Looking for feedback / assistance (new Bourbon drinker)

[rpgologist]

Hello.

Currently I drink Scotch, and looking into trying out Bourbon. I've had Makers Mark and Buffalo Trace, but that's about it. I'm looking for bottles around the 30-40 range. I've read a few posts, but with all the acronyms, not sure what most of them are, haha. Or if there is already another post that is similar what I'm asking, I'd gladly follow. Thank you in advance.

[oke&coke]

There is a couple of threads that deal with this very subject. One thing that might be useful is letting us know what scotches you currently enjoy and what you thought of the bourbons you tried so far. However your two choices so far I would say are a good start since Buffalo Trace uses rye and Makers has wheat in their mashbills.

[JPBoston]

Knob Creek and Knob Creek Single Barrel are both excellent and in that general price range.

As is Maker's 46, and Four Roses Single Barrel and their Small Batch as well.

And a wide selection priced under that range....

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[DrBob]

I have had a group of scotch drinkers respond in pleasant surprise to Wild Turkey Rare Breed at ~$35. I drink bourbon and scotch, way more bourbon though. I like to think of bourbon as dinner and scotch as dessert. Things you may want to try out the gate:

Weller 12 yr, Elijah Craig 12 year - good examples of aged wheat and rye based bourbons.

Also you can't go to wrong by trying bottled in bond bourbons. A good way to sample a broad swath of distillery characteristic tastes without breaking the budget.

[perryw]

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/announcement.php?f=43&a=8

I keep that thread going in another tab so I can go look things up. It has most of the acronyms, not all, but most...

[squire]

Yeah, check the other threads rp, and welcome aboard.

[black mamba]

The biggest obstacle to overcome for a Scotch drinker going to bourbon is the sweetness. I recommend a higher rye bourbon, which should be both spicier and dryer than a low rye or wheat bourbon. Four Roses small batch and/or Four Roses single barrel would be worth trying out, as they are quality high rye bourbons in your price range.

[squire]

Higher rye, certainly, I recommend Old Grand Dad.

[weller_tex]

Higher rye, certainly, I recommend Old Grand Dad.

I agree 4r or ogd..or just go ahead an try Bulleit Rye

[GaryT]

I'd go for some variety. Pick up some Old Grand-Dad 114 for a high rye bourbon, some Weller 12 for a nice wheater, some Rittenhouse Rye (for a "barely legal" rye), and some Jefferson's 10 yr (for a "full" rye whiskey). The first three can be had for under $25 around these parts, and the Jeff 10 runs $35-$40. Four Roses Single Barrel is another great choice!

[TunnelTiger]

Welcome to the board and as an ex scotch drinker all I can say is you've come to best place to learn about the "good stuff"

[Guest]

I find most scotch drinkers I know enjoy EC12

[squire]

I could say the same thing though I hadn't really thought about it. Come to think of it I recall most of them saying EC12 is their favorite.

[smknjoe]

I find most scotch drinkers I know enjoy EC12

I find most Weller 12 drinkers enjoy scotch.

[hn4bourbon]

You'll see a similar post from me in other threads. Coming from scotch, I really enjoy the Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel. I've read this several times online. These however are a little over your price stated.

[rpgologist]

There is a couple of threads that deal with this very subject. One thing that might be useful is letting us know what scotches you currently enjoy and what you thought of the bourbons you tried so far. However your two choices so far I would say are a good start since Buffalo Trace uses rye and Makers has wheat in their mashbills.

I prefer peated - Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Kilchoman, while also love me some sherry cask one such as Aberlour A'Bunadh. Cask strength is a plus. In my experiences of 16 & 20 yr aged scotch, I find it smooth but less flavor than younger ones of 10-12.

[h=1]

Maker's Mark OK, but a bit harsh when drinking it neat. I had a bottle of Buffalo Trace awhile back, though honestly I don't remember my opinion. I picked up a bottle of Woodford Reserve last year, I enjoyed it - though a lil sweet. [/h]

I'm willing to pay more than 30-40 , provided it's worth it.

I appreciate everyones comments.

Dumb question - but Does special batches such as Marker's 46 or someones small batch ... is there often a significant or marginal difference in regards to the taste, or does it vary?

Thank you again -

[black mamba]

If you are willing to go $45-$50, then Rock Hill Farms bonded single barrel is a fantastic high rye bourbon, and a favorite of several Islay Scotch drinkers I know.

[squire]

Rock Hill Farms is very good and the empty bottle can be used as a decanter.

As for small batch it means whatever the producer want's it to mean. For a small micro it can be two barrels mixed together, for Beam it can be two hundred. Yet the Beam could be considerably better.

[MauiSon]

Maybe you forgot, Squire, it can sometimes even be just a single barrel!

[Grain Belt]

I think Evan Williams Single Barrel is a great starting point. Rocks ,then a splash of water, then neat, then in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned is the way I like to work through a new to me bourbon.

[squire]

Maybe you forgot, Squire, it can sometimes even be just a single barrel!

By definition a single barrel may be chosen from a selected batch of barrels, however, a batch of barrels cannot come from a single one.

Or can they? New thread follows.

[Merrymash Monk]

I'd be tempted to make suggestions about good specific bourbons to try out. But there are so many and its such a subjective and individual preference. The link to Chuck's advice is a good one for anyone new to bourbon to start.

Beyond that, I guess I'd take a little different tact than some of the advice given so far. Instead of trying to figure out what sort of bourbon a Scotch lover might like based on similarities, I would just say keep an open mind and palate. Take your time and enjoy the different flavors you experience for what they are. You might find you like certain bourbons not because they remind you of an Islay or a Highland malt, but because their profiles are very different and provide a nice change up from what you are used to.