16 Perfect Starter Bourbons

16 Perfect Starter Bourbons

Embarking on the journey of building a bourbon collection opens doors to a world of rich flavors, craftsmanship, and tradition. Among the vast array of options, there are sixteen standouts that beckon enthusiasts to savor their complexities and nuances. These bourbons, each with its distinct character and allure, represent the pinnacle of the craft. From the smooth sweetness of caramel and vanilla to the fiery spice of rye, they offer a spectrum of tastes to delight the palate. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base of a classic cocktail, these selections promise an unforgettable experience for those beginning their exploration into the realm of fine bourbon.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace bourbon stands out as an ideal choice for crafting a classic whiskey sour. With its rich history and well-balanced flavor profile, characterized by sweet caramel, molasses, and vanilla notes, Buffalo Trace provides a perfect canvas for the cocktail's citrusy elements to shine. Its nuanced hints of dark fruits and oak add depth to the drink, complementing the lighter flavors. While not explicitly listed in the recipe, a few dashes of Angostura bitters can enhance the cocktail's complexity by harmonizing its sweet, tart, and spicy components. However, given the fluctuating price of Buffalo Trace, it's wise to consider its affordability, especially if you plan to use it frequently in cocktails.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Woodford Reserve stands out among classic bourbons for its rich and complex flavor profile, making it a versatile choice for cocktails. While it shares the sweet characteristics of other bourbons like Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve boasts deeper, more indulgent notes of dried fruit, toffee, and dark chocolate. Additionally, it offers a unique balance of leathery, tobacco-spice undertones alongside complex citrus flavors of oranges and lemon. While it excels in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Woodford Reserve also lends itself to creative twists like the New York Sour, where its mature flavors harmonize beautifully with dry red wine. By selecting a wine that complements either the sweet and fruity or leathery, spicy notes of the bourbon, you can tailor the cocktail to your taste preferences and create a truly memorable drinking experience.

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey

The Wild Turkey 101 embodies both potency and flavor, showcasing the legacy of the Ripy Brothers who began distilling on Wild Turkey Hill in Kentucky in 1869. Their flagship product, Wild Turkey, soared to become the distillery's best-seller, prompting a name change in recognition of its success. Following various changes in ownership, the Campari Group, based in Italy, now oversees operations, producing a diverse range of Bourbons under the renowned Wild Turkey brand. As one of the world's most recognized Bourbon brands, Wild Turkey 101 stands out as America's #1 selling premium Bourbon. Aged in deeply charred barrels with a #4 "alligator char," it derives its complexity and depth of flavor that has garnered a devoted following across generations. Distinctively bottled at "101 proof" (50.5% ABV), the whiskey's name reflects its remarkable complexity and power, leading to consistent acclaim with numerous gold medals awarded over the years. Notably, Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey became the brand ambassador and art director for Wild Turkey last year.

Maker's Mark Bourbon

The Maker's Mark Bourbon is an iconic American whiskey known for its distinctive red wax-dipped bottles and handcrafted approach. Produced in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker's Mark has maintained a commitment to quality and tradition since its inception in 1958. This wheated bourbon, crafted with corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley, offers a smooth and approachable taste. The signature sweetness of the wheat complements the notes of caramel, vanilla, and subtle spice, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. Maker's Mark is carefully aged in charred American white oak barrels, contributing to its rich amber hue and mellow finish. With its recognizable bottle and consistently satisfying taste, Maker's Mark Bourbon stands as a classic choice for bourbon enthusiasts and those exploring the world of American whiskey.

Bulleit Bourbon

The Bulleit Bourbon  is crafted from the identical high-rye mash bill used in the original expression. The chosen barrels are blended into a single batch and bottled at Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, Kentucky. Staying true to its name, this iteration is presented uncut and unfiltered, directly from the barrel. Notably, each batch exhibits a unique alcohol by volume (ABV), fluctuating between 118 and 125 proof.

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon

This bottle of Jim Beam's Small Batch Bourbon is a testament to the artistry of aging, having matured in flash-fired white oak barrels. The intense charring process imparts a layer of red caramelized wood, contributing to the deep amber hue and sweet flavor of this 100-proof whiskey. With a moderately full-bodied profile, the palate is graced by notes of marmalade, honey, and maple. It exhibits a rounded and fragrant character, with ample fruitiness harmonizing with rich woody elements. The finish is long, smooth, sweet, and undeniably delicious.

Angel's Envy Bourbon

Thai bottle of Angel’s Envy takes pride in its meticulous craftsmanship, producing bourbon in small, artfully curated batches. With a commitment to excellence, only eight to twelve barrels are selected at a time for blending, ensuring a precise flavor profile. Each barrel undergoes a thorough tasting process, guaranteeing that only the finest spirits contribute to the final product. What sets Angel's Envy apart is its unique finishing process; after the initial maturation, the bourbon undergoes a finishing touch in ruby port casks sourced from Spain. This distinctive step adds an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile. Throughout this entire journey, every detail is carefully overseen by the Master Distiller, Lincoln Henderson, reflecting the brand's dedication to achieving unparalleled quality and taste in every bottle.

Elijah Craig Bourbon Small Batch

The Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon stands out as a remarkable value, offering an exceptional experience for bourbon enthusiasts. The inviting bouquet opens with delightful aromas of honey, sweet corn, vanilla, and brown sugar, setting the stage for what unfolds on the equally luscious palate. This bourbon strikes a perfect balance, combining boldness with smoothness, as flavors of honey, vanilla, and molasses take center stage, complemented by a subtle dry oakiness. Whether savored neat or with a touch of water, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon delivers a memorable and satisfying drinking experience.

Old Forester Bourbon 100 Proof

The Old Forester Bourbon 100 Proof is a testament to the bourbon craftsmanship, offering robust and inviting aromas that beckon bourbon enthusiasts. The bouquet unfolds with notes of rich vanilla, dried roses, warm baking spices, and the sweetness of corn. This bourbon stands as a classic representation of the genre, providing a full and satisfying experience for the discerning palate. The accolades it has received, including the 2020 Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the 2019 Gold at Whiskies of The World, and the Gold at the 2019 International Spirits Challenge in the Straight Bourbon, 10 Years and Younger category, underscore its exceptional quality and appeal among connoisseurs.

Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This Michter’s Bourbon is crafted from a meticulously chosen mashbill showcasing top-tier American corn, Michter's US1 Bourbon undergoes a maturation process that extends beyond eight years, reaching optimal perfection. This genuinely small-batch bourbon is meticulously curated, usually consisting of no more than two dozen barrels per batch, eliminating the possibility of blending imperfections and demanding excellence from each barrel. Embodying the essence of Kentucky's Bluegrass State, Michter's US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon offers a nuanced, mellow, and earthy profile, capturing the true spirit of its origin.

Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey maintains its tradition by aging in Warehouse H, just as it did over 50 years ago. Each bottle is sourced from a single barrel, carefully hand-selected based on its unique flavor profile. With a nose of apple, cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel, this bourbon offers a sweet palate with hints of peaches, pears, and dried apricots. Finishing with notes of cinnamon, baking spices, maple syrup, and molasses, Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon has earned numerous accolades, including the Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Jim Murray's Whisky Bible has even dubbed it "liquid gold."

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon

The Four Roses distinguishes itself in the world of bourbon by producing ten distinct distillate flavors annually. Each flavor undergoes individual aging in new white oak charred barrels, resulting in bourbons characterized by floral and fruity aromas, coupled with smoothness and mellowness. Jim Rutledge, the master distiller, meticulously selects one of these ten flavors for the Four Roses Single Barrel, a treat for bourbon connoisseurs. This particular bourbon exhibits additional flavor nuances, featuring notes of honey, maple syrup, and subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Each barrel undergoes careful sampling and selection based on superior quality before being hand-bottled. With each bottle labeled by hand, detailing the warehouse and racking location, this limited inventory of Single Barrel Bourbon offers a unique and exquisite tasting experience, with each bottle containing 100 proof Bourbon and filling approximately 235 bottles per barrel.

Heaven's Door Straight Tennessee Bourbon

The Heaven’s Door whiskies are a unique collaboration between the iconic musician Bob Dylan and craft spirit veteran Marc Bushala. The partnership extends beyond conventional celebrity endorsements, with Dylan actively contributing to various aspects of the brand. From designing the distinctive gates featured on the label (inspired by Dylan's own metalworking creations) to influencing the flavor profile of the spirit itself, Dylan's artistic vision plays a significant role. The bourbon, a product of this artistic collaboration, boasts an alluring aroma marked by a sweet and spicy nose. Upon tasting, one can expect a harmonious blend of flavors, including notes of cinnamon, cherry, and brown sugar, creating a distinctive and memorable drinking experience.

Larceny Small Batch Bourbon

The Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon, steeped in historical legacy, traces its roots back to John E. Fitzgerald, a post-Civil War distiller who founded a distillery along the Kentucky River. Fitzgerald's Old Fitzgerald Bourbon, renowned for its quality, eventually landed in the hands of Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle, sealing its fate as one of the world's most celebrated bourbons. Larceny pays homage to Fitzgerald's discerning taste and the Old Fitzgerald brand, incorporating a unique mash of corn, wheat, malted barley, and rye. Distilled in Kentucky limestone water and fermented with a proprietary yeast strain, Larceny honors tradition by choosing wheat as its secondary grain, creating a distinctive and flavorful bourbon.

Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Bourbon pays homage to its namesake with a blend of seven-year-old barrels sourced from Kentucky's brick warehouses. Bottled in Bond at 100 proof, this bourbon offers distinctive oak and dried fruit notes, complemented by hints of salted caramel, butterscotch, and orange. Packaged behind a vintage label and canister reminiscent of bygone eras, each bottle embodies the timeless legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr.

Heaven Hill 7 Year Old Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Heaven Hill introduced their 7-year-old Bottled-in-Bond flagship bourbon in June 2019, following the retirement of their renowned 6-year-old bourbon. This whiskey quickly gained acclaim, earning 92 points and securing the #4 spot on Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2019. Described as "explosive, bold, and buttery," it offers a rich array of flavors including honey-roasted peanuts, caramel, chocolate, corn muffins, licorice, and cinnamon. Notes of savory herbs, cloves, white pepper, tobacco, and earthiness add complexity, while well-integrated oak, sweetness, and spice deliver balance and length. Praised for its exceptional quality and approachable price, this bourbon offers pure bliss to whiskey enthusiasts.