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 vans.
In the event you’re a drinker, there’s a fairly good probability 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, you need to know slightly 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 though 95% of it’s made there).
It additionally should be made with a mash invoice of not less than 51% corn (though most are larger). The secondary components might be grains like rye, wheat, and barley. There are a handful of different guidelines, however these two are a very powerful for a bourbon beginner.
Now that you simply’ve realized slightly bit about America’s “native spirit,” the time is correct to search out some to drink. Begin your bourbon journey on the appropriate foot by stocking your house bar with basic, advanced newbie bottles. These are the sorts of expressions that may enable you get acquainted with the whiskey type however will nonetheless discover a spot on your house bar for the foreseeable future. Hold 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 degree three charred new oak barrels. The result’s a memorable whiskey with notes of dried fruits, vanilla beans, and mild wintry spices.
Buffalo Hint
By way of 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 it’s important to begin someplace, we advise that your first cease is its basic 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 light-weight spices.
Outdated Forester 86
You may’t go unsuitable with any bourbon from Outdated Forester, however we advise beginning with its Outdated Forester 86. There’s no age assertion for Outdated Forester 86, however in the event 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.
