14 Most Popular Bourbons for Beginners

Woodford Reserve is an excellent bourbon for anyone who has a refined palette and wants to get a taste of bourbon. It has a smooth mouthfeel and a lingering finish that leaves a pleasant feeling in the aftermath. Compared to other bourbons, Woodford Reserve might seem too fancy for beginners. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. All it takes is one sip!

Basil Hayden is an excellent bourbon for beginners because it has a strong flavor without the overpowering bite of a 100-proof. Notice the taste of brown sugar as you take your first sip, followed by a pleasant spice and oaky flavor profile.

Four Roses is a classic bourbon, utilizing the same recipe since 1888. Whether you try the bourbon, the single barrel, or the small batch collection, you’re in for a treat. With hints of fruit and floral essence, the Four Roses experience will finish with a gentle, crisp honey flavor that pleasantly lingers and lasts after the last sip.

Evan Williams is one of the oldest bourbons that you can get your hands on in the United States. With a long history of excellence, it’s hard to go wrong with Evan Williams whiskey. Unlike other bourbons on this list, Evan Williams starts pretty sweet to the taste.

Buffalo Trace is a great introductory bourbon because its simplicity, smooth finish, and bold character make it taste like a treat in a glass. Buffalo Trace has tasting notes of fruit, anise, toffee, and oak, making it a virtual cornucopia of flavor. But nothing about it is too overpowering.

Maker’s Mark is a classic option in the world of whiskey and for a good reason. With notes of cocoa, vanilla, clove, and caramel, it’s simply a delicious bourbon. If you’re a beginner with bourbon, try Maker’s Mark on its own with no ice. Then try adding ice or a splash of water. You’ll know pretty quickly which one you prefer.

If you’ve never had bourbon, you need to know that Knob Creek is a strong option. While delicious and a true hallmark of what bourbon should taste, it’s got a bit of a kick. Go slow when you try it the first time. Notice the richness, the complexity of the wood and vanilla combination.

Bourbon can be an exciting journey, especially if you already know which ones you want to try first. If you have a taste for the elegant things in life, 1792 Bourbon will be a pleasant experience. It’s smooth and balanced with sweet caramel, vanilla, and spice notes. All the flavors intermingle for an excellent finish.

If you tried Buffalo Trace and loved it, Eagle Rare should be the next bourbon on your list. Made from the same distillery, it’s a great next step on your bourbon adventure. Eagle Rare is a little more complex, with attractive notes of toffee, orange, herbs, honey, leather, and oak.

Old Forester Bourbon is a straightforward bourbon that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: whiskey. You’ll get a mix of spice and earthiness with your first sip and find that the finish is almost surprisingly balanced.

Wild Turkey is another classic. With a robust and balanced flavor, it’s not hard to see why Wild Turkey is so famous. It’s hard to go wrong with something made the same way for so long. Try Wild Turkey on its own before you do anything else. This will give you a taste of what to look for when you mix it in with a cocktail.

You might find Bulleit Bourbon a little stronger than other bourbons we've discussed. It has a bite, although the finish is enjoyable. When you try Bulleit, we recommend adding a splash of water to help cool it down. It has an outstanding flavor that gives you a better sense of this way.

Elijah Craig is named for the Baptist preacher who first distilled the whiskey sometime in the 1800s. Give Elijah Craig a try and get a sense of the exciting flavor notes of citrus, cherry, and licorice!

Widow Jane is a classic bourbon that could launch your career as a bourbon aficionado. Widow Jane has all the elements that bourbon should have: hints of oak and vanilla, intermingling with unique flavors like orange and cherry. Try this one over ice for a great first sip!