$325 Ultimate Beginner's Bourbon Collection! Where to start collecting bourbon?

[@MiyagiNariyoshi]

Remember to collect to drink! Once a bottle gets about halfway down, I push it to the back of the collection and decide if I want to buy another of the same bottle or try something new!

[@Despite37]

That's a great rule to live by.

[@Aloysious0013]

With ya Miyagi…good for the palette.

[@sslmtz8]

I need to start doin that I just drink drink drink till I finish a bottle to get another 😂

[@davevogelsang6791]

I first started drinking bourbon back in the early 2000’s. I tried several and liked Woodford Reserve the most. I then drifted towards craft beers and wine. I just recently restarted my bourbon journey last December with a vengeance. On suggestions from your channel and other KZbin bourbon channels, I have accumulated 90 bottles of bourbons in a small period of time. I am planning to retire in 2 years, so I want collect and sample as many good bourbons as I can, while collecting a paycheck.

[@exjw8623]

I have not had a sip of or a shot of whiskey for many years but started watching videos of noobs getting into whiskey so decided to start my collection. Yesterday I went and spent 115 dollars and got 2 bourbons and 1 rye and 1 whisky. I started with Sazerac rye, Wild turkey 101, Elijah Craig small batch, and I know I will be judged and laughed at, Skrewball peanut butter whisky. I am so new that even following the guidelines of tasting many of you teach they almost all smelled and tasted like varnish I was surprised the Wild Turkey 101 seemed to be the smoothest. Believe my untrained pallet or not but we tasted all the non flavored whiskies first then tried the peanut butter whisky and the aromas and flavors we picked up were amazing like a coffee flavored end note and the peanut butter flavor was not overwhelming and it also had kind of a marshmallow and coffee mid note easing into a really good coffee flavor in the end. Thanks for the videos and please don't judge me to harshly, LOL.

[@erik0073]

It's a good buy if you like it. I like Bird Dog, so there's no judging coming from me!

[@ChristIsLord7]

My 7 would be: heaven hill BIB $40, Four Roses single barrel $40, wild Turkey rare bred $55, Woodford double oak $55, Buffalo trace $30. Michter’s single barrel rye $50. Frye ranch farm strength $80. That’s $350 though. Extras would be: Eagle Rare $40 Old Forester 1920 $60

[@gregoryroberts8484]

I just got into starting my bourbon collection. This is an awesome video, thank you!!

[@torbenmortensen75]

Great list :-) Smoke wagon and Old Forrester is sadly not possible to get over here in Denmark. My beginner collection is so far: Wild turkey 101 Blantons gold edition Buffalo Trace Eagle rare 10 year Evan Williams single barrel vintage (2010) Four roses single barrel Wild Turkey rarebreed Maker's mark 46 Elijah Craig Barrelproof (c921) 1792 small batch Knob creek 9y Jack Daniels single barrel barrel strength

[@eric88mass]

I can send you some!

[@sundayduffer]

subbed. ive alwayed enjoyed an old fashioned/ manhattan here and there... it is time to neat. Perfect collection. Frankly, rich or poor, these are still IT. Thx.

[@Stabby__]

Decent list with some surprises, I'd probably say if someone can go to a bar and get some pours of different brands they could also find a distillery flavor profile they like without investing in whole bottles too. I understand we all can't be blessed to have our local watering hole offer everything but they should be able to cover the well known ones to scratch off the list 😉

[@iansammons2730]

It's weird though; certain bottles I try at bars and they just don't impress me. OF1920, WT rare Breed... then when I get a bottle home; crack it and have a glass or two and can sit and enjoy them... completely different. I had all but written off Rarebreed due to trying it twice at the bar and actually liking 101 better... but so many youtube blind wins made me take a bottle home and within a week... It's a top 3 bottle for me. Maybe it's that I was tasting it in rocks glasses; not glens... maybe it's just I'm able to savor more at home... not sure; but neat whiskeys just taste different to me @ home vs @ the bar.

[@Stabby__]

@@iansammons2730 for sure, I think it depends on the head space on the bottle too, will get a different experience, maybe something to note if ya taste at a bar. Also some bars are known to "water down" their liquor, sucks but always dishonest ppl

[@Kenny31190]

ECSB is a great shelf staple even for "veteran" bourbon drinkers

[@bradyarbro5397]

Smoke Wagon also covers the high rye bourbon. If that’s not available I would put Four Roses Single Barrel on the list

[@iansammons2730]

My updated list: OF100 (23 on sale here now), elijah craig single barrel pick $40, wild Turkey rare breed $49, jack sbsbp RYE $70, knob creek 9 special reserve pick $70, knob creek 12 $73. Total $325

[@ny100302]

I like the closing message about being responsible. Wish health to all you guys. Cheers 🥃

[@Jonesin4Whiskey]

Evan Williams Bottled in Bond great budget bottle too

[@BillKnudsen]

Glad to see the Rare Breed on the list. A must have and 101 a must also, for me. Unfortunately living in Utah, Rare Breed is, let's just say, rare.

[@jacobh9014]

Its crazy how I can find rare breed rye so often in utah stores but the rare breed bourbon rarely shows up. I need more!

[@jermor]

Solid video, I don’t disagree with a single one of these selections

[@jbbourbon178]

Having a spread of distilleries is a great tactic. Great video David!!

[@simonsays4021]

Best video Iv seen from whiskey tube in a while. I like the ‘back to basics’ take. Good selections too!

[@andrewbloor6391]

As a viewer based in the UK, love your videos and channel, envious of your collection lol but I'm building mine up gradually. Keep up the excellent work!

[@ThreeToesofFury]

ok...new fav video from you...and thats saying a LOT. You help educate those out there in some AMAZING bourbons which are ON THE SHELF. Thanks bud! take care! !

[@resistancetacticalpreparedness]

You talking about any whiskey in Indiana got me thinking about George Dickel Rye. It’s distilled in Indiana so I bet it’s made by MGP.

[@jetrauger1748]

The problem with Elijah Craig is that if I have a dram or two people think that I smell like stale old wiskey. I love the taste of it. I believe that the stale wiskey smell is coming from the charred oak flavors in the Elijah Craig bourbon. I love Bowman Brothers and it is a good replacement for Buffalo Trace.

[@ericdolby1622]

I started with Old Forester 1910, WT 101, Makers Mark 46, WT Rare Breed, 4 Roses single barrel. What do you think? Forgot I have Knob Creek 9 also.

[@terpisdead]

i can never make the bottles last long enough to start a collection lmao

[@bryanrussell2421]

love your ending by making sure people put their health before the hobby. We'll said David!!👍

[@jamesstreet1144]

Great list. I’ve got most.

[@fturla___156]

What I have and what I intend to get is the - Elijah Craig Small Batch, Makers Mark (Regular), not going to get the Buffalo Trace but will keep the Eagle Rare, Smoke Wagon Small Batch, Old Forester 1920, Knob Creek 9, Wild Turkey Rare Breed. The Jack Daniels bottles seem a little too expensive in my area. Is the Old Forester 1910 dramatically different to the 1920? I'm in no rush to get the Knob Creek, but restocking for Eagle Rare, Rare Breed, Russell's Reserve 10, and Smoke Wagon is something I do not mind getting more of. Thanks for the list. It's a good starter pack of whiskey for those that want the popular set

[@weslegna]

Michters sour mash is what got me into drinking neat. Still till this day it proves in blinds to be the best

[@bderris]

Mine is Eagle Rare, Russell's Reserve, Smoke Wagon small batch or uncut/unfiltered, Woodinville, and Bulleit Single Barrel.

[@robertsoto4239]

New collector here ! Thank you for the video

[@WhiskeyRow]

Enjoy the journey!

[@DrPogosyan]

Solid choices for any bourbon drinker

[@stevewambach7637]

IMO i think you should of put 4 roses on there single barrel as the main and small batch select as the alternative

[@msutton01]

Great list and great education as well. Thanks for the effort David!

[@adammcneese1]

Good video. Thanks.

[@ZipManGem]

Love the video. Being in Virginia myself (Northern Virginia) I am on that spirted ABC email where certain stores have the limited drop. Was able to get a knob creek 12

[@ThreeToesofFury]

24.1K!? YES! The site groweth beautifully.

[@martinjames6148]

Great video and real talk at the end,!

[@michael7033]

Recently started my "collection" if you'd call it that, I'm in Alabama so super hard to find certain things, stumbled across this video making a list of things to look for enjoyed it alot liked and subbed keep it up.

[@clydekimsey7503]

Excellent picks

[@anthonyspadavecchio2036]

Thank you for the video I really enjoyed it everything you had to recommend I have on my bourbon bar and I totally agree with you on the wild Turkey rare breed that’s my go to bourbon!!!!! And Knobb Creek 9 year singel barrel 120 proof!!!!!!!

[@keykleen2010]

Hell Yea ! Mine would be Jack Daniels SBBP, Russell’s Reserve SB, Woodford Reserve Wheat, Old Forester 1920 and probably ECBP. I’ve Never had Old Forester 1910 but will soon. RC

[@NebFan06]

Great video. I think that some of these might be a little high proof for a beginner, but I would be more than willing to have any of these bottles.

[@maddex2040]

I wish Bourbon prices were so reasonable in Australia. Elijah Craig Small Batch is normally $89 AUD / $59 USD in Australia

[@WhiskeyRow]

Yeah, that's almost double here... yikes! I'm glad you found bourbon and enjoy it, but that is unfortunate!

[@dethzero8337]

I was in frankenmuth. And markers mark makes a special kind of MM for just that hotel. That’s what they said on the Bavarian inn channel said when we stayed there. I didn’t get to try it though.

[@kennethbrezovsky2212]

Great list, and I have them all, but the Smoke Wagon. I haven't seen it in Maine for a long time.

[@craigthomas540]

Excellent, thank you!

[@stefanloof1643]

Good job, David! If you had the alternative bottles I think you should have shown them too in the video, it’s always more effective to see the actual bottle than to just mention them. Just my thoughts. Cheers from Sweden! 🇸🇪

[@LuisSanchez-rf8di]

Very nice video

[@jakeshafer3157]

Buffalo Trace, OGD114, Early Times Bib, Old Tub, Smoke Wagon,EHT.

[@alandiaz1041]

Can’t fault your list. I can’t get Smokewagon here in Florida though. I don’t have a massive quantity of bottles. I usually keep around 9 bourbons and 9 scotch in my home bar. Scotch is super pricey so I generally scale back in what I spend on bourbon. For me, it would be WT Rare Breed, MM Cask Strength, Old Forester 100, RR 10 Year, JD Triple Mash, & OGD 114 (if I were to keep it at seven bottles). That would run me roughly $220. I hear what you are saying about Benchmark. However, I really like the Benchmark Full Proof. It’s 125 proof and is tasty (IMO).

[@cleverhonky7186]

It’s crazy how many blind taste test Rare Breed has won. If I could only have one bottle it would be Rare Breed.

[@EzzyR561]

Glad you added that last message on behalf of your health and the excitement of whiskey. I embarked on my whiskey journey at 24 and I got all kinds of whiskey and I would enjoy sipping on it every night but like you said, it made worker harder.

[@ElNeo9778]

I like the selection and have four of them, plus two of the suggested alternatives.Smoke Wagon is not available in UK and OF 1910 is a unicorn. BT is everywhere and often marked down in price, but unfortunately also down in proof at just 80! To be honest it is pretty poor at that proof so I went for ER, which is surprisingly easy to find. Just a thought David, could you do a follow up as where a collection should expand after achieving the "beginners collection"?

[@mcw2553]

OF 1910 is available at Hedonism and if you want the 90 proof BT in the UK/EU, get the litre bottles.

[@ElNeo9778]

@@mcw2553 Thanks for the information. Have not used Hedonism, but will check them out!

[@ElNeo9778]

@@mcw2553 Question, at UK prices are the 1910 and 1920 worth the money, when I can get 2 Rare Breed and 2 Eagle Rare for less?

[@FakingANerve]

@@ElNeo9778 good god, if you can get two ER for the price of either 1910 or 1920, BUY THE ER!

[@FakingANerve]

...or Rare Breed, for that matter.

[@IJustGotHere]

Love the list! I still need to get the Smoke Wagon. 👍

[@nickolasmunoz1808]

Nice list. Agree for the most part. Prefer 1920 to 1910.

[@IllexbringstheFish]

Oh man I would give a lot to put my hands on the old forester 1910....in Germany absolutely not available. :(

[@fourcubed47]

Unfortunate, here in New York State, both Old Forester 1910 and 1920 is in practically in every liquor store.

[@Jared40]

Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select is 94 proof that one usually is $45-50 that one is solid too never had a bad bottle

[@chucksteak7685]

Dumb amateur question. I’ve been getting into bourbon and I enjoy it. I’ll usually have a 2-3oz pour on a Friday evening. The next day my throat is mildly sore. Proof range is 90-100. Is that common or am I sipping it wrong?

[@jonathanwright1761]

Jack Daniels Barrel Proof is impossible to find in Minnesota

[@frankmurillo422]

My local Sam's club has that buffalo trace for 18 dollars

[@erik0073]

That's a deal. It runs $24-30 in grocery stores in Northern Indiana right now.

[@daFranch1se69]

For the novice, I got you. Build your palette slowly with low proof first. Then the cornerstone and best contrasts in bourbon that I found are, Grandad 114 vs. Rare Breed You have high corn vs. high rye blends. Pick your poison. I prefer high rye my guy. (GD114)

[@fourcubed47]

I agree, sipping on an OG 114 as I type this. I very much enjoy the Rare Breed rye, too.

[@rickypastor4070]

I though the list was very good but I liked most of your alternative bottles better. Great base to start

[@MrTbonge]

I’m not the biggest fan of Wild turkey 101. But do wanna try that rare breed

[@jztgatjdtkgt]

I have tried and enjoyed all of these with the exception of Smoke Wagon. I really like OF1920 so I am inspired to try OF1910. Great video.

[@Pigpen1202]

I have both and really enjoy them both

[@curtboxley7678]

Another great list and video David

[@scottbaron121]

Calumet Farm 16 year ($170). Rare Breed ($50). Rare Breed ($50). Rare Breed ($50). $5 to the good. WIN!

[@wlp1053]

Old Forester would have been great on this list. Price and value wise.

[@LilyandGal]

Great to see a few posts from UK bourbon drinkers. Interesting selection David. Just come back from a family holiday in the states, passed on a bottle if Smoke Wagon SB in favour of the HH 7 BiB also picked up a OF 100 (very excited to try this after reading/watching reviews) , OGD BiB and Russell's 10. Passed on the SW as I have not dabbled in any MGP yet, still getting acquainted with Kentucky Bourbon around the 95-100 proof range. Enjoyed looking around liquor stores as there are very few left here in England.

[@archietyler6759]

Awesome list David!!! Cheers!!!

[@jasonwold5350]

Great list

[@bburnell100]

JD is currently gold label if folks are hunting for it, last one i got is 133.8

[@stephencornicelli3194]

Great list David!!!

[@mistermatsuda]

I want to try Buffalo Trace but in my area it goes for $35 because no else has it. I always pass on it and get something else.

[@YoPaulieMusic]

Great list, I've got all of 'em. :)

[@danieldillingham1523]

I think I would have put a wild turkey rarebreed rye. Just my opinion. I’m new and the ryes are nice to include.

[@patrickq7489]

Love these lists. I still consider myself a beginner, so this is super helpful.

[@toastyyt4336]

I walked in to my local total wine and saw ecbp on the shelf and heaven hill 10 yr and was so bummed when I didn’t buy them due to trying to be responsible and not spend any money on bourbon for a year until I work through some bottles.

[@sharonschmeederjohnson4648]

I realized just how different we are with our taste when I had makers 46 because it tasted like men's shoe polish

[@stuartrollings602]

Hey folks! Another great show…question on that JD single barrel - has it been open since 2016 and if so what is your opinion on how long open bottles of bourbon stay “good”. I have many bottles from several years back sitting on my shelf that have been opened. Some articles I have read say 1-2 years is the max you should keep…based on oxidation or other potential deterioration issues…your thoughts please Thanks!

[@Stabby__]

Long as you keep them consistent cool dark place and cover the tops with a parafilm wax to keep out air, you should have no issues keeping them around awhile. Light, air and temperature can degrade it quickly. Also the level of juice in the bottle, if it's mostly full np but If it's half or less move it to a smaller bottle for less head/air space 👍

[@mhedden033]

I had 2 surgeries this year and couldn't drink for about 9 months. Of my open bottles the ones that where under 50% the whole time are noticeably flatter on the palate (nose was still the same). I'm going to try and kill more bottles when they drop under 50% from now on unless it is special, then I might move it to one of the 375ml bottles that I kept.

[@stuartrollings602]

Thanks guys! Appreciate it very much!

[@tbryant2002]

I know this is old..but benchmark full proof, bonded, single barrel and small batch are better than bt lol.. SB and SMB maybe not but other 2 imo are. Smoke wagon is so good...MGP is always good.

[@anthonyboyles2700]

I live in North Carolina. I just picked up a bottle of Blantons for 60$ from a guy I work with from Virginia. Since Virginia isn't that far away from me I just wanted to ask if you have a technique or how much more common it is to find buffalo trace products in your area. Where I live if you do run across something it's raffled off and you can't just buy it. Anyway great videos !

[@francisrizzo1529]

VA ABC changed the rules like 6 months ago, all of the allocated products (all BT products above Benchmark that aren't lottery items like Pappy) are randomly put on the shelf like once a month and announce it via email. If you're not within a few miles of the store, you're not getting anything allocated...

[@robertlee6781]

1776 from Pepper is a decent Smoke Wagon Small Batch substitute.

[@Glock2201]

I have enjoyed a lot of your videos as well as the ones on beyond the row but this might be the best one yet. The list is great but your comments at the end were awesome and so true. I have not seen Smokewagon anywhere and have a bottle of the MM46 but have yet to open it. I am not a JD fan but it seems that the single barrell is much better than the #7 so might try that at some point. Only thing I might change is to replace the Rare Breed with OF 1920. It is a little more money but IMO it is better but I do understand you were trying to get a variety of distillers which is a great idea. Another thing for people to do as well is to check the nipper bottle selection or even the 375 ml section. Even though it is not as good a value it is a way to try different ones trying to decide which you like best and then you can stock up on the bigger bottles once you decide.

[@jpgiii85]

Was on the edge about subscribing until I heard you remind your audience about their health and priorities.

[@Chris-de2qc]

Lol

[@jpgiii85]

@@Chris-de2qc ok

[@markb107]

Still looking for a Smoke Wagon,myself.

[@tonybeckman1774]

I had a sample of Buffalo Trace on vacation in Colorado but have never been able to catch up to any here in Ohio. I enjoyed the sample but not holding my breath for any in Ohio.

[@AVERAGEWHISKEYDRINKER]

Instead of a 1910 OF, I would go more a 86 and/or a 100 Proof OF, EC:SB, EW: 1783, JD: SB, WT: 101, MM: 101, Michter's Sour Mash, Pikesville Rye, New Riff Bourbon, and Jim Beam: Double Oak - All for less than $325 and 10 bottles to boot

[@ckal_]

Is there actually somewhere that EC SmB is not available? It’s gotta be one of the most available products on the market.

[@chadlange33]

Halarios thumbnail for the 325$ begginer burbon bar 😂

[@xippetotectheflayedgod6179]

What would you reccomend for a starter rye?

[@ronaldblando2266]

I am not a rye fan in general, but the one that I found I absolutely love is Angel Envy Rye, it’s finished in a Caribbean Rum barrel. Forewarn you, at least here in Texas it’s almost $85-$90. I have not tried the other AE, but it is much lower in cost here .

[@robertlee6781]

Wild Turkey 101 Rye, or a Knob Creek rye. These are a higher corn content. For an Indiana rye, with a higher rye content, look at Redemption Rye.

[@Robert.Sheard]

Old Forester rye is a great first rye

[@ChadWoodNC-PiedmontSkyCams]

A beginner collection HAS to have 1792 Small Batch. $27 here in NC. Otherwise, great selection!

[@curtboxley7678]

Love both the WT rare breed and the JDSPBP. Do you enjoy the Rye versions also.....been considering adding those to my collection.....

[@curtboxley7678]

JDSBBP...Jack Daniel's single barrel barrel proof.....what a mouth full....but delicious whiskey

[@bhutjolokia6990]

I have to figure out a better method for having a collection. Every 2 weeks I buy a nice bottle and by the time I buy a new one the other bottle is empty!!😂😂

[@sharonschmeederjohnson4648]

Old Forester 1920 the only way to go

[@Moves_Nation]

I would go with Russell’s 10 year over the rare breed feel like the proof would be too high on the rare breed for someone just getting into it.

[@erik0073]

Many people agree.

[@Chris-de2qc]

Right! Stick with 90 or below! Only exception is Early Times BiB...so smooth

[@dudestuff1557]

Knobel? Good or bad?

[@mgrego2]

JDSBBP is impossible to find in MI anymore but it is one of my favorites. I don't think the KC single barrel even comes close. Totally agree on the RB. Lately, we've been seeing Buffalo Trace store picks. Great price and they blow the standard product away. You get some slight Stagg hints on them.

[@weslegna]

Rare breed is truly all you need

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

6 bottles and you've got some money left for glassware.

[@weslegna]

@@jolkraeremeark6949 seriously. If I want to be extravagant I’d buy the calumet 16.. or something special hard to find.. the old bottles of knob creek pre 2020 knob creeks… can’t lose

[@jonathanwright1761]

I recently paid 35 for Buffalo Trace here in Minnesota. Starting to get out of hand

[@davidleabo4669]

Early Times BNB.

[@Rustomatic19]

David did you ever bounce at a bar?