What’s the Best Bourbon for Beginners? A Starter Guide to Finding Your Favorite

When I first dipped my toe into the bourbon world, I was totally overwhelmed. Friends threw bottle recommendations at me left and right, and I had no clue what to look for in terms of taste—or how to even start narrowing it down. That all changed after a distillery tour at Maker’s Mark. They walked me through what to taste in each batch, how to drink bourbon properly, and even which glass to use. Suddenly, it clicked. But I get it—not everyone can jet off to Kentucky for a crash course in bourbon tasting. So, I’ve put together a beginner-friendly list of bourbons to help you discover what you like, no distillery tour required.

How to Taste Bourbon Like a Pro

Before we dive into the bottles, let’s talk tasting basics. Grab a Glencairn glass—it’s the gold standard for whiskey. Start by taking a big whiff near your chest, then closer to your nose, exhaling fully between sniffs. Next, take a small sip and let it roll across your tongue. Bourbon is nose-forward, meaning a lot of its flavor comes from the aroma, so don’t skip this step—it’s key to unlocking the full experience. As you try the bourbons below, look for the flavor notes I mention. With practice, spotting them will become second nature.

Top 3 Beginner Bourbons to Kickstart Your Journey

These picks are widely available, budget-friendly, and perfect for newbies. They won’t break the bank, leaving room to splurge on rarer bottles later. Here’s why they’re the best bourbons for beginners—and what to taste in each.

1. Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark is my top pick for bourbon newbies. It’s easy to find, affordable, and delivers high quality without a hefty price tag. Known for its smooth, never-bitter profile, it swaps rye for red winter wheat, making it a great intro to wheated bourbons. If you enjoy this, you might lean toward softer, sweeter whiskeys.

• Nose: Sweet oak, vanilla, bright fruit, and a hint of wheat.
• Taste: Balanced vanilla and oak with subtle fruit undertones.

2. Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a fan favorite and an awesome gateway to higher-proof bourbons. It’s what flipped the switch for me—I realized I loved that extra kick. A blend of 6, 8, and 12-year-old whiskeys, this barrel-proof beauty (no water added—learn more about barrel proof here) offers bold, complex flavors at a mid-range price. It’s one of the best values on any shelf.

• Nose: Almonds, flowers, black pepper, with honey and date hints.
• Taste: Warm, smoky grain and spice with a robust finish.

3. Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon is your go-to for exploring high-rye bourbons. It’s widely available, reasonably priced, and packs a punch with its bold, award-winning flavor. High-rye recipes bring spice and intensity, and Bulleit balances that with smoothness—perfect for testing if you vibe with this style.

• Nose: Gentle spice and oak aromas.
• Taste: Oak, nutmeg, and maple upfront, finishing with toffee notes.

Why These Bourbons Work for Beginners

These three bottles were game-changers for me when I started out, helping me pinpoint what I liked (and didn’t). Maker’s Mark tests your love for wheated bourbons, Rare Breed introduces higher proofs, and Bulleit dives into high-rye territory. Once you try them, you’ll have a solid sense of your preferences—then you can explore more from those categories or brands. To track your tastes and get recommendations, download the world’s best whiskey app, NEAT: Whiskey Finder! It’s perfect for rating pours, sharing with friends, and blazing your own bourbon trail.

What’s your favorite beginner bourbon? Let me know on NEAT: Whiskey Finder—I’d love to hear how your journey’s going!