/r/bourbon beginners guide

First and most important, if you are a true beginner, make sure you read /r/bourbons FAQ
as there will be some terminology that will go over your head if you dont. Oh...you did that
already? Well look at you. Looks like you're ready to take the next step and getting your feet
wet. I am sure before you came here you have had some experience with the most basic
whiskeys. Some may have even been bourbon. This guide doesnt deal with those whiskeys.
While everything in this guide is for beginners, none of these bourbons are something that even
the intermediate or advanced bourbon drinkers turn down. They stand up to expert tastes, but
are perfect to acclimate any beginner to the world of bourbon.
Before I get into the bourbons that you should try, we first need to bring in a few concepts that
will be important in evaluating the differences between them. These three recommendations
were selected for good reason.
You see - each of the three bourbons is at least 90 proof. Alcohol content can have an impact
on flavor, and picking bourbons that are the same proof helps put them on the same footing.
Next is age - each of the three bourbons are a 6 - 8 year old product. If there is any barrel
influence based upon age, they will be similar baselines. 6 - 8 years is considered the optimum
point in the bourbon industry where it will be the sweetest without too much bitterness from the
barrel to overpower it.
Last and most importantly - each of the three bourbons are relatively easily available. If you
walk into a liquor store and cant find these, I would be surprised. Some of these bourbons you
probably have heard of. One of the most important part of this and the intermediate guide is to
recommend bourbon that is easily available for all. While there are many other hard to find or
limited distributed product out there that will be just as good, we want to make sure everyone
has a good chance to start with the right ones AND be able to find them.
So, what makes these the right ones? Well, each are from three different mash bills and three
different distilleries. What this will give you is a baseline for where you want to go next. Maybe
you will enjoy them all? Or maybe you will only like one. I do recommend that before moving on
to the intermediate guide that you make sure you have already had the three. No exceptions!
Now, on to the recommendations...
If you want further information about these bourbons, just click their name and it will take you to
our whiskey review archive - created and maintained by our very own community!

Buffalo Trace (90 Proof)

Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac Company)

Low Rye Mashbill
If you didnt know already - Buffalo Trace is an /r/bourbon favorite. It is one of my favorites,
too. I often call it the gold standard in bourbon because whenever you drink Buffalo Trace, it
is exactly what you would expect from a bourbon. Its flavor profile is perfectly accessible to
anyone new, but experts will covet its balance, complexity and value. The low rye mashbill will
push forward more of the sweet, syrupy corn notes while still supplying a decent amount of mint
and spice from the rye.
Bulleit Bourbon (90 Proof)
Diageo
High Rye Mashbill
Bulleit Bourbon has become a favorite with the trendy crowd, especially by
bartenders who have been central to the cocktail revival trend that has been
happening for some time now. Contract distilled by Four Roses distillery,
Bulleit (pronounced like the projectile) has a high rye mashbill that is almost
double that most standard bourbons. As a result, Bulleit Bourbon will have
more spicy, herbal and earthier flavor profile while still having those sweet,
creamy corn notes underneath.
Makers Mark (90 Proof)
Beam Inc.
Wheated Mashbill
Makers Mark has become one of the most iconic bourbons in the world.
Incredibly popular and soon to be a bar standard to sit side by side with
the likes of Jack Daniels and Johnnie Walker. Often the popular
beginner for most established bourbon drinkers and is still used as a
base for any collection. Unlike the other two bourbons, which have rye
in their mashbill, Makers Mark is based off a bourbon recipe that
utilizes wheat instead of rye in the mashbill. This is able to give Makers
Mark a softer, fruitier flavor profile backed by a sweet, syrupy, creamy backbone.

After tasting these and maybe even reviewing them... (See texacers guide to reviewing whiskey
here) ...take note of which ones you like and which ones you dont. They will be a central part in
helping you choose what bourbons you want to try in the next intermediate guide!

/r/bourbon intermediate guide

The bourbons in this guide are standard pours for all bourbon fans. Not only are they always
on our shelves, but they are always being poured. None of these will go past $50, and most of
them will be less than $30. Some could be even had under $20! These are the bourbons we
constantly drink because their quality is high but wont break the bank. We all have different
tastes so we compiled the best of the best standard pours to recommend. Just look for the
caption You will like this bourbon if you like: and you are guaranteed that our recommendation
will fit your tastes. This guide is split up between the standards, high proof bourbons, the single
barrels and 12+ year old bourbons.

The Standards
These bourbons are all at or around 90 proof and are pretty much the standard to expect from
the industry, and its the full gamut of what the main distilleries in Kentucky have to offer.
Jim Beam Black 8 year (86 proof)
Beam Inc.
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig 12, Eagle Rare 10,
Evan Williams Single Barrel

This bourbon staple is a bit lower in proof to make it easier on the palate
while still retaining a unique character: the yeast of Jim Beam. Jim Beam
bourbons have a similar low rye mashbill as distilleries such as Heaven Hill
and Buffalo Trace, but what makes Jim Beam unique is their sour, earthy and
nutty flavors that are introduced thanks to Jim Beams own proprietary family
yeast strain. Expect sweet caramel, ripe cherries, creamy chocolate and
freshly sawed oak.
Russell's Reserve 10 years old (90 Proof)
Wild Turkey Distillery (Campari USA)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses Small
Batch

A great introduction to the Wild Turkey Distillery, this bourbon is age stated at
10 years old and named in honor of legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell.
Wild Turkey bourbons are the lowest in the high rye mashbill category, so
expect softer rye flavors like mint while still maintaining some spicy rye
character of black pepper, all of which are balanced by the corn in the
mashbill with a delivery of deliciously sweet toffee.

Woodford Reserve (90.4 proof)

Brown Forman
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Four Roses
Small Batch

Brown Formans premiere small batch bourbon. Brown Forman puts a lot
of money into marketing Woodford Reserve at the Kentucky derby, but its
juice is good enough to stand against the rest. Another bourbon that
resides in the lower ranks of the high rye mashbill category, Woodford
Reserve is the only bourbon that triple distills their bourbon, at a higher
distillation proof than most and uses climate controlled warehouses to
distinguish their brand. Woodford has a syrupy mouthfeel of fruits, tobacco
and a nutty finish.
Four Roses Small Batch (90 proof)
Four Roses Distillery (Kirin Brewery Company)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford
Reserve

Four Roses is quickly becoming the hottest bourbon distillery in the

enthusiast circles. Jim Rutledge has dedicated his life to creating the
highest quality bourbon and it has begun to show. Four Roses uses 10
different recipes to craft their bourbon and Four Roses Small Batch is a
marriage of the best of those recipes. Some of those recipes can contain
some of the highest rye recipes in the industry. Expect a balanced profile
of fruits, floral rye spice, herbs and vanilla.
W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Buffalo Trace (Sazerac Company)
Wheated Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Makers Mark

W.L. Weller is the original wheated recipe that even Makers Mark credits for
copying. This original wheated bourbon is one of the best value in the wheated
category. Nearly similar to Makers Mark in every respect, W.L. Weller Special
Reserve has a bit more barrel character, offering candied fruits and creamy
vanilla.

High Proof Bourbons

Higher proof bourbons is really where intermediate bourbon drinkers become weak in the
knees. The higher alcohol content usually provides bigger flavors that lower proof bourbons
otherwise cant provide.
Knob Creek Small Batch (100 proof)
Beam Inc.
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig 12,
Eagle Rare 10, Evan Williams Single Barrel

Knob Creek Small batch is the flagship of Beams Small Batch bourbon line.
It is age stated at 9 years old. Expect the Jim Beam distillery character in full
swing with big sour, earthy and nutty flavors of tobacco, peanut butter and
fresh oak before a caramel and maple syrupy sweetness help provide
balance.
Old Forester Signature (100 proof)
Brown Forman
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford Reserve, Old
Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, Wild Turkey 101, Four Roses Small Batch, Four Roses Single
Barrel

Old Forester is the longest running bourbon brand on the market. Given how long
it has been sold, it has to be good right? Old Forester uses the same recipe as
Woodford Reserve, so if you like Woodford but want a kick, you will definitely love
this. A bit drier than Woodford but loaded with more of the usual flavors of fruits,
nuts and a lot of sticky toffee.

Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond (100 proof)

Beam Inc.
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford
Reserve, Old Forester, Wild Turkey 101, Four Roses Small Batch, Four
Roses Single Barrel

Old Grand Dad (OGD) is one of the more popular bourbon drinkers
bourbons, especially on /r/bourbon. OGD comes in a variety of proofs,
but the best bang for the buck would have to be OGD Bottled in Bond.
It has a bittersweet flavor profile of cornbread that is overpowered by a full and thick spicy kick
to the teeth.

Wild Turkey 101 (101 proof)

Wild Turkey Distillery (Campari USA)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford Reserve,
Old Forester, Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, Four Roses Small Batch, Four Roses
Single Barrel

Wild Turkey 101 is the original, accept no-compromises, Wild Turkey bourbon.
It is a heck of a value and can be usually found anywhere. Unlike its more
elegant couzin, Russells Reserve, Wild Turkey 101 kicks like a mule with
rough charred corn and oak flavors, spicy rye and has an easy honeyed finish.

Old Weller Antique 107 (107 proof)

Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac)
Wheated Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Makers Mark, W.L. Weller Special Reserve

Do you like W.L. Weller Special Reserve or Makers Mark? Wish they were
more flavorful? Well, pick up Old Weller Antique 107. Expect the same flavor
as the two wheated bourbons but dialed up to maximum intensity.

Single Barrel Bourbons

Single Barrel Bourbons are a welcome change of pace to the usual standards. The best part (or
the worst) about a single barrel bourbon is that there is always variation from barrel to barrel.
Most often, single barrel bourbons will have barrel numbers written on the label so you can keep
track of your favorite.
Blantons (93 proof)
Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10,
Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond,
Four Roses Small Batch, Four Roses Single Barrel, Wild Turkey 101

Blantons was the first single barrel bourbon on the market, so

naturally it is the first one to be recommended. A popular gift
for any bourbon drinker, Blantons is iconic for its uniquely
shaped bottle and collectable horse stoppers. Blantons uses
Buffalo Trace mashbill #2, a mashbill that is higher in rye than
the standard Buffalo Trace mashbill. This higher rye mashbill leads to orchard fruits, grassy and
musty oak with just a hint of spice to keep things interesting.

Evan Williams Single Barrel (86.6 proof)

Heaven Hill Distillery
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig 12,
Eagle Rare 10, Knob Creek Small Batch

Every year, Evan Williams comes out with multiple single barrels of its
premium value brand, Evan Williams Black. Evan Williams Single Barrel is
probably the best value in single barrel bourbons. Annual releases are known
to vary quite a bit, but never stray from the usual Heaven Hill Distillery profile
of cherries, a hint of cinnamon and a dollop of cream.
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old (90 proof)
Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac)
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig 12, Evan
Williams Single Barrel, Knob Creek Small Batch

Like Buffalo Trace? How about you take it up a notch with the same exact juice but
from just one barrel in the many rick houses of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. More
importantly, Eagle Rare is age stated for 10 years, at a minimum aged two years
longer than standard Buffalo Trace. While the flavor profile mimics Buffalo Trace,
each bottle could emphasize a flavor a little bit more. In most cases, the extra
years add sweet sour apple and maple syrup with a rich coffee like finish.
Four Roses Single Barrel (100 proof)
Four Roses Distillery (Kirin Brewery Company)
High Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Bulleit, Russell's Reserve 10, Woodford
Reserve, Old Forester, Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, Four Roses Small Batch,
Wild Turkey 101

Four Roses Single Barrel uses only one recipe out of Four Rosess 10
bourbon recipes. The standard offering uses the OBSV recipe, which is the
highest rye recipe that Four Roses offers in addition to one of the four yeast
varieties. Four Roses Single Barrel is impeccably balanced with rich fruit,
floral, cola, cocoa and syrupy flavors.

12+ Year Bourbons

Most bourbons are best around 8-10 years, but sometimes distillers leave some bourbon
in barrels to age a little bit longer. Twelve years old is considered quite old for bourbon and
anything greater than 12 years old are rare. These are the only standard release 12 year old
bourbons that still have their age statement and are worth trying.

Elijah Craig 12 Year Old (94 proof)

Heaven Hill Distillery
Low Rye Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Jim Beam Black, Buffalo
Trace, Eagle Rare 10, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Knob
Creek Small Batch

Elijah Craig is a bourbon brand of fantastic value. What

other bourbon available at 12 years is going to be
easily available and priced at or less than other
standard bourbons? Aging Heaven Hills signature
recipe for 12 years does wonders to the spirit, adding
toasty brown sugar notes, creamy vanilla ice cream
with a dash of spiced fruit.

W.L. Weller 12 Year Old (90 proof)

Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac)
Wheated Mashbill
You will like this bourbon if you like: Makers Mark, W.L. Weller Special
Reserve, Old Weller Antique 107

Most older bourbons are rare because most bourbons are made with
rye and rye doesnt age well past a certain point. Rye bourbons are
usually the best at 8 - 10 years and only a few special ones are good
past that time. Wheated bourbons however have such a soft flavor
profile that they depend a lot more on the barrels influence than the
actual distillate. When aged correctly, a wheated bourbon can be
stellar when given enough to time to steep. W.L. Weller is the
original wheated recipe and one of the only standard wheated
recipes still available that has an age statement. It is an impeccable
whiskey, with resinous oak notes and soft fruits, balanced perfectly
by pancake syrup and mascarpone cheese. A perfect introduction to
the world of older bourbons that have become the object of affection
as of late.