less and you have a lot more options. I recommend going on a weekday afternoon if you can so they aren't so busy and have time to really talk to you. Other than that, just remember that everyone has a different pallet and the most important thing is that you enjoy what you drink. Don't get caught up on what other people think are good whiskeys or what flavor profile they smell and taste. The only thing that matters is how a whiskey tastes to you and whether the price point is worth it to you.
I would suggest taking advantage of tastings at distilleries as well as retailers (if that is an option in your state). I just did a tasting at End of Days distillery in Wilmington, NC spoke to one of the owners (it is quite new) and got a tour and tasting all for free. Their stuff was spot on. One I would add that is a sweeter, easier to drink whisky is Baby Blue by Balcones. I know it has a heavy blue corn mash bill but don't recall if it qualifies as a bourbon, or not.
Additional info I didn't remember the story..."The whiskey is named for its mash bill and it’s aging. The former points to it’s 100% Hopi blue corn, while the latter points to a short aging in used 5-gallon barrels. That small barrel aging would become a signature of early craft whiskey, and the use of used barrels is mandated by Federal corn whiskey regulations. The blue corn mash, however, remains a novel feature, even several years later. An added, unusual note is that corn whiskey usually isn’t aged, let alone aged in small barrels. It’s not chill filtered and bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV)." So not even close to a bourbon, by definition.
Great Video, thanks a lot. I often have problems to understand english/american natives, but I love the way you speak! Here in Germany, Bourbon unfortunately is not very popular. Scotch is more common. But your channel really opens the world and shows the great varieties! Thanks a lot!
I have been getting more into bourbon recently in part thanks to your channel and would have to say Maker’s Mark and Old Forester 100 have steered me in the right direction. Keep up the great content!
I'm only about 18 months into my bourbon / whiskey journey. The first few buys I made were, Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve, Angels Envy, Elijah Craig SB, Willett Pot Still & Buffalo Trace. I liked all of them but of those first purchases as a noob I liked the Makers and the Angel's Envy the very best.
Amazing! Your first 4 are what I started with! Love Ancient Age on ice as everyday sip. Can't beat the price. We like high rye offerings. Bulleit, WT 101, and ET fit the bill. Nice job on the video!
I'm really new too. I haven't bought a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 yet, but it will be soon. I'm also drinking everything neat or in an Old Fashioned as well!
10:12 I really like your show, and your philosophy that if it tastes good, it is good. I started off with wine both red and white since taking an enology class in college at Fresno State and my instructor had your same approach. Any how thanks for the show it’s great, keep it coming!
I was told last week by my Local liquor store that Evan Williams single barrel will only be sold in Kentucky. They received their last shipment last week and jacked the price up $6 more a bottle and limited one bottle per customer.
First, great list SBL Drinks, I think of when I first started out and think hmmm are we talking about mixing or neat? I started with makers mark and to my chagrin there was more water than bourbon in my cup but I did so for a while. Bullet bourbon, buffalo trace, and elijah craig are all great mixers for an old fashioned which is what I did after. Once I decided to have the pallet for neat bourbon flavor and deeper appreciation, things began to change. Some of my past/beginning favorites neat were Elijah Craig small batch, George Dickel single barrel(favorite at the time and one I like to go to still), Wild turkey 101, and Four Roses. A few years have past since then for me as im still on that train. I really have had an appreciation for barrel picks as of late because I get to mess with single barrels each time. I appreciate what goes into making it and love to try new bourbons. I agree with one of your past videos Jefferson's ocean isnt the best tasting but i like to keep a bottle around because its not a bad bourbon. When it comes to hosting there is no other like it. The story is awesome to tell friends who are new to bourbon and seeing how much they enjoy a pour. I cant say what my favorite pour is now because each has its own character. I will say ive been playing around with different finishing casks and even different Irish Whiskeys or cognacs which has been a treat. Cheers to you Sir!
Well done as always Kurt and crew. I run an events services company that works directly with the local liquor stores & does bourbon flights & tastings at many different events including higher end events. When I’m doing a basics flight here are my basic 5 flight: I agree with the Wild Turkey 101 and Old Forrester. Buffalo Trace is definitely in there, then I go Woodford Reserve and Makers Mark or Elijah Craig Small Batch. Newbies seem to like them all & go to our bars we have at the events & order one (or more) of them neat, straight up, or in a whiskey cocktail like an Old Fashioned, a Sazerac, or a Sour. All great starters & all are enjoyed by even the advanced bourbon drinker.
Had my first bourbon in the mid 1960's and I remember that it was the 4 Roses one grandfather drank. That same family visit, I tried the WT101 the other grandfather drank and Eddie Russell owned me! My father was drinking Haven Hill at the time, so I had a good introduction to bourbon. In 2023, my faves are WT101 and EW BIB.. Excellent video!
Great show Kurt. With the exception of the Ancient Age, which I've not yet tried, I couldn't agree more with your list. If I could put a sub with my experience for the Ancient Age, it would probably be Makers Mark, or perhaps Jim Beam Black which I think would fit your profile and criteria perfectly. I would like to see you do a "BEST 5 Scotches for BEGINNERS" video, which would help me out, as I'm trying to get into Scotch. 🙂
Thanks Kurt and crew for your guidance in my Bourbon journey. As a Canadian, I don't have many Bourbon role models but your recommendations are sound and helping me lots. Thanks SLB gang and keep on putting out those videos.
I just bought the Michters American and I whole heartedly agree. Really thought you’d recommend 1792. It goes for less than $30 in Oklahoma. Actually less than the Michters here. Thanks love the shows.
I love your videos and respect your style, honesty, and opinion. Awesome channel! If, I were to advise a beginner on bourbons. I would think they should know what a boubon is and how it is different from a whiskey or a scotch. Could you do a video on that for a novice? Then maybe a video for tge intermediates on the nuances of the bourbon whiskies?
My wife (beginner whiskey drinker) and I did a blind tasting of Wild Turkey 101, Makers Mark, Redemption Bourbon, and Buffalo Trace. She only liked Redemption. Shockingly, I also liked it the best.
Thanks again for another enjoyable video, I’m putting the Evan Williams Single Barrel on my list, I really like the EV Bottle and Bond so I’m looking forward to trying the single barrel
I'm not a bourbon gay, I love single malt whisky, lagavulin, Laphroaig and ardberg... You make me try and love American whiskey 101 and old forester Thanks, big appreciation
If your able to find Very Old Barton 86 proof green label or 100 proof white label give those a try. They have an incredible profile flavor, and very good drinkability. I was able to stock up when we traveled to Kentucky. These were readily available everywhere
Early Times and WT101 would make any list of favorite bourbons in my opinion…starter bourbons or other.. just great flavor profiles without even considering price point.. i’m a little worried about the early times since they have been sold.. Harder to find Here in North Carolina.. I am hoping they don’t change the taste.. once again a great video!!
Just started getting into whiskey in the past month or so. Started with woodford reserve and fell in love with it. Then tried some different scotches like Johnny walker black, and monkey shoulder. Really liked those a lot. So I tried ardbeg an oa. Needless to say I still have to work up to scotches with that much punch to them lol. Love your channel bunches. Got me to try bulleit rye and wild turkey 101. And fell in love with those two as well. You’re definitely helping liquor sales in my local stores😂
OF 86 is a fantastic beginner bourbon. I would add OF 100 as another. May sound redundant but IMHO OF 100 has some very different notes and certainly if you are including WT 101 it fits in there nicely.
A bottle that’s a little more expensive then these but great to start is the standard woodford reserve. Such a simple, well put together bourbon that’s easy to drink
Nice selection of beginner pours. Had them all except AA (though Buffalo Trace is my favorite distiller with Brown-Forman (OF) a close 2nd. One bottle that I would suggest: as I went through Louisville last summer I bought a bottle of Very Old Barton, mostly because of the price: 10.99. I can find it locally for $15 or so, so a great price point and a lovely drinkable bourbon, especially for beginners. It seems to me to have all the classic bourbon tastes but slightly lacking in finish. . btw Buff Trace is my go to everyday, and it has been easier to find all over for the past 6-8 months.
I am new to Bourbon so I have been making my journey through TH-cam to learn. The first bottle of Bourbon I bought for myself was Wild Turkey Rare Breed. I thought it was a great place for me to start. My second bottle was Buffalo Trace. I have really enjoyed both bottles so far and look forward to getting a few more bottles this weekend to add to my collection. note: I have enjoyed several Scotches over the years and Ardbeg and Lagavulin are some of my favorites so the cask strength of the rare breed wasn't too overwhelming.
And here I am starting out a little over a year ago with OF 1920, WR Double Oaked, Basil Hayden, and Four Roses single barrel. Could've started out MUCH cheaper 😅 Great videos. Learning a lot from you.
Thanks for another great review on a topic of import. You almost lost me with your first recommendation however. I agree with your special mention selections and 4 of your “top 5.” Ancient Age? That is the bourbon my father had in his liquor cabinet. I knew it was low cost but I also remember vividly, my first exposure to bourbon. It was his Ancient Age. My dad was my hero in every way possible so my first conclusion after drinking Ancient Age was, I guess I don’t like bourbon. This exposure led me to be a beer drinker for the next 15 years! Only after experiencing better bourbons was I able to say, I like bourbon. I went back to try Ancient Age as a more experienced consumer and found it to still be undrinkable. I guess my hero dad was just cheap with his bourbon. Your criteria of proof point and price makes sense but you need to consider elevating the floor of your price point. Thanks
Lol I hear you on the AA and respect your opinion. I really wanted to include a bottom shelfer and Trent and I tasted several but decided on the AA. Appreciate your thoughts!
I'm in NY and prices always seem to be about 10-15% more. Before I tried getting into Bourbon, I would often grab the EW BIB for about $16. Now, with so many people jumping into bourbon, it's $23. Not bad, but I'm on the fence if it's worth the extra $7 as a sipper. I need to try the Early Times BIB. I think for a really inexpensive intro, Zackariah Harris is a decent one to try. It's about $25 for a 1.75L near me. For $30, I'd throw in Elijah Craig Small Batch. So smooth.
I started with VOB 90, went to Woodford Reserve, and then to Elijah Craig. I wouldn't start ppl off at 100 proofers though. Also, I'd suggest buying 375s if they're available
Excellent video both in content and production. Add two more Heaven Hill products to the list .... Fighting Cock and Evan Williams 1783 .... both at around $20 and available.
Thanks for your reply. Really enjoy your presentations because 1) you include family, 2) topics are interesting, 3) the production quality is great. I'm 76 and just got into bourbon two years ago after a lifetime of enjoying beer. Strictly bourbon now.
My suggestion isn't a bottle to try. Since you and viewers covered those well. My advice is to buy the smallest bottle size you can. Sometimes it is the 750ml, but there's nothing wrong with the 375's or even the 50ml bottles. This way you can try a huge variety with minimal investment.
Excellent advice!
I came to give the exact same advice! I had tried whiskeys and bourbons for decades at bars/restaurants but I really wanted to get into them seriously. I took 40 bucks to a local liquor store, got a 750ml of EW BiB, 350ml of Buffalo Trace, a 350 ml of WT101, and money left over. :) Gave me a great sense of the basic flavors of bourbon, differences by distilleries, and most importantly set a bar in terms of flavor and the cost I am expected to pay. It's unfortunate that the higher quality bourbons are only in full sized bottles since I only go through a few bottles a year, so I was so grateful to get the small bottles to try when I was starting out.
I’ve tried a few….I liked Buffalo trace, Monkey shoulder, Maker’s Mark, but didn’t like Pendleton or Johnny walker black label (too smoky tasting).
Jamison is good too, but almost too smooth, like not enough body, aroma or something…
Monkey shoulder and jw are scotches, pendleton is canadian and jameson is Irish. Only buffalo trace and mm are bourbons.
Great advice, those bottles add up fast too when you don’t finish them all😂
I have every bottle mentioned in my bar but I think the #1 beginner bourbon is 1792 Small Batch. Haven’t had a man or woman dislike it yet.
I am very much a beginner. This channel is my 100% go to for information.
The first bourbon was a shot of Makers Mark I couldn't tell you how many years ago.
Flash forward close to a couple decades.
As the enlisted part of a company command team (1SG), the best Commander I ever served with shared a bottle of Basil Hayden's. Now I am a bourbon fan. I've bought a few types. Old Forrester 86 was the first I bought, then Elijah Craig Small Batch. There has only been a couple more, but I'm enjoying everything so far.
Thank you Kurt for not just the education but also grade A entertainment
Old Forrester 86 was my
Appreciate your kind words! I would have included BH and Angels Envy but did not due to price but both are excellent started!
Snobs will tell you Basil is dog shit, it's not the best neet or on rocks, but it kills in Manhattans and Old Fashions. It's also only 80 proof, so it's good for beginners.
From your top 5 I have Wild Turkey 101 and Evan Williams Single Barrel. I found the Wild Turkey to be a bit spicy for me so I did your trick of adding a water bottle cap of water. I am only in my third month of being a bourbon drinker but quite enjoy the hobby. So far I have 12 Bourbons and one scotch on my shelf. My nearly 77 year-old taste buds aren't real sharp but I can pick out differences from bottle to bottle, My first trip to the liqueur store got me Buffalo Trace, Makers 46 and Elijah Craig for my start into the world of bourbon. Really enjoy you videos. Thanks for all the advice Curt.
That’s great bottles you chose to start with! Really happy you are enjoying the channel!
Back in the '60s I drank what my Dad drank - I.W. Harper 100. However, as an entry level bourbon I'd suggest Evan Williams Black. I still keep a bottle around to use in the BBQ sauce and I can still drink it when I want something light.
When you get comfortable at around 100 proof I'd suggest Old Forester BiB. It's pure cherry candy, if you are into that profile. Their standard 100 proof is good too. Has a bit of banana and brown sugar. Actually you are probably well past that now your comment is 2 years old. Sorry man
I have only been into bourbon for about 4 months. One of the very first videos I watched was your top five bourbons for under $30 because I wanted good options at a reasonable price. I have bought every bourbon on that top 5 list. I do have to say I enjoyed the Knob Creek and the Larceny the best but they all were good. I have enjoyed your videos ever since. Your videos are always great on information and your presentation always makes the viewer feel like they are sitting at the bar talking to a friend who just happens to be the bartender. Keep up the great work. God bless. My list would be Knob Creek 9 year, Old Forester Signature 100 proof, Elijah Craig small batch and Larceny.
I'm very new to bourbon, and tried Larceny at a friend's bachelor party the other night. I absolutely loved it. It really prompted me to start learning more about bourbon!
I agree, great choices. Love the Buffalo Trace! It's the one that goes in a flask for sipping around a fire.
I drink it straight out the bottle big pulls and get hammered at the bonfire love it
Nice list! Here are the 5 I recommend to my friends beginning their journey: Makers Mark (Wheater), Knob Creek (Nutty), Wild Turkey 101 (Spice), Old Forester 100 (Dark Fruit), and Four Roses SB (High Rye).
Great list!
Next Level.. I hear you. That's another show.
Oh that Four Roses is incredible
I got my wife into bourbon with Jim Beam white label. Had her taste it and kept adding water until she found it palatable. Over time she made it to neat and became aware of the flavor profile. Then she started trying many different whiskeys. She's a huge whiskey fan about a year after despising it.
Great idea with the addition of water!
I still go back to Red Stagg some.
@@slbdrinks called Mizuwari in japan.
I am pretty new to bourbon, not to whisky, have had some experience with scotchs.
My favorites so far are:
1. Eagle rare
2. 1792 small batch
3. Four roses single barrel
4. Wild Turkey 101
5. Evan Williams single barrel (vintage 2010)
I still struggle a bit with the ones above 100 proof.
And I live in Europe, so some Bourbons I just can't find, eventhough I really would love to try them.
Thanks for a great channel :-)
Best regards from Denmark
Thank you sir! Great choices!
I started tasting bourbon & scotch in 2020, as a pandemic hobby:). And I watched videos like this to determine which ones I should try, as a beginner. The basic Elijah Craig and Evan Williams Single Barrel were my first two bottles bought. I was lucky enough to stumble onto Woodford Reserve Double -Oaked as my third bottle - which is still my favorite to-date (in terms of an always-available bourbon). I totally agree on the Michter's American Whiskey - Very drinkable and flavorful, even not being technically bourbon due to the used barrels (as opposed to new).
Evan Williams 1783 and Bulleit Bourbon started it off for me. Looking back the advice I'd give is go to the mini section. Start off there with the 200ml to 375ml bottles. Then get small bottles of each and don't rush. Get the WT101, Elijah Craig and a Makers 46. Definitely agree on Price and Proof. Don't go past 45% ABV.
Great thoughts!
Bulleit is pretty good. My first rye whiskey was Bulleit. Highly recommend it for a beginner.
I recently picked up a bottle of Old Forester 86 and Evan Williams single barrel as entry points into bourbon so it's nice to know I'm on the right track. So far I've only opened the OF but I love it!
Great job! Really glad you liked it!
I’d also say regular makers mark, woodford reserve, and Jim beam black label are good beginner bourbons as well. Those are just a few of the bottles that got me into bourbon. In my opinion they are all somewhat easy to drink, have different flavors between each bottle, and also are good for the whiskey cocktails I like to make.
I GOTTA SAY I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS AND APPROACH. Kurt/Curt you can really see the passion and, even though I've been into bourbons (Kentucky boy) for a few years now, you make me want to explore some brands even more. I've will definitely try a couple of these only because of your descriptions. Very much appreciate it!!!
I really hope you find a few you love! Kurt is the correct spelling fyi
I'm more of a rye or Irish whiskey drinker and this makes me feel more confident about trying bourbon. Oddly, the only one of these I know for sure I've seen in our local shop is Buffalo Trace. But this is rural Montana - the store is smaller than my bedroom and the only shop in the county. 😁
That’s awesome lol! Well, if they have BT run with it!
Just for a bit of a laugh, the first bourbon I ever tasted was Bourbon Supreme. In 1969 I was stationed at Nakhom Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base. It was $1.70 for a quart.
Wow now that’s an awesome memory! Thank you for sharing!
I think these are good recommendations.
Some things I tried early and am glad I did and would recommend:
Try at least 1 wheat
Try better bourbon ($25-30).
Some really cheap bottles are just not good and may turn you off to bourbon.
Try multiple different rye levels, proof points and viscosities.
Some examples
Makers mark (16% wheat) 110 proof
Wild Turkey 101 (13% rye) 101 proof BUDGET
Old Forester 86 (18% rye) 86 proof BUDGET
1792 (18% rye) 93 proof
Four Roses single barrel (35% rye) 100 proof
-This was the first time I had an oily bourbon, or visible legs on the glass.
Good luck on your journey!
Some favorites after a few years of my own journey:
Elijah Craig small batch
4 Roses Single Barrel
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Coopers Craft (100)
Knob Creek (100)
Old Forester 1920
Old Forester 86
1792 Small batch
I couldn’t agree more with you Kurt on the old Forester. If you were to get one collection as a beginner I would say to get the old forester line for sure
Definitely!
I have introduced many new bourbon friends to Old Forester 86 and all have loved it. My #1 for beginners. Thank you. Mike Atlanta GA
Hard to go wrong with that bottle!
Still a beginner and although I’ve tried most of your recommendations, Four Roses small batch is still the only one I actually find enjoyable.
Four roses was my first ever bourbon. I would try wild turkey 101, makers mark 46, Evan Williams and Elijah Craig small batch. Do not spend more than £30-£40 on your beginner bourbons.
Excellent advice!
Four Roses “yellow label” is a great starter. I still love it.
Great list. I’m a fan of four out of five. I’ve not tried the Ancient Age, so I’m getting a bottle today. Never can go wrong with Kurt’s recommendations.
Hopefully you will like it. For 10.00 it’s hard to go wrong!
I'm fairly new to bourbons. One I love that I think would be good for beginners is George Reamus. Lower proof, around $32, I'll buy me another. Love the channel.
Great recommendation thank you!
I really enjoy your content and delivery, it's great to see father and son having a good time doing something together with different opinions! Trent I bought my first CASK strength Bondstone Cask Whiskey 61.4% according to the label. I have started my bourbon collection for sharing with family and friends, so most is lower proof! My first taste was very BOLD tingle in the nose, eyes watered a bit, kind of took my breath! I then started the process adding a couple drops of water Better then 1 ice cube swirl until glass was cold then tasted again! Long story short it is now one of my favorites truly a whiskey with a range of flavor that can be adjusted to the flavor you enjoy most!
I would recommend starting at even lower proofs. I think the 100 proof ones you have MIGHT be too much for entry level. Really depends on the person, but if they find 100 proof too much, then OF 86 (on your list), Wild Turkey 81, Jim Beam and Jack all very affordable and in that 80-90 proof range. I have not had Benchmark but might be an option as well.
80-90 proof is a great place to start!
It really depends. If its a newbie doing cocktails I would suggest something far different than a newbie trying out a neat or rocks pour. A buddy of mine wanted to try a bourbon neat so I got him a pour of Woodford Double Oak and that converted him to trying all of the bourbons neat rather than mixing or over ice.
Great choice!
These were well thought out! I like Larceny as well as a starter. That's was the first time I could taste the sweet vanilla and I. Was hooked!
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!
This is the great thing about being part of a bourbon (or any whisk(e)y) community, is the people, like Kurt here, that can give a person pointers on how to approach this topic in a way that doesn't scare a person away. Good on ya, Brother Kurt!!! I, personally, appreciate you pointing me to many whiskeys, including Old Forrester offerings, Wild Turkey 101 and Russell's Reserve, and Bardstown offerings.
I remember walking up to the bourbon section, at my local liquor superstore, and having no clue where to start. I lucked out, one particulart time, when I ran into a co-worker that had a bit more bourbon experience, and he pointed me to an entry Four Roses, which I enjoyed. When I went back to give him feedback, I started running into more and more individuals that had a passion point for specific offerings, and this led me to venture out a bit more. The big tipper came when I was invited to come to a WEEKENDS IN WHISKEY event, and stood in a line of avid whiskey lovers. It was a bit of a rush to be in the middle of all this joy for bourbon & whiskey...and it cemented, in my mind, that I came to the right place...I learned a LOT that month.
Appreciate your kind words! Excellent advice concerning seeking knowledge from those with more experience.
As a Brit I was more into scotch, BUT after seeing your recommendations, I tried WT 101, I would say if the proof point is too high, ice! or as with scotch a drop of water, this can help ease you in! especially if you are not used to spirits. Over here Jack Daniels single barrel is 90 proof only (although not bourbon I know) this is so much better than std JD, it has become one of my favourite drinks.
BTW WT101 comes out close to $50 here , JD single barrel around $75 - cheers Kurt
Great advice concerning a bit of water or ice to tame the flame! Thanks for checking in!
So for me starting in bourbon I liked Elijah Craig and Buffalo trace, as well as Evan Williams single barrel which you mentioned. I know the other two are a little more in price however one thing that I did for myself is i bought a few of the mini bottles of stuff to try the 50ml ones. For the wild turkey it was on $2 and it let me try several right off. I didnt like Knob Creek when I began but now it's one of my favorites, amazing how the pallet develops. Woodford Reserve is a GREAT one to try in a mini bottle.
Mini bottles is an excellent idea to try different bourbons for little cost!
This is a fine lesson with good advice, Kurt. I have to agree with some others that pushing 100 proof probably is too much proof for most beginners, though, regardless of the quality of WT 101.
It's very easy to get caught up in the hype and excitement and start chasing fine, expensive whiskies, and the big cask strength, barrel proof beasts that everybody seems to talk about. (I've done it.) For beginners to Bourbon, and to whiskey in general, one should build one's tastes slowly.
Your recommendations are good, except my caution about the 100 proof bottles. OF 86 is especially good. I also suggest Four Roses yellow, Benchmark, MM, maybe McKenna 80, and EW 1783. BT would be solid, if one can get it.
I never see any Michter's in my Oregon shops. It may be a little pricey, too, for beginners.
Carry on the good work, and cheers!
Great recommendations!
Good list, I’d also add Makers Mark 46 and Woodford Reserve double oak. If you like Makers you can go try a bunch of different wheaters. If you like Woodford there are some double barrels to explore like Old Forester 1910.
These are the ones that first got me into drinking whiskey neat.
I love the Old Forrester and Wild Turkey 101. I'll have to try the Evan Williams Single Barrel. Great video as always. Thanks!
Hope you love it!
I would pick 3 starter bourbons to start with: Wild Turkey 101, 1792 Small Batch, and Old Forester 86 or 100. Honorable mention OGD114 (can be a bit powerful for a beginner) but is actually quite nice for the price and has a different flavor profile than the others I mentioned and would be a good step up into the higher proof range once the bourbon palate is becoming established.
You wound up with 5 anyways. Nobody said two couldn't be from the same distillery. 86 and 100 BIB OF are pretty different. I just had 86 all day Easter with dinner.
Great recommendations!
Your Picks Are Great!! I gave your comment a Thumbs Up! 🤠😎👍🇺🇸👨🏻🚀🥃
Beretta9MMUSA Sr.
Elijah craig , makers 46, knob creek, woodford reserve were some of my favorites starting out as well as the early times and old forester bottled in bond. Anything from Chattanooga whiskey is amazing maybe start with the 91 its really good but a tad pricey for some beginners but it is worth it 👌 😉 even regular makers or larceny is also a nice sipper as well if they like sweeter bourbons
Great thoughts! Thanks!
A great informative list, even for those who are not exactly beginners...because there's always something new to learn and experience. Three of the five (EW Single Barrel, OF 86, and Turkey 101 have been on my go-to list for some time, especially the 101. Wild Turkey was my original Bourbon when I started drinking whiskey regularly back in college days, and I've enjoyed various Old Forester products for quite a while as well. I didn't really get into Evan Williams until I visited Heaven Hill and sampled some several years ago; I had it pegged as a bottom shelf Bourbon. However, Evan Williams Single Barrel is great, although I admit, I like the 100 Proof BIB more as a day-to-day Bourbon. Ancient Age has sort of flown below the radar for me, so I may have to invest a sawbuck and see what I've been missing. Same for Early Times. Thanks for another great video; I have to say that some of the folks who do these types of programs seem to be more concerned with presenting or maintaining a particular image, or with trying to be comedians. Your presentation is straightforward, informative, accessible, and not about yourself as much as about the endlessly fascinating subject of whiskey, especially Bourbon.
Thanks so much for the kind words and also very knowledgeable comment! Appreciate you!
Well said, Harry!
Buffalo Trace bounces back and forth on whether it’s easy to find around me but I’d agree that it’s a very good starter option. Nice low proof and classic flavors. All the Michtners products are very good though, at least here, would be at the upper end of the price range you suggested (which I also think was good advice). The Evan Williams is actually pretty rare out here. It’s a very good choice but it’s harder to find than the Buffalo Trace. The other option that I might suggest would be the Four Roses Small Batch. It’s about $34 around here at least. I think it has some more complexity than the BT for instance while still being easy to drink.
Been a while since I have had the small batch bottle. Need to get that!
Good choices to start. Better mixers than sippers. I loved Buffalo Trace when I started; still do.
If I go WAY BACK, I started with Wild Turkey in high school. I don’t recall which variety it was but I do remember that it tasted awful. As an adult, I got back into bourbon with Jim Beam Black. Tasty and inexpensive but I don’t drink it anymore. From there, I moved on to Knob Creek 9 year and Woodford Reserve. I would still recommend both of these today. Over the years I have tried countless brands and varieties in all different price ranges. For me, big ticket bourbons just don’t make much of a difference compared to mid shelf (and even some bottom shelf) offerings. So these days I enjoy Wild Turkey 101, Old Grand Dad 114, Evan Williams 1783, and Four Roses Small Batch as my “always in stock” bourbons. None of these offerings are over $35 and all of them are truly delicious.
Excellent view point when it comes to bourbon! Thanks for the recommendations!
I have most of these…. Your picks are Excellent!!!
🤠😎👍🇺🇸🥃👨🏻🚀🎥👽
Beretta9MMUSA Sr.
Thanks Kurt! I can’t always find Early Times in my area so I think a good sub would be Old Forester 100. I also think for the money the Benchmark line is a decent bourbon for new people to try.
Benchmark does have some great choices!
first Bourbon I tried was Knob Creek 9, loved it, thanks for your recommendation, it's reasonably priced and taste good. I also loved the Elijah Craig smallbatch. Never thought I would love tasting different bourbons, I'm so glad I came across your youtube channel.
Appreciate you!
Living in Brazil my options are limited but with my very friendly sellers I can still get great bourbons. My favorite is still Four Roses Single Barrel, followed by Wild Turquey 101, Buffalo Trace and Evan Williams.
Great choices!
I started with OF 100 (it was a gift) and I liked it but didn’t love it. I bought a bottle of Four Roses and loved it, then found a bottle of BT and loved it too. After a while I went back to that OF 100 and it’s my new daily sipper. Just had to warm my palate up I reckon lol
Perfect example of working your way up the ladder!
Started almost the same bought buffalo trace then got four roses want to get knob creek since it’s higher proof
Found your page tonight and absolutely love it. Living in Nashville I’m right in the heart of the bourbon - whiskey country. If you one of the purist. Well I’m not a complete newbie, I am enjoying what I’m learning and like to learn more. I have a very good shop near where I live with a very knowledgeable staff and I learned a bunch from them, but often you wonder if their opinions may be skewed by other loyalties. I actually live very close to local distillery, Leiper‘s Fork distillery which I think is putting out some very nice product.
One of your excellent , to the point presentations. I've enjoyed all 5 of these, and yes, they are bargains. Every bourbon cabinet should contain WT 101. Ancient Age is an underrated low price pour. I like it! 😉 Thanks
I might add 1792 Small Batch in there, since it's got so much going on in the nose & palate, without being a super-high proof. @ just < $30 in these parts, it probably wouldn't feel too spendy for most.
Great addition!
I agree 1792 is one of the best kept secrets out there. Also a cool experience at the 1792 Barton distillery. Great bunch of people down there.
Agree, but if you want a tour do by end of June, including gift shop. Very nice tour and great people.
Big issue with my beginner friends who visit my basement bar for a tasting is they don't know how to sip bourbon and enjoy the nuances of each sip. They drink instead of sip. I've learned to pour just enough in a glass for a sip and instruct them on how to let flow from the tip of tongue to the back. Like you, I enjoy the Wild Turkey products. Russells Reserve single barrel is my favorite with Rare Breed a close second. Only Wild Turkey product I didn't adapt my palate for is the Longbranch. Received a bottle as a gift that set on my shelf for a year. Read a tip from one of your viewers about mixing so I did a Longbranch pour with Rare Breed, 1 to 1 ratio, and Voila! turned into a delicious pour. My personal recommendation for a beginner is Elijah Craig small batch. $35 a bottle here. It was probably one of the 1st 5 I purchased and I continue to enjoy still today. Lot of value for the flavor it provides.
Lots of good stuff in your comment! Thank you!
Hey Kurt, bought my first bourbon bottle (Basil Hayden) this Xmas, as I’ve grown up in a scotch family. I stumbled on to your channel and I’ve bought a Buffalo Trace and An Elijah Craig….looking forward to cracking them open this weekend. Great work on your channel….thanks for helping us noobs!
I would add Yellow Rose to the list. It's got a nice sweetness to it and doesn't have a harsh kick to it at all, very smooth an easy to drink. The WT101 is spot on, it's everything a bourbon should be.
Thanks for the recommendation!
New subscriber, fellow Hoosier. Good vids! Been getting into Bourbon and Whiskey with my wife in the last year. Great info on this channel. Thanks!
Thanks so much and welcome!
Curt (sp.) Great list I would substitute Maker's Mark for Early Times(it can be hard to find) and Maker's being a Wheat vs Rye it helps show beginners like me the difference wheat makes.
MM is a great beginner bourbon!
Couldn't agree with you more re: Michter's American. The sweetness in that bottle really surprise me. Great video topic!
I think that bottle gets overlooked! Very good!
As a relative newbie, I really enjoy the WT 101, also Bulliet and Buffalo Trace ... thanks for the vid guys ! Evan Williams looks like something I'll be seeking ! Cheers
Look for the EW 1783 small batch too. It's probably the best sub $20 bottle available right now
Thank you! Agreed on the 1783 that’s a great bottle as well!
It is my Birthday today and though I have finally know where to fine Old Forester Rye, while I was out today I picked up an Old Forester 86 on sale for $22. Looking forward to try it.
Great! Hope you love it!
My brother started me with Woodford Reserve. I think Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Michter's US 1 Small Batch and Michter's American, all would be on my list to introduce a friend to bourbon.
Great choices!
Great idea for a video! I agree with the commenter who suggested making it an annual event as things DO change from year-to-year.
As for an idea for a new video, how about the same approach but looking at “cocktail” bourbons?
Another idea: a Bourbon 101 video covering things like “mash bill” and what the different combos do to flavor, who the “major” distillers are and which brands belong to whom, standards (if there are any) for “cask strength”, what the “char levels” are for barrels, and what’s “typical”, etc. Living in Napa, I’ve learned a lot about wine, and can GUESS at some of these things regarding bourbon (and other whiskeys), but I’d love to “know”.
Thanks so much for the great ideas!
What's not to love about WT and the OF. I would swapout the Ancient Age (too harsh for beginners in my opinion) and add in Maker' Mark. It's a wheater so it would be softer and a little sweeter on the palette then the higher rye bourbons. Especially if the newbie is coming from a rum background as I did many years ago.
I agree completely. This list needs a wheated bourbon to really round out the flavor profiles.
Good addition!
I’ve been a long-time scotch drinker - Dewars neat. Recently, my son-in-law gave me a shot of Makers Mark and I liked it. So I bought a bottle. I’m about halfway through it now and am thinking about trying OF 101 next.
Evan Williams Single Barrel and the WT 101- great choices for beginners or experienced bourbon lovers- great choices, great channel- thanks Kurt, really enjoy your take on these
Thank you!
Very nostalgic. I lived in Ky. for 26 yrs (Bourbon Co.) and in the 80s started with AA, EW, Ezra Brooks. Later WT101. Fun to reminisce. Good job!
I really enjoy your channel, keep up the great work. I recently started getting into whiskey and appreciate your honest opinion. Even though I didn’t enter, I enjoyed watching the bourbon madness tournament!
Appreciate your involvement in the channel!
My first suggestion to anyone new to whisky would be to learn how to drink it first! When I got into it first, I didn't like whiskey neat because I thought it burned too much. It took me a while to realize that I was drinking too much each sip. The best analogy that helped me was drinking it like a really hot cup of tea or coffee. Just a very small amount and let it pass over the lips first, not straight to the tongue and don't just immediately swallow it like taking a shot.
As far as finding new whiskeys, airplane bottles and local bars are your friend. Most liquor stores will have a large variety of 50ml bottles for $1-2. Most of those are typical mixing whiskeys but some places will have things like bulleit, gentleman's jack, woodford reserve and makers mark for $3 or less. If you have a local bar that has a large whiskey selection, go there and talk to the bartenders. Figure out what bartenders work there that are whiskey drinkers and what days they work. As a bartender myself, I LOVE talking to new people about whiskey and making recommendations. A good bartender that knows what they're doing can set you up with something you'll like for $8 or less and you have a lot more options. I recommend going on a weekday afternoon if you can so they aren't so busy and have time to really talk to you.
Other than that, just remember that everyone has a different pallet and the most important thing is that you enjoy what you drink. Don't get caught up on what other people think are good whiskeys or what flavor profile they smell and taste. The only thing that matters is how a whiskey tastes to you and whether the price point is worth it to you.
I would suggest taking advantage of tastings at distilleries as well as retailers (if that is an option in your state). I just did a tasting at End of Days distillery in Wilmington, NC spoke to one of the owners (it is quite new) and got a tour and tasting all for free. Their stuff was spot on. One I would add that is a sweeter, easier to drink whisky is Baby Blue by Balcones. I know it has a heavy blue corn mash bill but don't recall if it qualifies as a bourbon, or not.
Additional info I didn't remember the story..."The whiskey is named for its mash bill and it’s aging. The former points to it’s 100% Hopi blue corn, while the latter points to a short aging in used 5-gallon barrels. That small barrel aging would become a signature of early craft whiskey, and the use of used barrels is mandated by Federal corn whiskey regulations. The blue corn mash, however, remains a novel feature, even several years later. An added, unusual note is that corn whiskey usually isn’t aged, let alone aged in small barrels. It’s not chill filtered and bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV)." So not even close to a bourbon, by definition.
Thank you for the recommendation! Appreciate your comment!
Great Video, thanks a lot. I often have problems to understand english/american natives, but I love the way you speak! Here in Germany, Bourbon unfortunately is not very popular. Scotch is more common. But your channel really opens the world and shows the great varieties! Thanks a lot!
Thanks so much for your nice words!
I have been getting more into bourbon recently in part thanks to your channel and would have to say Maker’s Mark and Old Forester 100 have steered me in the right direction. Keep up the great content!
I'm only about 18 months into my bourbon / whiskey journey. The first few buys I made were, Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve, Angels Envy, Elijah Craig SB, Willett Pot Still & Buffalo Trace. I liked all of them but of those first purchases as a noob I liked the Makers and the Angel's Envy the very best.
2 great choices to start with!
Amazing! Your first 4 are what I started with! Love Ancient Age on ice as everyday sip. Can't beat the price. We like high rye offerings. Bulleit, WT 101, and ET fit the bill. Nice job on the video!
I am relatively new to Bourbon but I would put Wild Turkey 101 up against many Bourbons at twice the price. Tastes great neat or in a Old Fashion.
I'm really new too. I haven't bought a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 yet, but it will be soon.
I'm also drinking everything neat or in an Old Fashioned as well!
@@loganwgriffith grab a bottle of the WT101, so good and very reasonable price
So hard to beat the 101!
10:12 I really like your show, and your philosophy that if it tastes good, it is good. I started off with wine both red and white since taking an enology class in college at Fresno State and my instructor had your same approach. Any how thanks for the show it’s great, keep it coming!
New to your site, love your presentation. I have 3 of your items at my bar now, although my Old Forester is the 100 proof. Thanks.
101 for sure!! When first time I tried it I fall in love with that bourbon!!
I was told last week by my Local liquor store that Evan Williams single barrel will only be sold in Kentucky. They received their last shipment last week and jacked the price up $6 more a bottle and limited one bottle per customer.
I really hope this is false….I live in Texas and this is my daily…..may have to go buy out all the stores here if it’s going to stop being sold here.
I sure hope not 😟
First, great list SBL Drinks, I think of when I first started out and think hmmm are we talking about mixing or neat? I started with makers mark and to my chagrin there was more water than bourbon in my cup but I did so for a while. Bullet bourbon, buffalo trace, and elijah craig are all great mixers for an old fashioned which is what I did after. Once I decided to have the pallet for neat bourbon flavor and deeper appreciation, things began to change. Some of my past/beginning favorites neat were Elijah Craig small batch, George Dickel single barrel(favorite at the time and one I like to go to still), Wild turkey 101, and Four Roses. A few years have past since then for me as im still on that train. I really have had an appreciation for barrel picks as of late because I get to mess with single barrels each time. I appreciate what goes into making it and love to try new bourbons. I agree with one of your past videos Jefferson's ocean isnt the best tasting but i like to keep a bottle around because its not a bad bourbon. When it comes to hosting there is no other like it. The story is awesome to tell friends who are new to bourbon and seeing how much they enjoy a pour. I cant say what my favorite pour is now because each has its own character. I will say ive been playing around with different finishing casks and even different Irish Whiskeys or cognacs which has been a treat. Cheers to you Sir!
What I did and suggest to people is to find and buy your local/state distilleries bourbon. A good start to a collection.
Well done as always Kurt and crew. I run an events services company that works directly with the local liquor stores & does bourbon flights & tastings at many different events including higher end events. When I’m doing a basics flight here are my basic 5 flight:
I agree with the Wild Turkey 101 and Old Forrester. Buffalo Trace is definitely in there, then I go Woodford Reserve and Makers Mark or Elijah Craig Small Batch. Newbies seem to like them all & go to our bars we have at the events & order one (or more) of them neat, straight up, or in a whiskey cocktail like an Old Fashioned, a Sazerac, or a Sour. All great starters & all are enjoyed by even the advanced bourbon drinker.
Great idea to add a solid wheated like MM!
Had my first bourbon in the mid 1960's and I remember that it was the 4 Roses one grandfather drank. That same family visit, I tried the WT101 the other grandfather drank and Eddie Russell owned me! My father was drinking Haven Hill at the time, so I had a good introduction to bourbon.
In 2023, my faves are WT101 and EW BIB.. Excellent video!
Great story!
Great show Kurt. With the exception of the Ancient Age, which I've not yet tried, I couldn't agree more with your list. If I could put a sub with my experience for the Ancient Age, it would probably be Makers Mark, or perhaps Jim Beam Black which I think would fit your profile and criteria perfectly.
I would like to see you do a "BEST 5 Scotches for BEGINNERS" video, which would help me out, as I'm trying to get into Scotch. 🙂
Hmmm great idea! Thank you!
Thanks Kurt and crew for your guidance in my Bourbon journey. As a Canadian, I don't have many Bourbon role models but your recommendations are sound and helping me lots. Thanks SLB gang and keep on putting out those videos.
Thank you for your kind words! Appreciate your involvement in the show!
Speaking of Canada, I found Pendleton 1910 Rye to be enjoyable.
I just bought the Michters American and I whole heartedly agree. Really thought you’d recommend 1792. It goes for less than $30 in Oklahoma. Actually less than the Michters here. Thanks love the shows.
Y'all videos have been super helpful with me now starting my bourbon journey!
Evan Williams single barrel is fantastic. In my opinion it’s easily the best on your list.
I just wish they would proof it up a bit. If they sold it at 95 proof, it would be a Blanton's killer.
I agree! Great option for 30.00!
I love your videos and respect your style, honesty, and opinion. Awesome channel! If, I were to advise a beginner on bourbons. I would think they should know what a boubon is and how it is different from a whiskey or a scotch. Could you do a video on that for a novice? Then maybe a video for tge intermediates on the nuances of the bourbon whiskies?
I forgot to ask, what about Trent's, Michelle's, or your wife's opinions on the best bourbons for a beginner!
Great thought!
I am a certified beginner! Four Roses and Buffalo Trace are my 2 choices. Lower proof and nice price point.
Exactly! Great choices!
My wife (beginner whiskey drinker) and I did a blind tasting of Wild Turkey 101, Makers Mark, Redemption Bourbon, and Buffalo Trace. She only liked Redemption. Shockingly, I also liked it the best.
Wow! Amazing how this turns out when it’s blind.
Thanks again for another enjoyable video, I’m putting the Evan Williams Single Barrel on my list, I really like the EV Bottle and Bond so I’m looking forward to trying the single barrel
I'm not a bourbon gay, I love single malt whisky, lagavulin, Laphroaig and ardberg...
You make me try and love American whiskey
101 and old forester
Thanks, big appreciation
Love the channel, content and honest opion👍🏼 Greetings from the Netherlands
If your able to find Very Old Barton 86 proof green label or 100 proof white label give those a try. They have an incredible profile flavor, and very good drinkability. I was able to stock up when we traveled to Kentucky. These were readily available everywhere
I do have both and I cannot agree more!
Early Times and WT101 would make any list of favorite bourbons in my opinion…starter bourbons or other.. just great flavor profiles without even considering price point.. i’m a little worried about the early times since they have been sold.. Harder to find Here in North Carolina.. I am hoping they don’t change the taste.. once again a great video!!
I hope it always stays the same! Why change such a great bottle??!
Just started getting into whiskey in the past month or so. Started with woodford reserve and fell in love with it. Then tried some different scotches like Johnny walker black, and monkey shoulder. Really liked those a lot. So I tried ardbeg an oa. Needless to say I still have to work up to scotches with that much punch to them lol. Love your channel bunches. Got me to try bulleit rye and wild turkey 101. And fell in love with those two as well. You’re definitely helping liquor sales in my local stores😂
Oh man! The An Oa really takes some getting used to, but I like it!
That’s awesome lol! Really happy to see you are enjoying the journey!
OF 86 is a fantastic beginner bourbon. I would add OF 100 as another. May sound redundant but IMHO OF 100 has some very different notes and certainly if you are including WT 101 it fits in there nicely.
A bottle that’s a little more expensive then these but great to start is the standard woodford reserve. Such a simple, well put together bourbon that’s easy to drink
I guess I'll have to buy WR again. The first time I bought it I thought it tasted like cough syrup.
Excellent addition!
Bryan Bond highly recommend. The double oaked is my personal favorite. Their rye is also amazing if you can find it
Four Roses Yellow Label needs to be part of a beginner list. I sip it and mix it and enjoy both. Cheers.
Believe it or not I have never had the yellow label 😳
Nice selection of beginner pours. Had them all except AA (though Buffalo Trace is my favorite distiller with Brown-Forman (OF) a close 2nd. One bottle that I would suggest: as I went through Louisville last summer I bought a bottle of Very Old Barton, mostly because of the price: 10.99. I can find it locally for $15 or so, so a great price point and a lovely drinkable bourbon, especially for beginners. It seems to me to have all the classic bourbon tastes but slightly lacking in finish. . btw Buff Trace is my go to everyday, and it has been easier to find all over for the past 6-8 months.
VOB is an excellent addition!
I am new to Bourbon so I have been making my journey through TH-cam to learn. The first bottle of Bourbon I bought for myself was Wild Turkey Rare Breed. I thought it was a great place for me to start. My second bottle was Buffalo Trace. I have really enjoyed both bottles so far and look forward to getting a few more bottles this weekend to add to my collection. note: I have enjoyed several Scotches over the years and Ardbeg and Lagavulin are some of my favorites so the cask strength of the rare breed wasn't too overwhelming.
You sure you're new? I'm new and you're using words of someone who's been around 😂
And here I am starting out a little over a year ago with OF 1920, WR Double Oaked, Basil Hayden, and Four Roses single barrel. Could've started out MUCH cheaper 😅
Great videos. Learning a lot from you.
Thanks for another great review on a topic of import. You almost lost me with your first recommendation however. I agree with your special mention selections and 4 of your “top 5.” Ancient Age? That is the bourbon my father had in his liquor cabinet. I knew it was low cost but I also remember vividly, my first exposure to bourbon. It was his Ancient Age. My dad was my hero in every way possible so my first conclusion after drinking Ancient Age was, I guess I don’t like bourbon. This exposure led me to be a beer drinker for the next 15 years! Only after experiencing better bourbons was I able to say, I like bourbon. I went back to try Ancient Age as a more experienced consumer and found it to still be undrinkable. I guess my hero dad was just cheap with his bourbon. Your criteria of proof point and price makes sense but you need to consider elevating the floor of your price point. Thanks
Lol I hear you on the AA and respect your opinion. I really wanted to include a bottom shelfer and Trent and I tasted several but decided on the AA. Appreciate your thoughts!
I'm in NY and prices always seem to be about 10-15% more. Before I tried getting into Bourbon, I would often grab the EW BIB for about $16. Now, with so many people jumping into bourbon, it's $23. Not bad, but I'm on the fence if it's worth the extra $7 as a sipper. I need to try the Early Times BIB. I think for a really inexpensive intro, Zackariah Harris is a decent one to try. It's about $25 for a 1.75L near me. For $30, I'd throw in Elijah Craig Small Batch. So smooth.
Need to try the ZH!
You have great presentation skills, a beautiful bar and great camera work. Subscribed!
I started with VOB 90, went to Woodford Reserve, and then to Elijah Craig.
I wouldn't start ppl off at 100 proofers though. Also, I'd suggest buying 375s if they're available
Great advice with the smaller bottles to save cost!
Excellent video both in content and production. Add two more Heaven Hill products to the list .... Fighting Cock and Evan Williams 1783 .... both at around $20 and available.
1783 came so close to making this list! Great choice! I have never had Fighting cock. Need to try that.
Thanks for your reply. Really enjoy your presentations because 1) you include family, 2) topics are interesting, 3) the production quality is great. I'm 76 and just got into bourbon two years ago after a lifetime of enjoying beer. Strictly bourbon now.