The Best Whiskeys To Try For Beginners, According To An Expert

The Best Whiskeys To Try For Beginners, According To An Expert

Navigating the vast world of whiskey can be daunting, especially when seeking an entry-level option or a thoughtful gift. With numerous whiskey types spanning a wide spectrum of price and quality, determining what constitutes a good starting point isn't always straightforward. Recently, Tasting Table engaged in a conversation on this subject with Chris Blatner, an esteemed figure in the whiskey realm. Blatner, who holds titles such as Executive Bourbon Steward, Founder of Urban Bourbonist, Executive Director of Bourbon Charity, and host of the Urban Bourbon Hour, shared insights to shed light on this topic.

Old Grand-Dad Bonded (Bourbon)

Old Grand-Dad Bonded is aged for a minimum of four years before being bottled at 100 proof. Made from Jim Beam’s higher rye Bourbon mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley, it is the product of one distillery and one distiller in a single season. Old Grand-Dad Bonded ranks sixth in our List of the Most Underrated Bourbons in 2024. Buy it now!

Old Grand-Dad 114 (Bourbon With A Little More Oomph)

Old Grand-Dad is one of the oldest and most storied brands, yet it receives little attention from Bourbon enthusiasts or marketing effort from the brand’s current owner, Beam Suntory. This might be simply due to the fact that it is a legacy brand offered at a head-scratching low price point that likely has little room for anything other than simply fulfilling the existing supply chain and keeping existing consumers happy, and potentially drawing them deeper into Beam’s other brands. Unbelievably underrated and smooth for a spirit of this strength, the Old Grand-Dad 114 will put hair on your chest. Buy it now!

Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey (Rye)

Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, with its rich heritage and numerous awards, embodies the classic American rye tradition. Its mash bill, featuring 51% rye, delivers captivating flavors of cocoa, citrus, cinnamon, and vanilla, with a lingering spiciness. Esteemed by experts and perfect for cocktails, it pays homage to Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square and the legacy of American rye whiskeys. Buy it now!

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey (Rye With A Little More Oomph)

Crafted by Denny Potter, Co-Master Distiller at Heaven Hills, Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey boasts a blend of rye, corn, and barley, capturing the spicy essence of traditional Maryland rye whiskies. Potter's meticulous selection of barrels aged at least six years in high storage and bottling at an optimal proof ensures a balanced expression, allowing the barrel's richness to harmonize with the spicy grains. This results in a whiskey with a pale copper hue, emanating aromas of dark cocoa and charred oak. On the palate, layers of honey, clover, and white chocolate unfold, leading to a finish highlighted by vanilla bean, butterscotch candy, maple syrup, and caramel. Honored with a Double Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and earning 95 points at the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. Experience this extraordinary whiskey today! Buy it now!