Bourbon (Whiskey) For Beginners?

[MediumMouthBass]

Update. Ive tried a few more bourbons and whiskeys this week, the really cheap stuff isnt that great but the more higher end ones on the budget side im starting to really appreciate. I do not taste any ethanol, and when i smell it i only get a very small percent of the ethanol, so im starting to acclimate to it quicker than i thought. Im learning more with each sip on the flavors and different scents and starting to put together an idea of what ones i prefer to buy a bigger bottle of.

I now understand why so many of you have large collections and spend lots of money on it, once you get past the ethanol tastes and smells its a very very good drink.

But i can only drink it mixed with soda or neat, i liked it with soda but i actually prefer it served neat, i just really like the taste of plain bourbon (or whiskey). For some reason i cant drink it with ice added to it (except for mixed in soda) but plain bourbon with ice i just cant bare the taste. Odd right?

[galyonj]

That's not so odd. I much prefer neat bourbons. Though higher proof bourbons, and certain scotches, can often stand a few drops of water to open them up.

 

I dislike ice in my whiskey. There are dozens of us.

[roadwarrior]

14 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

But i can only drink it mixed with soda or neat, i liked it with soda but i actually prefer it served neat, i just really like the taste of plain bourbon (or whiskey). For some reason i cant drink it with ice added to it (except for mixed in soda) but plain bourbon with ice i just cant bare the taste. Odd right?

Huh?

I gotta have ice.

[DitchPanda]

4 hours ago, MediumMouthBass said:

Update. Ive tried a few more bourbons and whiskeys this week, the really cheap stuff isnt that great but the more higher end ones on the budget side im starting to really appreciate. I do not taste any ethanol, and when i smell it i only get a very small percent of the ethanol, so im starting to acclimate to it quicker than i thought. Im learning more with each sip on the flavors and different scents and starting to put together an idea of what ones i prefer to buy a bigger bottle of.

I now understand why so many of you have large collections and spend lots of money on it, once you get past the ethanol tastes and smells its a very very good drink.

But i can only drink it mixed with soda or neat, i liked it with soda but i actually prefer it served neat, i just really like the taste of plain bourbon (or whiskey). For some reason i cant drink it with ice added to it (except for mixed in soda) but plain bourbon with ice i just cant bare the taste. Odd right?

Like said above, not actually that odd. I don't mind ice in bourbon but 95% of the time I much prefer neat. In fact I've noticed some off flavors highlighted in a few bourbon with the addition of ice. Makers mark is a bourbon people often recommend pouring over ice, I tried it once and found a strong sour note that was very off putting that I don't notice neat.

What bourbons have you tried so far? 

Favorite one you've tried?

[MediumMouthBass]

@DitchPanda First was a Makers Mark, this had a very ethanol smell and taste and i didnt really like it, mixed it with coke and finished the rest that way.

Same night tried a Buffalo Trace, the ethanol taste/smell was about cut in half compared to the first, i enjoyed it but i also didnt at the same time.

A few nights after i had a Knob Creek, this is were my taste buds changed and really started to acclimate to it. The ethanol smell and taste that bothered me in the first 2 was there, but almost non existent. The flavors and smell i really enjoyed.

Within the past few days ive had a few Jack Daniels NO 7. they are good, but they lack alot of the flavors compared to the Knob Creek, but thats to be expected since i went down from a 100proof to a 80. I would like to try the Makers and the Buffalo again in a week since my palate has now changed since originally trying it, i now really enjoy drinking it and appreciate it.

[Kirtley Howe]

My two favorite inexpensive whiskeys are Ezra Brooks and Silas Howe. Yes, there are definitely "better" whiskeys out there but in my opinion these are great for the price. If you are having more than one drink either neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water, than I would suggest that the first one should be the best whiskey you can afford....but the second one only needs to be a decent whiskey as your taste bud will be somewhat dulled and you most likely won't really appreciate a superior whiskey at that point. For myself, one drink per sitting is the rule.  If you mix your whiskey with coke, then you may as well just buy cheap whiskey to begin with, as the coke will cover up any deficiencies in the whiskey anyway. As always, your results may differ.....

[DitchPanda]

14 hours ago, Kirtley Howe said:

My two favorite inexpensive whiskeys are Ezra Brooks and Silas Howe. Yes, there are definitely "better" whiskeys out there but in my opinion these are great for the price. If you are having more than one drink either neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water, than I would suggest that the first one should be the best whiskey you can afford....but the second one only needs to be a decent whiskey as your taste bud will be somewhat dulled and you most likely won't really appreciate a superior whiskey at that point. For myself, one drink per sitting is the rule.  If you mix your whiskey with coke, then you may as well just buy cheap whiskey to begin with, as the coke will cover up any deficiencies in the whiskey anyway. As always, your results may differ.....

Which Ezra are you talking about? I bought the 99 a few months back for like $24 and was pretty surprised by it.

[Kirtley Howe]

Ezra Brooks Distillers Collection Kentucky Straight Burbon Whiskey 101 proof, about $45 per 750ml bottle is my favorite. But the "basic" Ezra Brooks at 99 proof is cheap at $25 per 750ml and is very good for the price. There is also the Ezra Brooks Distillers Collection Single Barrel Bourbon which is 107 proof that usually goes for around $35 per bottle, but I have been having a very hard time finding that in the past year or so. Also, I earlier mentioned Silas Howe bourbon...that was a typo.  I meant to type Silas JONES bourbon. It is inexpensive at about $18 per bottle but is really good for the price. It is only 80 proof and it has a bit of ethanol taste when first poured. Let is sit for a few minutes and that goes away and it is smooth and pleasant, though not very complex in flavor. Enjoy.

[slonezp]

On 8/4/2023 at 11:07 AM, webertime said:

Oban, Bay of Little Coves 14 year.  Incredible, like world changing good.  Like "OH, I finally get it." Good

I wouldn't necessarily put scotch in the same category as whiskey or bourbon. 

[TnRiver46]

^correct, scotch is in a category called “much better”

[Darth-Baiter]

hahhaha..I like Scotch plenty, but I wouldn't call it much better.  different, smoky and wet grassy..okay.  peaty.  

 

I have limited mileage left on my liver, so I choose to douse it with Rye Whiskey.  I love the caramel notes and how it tastes so American.    I once took a great Rye to my family in Taiwan. a country that turns it's nose to anything not Macallan in it's teen years.   it took them running out of scotch to finally crack open my gift.  I didnt convince everyone, but I did blow up a few skirts.  

[LrgmouthShad]

@MediumMouthBass knob creek is AWESOME

[krisjack69]

1. Definitely, your taste will grow accustomed to bourbon with time, just like with beer - remember, savoring bourbon is an acquired taste.
2. The "rubbing alcohol" feeling lessens over time, though the 'burn' is part of bourbon's character.
3. Smaller sips - Enjoy it, let it swirl around your mouth, it's not a race.
4. Try some smoother bourbons like Bulleit or Woodford Reserve, these are common and not overly expensive. They have nice flavor profiles and tend to be easier for beginners. You can buy them from Costco, they have a wide selection at reasonable prices. You can find on Costcofdb.com the prices for each bottle.
Starting out with bourbon is a bit like starting to enjoy black coffee or dark chocolate, it takes a little time.

[Functional]

If you are trying to find your flavors I think you owe it to yourself to try some scotch also. When I moved south I found a bar with literally a wall of different scotch and bourbon and sat there until my wife scooped me out of the chair to go home. What I learned was Bourbon has too harsh of a alcohol after taste for me (with the exception of Elijia Craig) and I much prefer scotch. There is enough variety in the "major" regions youll find your flavor if bourbon isnt doing it for you. My personal favorites come from Islay. 

 

If you see it on a menu try Lagavulin 16, the bottle is a little pricey but its one of the nicest I've ever had between bourbon or scotch and I've had some "top" selections. 

[slonezp]

12 hours ago, Functional said:

If you are trying to find your flavors I think you owe it to yourself to try some scotch also. When I moved south I found a bar with literally a wall of different scotch and bourbon and sat there until my wife scooped me out of the chair to go home. What I learned was Bourbon has too harsh of a alcohol after taste for me (with the exception of Elijia Craig) and I much prefer scotch. There is enough variety in the "major" regions youll find your flavor if bourbon isnt doing it for you. My personal favorites come from Islay. 

 

If you see it on a menu try Lagavulin 16, the bottle is a little pricey but its one of the nicest I've ever had between bourbon or scotch and I've had some "top" selections. 

I'm just the opposite. I don't care for the flavor of scotch. 

[Functional]

7 hours ago, slonezp said:

I'm just the opposite. I don't care for the flavor of scotch. 

All depends on the person. One of my best friends is like you. Every time we get together for dinner we bring a bottle to try and convince one another and it never works for either of us. Fun times. 

[TnRiver46]

[DitchPanda]

28 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I had some Lagavulin 8 the other night.....this popped into my head.

[fishhugger]

Lagavulin 16 yo...  about $100 now.  A little out of my price range. Used to be my favorite scotch. Now I like knob Creek... the 120 proof stuff... Preferable to the 100 proof kc . Also enjoy Japanese whiskey... but I guess those aren't bourbons.

Don't drink scotch any more. If I can't have my lagavulin.....

[Koz]

I’m not much of a drinker, but between the cold weather and some continued stress at work I thought it might be nice to occasionally relax with a drink and sit in front of the fireplace in the evening.

 

I listen to Mike Rowe’s podcast and he talks about his Knobel Whiskey but I couldn’t find it in my area. I settled for a Knob Creek 9, which I found pleasant drinking it neat.

 

I finished that off tonight, and with cold weather moving in it’s time to grab another bottle of something. I don’t think I could appreciate a $200 or $300 bottle of anything, so I’ll stick with something inexpensive.

 

If I still can’t find Knobel, next up is Uncle Nearest 1856 or Four Roses single barrel.

[LrgmouthShad]

@Koz I always enjoy a Knob Creek. I’ve not had Four Roses Single but Four Roses Small Batch is an easy reach. I always go looking for this bottle. It is $30 

[Smirak]

Well, I’m a recovering alcoholic, but my absolute favorites when I was drinking were Blantons and Bulleit Rye.

[DitchPanda]

On 11/30/2024 at 7:36 PM, Koz said:

I’m not much of a drinker, but between the cold weather and some continued stress at work I thought it might be nice to occasionally relax with a drink and sit in front of the fireplace in the evening.

 

I listen to Mike Rowe’s podcast and he talks about his Knobel Whiskey but I couldn’t find it in my area. I settled for a Knob Creek 9, which I found pleasant drinking it neat.

 

I finished that off tonight, and with cold weather moving in it’s time to grab another bottle of something. I don’t think I could appreciate a $200 or $300 bottle of anything, so I’ll stick with something inexpensive.

 

If I still can’t find Knobel, next up is Uncle Nearest 1856 or Four Roses single barrel.

I've never had anything from Uncle nearest but four roses single barrel is a solid pour. If you don't mind spending a little more and you enjoyed the knob creek 9 then maybe consider stepping up to a knob creek 12 if you can find one. 9 is usually between $35-$40 here and 12 is usually $60-$70 and definitely worth the price difference to me. 

[Koz]

21 hours ago, DitchPanda said:

I've never had anything from Uncle nearest but four roses single barrel is a solid pour. If you don't mind spending a little more and you enjoyed the knob creek 9 then maybe consider stepping up to a knob creek 12 if you can find one. 9 is usually between $35-$40 here and 12 is usually $60-$70 and definitely worth the price difference to me. 

I went with the Uncle Nearest 1856.  My palate is not refined enough to describe it, but I enjoy it more than the Knob Creek 9. In fact, it's smooth enough that you could get into trouble if you're not careful.

[DitchPanda]

3 hours ago, Koz said:

I went with the Uncle Nearest 1856.  My palate is not refined enough to describe it, but I enjoy it more than the Knob Creek 9. In fact, it's smooth enough that you could get into trouble if you're not careful.

Glad to hear you like it...no buyers remorse there! Ill try a pour if I see it in a bar sometime.