Top 5 Best Bourbons For Beginners
Are you just getting into bourbon and wondering where to start? With so many bottles on the shelf, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve selected 5 beginner-friendly bourbons that offer a smooth, approachable flavour profile, solid availability, and great value for money. These are the starter bourbon bottles according to my taste, that are invitation to this whiskey world.
I select fine quality, yet affordable and widely available, recognisable bourbons that are almost always in stock in most places. These whiskey labels are premium entry level and all of these bottles are introduction to the classic bourbon flavours and aromas. I recommend them to anyone who wants to join this explorative journey.
#5
Maker’s Mark
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (Approx. 6 years)
Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 16% Red Winter Wheat, 16% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Cherry Syrup, Cinnamon, Floral, Creamy Vanilla
Taste: Cherry, Smooth Vanilla, Cinnamon Stick, Oak Tanins, Sweet Candy
Aftertaste: Astringent, Bitter Red Berries, Apples, Vanilla, Caramel, Sweet Powdery Spice
My Thoughts
Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky is the right place to start if you're into cherry syrupy and creamy vanilla flavours. It is one of those everyday classics that deserves more respect than it gets. Maker's Mark is well know for their unique bottle design, famous red waxy top and usage of soft red winter wheat instead of rye in their mashbill to get smoother and easy drinking bourbon. With a wheated mash bill, it trades rye spice for soft sweetness, giving it a smooth, sweet, syrupy and rounded character.
#4
Woodford Reserve
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery
ABV: 43.2% (86.4 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (NAS)
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Cherry Syrup, Hints of Charred Oak, Caramel, Spice, Vanilla
Taste: Brown Sugar, Roasted Hazelnuts, Wood, Coffee Beans
Aftertaste: Burnt Wood, Sweet Smoke, Almonds, Caramel
My Thoughts
Woodford Reserve is a true classic, a bourbon that balances tradition with depth. It’s richer and oakier than many entry-level options, with a layered profile of brown sugars, roasted nuts and sweet smoke. There’s a noticeable complexity here, not overwhelming, but enough to reward slower sipping. It feels crafted, polished, and just bold enough to stand out without trying too hard. A reliable pour that bridges the gap between easygoing and refined.
#3
WIld Turkey 101
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
ABV: 50.5% (101 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (NAS)
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: White Pepper, Rye Grain, Caramel, Spice, Vanilla, Ginger, Orange Peel, Cinnamon
Taste: Sweet Corn, Fresh Oak, Citrus, Vanilla, Oily Caramel, Rye Spice
Aftertaste: Dry Wood, Vanilla Sweetness, Spices, Peppery
My Thoughts
Wild Turkey 101 is fantastic whiskey with higher rye content that gives extra spicy notes, which I really enjoy for colder days. This whiskey is bold, unapologetic, and full of character, a bourbon that packs a punch and delivers extra aromas and flavours. With a high rye mash bill and a 101 proof kick, it delivers a spicy, oily, dry oaky profile layered with caramel, vanilla, and a lots of spices. Despite the higher ABV, it’s surprisingly well-balanced and drinkable. It is very opposite side of the spectrum compared to softer and more aproachable Maker’s Mark.
#2
Four ROses Small Batch
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Four Roses Distillery
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (6-7 Years)
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Raisins, Caramel, Chocolate, Toffee, Oak, Pepper, Honey
Taste: Red Berries, Vanilla, Dried Spices, Dusty Cinnamon, Peppery, Nutmeg
Aftertaste: Spice, Wet Oak, Caramel, Sweet Corn, Peppery, Honey, Floral
My Thoughts
Four Roses Small Batch is elegance wrapped in approachability. It blends four distinct recipes, and you can feel the harmony…soft fruit, gentle spice, caramel, and a floral touch that sets it apart. There’s balance and complexity without being heavy-handed. It’s the kind of bourbon that impresses both newcomers and seasoned drinkers. Small Batch is a quiet standout in this range.
#1
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
ABV: 47% (94 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (Between 8-12 Years)
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Orange Zest, Chestnut, Honey, Cinnamon, Caramel, Raisins, Vanilla
Taste: Warm Spice, Honey, Nutmeg, Raisins, Dried Fruit, Cherry, Hazelnuts, Toffee
Aftertaste: Orange, Nougat, Marzipan, Oak, Vanilla Bean, Sweet Wood
My Thoughts
Father of Bourbon. Elijah Craig.
First to char new oak barrels and age whiskey in it. This mature and rich flavor spirit would become known as a Bourbon!
From this refined process over the centuries modern product as a Small Batch is here today, and it is well crafted bourbon whiskey which I enjoy and recommend highly. Small Batch is one of the most consistent quality product over the years and this is why it so high on list…If you like your bourbon with legacy, a good structure and a bit of old-school charm, this one hits the mark.
#bonus additional pick - NOTEWORTHY
Angel’s Envy
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finished in Port Wine Barrels
Specification
Distillery: Angel’s Envy Whiskey Distillery
ABV: 43.3% (86.6 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (Double Maturation - Aged up to 6 Years in new charred white oak barrels, than finish up to 6 additional months in Port Barrels from Portugal )
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Toasted Nuts, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, Raisins, Vanilla
Taste: Maple Syrup, Ripe Fruit, Creamy Vanilla, Toast, Chocolate, Red Berries
Aftertaste: Sweet Wood, Rich Sweetness, Cedar, Aromatic Herbs and Spices, Red Grape
My Thoughts
During the whiskey aging process in barrels in the warehouse, the 5% of spirit lost each year is known as the "Angel's Share."
After tasting finished whiskey, Lincoln joked that we had finally struck a better deal than the angels.
And so, Angel's Envy was born. Angel's Envy innovated the foundations of bourbon and rye through a unique "secondary finishing" technique.By maturing their whiskey in charred oak barrels, then transterring it to secondary finishing casks, they crafted a distinct blend of refined complexity with an inviting flavor profile.
While technically a bourbon, Angel’s Envy is finished in port wine barrels giving it a sweeter, fruitier profile than traditional beginner bourbons. That extra finishing touch brings out notes of red berries, vanilla, herbs and spice, making it incredibly smooth and approachable, especially for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness and elegance in their pour. It’s not a purist’s bourbon, but it’s a beautiful gateway bottle for curious beginners. It’s a perfect stepping stone for wine lovers or anyone who enjoys a softer, dessert-like sip.
