Bourbon Rookie Favorites

[Marine Dad]

Still consider myself a bourbon rookie, but I have purchased 5 different labels in the last few weeks. For now, my order of preference is:

1. Weller SR
2. Elmer T. Lee
3. Buffalo Trace
4. Very Old Barton 90
5. Bernheim ( I know this is not a bourbon and I am still not sure about this one,
not sure it is worth the extra $$)

I do want to pick up some OWA and compare it to the SR. ETL may move up to my top preference, but I am really liking the SR. VOB and BT are always satisfying when I can't make up my mind what I want to sip on.

[chefnash51]

Still consider myself a bourbon rookie, but I have purchased 5 different labels in the last few weeks. For now, my order of preference is:

1. Weller SR
2. Elmer T. Lee
3. Buffalo Trace
4. Very Old Barton 90
5. Bernheim ( I know this is not a bourbon and I am still not sure about this one,
not sure it is worth the extra $$)

I do want to pick up some OWA and compare it to the SR. ETL may move up to my top preference, but I am really liking the SR. VOB and BT are always satisfying when I can't make up my mind what I want to sip on.

Those are great whiskeys to cut your teeth on. I think you will enjoy OWA, as it's a very decent pour, especially for the $.

ETL was an early favorite for me as well as always has a place on my shelf. VOB 100 proof is well spoken of, if you can acquire it. In CT we only have access to the lower proofs.

How much are you paying for the Bernheim? I found a place online that ships to my state, and at $27 a bottle, I can find no wrong with it.

One of my first bourbons was Lot B.... I fell head over heals with it. Ran right out and bought 3 more bottles. Great place to sink some extra coin if you are looking for something a step up in the wheater column. Also ORVW 10 year at a bit cheaper price tag.

Cheers!

[squire]

Greg those are scores for a rookie or a veteran. Staying in the same range, and if you haven't already tried them, I recommend Forester Signature and Dickel white label.

[flintlock]

If you like the VOB 90, be sure and try the 100 proof BiB expression. Pretty universally loved as a top notch whiskey, irregardless of its bargain price. I will never be without a half dozen handles of it in the bunker.

The ET Lee is superb - I finally found a bottle and was really, really impressed. Worth more than it's sticker price, to be sure.

[grantaylor]

I am certainly a bourbon rookie and sometimes do feel a bit lucky because I have such an interesting journey ahead of me. I did see Buffalo Trace on your list which I like as well, however I even more enjoy OGD BIB and WT 101. Just in case you hadn't tried them this is a fellow rookie plug for those two bourbons, in addition.

[chefnash51]

Definitely agree about the Wild Turkey 101. It is a benchmark bourbon and one tasty pour.

[ggilbertva]

I would add Evan Williams BIB or the Heaven Hill BIB 6 year. Both a good value pours; good drinking neat or as a mixer. If you want to amp up the volume a little bit, Fighting Cock is decent at 6 yrs and 103 pf. All these should be found at around $10-$18 range.