A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon

Whee · 03-25-2009, 12:30 PM

I'm a gin guy. Love the pine tree floats. Martini's with blue cheese stuffed olvies....mmmm mmmm mmmm.

But I don't drink too much of anything, else. So I thought I would start some threads so those of you with experience in various beverages could help those of us less enlightened.

So here's what I am looking for. Post up a good beginning brand of Bourbon. Something to ease into, a "gateway" bourbon if you will. Also, if there is a certain method to drink it, ie neat, on the rocks, straight up, swiggin from the bottle, post that as well.

Any other knowledge that you feel a newbie Bourbon drinker can benefit from, please post that as well.

Push us down the slope....

ade06 · 03-25-2009, 12:50 PM

You can't go wrong with either Maker's Mark or Jack Daniels. I prefer to drink my Bourbon either on the rocks or with coke. If I'm out and about and want to swig from a bottle or I know that I'll be drinking without ice available, I go for Southern Comfort because it's sweet and it goes down smooth.

Mr.Maduro · 03-25-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ade06

You can't go wrong with either Maker's Mark or Jack Daniels. I prefer to drink my Bourbon either on the rocks or with coke. If I'm out and about and want to swig from a bottle or I know that I'll be drinking without ice available, I go for Southern Comfort because it's sweet and it goes down smooth.

Jack Daniels is not a bourbon.

Check out this thread...

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=337

spooble · 03-25-2009, 01:03 PM

Lots of good info in that thread Patrick linked to.

As for my opinion... I'd say give Woodford Reserve a try. I find that it is most excellent neat, on the rocks, with coke (1:1 ratio), and yes... even straight from the bottle.

Whee · 03-25-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spooble

Lots of good info in that thread Patrick linked to.

As for my opinion... I'd say give Woodford Reserve a try. I find that it is most excellent neat, on the rocks, with coke (1:1 ratio), and yes... even straight from the bottle.

I have been through that thread, lots of great info, but was looking to narrow it down to those that would be good bourbons to try for those of us who don't drink it.

Thanks for the input so far!

ade06 · 03-25-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Maduro

Jack Daniels is not a bourbon.

Check out this thread...

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=337

My bad, while both Jack Daniels and SoCo are not technically bourbons (SoCo is mixed with bourbon). They sure do taste like bourbon to me.

tsolomon · 03-25-2009, 01:21 PM

I started with Evan Williams Single Barrel and Eagle Rare 10 year. Both are very smooth with Evan Williams having a slight caramel or vanilla taste. Small batch and single barrel bourbons all have a unique taste, so you should try several. Woodford Reserve is my current go to bourbon, both smooth and tasty. When I want a little more flavor I grab the Knob Creek for a sweet and rich caramel flavor, but it can overpower some cigars.

I drink bourbon neat or with 1 ice cube. I always keep a bottle of Maker's Mark around as it's good for drinking neat or mixing.

Scottw · 03-25-2009, 01:47 PM

Evan Williams single barrel or Eagle Rare 17 are great was to start. EW, in my opinion is a tremendous value at $20 per bottle.

awsmith4 · 03-25-2009, 01:54 PM

Definitely check out the other thread...but a great starter bourbon is Makers Mark.Yeah yeah its not the best but it is very mild to start with. Start with pouring bourbon on the rocks with a tad bit of water and work up to sipping it neat. Personally I think bourbon goes better with cigars than any other beverage

Whee · 03-25-2009, 01:55 PM

Let me phrase it another way.

If a buddy of mine, who had never smoked a cigar before, asked me for a smoke, I would not reach into my humi and pull out an Opus or an RP Edge maduro. That would kill him! I would probably reach in and give him a 5 Vegas Gold, an Ashton or a CAO Gold to start with. Nice and mild, get the cigar flavor, but won't put you off to cigars as a stronger first smoke might.

So what is the "mild cigar" bourbon?

The Bourbon thread has lots of different kinds, years, etc., but I am not sure what would be the best one to start with to get into the world of Bourbon.

Thanks for the input so far!!

Savvy · 03-25-2009, 01:59 PM

Buffalo Trace and Four Roses are two good introductory bourbons. They are a little sweeter, and don't have as bad of a bite as some of the others. They are both about $25 too, so they're not going to kill your wallet.

tsolomon · 03-25-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illinoishoosier

Let me phrase it another way.

So what is the "mild cigar" bourbon?
Thanks for the input so far!!

For a starter bourbon, I don't think you could go wrong with either of these.
Evan Williams Single Barrel
Woodford Reserve

Tripp · 03-25-2009, 12:58 PM

I say go for Bulleit. It's a great entry level, classic style bourbon.

Commander Quan · 03-25-2009, 01:06 PM

Knob Creek if a widely available Bourbon and goes down smooooth, A couple ice cubes and you are good to go

BengalMan · 03-25-2009, 01:19 PM

There is a 14 page thread on bourbon here:
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=337

03-25-2009, 01:58 PM

Sean, I'm a scotch guy but I do like Woodford Reserve for a bourbon. Not an expert by any means but I have found as with most things, you get what you pay for.

Enjoy the hunt.

One last thought, see if you can find some small "tester" bottles. That way you haven't invested in a whole bottle of something you might not like.

Whee · 03-25-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahc4353

Sean, I'm a scotch guy but I do like Woodford Reserve for a bourbon. Not an expert by any means but I have found as with most things, you get what you pay for.

Enjoy the hunt.

One last thought, see if you can find some small "tester" bottles. That way you haven't invested in a whole bottle of something you might not like.

That is exactly what I was thinking of doing.

Defnitely sounds like I have some choices to start out with.

WildBlueSooner · 03-25-2009, 06:30 PM

I have had many a bourbon in my day and would recommend Woodford Reserve or 1792 for someone looking to try a good bourbon. Hope that helps.

smokeyandthebandit05 · 03-25-2009, 07:44 PM

I personally dont have a refined pallet and since Im not of age I dont have a wide selection. But! Im not like the regular college kid who just does shots t oget drunk. Same thing goes with my beer. I love imported or micro brewed, dark, heavy, and bitter. For what its worth I like plain old Jim Beam. Ive drank my share of Jim Beam and have found Jim Beam mixes and tastes good for something cheap.

BengalMan · 03-25-2009, 08:12 PM

For starters I would recommend 1792, Elmer T Lee, and Woodford Reserve.

03-25-2009, 12:30 PM	#1
Whee formerly illinoishoosier Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Sean Location: Bishopville, SC Posts: 3,591 Trading: (17)	A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon I'm a gin guy. Love the pine tree floats. Martini's with blue cheese stuffed olvies....mmmm mmmm mmmm. But I don't drink too much of anything, else. So I thought I would start some threads so those of you with experience in various beverages could help those of us less enlightened. So here's what I am looking for. Post up a good beginning brand of Bourbon. Something to ease into, a "gateway" bourbon if you will. Also, if there is a certain method to drink it, ie neat, on the rocks, straight up, swiggin from the bottle, post that as well. Any other knowledge that you feel a newbie Bourbon drinker can benefit from, please post that as well. Push us down the slope.... __________________ "Maybe I'm wrong, when they tell me they're right…..naaaaahhhhhh, I'm an asshooooooleeee"--Denis Leary

03-25-2009, 12:50 PM	#2
ade06 Have My Own Room Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Ade Location: Philadelphia Posts: 1,190 Trading: (24)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon You can't go wrong with either Maker's Mark or Jack Daniels. I prefer to drink my Bourbon either on the rocks or with coke. If I'm out and about and want to swig from a bottle or I know that I'll be drinking without ice available, I go for Southern Comfort because it's sweet and it goes down smooth.

03-25-2009, 01:03 PM	#4
spooble Palmetto State Herf Crew Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Chad Location: SC Posts: 277 Trading: (58)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon Lots of good info in that thread Patrick linked to. As for my opinion... I'd say give Woodford Reserve a try. I find that it is most excellent neat, on the rocks, with coke (1:1 ratio), and yes... even straight from the bottle.

03-25-2009, 01:21 PM	#7
tsolomon Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: The Villages, FL Posts: 1,246 Trading: (31)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon I started with Evan Williams Single Barrel and Eagle Rare 10 year. Both are very smooth with Evan Williams having a slight caramel or vanilla taste. Small batch and single barrel bourbons all have a unique taste, so you should try several. Woodford Reserve is my current go to bourbon, both smooth and tasty. When I want a little more flavor I grab the Knob Creek for a sweet and rich caramel flavor, but it can overpower some cigars. I drink bourbon neat or with 1 ice cube. I always keep a bottle of Maker's Mark around as it's good for drinking neat or mixing.

03-25-2009, 01:47 PM	#8
Scottw Going Commando Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Location: Sussex, NJ Posts: 2,815 Trading: (6)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon Evan Williams single barrel or Eagle Rare 17 are great was to start. EW, in my opinion is a tremendous value at $20 per bottle. __________________ "Ray when someone asks you if your a GOD you say yes."

03-25-2009, 01:54 PM	#9
awsmith4 Simple Pleasures - 2oL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Albert Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,602 Trading: (111)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon Definitely check out the other thread...but a great starter bourbon is Makers Mark.Yeah yeah its not the best but it is very mild to start with. Start with pouring bourbon on the rocks with a tad bit of water and work up to sipping it neat. Personally I think bourbon goes better with cigars than any other beverage __________________ Its THIS easy to support our troops

03-25-2009, 01:55 PM	#10
Whee formerly illinoishoosier Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Sean Location: Bishopville, SC Posts: 3,591 Trading: (17)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon Let me phrase it another way. If a buddy of mine, who had never smoked a cigar before, asked me for a smoke, I would not reach into my humi and pull out an Opus or an RP Edge maduro. That would kill him! I would probably reach in and give him a 5 Vegas Gold, an Ashton or a CAO Gold to start with. Nice and mild, get the cigar flavor, but won't put you off to cigars as a stronger first smoke might. So what is the "mild cigar" bourbon? The Bourbon thread has lots of different kinds, years, etc., but I am not sure what would be the best one to start with to get into the world of Bourbon. Thanks for the input so far!! __________________ "Maybe I'm wrong, when they tell me they're right…..naaaaahhhhhh, I'm an asshooooooleeee"--Denis Leary

03-25-2009, 01:59 PM	#11
Savvy Bull Goose Loony Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jordan Location: Wherever the AF takes me Posts: 381 Trading: (11)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon Buffalo Trace and Four Roses are two good introductory bourbons. They are a little sweeter, and don't have as bad of a bite as some of the others. They are both about $25 too, so they're not going to kill your wallet.

03-25-2009, 12:58 PM	#13
Tripp Pepin Ho of the NorthWest Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tripp Location: Portland, OR Posts: 487 Trading: (5)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon I say go for Bulleit. It's a great entry level, classic style bourbon.

03-25-2009, 01:06 PM	#14
Commander Quan Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Derrick Location: Canton, OH Posts: 966 Trading: (4)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon Knob Creek if a widely available Bourbon and goes down smooooth, A couple ice cubes and you are good to go

03-25-2009, 01:19 PM	#15
BengalMan Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ian Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,280 Trading: (10)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon There is a 14 page thread on bourbon here: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=337

03-25-2009, 01:58 PM	#16
ahc4353 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon Sean, I'm a scotch guy but I do like Woodford Reserve for a bourbon. Not an expert by any means but I have found as with most things, you get what you pay for. Enjoy the hunt. One last thought, see if you can find some small "tester" bottles. That way you haven't invested in a whole bottle of something you might not like.

03-25-2009, 06:30 PM	#18
WildBlueSooner I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: James Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,322 Trading: (19)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon I have had many a bourbon in my day and would recommend Woodford Reserve or 1792 for someone looking to try a good bourbon. Hope that helps. __________________ "To dilute the will to win is to destroy the purpose of the game. There is no substitute for victory"-- Douglas MacArthur

03-25-2009, 07:44 PM	#19
smokeyandthebandit05 Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Rich Location: Branchville Posts: 758 Trading: (1)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon I personally dont have a refined pallet and since Im not of age I dont have a wide selection. But! Im not like the regular college kid who just does shots t oget drunk. Same thing goes with my beer. I love imported or micro brewed, dark, heavy, and bitter. For what its worth I like plain old Jim Beam. Ive drank my share of Jim Beam and have found Jim Beam mixes and tastes good for something cheap. __________________ MIAMI CANES 9-4 NJ DEVILS 37-21-3

03-25-2009, 08:12 PM	#20
BengalMan Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ian Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,280 Trading: (10)	Re: A Beginner's Guide to....Bourbon For starters I would recommend 1792, Elmer T Lee, and Woodford Reserve.