6 Smoothest Bourbons to Drink Straight for Beginners

If you are not sure if you have what it takes to put down a good glass of bourbon, take a look at our smoothest bourbons to drink straight for beginners.

Newbies will often go to experienced bourbon drinkers to try and figure out which ones are best to start with. The common notion out and about is that bourbon is something that will grow hair on your chest, or that only the real men can drink bourbon and so on. However, that’s just something rather superficial. Obviously, we all have different taste buds and you would be surprised at some people who actually enjoy drinking bourbons and whiskeys. In case of bourbon, it can be a little harsh on you, if you are just starting out. So, it would be better to start out with something that has a lot of flavor in it, but does not have the too much burn of the bourbon. Of course, the point of a bourbon is to have the burn in the end, but you can build up to that.

Did you know that the rum was the first true American spirit? Despite that, bourbon has won over millions of American hearts from coast to coast. Over time, bourbon has become one of the most versatile modern spirits of America. However, connoisseurs would say that it is best sipped neat and in some select cocktails. Now the question at hand is, what bourbon should a beginner start with? There is unfortunately no best answer to this question. Most whiskey enthusiasts would recommend you a few brands, but it all comes down to your preference in the end. What you may end up liking will vary greatly depending on your taste. If you are on a budget, then you should check out our Best Bourbon For The Money: 10 Best Bourbons Under $50 list, if you’re still thinking that 50 bucks is a bit high for you, then fear not, our article on 11 Best Cheap Bourbons Under $30 will definitely help you find the right fit.

The thing is, when it comes to bourbon, you have a lot of brands to pick and choose from. It is definitely a good thing, if you know what you want and what you like. On the other hand, for a beginner all these choices can be a bit overwhelming at first. If you have found yourself in a situation, where you find it too daunting to approach the shelves lined with rows and rows of bourbon, and would like some advice, then keep on reading and all your confusions will be cleared as the list unfolds in front of you. I tried to make the list as rookie friendly as possible. The key here is to provide you with as much flavor as possible with as little burn. But, only you can attest to the fact whether it will work for you or not.

Let’s talk a bit about my methodology here shall we? Thankfully, this issue has been discussed thousands of times over the internet. However, not every forum or blog post you come across will give you proper content. So, I took the time browse through all the reputable forums and websites discussing this matter, like Liquor, Seattle Whiskey Collective and Whiskey Reviewer. Then I managed to put the definitive list together, so you do not have to browse through all these forums and blogs. I would also like to add that the list is not ranked in any way because it depends on your preference as to which bourbon you find the best. I’m just here to suggest them.

Get your glass ready for a taste of the smoothest bourbons to drink straight for beginners.

6. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon 

Starting our list of smoothest bourbons to drink straight for beginners, we have Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Now this bourbon is used in a lot of bars across the country for its affordable price and distinctive taste. It has also gained quite the popularity among the new bourbon drinkers. This straight bourbon is able to carry the fine notes of spice, toffee and also vanilla that is fitting for any great old bourbon. It finishes long and smooth in the mouth, which is again a key when it comes to good bourbon whiskey.

5. Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon 

We are continuing our list of smoothest bourbons to drink straight for beginners with Basil Hayden’s that is probably the smoothest and the most approachable bourbon in our list today. This bourbon has a pretty high rye content in it as well. You can definitely feel the rye on the nose and also in your mouth. It is very smooth to the taste and carries a hint of honey, mint and a little methanol, combining to make it smooth on the palate. Of course, you can move on from here as you develop a taste for bourbon.

4. Wild Turkey 101

Why I picked Wild Turkey 101 for our list of smoothest bourbons to drink straight for beginners you ask? Well, Wild Turkey 101 is WT’s flagship brand of bourbon whiskey. Also, you can find Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon anywhere in the U.S. Apart from these two reasons, Wild Turkey is not going to burn a hole in your pocket, as it is quite reasonably priced for what it is. There’s a bit of stigma against watering down scotch whiskey, but when it comes to bourbon, nobody would mind if you add a bit of soda or water in the mix. In fact, James Bond’s favorite drink was a double bourbon with soda. So, if you ask for a bourbon with soda, you will tone the taste down a little without being judged too much.

3. Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon 

In the world of Bourbon, Four Roses is a highly respected brand, and all the bourbons under the Four Roses umbrella are well received by the small, yet classy, bourbon community. The Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon will offer you a full body, with fruity and spicy notes and a smooth and nice finish. The Small Batch Bourbon is basically a mix of four distinct, limited bourbon recipes crafted by the master distiller at the peak of maturation. Needless to say, it has the most premium experience and richest taste of the bunch. On top of that, this particular bourbon is not that expensive, which is always a plus in my book, making it an even better contender for our list of smoothest bourbons to drink straight for beginners.

2. Bulleit Bourbon 

At number two on our list of smoothest bourbons to drink straight for beginners, we have the Bulleit Bourbon is the most affordable bourbon on our list today and has become the most preferred brand of bourbon among the budget-minded consumers. However, we are not looking at it from the perspective of a budget-minded consumer, rather we are looking at it for its merits that make it very attractive to a newbie. You will find all the traditional notes that a bourbon is supposed to carry in Bulleit, such as caramel, oak, cinnamon, and vanilla. Also you will notice spicy notes due to the high rye content of the spirit itself. The end result is something spectacular and very budget friendly that any beginner can come to appreciate and love.

1. W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon

Like all things, unfortunately, our list must come to an end and the W.L. Weller 12-Year-Old is going to be the final entry to our list. If you have done a little research on bourbons, I am sure, you have heard about the ultra-rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. If you are lucky enough to even find a bottle of that, it will cost you at least a couple of thousand dollars. What makes Pappy Van Winkle stand out from the bunch, is its rarity and foreboding price but also the fact that it is a wheated mash bourbon. Wheated mash bourbon basically has wheat and corn instead of rye and corn as a base. Wheat makes it an easy drinker and adds a bit of sweetness to it. If you go for W.L. Weller 12 Year Old, you can get pretty close to the taste of Pappy Van Winkle for a fraction of the price. Of course, the wheat makes it a much easier bourbon on the palate.

This was our list of smoothest bourbons to drink straight for beginners. Hopefully, you liked our list, and if you did please let us know down in the comments section.