Want To Try A New Brand

[jh0]

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and new to the Bourbon world. I started drinking JD on the rocks about 5 months ago and have been loving it. But I want to explore different brands. I just bought a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Lable, this is the only other brand I have tried so far. It was a bit different at first but starting to like it. Does anyone have any suggestions on which brands to try coming from a Jack Daniels?

[Jazzhead]

Welcome, jh! Like you, I arrived at the world of bourbon through Jack Daniels (although as you probably know, that's Tennesee whiskey). I drank shots of the stuff in college while pounding the Budweiser. The first true bourbons that I took the chance to savor and really appreciate were Heavan Hill products, like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig. Most frequently these days, I drink Wild Turkey products, but it's fun to sample the wares of each of the Kentucky and Tennesee distillers.

Another Tennesee whiskey to definitely try is Dickel No. 12. A very distinctive taste, IMO, and perhaps the best value on the whole shelf.

[T47]

I have had JD in the past, but not for a while. Pretty smooth and sweet is my recollection.
I am not a Scotch drinker so I don't know the flavor of the JW Black Label...
A bottle that does not cost a lot, is smooth and gets lots of respect around here is Elmer T. Lee (if that's available to you?). Makers Mark was my first Bourbon and I found it pretty smooth and it is widely available. Also Weller 12 has a smooth profile and great flavor. They are all a similar proof to the JD.
I enjoy all the WT products as well and you can't go wrong by them, WT Russell's Reserve is 90 proof now as well.
Enjoy your exploration.

[lar03]

Like you I am brand new to this forum, although I think I can offer a qualified opinion. I started expanding my horizons beyond Jack Daniels while I was deployed in Kuwait 3 years ago. We "technically" weren't allowed to drink alcohol over there, but I had my wife send some anyway. She ended up sending me Evan Williams in the plastic bottle, because it was almost identical in size and shape to a mouthwash bottle. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I have tried numerous different bourbons since then. My 2 favorites are Evan Williams Single Barrel, and Buffalo Trace. Both have all the complexity that I am sure you are looking for, and don't have much of the heat that is off putting when you first discover sipping whiskies. At around 25 dollars a bottle for either, they are about as affordable as the JD. If you want something a little cheaper, I am quite pleased with the Evan Williams black label. I also recommend picking up the Jim Beam small batch bourbon sampler set, which contains airline size bottles of Booker's, Baker's, Basil Hayden's and Knob Creek. Unfortunately I find that most of my friends will only drink whiskey if it's diluted with Coke, or followed by a beer back, so for now, I drink alone(...and I prefer to be by myself), but I'm excited to finally share my passion with true aficionado's.

[Thesh]

Bourbon's to try for starters:

Elmer T Lee
Jim Beam Black
Wild Turkey 101
Eagle Rare 10
Elijah Craig 12
WL Weller
Knob Creek

Single Malt's for starters:

Laphroaig 10
Glenmarangie 10
Balvenie 10 or 12
Glenlivet 12

If you don't mind spending a bit more:

Bourbon:

Rockhill Farm's Single Barrel
Blanton's
Pappy Van Winkle 15
Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Kentucky Spirit

Single Malt:

Clynelish 14
Bruichladdich 10
Lagavulin 16
Highland Park 12
Caol Isla 12


I tried to pick whiskies that are fairly different from each other, to give you a wide range. Of course, this is limited to my personal preferences.

EDIT: Changed out BMH 11, for Eagle Rare 10 - just because it is easier to find and cheaper and still very good.

[mythrenegade]

I used to drink Johnny Walker Black & JD. I then tried Glenmorangie 12 yo Sherrie Wood Cask, which is quite good. Maker's Mark got me started on bourbon. So I think I had a pretty similar profile as you when I decided to try bourbon, and Maker's Mark got me hooked.

It's relatively inexpensive as well. Go for it.

Joel

[TimmyBoston]

Are you looking for Scotches? Bourbons? Or other Tennessee Whiskeys?

[jh0]

Hey everyone, thank you, for all the feedback! I couldnt find some of the brands that are mentioned here, but i did picked up a bottle of JD single barrel, VERY good stuff i think. But i would like to explore Scotches, Bourbons, and Tennessee Whiskeys.

[Thesh]

Visit your local bevmo, they have everything I listed. They have a few stores in Orange County.

http://www.bevmo.com/homefind-Bevmo.asp?area=storeloc

You can also order online for pickup or delivery.

[heatmiser]

Better yet, go to Hi Times in Orange County. Probaby the best selection of spirits (and wine) I have ever seen in one store. In addition, their prices are much better than Beverages & More (aka Bevmo). Here is the link to Hi Times website: http://www.hitimewine.net/liquor.asp