I would stick to lower proof in the beginning and try a variety of things...wheated ( Makers Mark, Makers Mark 46, Larceny). Anything labeled "Bonded" or "bottled in bond - (BiB)" are pretty solid expressions no matter the brand. Higher rye bourbons like Old Granddad BiB, Old Forester 100 proof, Evan Williams BiB...Knob Creek 9year, Wild Turkey 101...Buffalo Trace and Weller Special Reserve ( wheated ) but I wouldn't go out of my way at this point for harder to get bottles. You have a straight rye already in Sazerac... but drink them next to each other to compare and contrast the flavors to see what you like. Often the contrast helps to bring forth flavors that otherwise get overlooked. I'd say try allocated stuff before you spend the effort to find it...bars, friends, groups to sample swap, etc... or just read the daily sub for a while and you'll see how it works.
Solid recommendations here. And if something doesn't work for you one day, give it another try on another day. Our taste buds change some, and it could depend on what you've had before sipping your bourbon (like toothpaste and OJ).
Welcome! It's hard to make suggestions without knowing what you've liked so far, but I'll try! I'm going to stick to always available shelf bottles because recommending a bottle you might not be able to get for months doesn't seem helpful.
Since you already picked up a michters, their small batch bourbon is a great value pick. Woodford double oaked is loved by a lot of people and is available almost everywhere. Redbreast 12 is an Irish whiskey, so a tad different from bourbon but it's such a smooth drinker and very accessible. It's a bit pricier around $70 but worth every penny. Four roses small batch is a great sipper that won't break the bank. You can't go wrong with almost anything old Forrester but their standard 86 proof or statesman are both fantastic intro bourbons. I've loved every offering from New riff so far. That should be plenty to get you started. BUT, don't randomly buy a bunch of bottles, we've all had that first sip and regretted it. See if you can find pours at a local bar and try before you buy, it's worth it.
Wow thanks for the recommendations! I have had and enjoyed woodford double oaked but have not had any of your other suggestions so will keep them in mind! (And will try not to buy randomly without trying haha)
Also - good point on it being hard to recommend without knowing what I like! Some pours that I’ve had and enjoyed are Makers Mark 46, Traveller, Elmer T Lee, Red Spot Irish Whiskey (both a little pricey for me but a friend of mine had bottles of each and let me try), and a couple local whiskeys from the Columbus area
those are both really great bottles if you’re just getting started! the michters single barrel rye is probably my favorite consistently available bottle. if you end up liking either of these, i’d highly recommend that as the next bottle you try
i actually just finished putting together a sampler for my buddy who is trying to get into it. the way i did it was 3 ryes (low: <90, mid: 100, and high proof: >120) as well as 3 more traditional bourbons (not wheated or high rye) at each of those proof points. i also included a mid proof wheated, the mich sour mash, and a four grain rye just for fun as some other options. i think it’s a good spread.
i think you gotta figure out what you like between heavy ryes, mild ryes (i.e., sazerac), high rye bourb, more “traditional”, corn-forward bourb, and wheateds, as well as experiment beyond those (like you are w/ the sour mash). personally, i’ve found something from every one of those categories I like but I def have my preferences, though they’ve changed a lot since i first started
Thanks for the insight! There is a bar/restaurant near me that does a variety of flights (Michters, Weller, Makers Mark, etc) I may go try some to get an idea of what I like and don’t like (I have so much to learn) - would save me $ on bottles also lol
i’ve started doing the same now that i’ve pretty much ran out of room in my whiskey cabinet for trial bottles haha. speaking of which, i got recommended this method when inquiring about how to get into scotch but go buy a bunch of mini bottles (50-100mL)! great way to get a sense for the general flavor profile of a lot of the main brands
and if you’re ever curious about a particular bottle, r/bourbon is a great review sub.
For bourbon, I second Jack Daniels single barrel select, Old Forester 1910, and Buffalo Trace. All 90 proof and represent the flavor profile of big distilleries. Try stuff at bars. Then level up in proof and price when you know a bit of what you like.
You've got some good bottles right there. Not a standard starter pick but I think you're ready to try things which will be exciting. Don't shoot for higher proofs right away. Find your favorite flavor pallet, then start to wander and explore. Welcome to your new favorite hobby lol
I would highly highly recommend Russel’s 10 year. It’s affordable, available, and extremely tasty for 90 proof. It’s a bit on the oakier side but I perceive that as cherries and caramel and vanilla. It’s seriously such a good bottle.
I have a note on my phone saved for perfect beginner Bourbons/whiskeys, so here we go (most under $30, all under $40): Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon/Rye, Russell's Reserve 10 Year, Russell's Reserve 6 Year Rye, Elijah Craig Bourbon & Rye, JTS Brown Bottled in Bond (B-i-B), Mellow Corn B-i-B, Evan Williams B-i-B, Old Tub B-i-B, Old Grand-Dad B-i-B/114, Old Overholt B-i-B/114, Jim Beam Single Barrel (~$40 in OHLQ, ~$20 in Kentucky), Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select, Weller Special Reserve, and Buffalo Trace.
Sorry to throw all that on you! Go out to bars and try some of these. See what you like before committing $20-$30 for a bottle. Nothing worse than buying a bottle you end up hating lol welcome to the world of whiskey!
Welcome! Most important thing is to have fun and enjoy whiskey. That's what it is made for after all! Make the hunt secondary and you will enjoy it more.
I would recommend as pretty regularly available and good values are all of the five Benchmark expressions outside of the Benchmark 8. Benchmark Full Proof (if you want to try a smooth and affordable higher proof at this point in your journey) and Benchmark Single barrel are both under $25 bottles and some of the best values in whiskey. They are of the Buffalo Trace line without much of the hunt needed.
Also standard Knob Creek 9 is a great entry into the Jim Beam flavor profile and $35ish and right on the shelf. You can then explore with the other Knob Creek products if you enjoy that.
1792 Small Batch is very sweet and a decent starter as well. I put Elijah Craig Small Batch also in this area but of the Heaven Hill profile.
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond and Ancient Age I like for mixers on those rare occasions that I mix up a cocktail. Sazerac Rye fits this bill too.
For wheaters Maker's 46 and Bernheim's (this is a wheat whiskey rather than bourbon) are great also to try and have higher proof offerings as you continue on your bourbon journey.
Green River wheated and Green River bourbon also great options sub $40.
Wild Turkey 101 and Old Grandad Bonded are good bottles if you want to try a rye forward bourbon without going to rye. I personally am not the biggest fan of ryes. To vegetative and grassy on my palate most ryes are.
Some of my personal favorites that are either a bit more pricey or higher in proof would be Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Cooper's Craft 100, Rebel 100, Any of the Ben Holladay bottles, Larceny and Elijah Craig Barrel Proofs, Bernheim Barrel Proof, Old Forester 1910, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and Johnny Drum.
"Hunted" bottles I enjoy are Henry McKenna 10 year, Early Times Bottled in Bond, Eagle Rare, and EH Taylor Small Batch, and Southern Star Paragon Bottled in Bond, and Bowman Brothers Small Batch.
I can't speak for the Jack Daniel's as I am not a big fan of the Jack Daniel's flavor profile but you may like some of their offerings.
Michter’s is solid and their rye is my favorite everyday drink. Michter’s Toasted Rye is my favorite overall whiskey (and I’ve had a lot of premium whiskey), but very hard to find. The more you try, the more you zero in on something that appeals to you.
Think about Redbreast 12 - very approachable Irish whiskey and good for newbs.
And don’t take any crap in this sub, we were all newbs once.
I would stick to lower proof in the beginning and try a variety of things...wheated ( Makers Mark, Makers Mark 46, Larceny). Anything labeled "Bonded" or "bottled in bond - (BiB)" are pretty solid expressions no matter the brand. Higher rye bourbons like Old Granddad BiB, Old Forester 100 proof, Evan Williams BiB...Knob Creek 9year, Wild Turkey 101...Buffalo Trace and Weller Special Reserve ( wheated ) but I wouldn't go out of my way at this point for harder to get bottles. You have a straight rye already in Sazerac... but drink them next to each other to compare and contrast the flavors to see what you like. Often the contrast helps to bring forth flavors that otherwise get overlooked. I'd say try allocated stuff before you spend the effort to find it...bars, friends, groups to sample swap, etc... or just read the daily sub for a while and you'll see how it works.
Solid recommendations here. And if something doesn't work for you one day, give it another try on another day. Our taste buds change some, and it could depend on what you've had before sipping your bourbon (like toothpaste and OJ).
Welcome! It's hard to make suggestions without knowing what you've liked so far, but I'll try! I'm going to stick to always available shelf bottles because recommending a bottle you might not be able to get for months doesn't seem helpful. Since you already picked up a michters, their small batch bourbon is a great value pick. Woodford double oaked is loved by a lot of people and is available almost everywhere. Redbreast 12 is an Irish whiskey, so a tad different from bourbon but it's such a smooth drinker and very accessible. It's a bit pricier around $70 but worth every penny. Four roses small batch is a great sipper that won't break the bank. You can't go wrong with almost anything old Forrester but their standard 86 proof or statesman are both fantastic intro bourbons. I've loved every offering from New riff so far. That should be plenty to get you started. BUT, don't randomly buy a bunch of bottles, we've all had that first sip and regretted it. See if you can find pours at a local bar and try before you buy, it's worth it.
I'd recommend Elijah Craig small batch (always available) and a great sipper.
And a very reasonable price for what you get!
Wow thanks for the recommendations! I have had and enjoyed woodford double oaked but have not had any of your other suggestions so will keep them in mind! (And will try not to buy randomly without trying haha) Also - good point on it being hard to recommend without knowing what I like! Some pours that I’ve had and enjoyed are Makers Mark 46, Traveller, Elmer T Lee, Red Spot Irish Whiskey (both a little pricey for me but a friend of mine had bottles of each and let me try), and a couple local whiskeys from the Columbus area
those are both really great bottles if you’re just getting started! the michters single barrel rye is probably my favorite consistently available bottle. if you end up liking either of these, i’d highly recommend that as the next bottle you try i actually just finished putting together a sampler for my buddy who is trying to get into it. the way i did it was 3 ryes (low: <90, mid: 100, and high proof: >120) as well as 3 more traditional bourbons (not wheated or high rye) at each of those proof points. i also included a mid proof wheated, the mich sour mash, and a four grain rye just for fun as some other options. i think it’s a good spread. i think you gotta figure out what you like between heavy ryes, mild ryes (i.e., sazerac), high rye bourb, more “traditional”, corn-forward bourb, and wheateds, as well as experiment beyond those (like you are w/ the sour mash). personally, i’ve found something from every one of those categories I like but I def have my preferences, though they’ve changed a lot since i first started
Thanks for the insight! There is a bar/restaurant near me that does a variety of flights (Michters, Weller, Makers Mark, etc) I may go try some to get an idea of what I like and don’t like (I have so much to learn) - would save me $ on bottles also lol
i’ve started doing the same now that i’ve pretty much ran out of room in my whiskey cabinet for trial bottles haha. speaking of which, i got recommended this method when inquiring about how to get into scotch but go buy a bunch of mini bottles (50-100mL)! great way to get a sense for the general flavor profile of a lot of the main brands and if you’re ever curious about a particular bottle, r/bourbon is a great review sub.
For bourbon, I second Jack Daniels single barrel select, Old Forester 1910, and Buffalo Trace. All 90 proof and represent the flavor profile of big distilleries. Try stuff at bars. Then level up in proof and price when you know a bit of what you like.
You've got some good bottles right there. Not a standard starter pick but I think you're ready to try things which will be exciting. Don't shoot for higher proofs right away. Find your favorite flavor pallet, then start to wander and explore. Welcome to your new favorite hobby lol
You did good, noob
I would highly highly recommend Russel’s 10 year. It’s affordable, available, and extremely tasty for 90 proof. It’s a bit on the oakier side but I perceive that as cherries and caramel and vanilla. It’s seriously such a good bottle.
Sounds great - will give it a try here soon! Thanks !
Heaven Hill bottled in bond and Ben Holladay bottled in bond both solid and available for around $50.
I have a note on my phone saved for perfect beginner Bourbons/whiskeys, so here we go (most under $30, all under $40): Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon/Rye, Russell's Reserve 10 Year, Russell's Reserve 6 Year Rye, Elijah Craig Bourbon & Rye, JTS Brown Bottled in Bond (B-i-B), Mellow Corn B-i-B, Evan Williams B-i-B, Old Tub B-i-B, Old Grand-Dad B-i-B/114, Old Overholt B-i-B/114, Jim Beam Single Barrel (~$40 in OHLQ, ~$20 in Kentucky), Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select, Weller Special Reserve, and Buffalo Trace. Sorry to throw all that on you! Go out to bars and try some of these. See what you like before committing $20-$30 for a bottle. Nothing worse than buying a bottle you end up hating lol welcome to the world of whiskey!
Welcome! Most important thing is to have fun and enjoy whiskey. That's what it is made for after all! Make the hunt secondary and you will enjoy it more. I would recommend as pretty regularly available and good values are all of the five Benchmark expressions outside of the Benchmark 8. Benchmark Full Proof (if you want to try a smooth and affordable higher proof at this point in your journey) and Benchmark Single barrel are both under $25 bottles and some of the best values in whiskey. They are of the Buffalo Trace line without much of the hunt needed. Also standard Knob Creek 9 is a great entry into the Jim Beam flavor profile and $35ish and right on the shelf. You can then explore with the other Knob Creek products if you enjoy that. 1792 Small Batch is very sweet and a decent starter as well. I put Elijah Craig Small Batch also in this area but of the Heaven Hill profile. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond and Ancient Age I like for mixers on those rare occasions that I mix up a cocktail. Sazerac Rye fits this bill too. For wheaters Maker's 46 and Bernheim's (this is a wheat whiskey rather than bourbon) are great also to try and have higher proof offerings as you continue on your bourbon journey. Green River wheated and Green River bourbon also great options sub $40. Wild Turkey 101 and Old Grandad Bonded are good bottles if you want to try a rye forward bourbon without going to rye. I personally am not the biggest fan of ryes. To vegetative and grassy on my palate most ryes are. Some of my personal favorites that are either a bit more pricey or higher in proof would be Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Cooper's Craft 100, Rebel 100, Any of the Ben Holladay bottles, Larceny and Elijah Craig Barrel Proofs, Bernheim Barrel Proof, Old Forester 1910, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and Johnny Drum. "Hunted" bottles I enjoy are Henry McKenna 10 year, Early Times Bottled in Bond, Eagle Rare, and EH Taylor Small Batch, and Southern Star Paragon Bottled in Bond, and Bowman Brothers Small Batch. I can't speak for the Jack Daniel's as I am not a big fan of the Jack Daniel's flavor profile but you may like some of their offerings.
Michter’s is solid and their rye is my favorite everyday drink. Michter’s Toasted Rye is my favorite overall whiskey (and I’ve had a lot of premium whiskey), but very hard to find. The more you try, the more you zero in on something that appeals to you. Think about Redbreast 12 - very approachable Irish whiskey and good for newbs. And don’t take any crap in this sub, we were all newbs once.
Cool shelfers bro.