The Definitive Beginner Bourbon Buyers Guide!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Give Tiege Hanley a try & get a FREE toiletry bag with your first box at: tiege.com/junkiestop10

[@danielkerber100]

No offense to Tiege Hanley BUT Dan "claims" he's 30ish and he looks like a 73 year old... I dont know if I trust his skin care regimen...

[@JimbOh64]

Love the idea of testing and supporting local distilleries! Elijah Craig Small Batch I would toss in there. It’s $33 where I live and it really got me into truly loving bourbon.

[@pimpinken8901]

Now we need an “intermediate” and “advanced” guides

[@steve3011]

Yes! I see so many videos on intro to bourbon, not to much for the intermediate.

[@mrburns19]

Literally every other video....

[@turkiska8380]

Agree intermediate would be a helpful video

[@phychmasher]

@@steve3011 There are only 2 types of whiskey people: beginners and experts. Just ask them.

[@joeyyoshizumi]

“Hey honey! Dan and Sean said I need more whiskey!!! I’ll be back later!!!!” My wife, “if only you listen to me like you listen to those 2.....”

[@jeremybaumgartner867]

Right?!...... I now have 90-100 bottles and she gets pissed 😡? Guys steal of the week .......... E.H.C. Taylor at local liquor store for $52!!!! And full proof or barrel proof for $70!!! I bought 3 of each 🥃👍😘

[@steve3011]

Just started my whiskey journey, found out im a bourbon guy. So far I've picked up four roses small batch, buffalo trace, elijah craig small batch, wild turkey 101, and bulleit. Thinking of grabbing something a little more expensive next time. Possibly Woodford reserve double oaked or an old forester 1920.

[@UnlimitedSithLordTCG]

Cant go wrong with old forester

[@robertnegrete1827]

I like WR double Oaked, but I really want to try the OF1920

[@johngillard3]

I highly recommend trying Four Roses Single barrel. Blanton’s is also worth it. If you can find it for under $90. Good luck.

[@AcktongueBaby]

I'm really enjoying this John Tron & Bill Hader collaboration channel. Never knew they were such bourbon aficionados.

[@TheWhiskeyChannel]

1792! No joke. It just won a blind matchup in the Shelf Turds 64 Bottle Whiskey Bracket. It's long, strong, and down to get the friction on. And Four Roses - Kira hates that she keeps picking it as her preference in Blinds. She doesn't want to like it, but blinds don't lie. Great recommendations across-the-board, guys.

[@rurugby]

I appreciate that y'all picked some actual budget bottles.

[@BourbonJunkies]

I mean that was the point :)

[@magnus5356]

@@BourbonJunkies I'm bummed everytime I watch how the Washington liquor tax suck balls since y'all pay SO much less 😣

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

I appreciate that most of these are budget bottles. However, I think we have only reviewed on of them so far, that being the Early Times BiB, which is amazing. Cinnamon frosted flakes.

[@wordwon]

Cool you thought to have people try their local stillers, that's actually very thoughtful

[@brandon_sprague]

Just commenting for the algorithm. Gotta get this video to half a million views.

[@nredman]

Yep - like and comment junkies

[@wiscowhiskeyreview]

This is a pretty solid list, gentlemen. The only one that I could see added (or instead of, say the EW SiB) is Elijah Craig small batch. There aren't many everyday drinkers with 94 proof that have that great HH palate to them. It gets tough though to make a definitive list with so many great options out there. Cheers, guys.

[@hankcogburn2600]

You guys got me in to early times since I can’t find old grandad 114 anymore. RIP OGD 114. Early times is the new champ.

[@williamgullett5911]

My first 4 were Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, Russell's 10, and Larceny.

[@WhiskeyFancies]

Love your message about craft distillers. We try to buy and review craft when we can. And when you find one you love, it's better than waiting in line for an allocated.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Truth

[@saleen12]

I drank ECBP C919 my first week in whiskey and it's what hooked me, but I am a minority in jumping straight to high proof stuff. Good list.

[@jasono.1629]

@@the_snicklefritz lol kinda true for me too when I had B920, hard to come back from those Elijah Craig barrel proofs. I can still enjoy lower proof bourbon, but barrel proofs of anything up the flavor ante.

[@davidsemrow2485]

Gotta give a like for Dan's commitment to the sale @5:01. That's first rate work fellas.

[@krisandersen8695]

I have to admit that y'all made a great list. I also am very happy that you mentioned Chattanooga Distillery. I'm a HUGE fan of their 111 proof.

[@ericjgarber]

they haven't done a review on that one yet here have they?

[@calebmiles2210]

As a Kentuckian, I feel obligated to start drinking bourbon. Thank you for your help

[@scottbartlett2087]

Great list and agree with you on all except the Wild Turkey. My biggest problem with any WT product is that it taste like Wild Turkey. Not a fan of the flavor in any shape or form. Absolutely love Woodford Reserve Double Oak. It’s definitely a top pick in any category.

[@sggjose]

Chattanooga is absolutely crushing it. Their stuff is a flavor bomb and still fairly priced. Don't talk about it anymore! Haha.

[@davidgraney3413]

You guys helped me find out about early times BIB, and I have prolly bought a case. It is just such an insane value for the flavor

[@BourbonJunkies]

amen to that

[@zacklee3899]

This list is spot on. Lost monarch is slamming I like it more and more each time I have it and now it’s getting a lil harder to find for me and I hate that but it be like that some times

[@poppajoe3154]

Really glad to see one of the little guys, New Riff, make the list! The Straight Bourbon and SB Barrel Proof bottles are both great. Love the list...thanks!

[@mikebakerjr.6539]

"It's super available" - Early Times BiB - come to Virginia. We haven't gotten one bottle in the entire state! Totally agree with the Old Forester - that's my go-to brand. Everything from the 86 on up through the 1920 Prohibition version is awesome.

[@Pomeray8]

Brown-Forman sold the brand to Sazerac 6/2020. There's some speculation that it will resurface with Barton juice.

[@bertk955]

I love this video, mainly because I drank all but the Redwood when I started out.

[@jimtuggey]

Good list. BT was the first whiskey that I actually enjoyed sipping, vs shooting like I had been with MM.

[@edds6]

Chattanooga Whiskey finally getting a shout out!!! Great whiskey and so good!! Their port cask is so good.

[@drewlance5406]

Love the shout out to support you local little guys...I am out in CA and have all 3 of the Redwood empire (Great), Have most of the line up from St. George (Great), Lost Republic has a spot, Just found a Place on treasure Island called Tree Craft and picked up a bottle...With all the hunting going on for the special releases from the big guys, I like to give money to the small ones. Maybe if enough people do that, the "rare" bottles will be more obtainable...

[@daver7178]

Love seeing the growth that your channel has earned and now sponsors? Awesome and congrats fellas - cheers!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Appreciate the love buddy

[@briancarbajal9]

That early times Bib is good one. Drove 45 minutes (one way) to get a couple of bottles when it released in Texas. Well worth the drive. Hell I even use the regular one as a mixer a lot. Good stuff.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Right on!

[@countrytownify]

That old forester 86 was the first bottle I ever bought. Definitely a great place to start.

[@jakobchristensen2845]

Wish we had more products to choose from, but there is not so many yet, here in Denmark 🇩🇰😊! But I do enjoy your videos, and it is nice to have some bottles to keep an eye fore 😊👍

[@JHamilton791]

You had it right, Sean! Orange label is signature! Great video! Some of us haven't moved past these whiskeys after 20 years too. All good stuff.

[@AnAbortiveRomance]

I'd say 1792 and a bottle of the standard Woodford Reserve are probably the best beginners bourbons, because they are both easy to drink and smooth. The wild turkey is too syrupy at that proof. The Old Forester 86 is damned hard to beat for it's price point, as a general bourbon, but may be a bit firey for a newb, like the Buffalo Trace. The Walmart's near me in Arizona were carrying OF86 for 16.99 a bottle the last time I checked. ...one of the fancier breakfast places near me offers a great Old "Morning" Fashioned. They use the OF86 in it with a great piece of bacon. You wouldn't think bourbon soaked bacon would be that good, but it's great.

[@MortgagebyRicci]

I’m normally a scotch drinker but, I’ve branched out into bourbon recently and love it. This video was great! Thank you.

[@williamgullett5911]

I'm a single malt guy too but have been trying bourbons lately. The interesting thing is that bourbon is less expensive but very comparable. Ive got a Elijah Craig for 30 bucks that tastes favorably with Glenlivet 18. And a Russels 10 yr tgat has that sherry type taste like a Macallan 12 for half the price. Ive got a Macallan 18 that I'm going to open up soon. Ive had it 4 or 5 years now

[@steelwarrior105]

My bourbon intro to 5 Elijah Craig 1792 small batch Eagle rare, much prefer it to buffalo trace Maker's 46 1 slight splurge woodford double oak

[@whauptman35]

I tried the Evan Williams 100 proof per your recommendation and I found that I really like it. I don't have the descriptive words for it like you do, but I found it to be kind of like Thai Food: sweet and hot. I have never tried higher proof alcohols before but I am finding the burn and the additional flavor of the higher proofs very enjoyable.

[@sportsjoe13]

Love this! You should keep this series going for intermediate and advanced collectors.

[@jonm3088]

You guys should pit 4-5 bottles that share the same strong flavor profile against each other and make it a series. Vanilla/caramel, floral/fruity, woods/nuts. Thanks!

[@ChristianDad717]

Been into bourbon for about 3 months. Really into the high proofs now. The double oak is still my favorite! So much flavor!

[@c27nelson]

I have no idea what was on the list because I couldn't focus on anything other than that amazing Valentine Distillery hoodie 😍

[@jamiegaines7693]

Love the last bit on craft distilleries.. i work in Chattanooga an just picked up a bottle of their once a year Port Cask an it is unbelievable. If you guys havent tried it yet, you have to try an snag a bottle, you will enjoy.

[@maxrams3544]

I started my whiskey journey last year and I had Woodford distillers select. I paired it with a steak and I have to say it's real good and sweeeet.

[@normlang1994]

Been looking for the ET BiB, but it's a unicorn in my county in NC. My go to BiB, which could have easily been on this list, is OGD BiB. Outstanding value BiB!

[@SchimShady12]

First time I've liked a video solely based on the sponsor/advertising. You guys crack me up

[@DaveyDee23360]

Love the content, very entertaining. Only watching for less than a year but the production value and effort you put into your content is better and better. Love thr insight from a perspective similar to mine when it comes to bourbons and the 2ndary bourbon community

[@davejones5728]

You guys are fun, definitely the highlight of my lunch break. Thanks for introducing these bottles. I’m a newbie but was able to make some notes on some bourbons I want to try. I especially like you mentioned the 4 roses w/cigar. I’ve been getting into those as well. Keep up the good work 👍🏽

[@NipItInTheBud100]

This was a great video for me. I’m really just getting into whiskey and this video was perfect and exactly the kind of video i was looking for! Thanks guys! As always you both cracked me up! Props for the support for the smaller distilleries!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelbaker3572]

I know you like to hate on it, but basil haydens is the first whiskey I enjoyed neat. Very approachable for a novice. Can't stand the stuff now, but it's what got me started in the hobby. Not sure if that was a good or bad thing because I have probably 150 bottles, almost all open.

[@bobfarr8822]

You were talking about buying from local distilleries. I'm in Grand Rapids, Michigan and have access to multiple local distilleries and have purchased Beer Barrel Bourbon from New Holland distillery, Apple Jack and straight Bourbon from Coppercraft distillery in Holland, MI

[@kevinfleckenstein5307]

Love the ones you guys pick. I wanna give a thumbs up to Old Forester Rye my new favorite . I also am a fan of Early Times BIB and live in Michigan I struggle finding the bottle anywhere. Great videos you guys do.

[@aprilbrown8081]

I’m less than a half an hour from New Riff. I need to take your advice on visiting.

[@newellgster]

Nice to see the shout out to New Riff.... just down the road from me..... good stuff.

[@TRob_1964]

I've got over half the bottles on your list currently. Love ET BiB and WT101. Great episode!

[@natestarot]

Thank you for saying what you said about the Wild Turkey 101- I almost made that one my first try. I will go for the plain Wild Turkey now! 🤠

[@cameronove]

Wow I had most of those...I've been putting off the woodford...I'm gonna get a bottle now

[@louisaziz1235]

Just found your channel and really like it. I first started drinking when I was only fourteen years old...and my grandfather taught me how. I learned to drink to enjoy it and to be responsible. My first drink was a ''Highball''. I mean a real one. For those who don't know, that's Bourbon and Ginger ale. I have tried menu of those that you have mentioned, but haven't seen Makers Mark yet. Also, many whiskeys I see are labeled Bourbon but made in California or Tennessee or... Could you explain that? I thought that Bourbon came only from Kentucky. You also mentioned ''Jack...'' Which is a Tennessee whiskey. It's good, but not Bourbon. Also, Kessler's is not a Bourbon but is very smooth, and Tin Cup is from Colorado and has a good palate, and a good following. Goob show... More please!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Hey buddy quick answer bourbon legally has to be made in America not Kentucky! It's a very common misconception! Thanks for being here! Cheers!

[@thering0010]

I’m REAL excited for Iron Fish Distillery’s first run of fully in-house bourbons. I think they come out within the next month or two. Just re-took the tasting tour, and man I still love their stuff. Mezcal cask-finished bourbon? Genius. Definitely one of my favorite stops up north.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Mezcal and bourbon don't belong together!

[@thering0010]

@@BourbonJunkies I mean… you’re right! But it works 😈

[@QuinnZed12]

Double oaked is sooo damn good. Tried a bottle last week for the first time. Went back to Binnys and bought the remaining 4 bottles lol

[@jasono.1629]

Besides these great recommendations, if anyone new to bourbon lives in the Western states I’d recommend the lowest proof offering of Smoke Wagon at 92.5 proof for a beginner bourbon. Here in Southern CA it sits on shelves where I live because everyone only chases their higher proof offerings. Only $32-$36 a bottle. It’s sweet and delicious and totally underrated.

[@bobbriante2385]

Went out to buy Evan Williams Single Barrel, but my local liquor barn didn’t have it. So I bought Early Times BIB instead. Would love to try Woodford Reserve Double Oaked as well.

[@richmcelmeel5430]

Got my first Double Oaked for 43....trying it today

[@MorganT69]

I have not found Early Times BIB around here in West TN, you can only find the 80 proof, taste is great but that stuff ALWAYS gives me a headache so its a hard pass for me now. My go to daily drinker is Rebel Yell at 80 proof, smooth and $25.00 for a half gallon. I also drink a bit of Tin Cup, great flavors at a good price point. Keep up the great videos guys.

[@gingergeezer3685]

Glad you gave a shout out to New Riff, especially since it is improving and getting really popular here. Our little local "Engine That Could." Great list. Too often people are hunting for "trophies" rather than pursuing accessible, easy drankin' bourbon.

[@rototiller78]

I agree, I heard about New Riff from an aquantice & was able to have a bottle of New Riff BiB shipped to my house and it's a flavor 💣 In my top 10 bourbons ever.

[@Soundbrigade]

Buffalo Trace!!!??? Found it here in Sweden and bought it when I went to visit my brother. Perfect! Bold enuff for me and my bro. And he’s a Scotch single malt guy ....

[@treytison1444]

1792 and Old Forester 100 are my two main cheaper regulars.

[@RedDevil513]

No way! New Riff is 2 blocks away from me! Like y'all, it isn't my favorite bourbon ever, but maybe I'll give it another shot. They just recently released a 15 year that sold out in about a minute.

[@ernestphillips761]

I live in the Cincinnati area and go to New Riff they are fantastic. Love the bourbon they make and good price too.

[@ryanangel8883]

4R SiB was actually my gateway into good bourbon. I always highly recommend it!

[@jasonczfan8658]

I always recommend the EW single barrel to new drinkers. Hell, I always keep a bottle on hand

[@adriancano3991]

I just started my bourbon journey and the 46 blew me away and the double oak

[@patterbt]

Great video guys, I absolutely love your channel and have learned a lot from your videos! I know this is an older video but I am new to the bourbon game. Aren't you guys located in Michigan? I thought that EW single barrel was only available in Kentucky, or is that a more "recent" change? Greetings from Grand Rapids!!!

[@miked8236]

Good stuff. One of my first bottles of Scotch was Aberlour A'bundah........definitely dampened my enthusiasm for it for a while being 120 proof. I definitely like it now because I've grown into it.....back then, not so much. Cheers.

[@danielodonnell4177]

Balcones is a good craft distillery in Texas. Great video!

[@morebeer7673]

They have a few solid offerings but the price is high, even in TX. I wish they'd reduce their line and focus on improving the handful of good bottles they have, instead of spreading themselves across over a dozen different bottles. Garrison Bros is also great, but also very expensive. Great juice but high-premium pricing.

[@HeavenWilliams]

that 1792 my fav by far

[@cancelchannel3394]

My Dad was born and raised in East Tennessee 😊

[@whatsinaname6745]

I found out 4 bottles into my journey that I love high proofers! ECBP A120

[@davereitzel9528]

Great video. Still hunting Early Times in Mid Michigan

[@jeremybaumgartner867]

New Riff is my go to bourbon since last summer..... like you said the single barrels are phenomenal

[@TheDeathlessDogs]

Was hoping Lost Monarch would make an appearance, and knew you wouldn't let me down. Awesome flavor, great price (under $30 around us), and a super Instagramable label, which is the most important factor when getting into whiskey. Gotta get them likes to encourage you to continue!

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Evan Williams is so polarizing! Seems to me that the older you are when you try it for the first time the more likely you are to appreciate it. Most of the people I’ve talked to that don’t like it drank too much of it at a young age; probably the reason I can’t drink vodka

[@tizi0728]

The segue into the sponsor was gold

[@robertshay9235]

I am new to bourbon and Old Forester 86 is my current go to. It’s the first bottle I actually finished. Only $20 in PA at the moment. Can’t wait to try the row series, just can’t find them in PA.

[@rpredl]

In Illinois the only place to find Early Times is on a milk carton.

[@daneedler]

I hear ya Robert. I’ve Been looking in a 30 mile circumference about the Joliet area and not a bottle of Bonded in sight. Have heard that Sazerac has discontinued the BIB for ET. When one lives in IL, one needs some bonded.

[@aarongreenwood9371]

Been in to bourbon for a while now, so not really a beginner, but agree this is a good list. Plus, I had not had the Lost Monarch, so I picked one up. Dan,...right on brother! That’s delicious stuff. I’m also a big fan of ET BiB. Thanks to Shawn for turning me on to it. Great job, guys.

[@FaceIntoKeyboard]

When I saw Wild Turkey 81, I felt really good about suggesting it for someone at an ABC store that had liked Longbranch in a cocktail. We're talking super beginner, but interested in buying the first bottle. The guy behind the counter had initially suggested Angel's Envy Port Cask "because it's rare".

[@1mocast421]

Been looking for a new skincare routine. Me struggles to get tablet away from wife... not a novice and instill haven't tried all these looking fwd to it for sure.

[@carlossandiego7925]

Hilarious. I had to pause the video after the first minute because I was laughing too much to pay attention. Same on the Tuesday stream which was great. Thanks for the info and laughs.

[@Rafael-jj1ye]

The labels for redwood empire are done by a company called stranger and stranger. They did a lot of the compass box labels. Check their website, you’ll be surprised

[@BourbonJunkies]

This is so good

[@hdgehog6]

My fav of all time is Old Overholt....

[@Scjdrilldesigns]

I'm happily drinking my EW BiB. Love the stuff for a cheep drinker.

[@maryannfournier5404]

Old Forester 86 is my 'go to' when I'm making myself Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, or a Milk Punch for brunch. Buffalo Trace is getting harder to find. Some stores limit your purchase amount. Four Roses Single Barrel is not always easy to find either.

[@klesmer]

The Woodford Double Oak is my favorite of all. Their Rye is one of the best I have tried.

[@MarkSutphin]

Love New Riff!!! From Newport KY, very close to me!

[@5031pdm]

Congrats on the sponsor guys, well deserved. I’ll check em out

[@jbschroll]

Bummed Elijah Craig missed out but otherwise extremely solid list.

[@maxrams3544]

How is Elijah Craig?. I keep hearing good things about it.

[@floridamann1109]

@@maxrams3544 the standard Elijah Craig small batch is lovely, peanut, spice, some slight heat, baking spices, and keeps you coming back for pours.

[@maxrams3544]

@@floridamann1109 I'm thinking about getting another whiskey for my birthday but there are so many good whiskeys out there and I'm really conflicted on what could be a great bottle under $30, however I've never tried an Islay Scotch and after hearing about their intense but well admired flavor profile I think I might give an Islay Scotch a go.

[@QuorasTrueScaryStories]

Elijah Craig is one of my favorites. Gives me darker, woodier sugar flavors while most others taste lighter, if that makes sense.

[@Thomas-tm3ts]

Woodford double oaked is my shiz lately

[@joeyyoshizumi]

I just watched their Woodford Double Oak breaking the seal! Another great video!

[@jonathanjohnson7547]

He really went straight for the bottle on the old forester

[@user-ww1cv7mn1i]

Double Oaked is just it. The best. Nothing beats it. For beginners, intermediates, and advanced. Doesn't matter.

[@johntalley7326]

You two are a "bad trip" back to junior high school.