So, you're interested in trying whiskey for the first time? Great! Here are a few things to keep in mind as you embark on your whiskey journey.
First, start with a lower proof whiskey. These tend to be smoother and less overwhelming for beginners. A good place to start is with a bourbon or a Canadian whiskey, as they tend to be sweeter and less complex than other types of whiskey.
Next, don't be afraid to try different types of whiskey. Each type has its own unique flavor profile, so it's important to try different styles to find what you like. For example, bourbon is made from corn and has a sweet, caramel-like flavor, while scotch is made from barley and has a smoky, peaty flavor.
It's also important to consider how the whiskey is served. Some people prefer to drink it neat, meaning without any water or ice, while others like to add a drop of water or a few ice cubes to open up the flavors. Experiment with different ways of serving to find what you prefer.
Another thing to consider is pairing whiskey with different types of foods. Some people like to drink whiskey with a cigar, while others like to pair it with chocolate or even cheese. Pairing whiskey with food can bring out new flavors and enhance the overall experience.
Finally, remember to drink responsibly and always in moderation. whiskey is a strong spirit and it's important to enjoy it in a responsible way. If you are looking for a few whiskeys to try here at PB Express Liquor, we have collected some of our favorite whiskeys to try!
The Best Whiskeys for Beginners To Try
Buffalo Trace
ABV: 45%
Description: Ancient buffalo carved paths through the wilderness that led American pioneers and explorers to new frontiers. One such trail led to the banks of the Kentucky River where Buffalo Trace Distillery has been making bourbon whiskey the same way for more than 200 years. In tribute to the mighty buffalo and the rugged, independent spirit of the pioneers who followed them, we created our signature Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Bulleit Bourbon
ABV: 45%
Description: Bulleit Bourbon is inspired by the whiskey pioneered by Augustus Bulleit over 150 years ago. Only ingredients of the very highest quality are used. The subtlety and complexity of Bulleit Bourbon come from its unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone filtered water. Due to its especially high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character with a finish that's distinctively clean and smooth. Medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas. Mid-palate is smooth with tones of maple, oak, and nutmeg. Finish is long, dry, and satiny with a light toffee flavor.
Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 43.3%
Description: Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon is finished in port wine casks for an award-winning spirit. We guide each batch’s conditioning, blending our handcrafted bourbon in small batches of 8 to 10 barrels at a time.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
ABV: 47%
Description: Elijah Craig Small Batch is the signature Bourbon bearing the name of Rev. Elijah Craig, a Bourbon pioneer who is credited as the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels. Long before the term Small Batch even existed, our Master Distillers were hand-selecting just the right number of barrels to make Elijah Craig. This expertise and attention to detail give Elijah Craig Small Batch the right balance of rich flavor and full body for a warm spice and subtle smoke flavor.
The original Small Batch Bourbon, crafted with care from extra-aged, hand-selected barrels. Today, it’s still made in the tradition of Elijah Craig, the man who gave Kentucky Bourbon its signature flavor and aroma.
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 45%
Description: If you’ve ever wanted proof that mingling Bourbons is an art unto itself, you’ll find it in this perfectly balanced, Small Batch Bourbon. Four original Bourbon recipes have been expertly selected by our Master Distiller at the peak of maturation to create this very mellow and perfectly balanced Bourbon. You can enjoy it best straight up, on the rocks, or simply with a splash of your favorite mixer. 90 proof. 45% alcohol/volume.
Willett Pot Still Bourbon
ABV: 47%
Description: Willett Pot Still Reserve is a single-barrel Kentucky straight bourbon aged between eight and ten years. Its unique shape and design are meant to resemble the pot still that was used for generations at the Willett Distilling Company. Soft and elegant on the nose, this bourbon has slight notes of vanilla, coconut and cinnamon.
Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon
ABV: 43.5%
Description: Caramel, toasted corn, oak, cinnamon and dark fruit nose. The taste is fantastic with hints of oak, vanilla, nutmeg, some mild black pepper spice, and a light bit of honey. Good balance, medium body and a warm spicy feel.
Michter's American Whiskey
ABV: 41.7%
Description: Unlike Bourbon or Rye, which, by definition, must be aged in new oak barrels, our US 1 Unblended American Whiskey is aged in a way that utilizes whiskey-soaked barrels to achieve a rich and unique flavor profile. In late 2013, then Master Distiller Willie Pratt agreed to re-release our US1 Unblended American Whiskey after a nearly three-year absence from the market, deeming it “just right” and “the best it’s ever been.” Crucially, our US 1 Unblended American Whiskey never contains grain neutral spirits – hence its “unblended” distinction.
Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 45.20%
Description: The art of making fine bourbon first took place on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark, in 1812. The perfectly balanced taste of our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey comprises more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes.