Getting into bourbon whiskey in 2022 is a daunting task. The bourbon aisle at the liquor store has never been bigger and bars have never been more overflowing with bottles than right now. Still, there are plenty of beginner bourbons out there just waiting to be discovered by the novice connoisseur. And with Bourbon Heritage Month upon us, there’s no better time than right now to dip your toes in the world of bourbon whiskey. Which raises the obvious question, where should you start?
The best place is at the beginning for you. It’s likely if you’re reading this that you’ve at least had a shot of bourbon before. Go back to that and take your time with it. Maybe there’s more there than met the eye? From there, maybe look for other labels from the same brand that maybe cost a few bucks more the next time you’re in a liquor store or at your favorite bar. When you find that something a little extra, you’ll have found a slightly more refined version of the same thing you took a shot of. And just like that, you’re a beginner bourbon drinker. You’re in!
Naturally, there are more ways to get into bourbon than taking a risk in the liquor aisle. That’s where we come in. We asked a few well-known distillers and whiskey experts to tell us their favorite beginner bourbons to help you find one that’ll speak to you. Hopefully, one of these bourbon recommendations will be that bourbon that gets you into the whiskey once and for all.
Jim Beam White Label
Eboni Major, master blender, bourbon women board member, and founder and CEO of Major Whiskey
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $19
Why This Bourbon?
I just think Jim Beam White Label is a well-balanced starter. It’s always inexpensive, but surprisingly flavorful with vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit flavors. It’s the kind of bourbon you’ll keep on your home bar for mixing and emergency sipping.
Maker’s Mark
Jeremy Kasler, CEO of CaskX in Los Angeles
ABV: 45%
Average Price: $28
Why This Bourbon?
I think Maker’s Mark is a great beginner bourbon, and it’s not just because that’s what I started with. Maker’s is a wheated bourbon, so it doesn’t pack as much spice and heat as a recipe using rye. It’s approachable, goes down easy, and showcases those wonderful flavors bourbon is known for — caramel, vanilla, toasted marshmallow, citrus, and even a little oak.
Sonoma Straight Bourbon
Colin Keegan, founder of Santa Fe Spirits in Santa Fe, New Mexico
ABV: 46%
Average Price: $47
Why This Bourbon?
I’d say Sonoma Distilling’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey. At 92 proof, it’s a classic bourbon, with sweeter toffee and vanilla notes. There are also nutty flavors, almonds, macadamia nuts, and coffee notes. All in all, a great beginner bourbon you’ll go back to again and again even as your palate gets more refined.
Wild Turkey 101
Bobby Finan, co-founder of Tommyrotter Distillery in Buffalo, New York
ABV: 50.5%
Average Price: $26
Why This Bourbon?
Wild Turkey 101 is not a big investment and will give a curious bourbon newbie a look into the world of aged spirits. It can be consumed on the rocks and mixes great into a cocktail. Think of 101 as your introductory seminar. It has basic vanilla, caramel, and charred oak profile to show a new bourbon drinker the ropes.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Murphy Quint, head distiller at Cider Ridge Distillery in Swisher, Iowa
ABV: 57.5%
Average Price: $59
Why This Bourbon?
I’m kind of an Old Forester fanboy. I’m a big fan of their more common bottles like 1920 and Statesman. They are well-balanced and have a lot of depth to them. If I had to pick one for a bourbon novice, I would go with Old Forester 1920. This 115-proof Prohibition Style Bourbon is known for its notes of Graham cracker, vanilla, caramel, and light spices.
Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Heather Greene, CEO of Milam & Greene Whiskey in Blanco, Texas
ABV: 45.7%
Average Price: $47
Why This Bourbon?
I think Michter’s makes absolutely gorgeous whiskeys for everyone at every stage of their whiskey journey. When I’m not drinking Milam & Greene, it’s Michter’s — all of them. They also have a very wonderful whiskey team, and I love knowing the people behind my bourbons. If you had to start somewhere, make it Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon with its notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and stone fruits.
Four Roses Small Batch
Phil Morgan, distiller at Arcane American Whiskey in Brooklyn, New York
ABV: 45%
Average Price: $32
Why This Bourbon?
If I’m looking for a beginner bourbon, I’m looking for something easy to find and not too pricey, like Four Roses Small batch. What flavors make it great? A soft easy full spice with a nice corn sweetness that does not finish too fast, lovely soft fruit, and oak on the nose.
Evan Williams Green Label
Joe Michalek, founder and president of Piedmont Distillers in Madison, North Carolina
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $10
Why This Bourbon?
My favorite bargain bourbon is Evan Williams Green Label. At around $10 per bottle, it is an incredible value and my go-to for parties or when tailgating and mixing with cola. I enjoy the classic bourbon caramel and vanilla flavor notes and how they marry with cola.
Basil Hayden
LC May, grandson of Clyde May and brand ambassador for Clyde May’s Whiskey in New York City
ABV: 40%
Average Price: $39
Why This Bourbon?
One of the best beginner bourbons, in my opinion, is Basil Hayden. This low-proof bourbon does not overwhelm with too much burn or spice. I always get some of the most common bourbon notes when sipping it: vanilla, caramel, and toffee.
Old Forester 100
Rebecca Running, CEO of Darco Spirits in Philadelphia
ABV: 50%
Average Price: $33
Why This Bourbon?
Old Forester 100 has been around for a long time. I love that it’s 100 proof but still drinks smooth and has a wonderful flavor. I love it with just one big cube of ice, savoring the way the flavors open up as the ice melts.
