A Beginner’s Guide to Bourbon: What to Buy First

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A Beginner’s Guide to Bourbon: What to Buy First

Looking for the best bourbon for beginners? This guide breaks down smooth, affordable, and easy-drinking bourbons that are perfect for anyone just getting started.

Getting into bourbon can feel overwhelming — shelves packed with bottles, bold claims on labels, and price tags all over the map. The good news? You don’t need rare or expensive bottles to enjoy great bourbon. This guide highlights approachable, flavourful, and affordable picks that are perfect for beginners, helping you build your palate with confidence.

How to Taste Bourbon (Beginner-Friendly Tips)

Tasting bourbon doesn’t have to be formal or intimidating. A few small adjustments can greatly enhance the experience:

• Use the right glass if you can — a rocks glass or Glencairn helps concentrate aromas, but any glass works when starting out.

• Take small sips — bourbon is meant to be explored slowly, not rushed.

• Let it rest on your palate — hold the sip for a few seconds to notice texture and balance.

• Add water or ice if needed — a splash of water or a single cube can open up flavours and soften alcohol heat.

• Trust your own taste — there’s no right or wrong; what you enjoy most is what matters.

These simple habits make bourbon more approachable and help beginners better understand what they like.

Enhance Your Bourbon Experience

Looking to level up your tasting setup? Here are a few essentials we recommend for beginners and enthusiasts alike:

• Glassware: Proper bourbon glasses help concentrate aromas and improve the overall tasting experience. (Link: Recommended Bourbon Glasses)

• Ice Options: Large-format ice cubes or spheres melt slower and keep flavors intact. (Link: Whiskey Ice Cubes)

• Tasting Paddle: A bourbon tasting paddle is perfect for side-by-side comparisons and guided tastings. (Link: Bourbon Tasting Paddle)

These simple additions can make a noticeable difference and turn any pour into a more intentional experience.

What Makes a Good Beginner Bourbon?

When you’re starting out, look for bourbons that are:

• Smooth and easy-drinking (minimal burn)

• Well-balanced without being overpowering

• Affordable and available so you can revisit them

• Flavorful enough to learn what you like

The bottles below check all those boxes and offer a great introduction to different bourbon styles.

1. Weller Special Reserve

   
   

   

   
   

[Image: Weller Special Reserve Bottle]

Weller Special Reserve is widely considered one of the best bourbons for beginners thanks to its exceptionally smooth and approachable profile. As a wheated bourbon, it leans softer and rounder on the palate, making it less sharp than many traditional rye-forward bourbons. It’s easy to enjoy neat, forgiving with ice, and consistently pleasant from start to finish. This bottle is often recommended as a first step into bourbon because it allows new drinkers to focus on enjoyment rather than fighting alcohol heat, all while delivering solid flavor and dependable quality.

2. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond / Black Label

   

   

[Image: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond and Black Label Bottles]

Evan Williams is a cornerstone brand for anyone learning what classic bourbon tastes like. The Bottled-in-Bond expression brings structure, depth, and reliability at an extremely accessible price point, while the Black Label offers a lighter, simpler sip that’s perfect for casual drinking. These bottles are excellent tools for beginners because they showcase traditional bourbon character without unnecessary complexity or cost. They’re easy to find, easy to enjoy, and ideal for experimenting with neat pours, ice, or cocktails.

3. Jim Beam Black 7 Year

   

[Image: Jim Beam Black 7 Year Bottle]

Jim Beam Black 7 Year represents a noticeable step up from entry-level bourbons, offering added depth while remaining smooth and approachable. The extended aging brings a richer mouthfeel and more developed character, yet it avoids becoming heavy or overwhelming. For beginners, this bottle is a great introduction to how aging can elevate a bourbon’s profile. It strikes an impressive balance between flavor, smoothness, and price, making it a strong value pick and a reliable bottle to keep on hand.

4. 1792 Small Batch

   

[Image: 1792 Small Batch Bottle]

1792 Small Batch is a favorite among those seeking a smooth, light bourbon with minimal burn. It delivers a clean, balanced sip that feels refined without being overly complex, making it especially appealing to newer drinkers. This bottle consistently punches above its price point, offering quality and drinkability that rivals more expensive options. As a beginner bourbon, 1792 is dependable, easy to return to, and versatile enough to enjoy in multiple settings.

5. Wild Turkey Bourbon

   

[Image: Wild Turkey Bourbon Bottle]

Wild Turkey offers beginners a chance to explore a bolder, more traditional bourbon profile without crossing into harsh territory. While it carries more intensity than some lighter beginner options, it remains well-balanced and approachable when sipped slowly or enjoyed with a splash of water. This bottle helps new drinkers expand their palate and understand fuller-bodied bourbons, making it a valuable addition to any beginner lineup.

Final Thoughts

Bourbon doesn’t have to be intimidating. Starting with approachable, well-priced bottles allows you to explore different styles and discover what you enjoy most. These five bourbons represent some of the best bourbons for beginners — dependable, flavorful, and easy to return to as your palate evolves.

Whether you’re sipping neat, on the rocks, or sharing with friends, this lineup is a strong first step into the world of bourbon.