Nothing says this day is awesome and so am I like bourbon on the rocks. While bourbon can often be seen as intimidating, we know that it’s pretty simple to taste and even easier to enjoy in excess. Bourbon is actually one of the more gentle whiskies out there, so you shouldn’t be afraid to pour yourself a dram. That being sad, navigating the exciting but often overwhelming world of bourbon can be a little much, and you might find it hard to turn yourself on to this amber spirit. Don’t worry: try these gateway bourbons and you’ll be sure to become an addict – er, enthusiast – in no time at all.
100% Corn Bourbon
By law, 51% of a bourbon’s mash bill has to be corn. However, the other 49% is down for experimentation. Still, there’s something very unique about 100% corn bourbon. It will often have a sweet, caramel packed nose and a bright gold color. All-corn bourbon makes for easy sipping, so if you’d like to try bourbon straight, this is a good option because it won’t frazzle your palate. Hudson Baby Bourbon is a widely available brand.
Wheated Bourbon
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the infamous Pappy falls under this category. But there are plenty of other options for you to try that will make you fall in love with wheated bourbon without spending more than five grand. Like all-corn bourbon, wheated bourbons aren’t too aggressive. You’ll taste some cereal characteristics and nutty flavors. You could try a wheated bourbon neat at room temperature or mixed with a sweet almond liqueur. That’s right, we told you to mix your wheated bourbon with amaretto. Nothing is sacred, even bourbon. Try Buffalo Trace’s W.L. Wellers.
Young Bourbon
As we’ve stated before, people are obsessed with aging statements, but young bourbons (bourbons aged under four years) can be quite delicious. These bourbons are usually peppery, brash, bright, and wonderful for someone looking for something a little offbeat. You might get some heat (a burning sensation), but if you’re tasting something undrinkable it’s not because the bourbon is young, it’s because the bourbon is just plain bad. Many craft bourbons are young, so check out your local distillery. One of my favorites is Rock Town Arkansas Bourbon Whiskey, available here.
Rye Bourbon
Rye is spicy, so rye whiskey is for pretty robust tastebuds. That being said, bourbon with a little rye can provide just the right amount of bite an adventurous drinker needs. Mix a rye bourbon with a little honey or a bittersweet amaro and feel both the corn’s sugar and the rye’s fire. You can also try this bourbon with a little ice to dilute its strength. Try Bulleit Bourbon, which has a pretty high rye content.
Straight Bourbon
Straight bourbon has been hanging out in oak for at least two years. Because it’s more mature, straight bourbon tends to have more complexity and depth than younger bourbon. So if you’re someone who likes super dark rum or Scotch, you’ll probably like straight bourbon. Expect a lot of molasses, burned sugar – maybe even a little coffee or chocolate. This is a bourbon that should coat your mouth and leave you with a prolonged finish. Try Knob Creek straight bourbon, aged 9 years.
