Bourbon is a uniquely American spirit. It’s as entrenched in our nation’s historical past as apple pie, free soda refills, ranch dressing, and outsized pickup vehicles.
In the event you’re a drinker, there’s a fairly good likelihood you’ve imbibed your justifiable share of bourbon through the years. If not, what precisely are you ready for? Effectively, there’s no time like the current.
In the event you’re new to bourbon whiskey, it’s best to know somewhat background earlier than you dive proper in. To be referred to as a bourbon, the whiskey should match some essential necessities. Legally, it should be made within the US (not simply Kentucky although 95% of it’s made there).
It additionally should be made with a mash invoice of at the very least 51% corn (though most are increased). The secondary elements may be grains like rye, wheat, and barley. There are a handful of different guidelines, however these two are an important for a bourbon beginner.
Now that you simply’ve discovered somewhat bit about America’s “native spirit,” the time is true to search out some to drink. Begin your bourbon journey on the suitable foot by stocking your property bar with traditional, advanced newbie bottles. These are the varieties of expressions that can enable you get acquainted with the whiskey type however will nonetheless discover a spot on your property bar for the foreseeable future. Preserve scrolling to see our important newbie bourbons.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
This award-winning Kentucky straight bourbon is launched in small batches all year long. It’s a daring, advanced 94-proof sipping whiskey that’s matured between eight and twelve years in stage three charred new oak barrels. The result’s a memorable whiskey with notes of dried fruits, vanilla beans, and mild wintry spices.
Buffalo Hint
When it comes to price-to-quality ratio, Buffalo Hint’s flagship bourbon is unmatched. This non-age-statement bourbon is believed to be matured between six and eight years in new, charred American oak barrels. This creates a nuanced, noteworthy whiskey with hints of mint, toasted vanilla beans, caramelized sugar, dried fruits, and baking spices.
Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon
Woodford Reserve is well-known for its line of award-winning whiskeys. However, if you must begin someplace, we propose that your first cease is its traditional Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon. Matured between six and 7 years in charred American oak barrels, it’s well-known for its taste profile of chocolate, pipe tobacco, vanilla, caramel, and lightweight spices.
Outdated Forester 86
You possibly can’t go fallacious with any bourbon from Outdated Forester, however we propose beginning with its Outdated Forester 86. There’s no age assertion for Outdated Forester 86, however should you crack it open, you’ll be met with an award-winning 86-proof whiskey loaded with flavors like vanilla beans, pipe tobacco, spicy rye, orange peels, and oak.
Wild Turkey 101
In the event you solely purchase one whiskey on this record, make it Wild Turkey 101. Matured between six and eight years, this daring 101-proof, sippable, mixable bourbon is understood for its flavors of toffee, cinnamon sweet, rye spice, and oaky wooden.
