Best Beginner Whiskeys, According to Bartenders

Best Beginner Whiskeys, According to Bartenders

Vinepair polled 14 bartenders to uncover their top recommendations for introducing whiskey novices to the world of spirits. While these selections may not immediately inspire newcomers to invest in a bottle of Pappy, they serve as excellent starting points for exploration.

Woodford Reserve

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.

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey & 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

The Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, an award-winning blend bottled at 100 proof, has rapidly become the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history since its introduction in 2017. Honoring the first known African American master distiller, this legacy-era bourbon is curated by Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation Nearest Green descendant. It boasts over 620 awards, including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Spirit Brand of the Year from Wine Enthusiast. Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, also distilled and curated entirely by Uncle Nearest, is a 93-proof small batch with notes of honey, cedar, and baking chocolate. It has garnered numerous accolades, including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Both whiskeys showcase the brand's commitment to excellence and rich heritage.

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.

Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon

Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon, proudly crafted in Kentucky, embodies the essence of quality bourbon. With an ABV of 45%, this small batch bourbon offers a rich and flavorful experience, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of the region.

Four Roses Bourbon

Subtle notes of corn and vanilla harmonize with floral aromas, intertwining with flavors of mint and spice. This whiskey is characterized by its simplicity and mellowness, culminating in a unique, long, and soft finish. Bottled at 80 proof, it serves as an excellent base for crafting mixed drinks with a sophisticated, contemporary flair.

Teeling Small Batch

Following the Teeling family's departure from Cooley, the distillery they founded, the eagerly anticipated return has arrived in the form of Teeling Whiskey. This expression, finished in rum casks and bottled at 46% without chill-filtration, serves as a compelling statement of their commitment to quality. The blend is reputed to feature a significant amount of first-fill bourbon cask whiskey and an elevated ratio of malt to grain, promising a distinctive and flavorful profile.

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.

Still Austin - The Musician

Savor the delightful bouquet of fruity aromas, intertwined with decadent vanilla and brown sugar sweetness, accented by a peppery tingle. This 100% Texan straight bourbon uniquely employs white corn to enhance the spiciness of its high-rye mash, resulting in a remarkably rich and full-bodied flavor profile. Awarded an impressive 94 points and recognized in the Top 100 by Wine Enthusiast, this bourbon stands as a testament to its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

Bardstown Origin Series Wheated Bottled in Bond

Embracing tradition and authenticity, the Origin Series Bottled-in-Bond 6-year bourbon pays homage to its roots by utilizing locally sourced Kentucky corn and wheat grains. With a mashbill consisting of 20% wheat, this expression offers a modern twist, resulting in a beautifully balanced bourbon.

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.

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.

Redbreast 15 Year Old

Crafted as a Single Pot Still whiskey, this non-chill filtered expression exudes powerful aromas of orange blossom and thyme, complemented by hints of cedar and cherry. On the palate, indulge in the rich flavors of brown sugar, baked apricots, orange, and vanilla. Concluding with a finish reminiscent of blossom perfume and vanilla, this exceptional whiskey has been honored with a Double Gold Medal at the 2014 San Francisco Spirits Competition.

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old

Handcrafted by Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie, this small batch bourbon captivates with a woody, piney aromatic surface layered over dry scents of grain and resin. Initial notes of corny sweetness give way to a subtle hint of butterscotch, culminating in a full-bodied, sweet, and clean flavor profile. Recognized with a Gold Medal at the 2007 San Francisco Spirits Competition, this bourbon exemplifies excellence and craftsmanship.