Good bourbon for a beginner?

Hey guys! Im new here and have a silly question.

First off, Im mainly a beer drinker. I love craft beers and brewing my own, but Ive always had an interest in bourbon. A good friend of mine raves about his bourbon collection and Ive always wanted to buy a bottle of something to "start" with.

I was wondering if anyone can reccommend a good place to start. I know its all a matter of personal taste, but the last time I even had bourbon was 10+ years ago, so I dont even know where to begin. Id say that Id like it to be on the sweeter side and around $20-30. Also, Im on the east coast if that helps.

Any suggestions?

Thanks! :lol:

My opinion of it has changed over the years, but I think Maker's Mark is a good place to start and meets your criteria. If you can find it, Old Weller Antique 107 is wonderful. Maybe Larceny as well?

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Originally Posted by Yeti

My opinion of it has changed over the years, but I think Maker's Mark is a good place to start and meets your criteria. If you can find it, Old Weller Antique 107 is wonderful. Maybe Larceny as well?

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All good suggestions. $20-$30 is a great range for bourbon, also with Weller 12, Eagle Rare 10, Elmer T Lee, Four Roses Small Batch, Old Grandad 100 and 114, Evan Williams Single Barrel. All of these would be interesting to delve into, all with different flavor profiles. But for sweeter side as you request, I would say Old Weller Antique 107 is a great choice, or its "older" brother Weller 12, or its lower proof brother Weller Special Reserve.

Also, you might put your location in your profile so we can see where you are from. There are some regional bourbons that not everyone has access to, especially if you are in KY.

I second the Makers Mark recommendation. Even though it is lacking in some of the complexity the more experienced members of this board desire it would be a good starting point on your journey. Enjoy and welcome to the community.

Are you accustomed to drinking whiskey/liquor neat? If not, you may want to first build your tolerance. It won't matter what you drink if you're not used to the burn.

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Originally Posted by Rockefeller

Are you accustomed to drinking whiskey/liquor neat? If not, you may want to first build your tolerance. It won't matter what you drink if you're not used to the burn.

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Right. I recall seeing a video with Fred Noe in which he suggested that if you're winching taking a sip, then the proof is simply too high. And more importantly that its no sin to just keep cutting it with water (as much as necessary) until you're not winching. Different levels for different people, but lower the proof and start enjoying..

I would look at a decent lower proof bourbon to start with. Try it neat and/or on the rocks. Work your way up there. Old Charter 10yr @ 86 proof, Four Roses Yellow @ 80 proof, Evan William Single Barrel @ 86 proof.... All would make for a great start. Good luck and enjoy!

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Originally Posted by Halifax

I would look at a decent lower proof bourbon to start with. Try it neat and/or on the rocks. Work your way up there. Old Charter 10yr @ 86 proof, Four Roses Yellow @ 80 proof, Evan William Single Barrel @ 86 proof.... All would make for a great start. Good luck and enjoy!

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How I "trained" to drink whiskey neat years and years ago:

Bought a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black
1st night: 2oz + 4oz water
2nd night: 2oz + 3oz water
3rd night: 2oz + 2oz water
4th night: 2oz + 1oz water
5th night: 2oz + 0.5oz water
6th night: 2oz + splash of water
7th night: 2oz neat

You now have a gradually conditioned brain/mouth that no longer overreacts to high proof liquor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rockefeller

How I "trained" to drink whiskey neat years and years ago:

Bought a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black
1st night: 2oz + 4oz water
2nd night: 2oz + 3oz water
3rd night: 2oz + 2oz water
4th night: 2oz + 1oz water
5th night: 2oz + 0.5oz water
6th night: 2oz + splash of water
7th night: 2oz neat

You now have a gradually conditioned brain/mouth that no longer overreacts to high proof liquor.

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When I first started drinking whiskey neat I just did it with no cutting. I made the whiskey face and did that little chicken wing move like Jack Nicholson did in Easy Rider after he took a pull from the JBW bottle.

Go over to your good friend's house and sample some of his favorite mid-shelf bourbons. Add ice or water as needed if it is too hot. There's no good reason to buy too many bottles on your own if you can get a good idea what your preferences are from his stock.