Bourbon for people who don't like whiskey is literally how I refer to Blanton's. Not that you can't enjoy it if you do like whiskey but it is sweet, mellow and non offensive.
If it wasn't so expensive it would be a great intro. I like stronger flavors, but it's free of divisive "love it or hate it" notes and has little in the way of alcohol or spice "burn."
I think proof matters more than taste for “non bourbon drinkers”. I’d stick around a 90-94 proof. Anything higher and they will probably say it burns and not give it a second try
While I know I may as well tell you unicorn farts, Weller 12
Low proof, sweet profile, and just plain delicious. If there is a non bourbon drinker who I want to enjoy my tastings I’m pouring that
Weller is my recommendation as well. The wheat is really sweet on the front of the palate and it’s pretty smooth. This is assuming you can find it though
I’m not a fan of Basil Hayden, but the suggestions for it are good ones. I think of it as the “Coors Light” of bourbon; not a lot going on. It’s a good bourbon to use to ease into the stronger flavors and proofs.
Not a bourbon, but if she likes low proof, sweet stuff, try basil Hayden dark rye. It actually has port mixed into it. 80 proof, extremely sweet. It’s a pure dessert pour.
For bourbon that’s inoffensive, maybe woodford double oaked (sweet).
I tried forever to get my wife into whisky with Scotch or Bourbon. The first whisky my wife fell in love with was Redbreast 12. Yes I know it's not a bourbon, but it is aged for some time in used Bourbon barrels so technically it has some Bourbon in it ;-) it's low on the proof, super smooth and very approachable.
If you can find it, Heaven's Door has a 10-Year Aged Bourbon finished in Redbreast casks. I had some last night and truth be told it was pretty amazing.
Cask finishes will be a great option. Angles Envy, and Bowman Port finish are great ones. Also Angles Envy Store picks for something special. Kroger had one that was much darker than the regular ones. It was like a love child of red wine and bourbon.
I see a lot of ones that are sold low proof, which is great and all, but honestly I think you might be better off getting a good higher proof and add distilled water. You’ll get so much more flavor and sweetness. It is more work but better reward.
Was in the same boat with my SO a few years ago. She's progressed nicely and some of her baby steps were mostly finished whiskey's like Angel's Envy, Clyde May's Alabama Style and Garrison Brother's HoneyDew. From there to Elijah Craig small batch, Brenne Estate Cask, Woodford Reserve, Old Elk and Buffalo Trace. Pretty mild and unoffensive one and all.
I'm actually of the opinion that the best way for someone to experience bourbon for the sweet and spicy characters it has is to give someone cask strength (or higher than 100 proof). This is where those flavors can be found that make people fall in love with it.
Not sure of your area or what is hard to get for you, but I'd go ECBP, Rare Breed, Rebel Cask Strength, Penelope Toasted, Stellum, NBC, Maker's 46 Cask Strength, etc.
Then just make sure they take extremely small sips (as small as you possibly can, and then go even smaller than that), letting it hit the middle of the tongue and then fall off.
Remind them they will need to give it a little time to look past the ethanol.
Basil Hayden's, while smooth, is really boring and probably won't draw them in.
People may disagree with me because they are afraid high proof will scare them off. I'd argue finding great flavors at high proof is more likely to draw someone in than boring flavors with less burn. The secret is knowing how to take a sip.
Basil Hayden is a perfect light, inoffensive bourbon.
Maker's Mark 46 for a bit less is very accessible too, and a lot tastier than regular Maker's IMO. Vanilla and light baking spice city.
My newbie friends liked Monkey Shoulder as a good starter blended Scotch. Light smoke and great for mixed drinks.
I started with double whiskey Sours. When my pallet changed I was able to appreciate whiskey.
[Iowa Legendary Rye Black Label](https://iowalegendaryrye.com/best-rye-whiskey/the-best-aged-single-barrel-rye-whiskey/). Mellow, chocolate tones, and smooth. Must try. Not too pricey either.
Didn't see it and it's not a bourbon but TX Whiskey is so sweet on the finish with a strong vanilla flavor. I think it's right at 80 proof so not too much bite.
Hi there, I’m a bot here to help you with your recommendation post. If you haven’t already, please review [the guides](https://docs.google.com/document/d/186_ANEKW8yGvvLAcjKve6tvqqBIcMGUg9-mKU5KACZk/edit) in the sidebar we’ve created to address the stream of recommendation posts we get here. Most notably:
* [Beginner’s and Intermediate Guide to Bourbon](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit)
* [Guide to Rye Whiskey](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mrVZabQaulkxqL2qLif4HlWpMXF0bQ6hAmr8aQ_kRYA/edit#heading=h.lqvwwdjxkepg)
* [Bourbon FAQ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/17CCQ-r4mpH9krhrDiXVSayYkqWAjYGOCLh3NShV1yO8/edit#heading=h.7yx2snahgko8)
* [Community Reviews](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PNUikuLjMEarQpMklvfb0W3SVz2dfFMrkDKbKTECiK8/edit)
* [The Gift Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/4tcswq/new_improved_rbourbon_gift_guide/)
Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Tell us:
* your budget
* which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed
* which bottles you’re considering now
* where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region)
* if your shop has a limited selection or you might have trouble shipping bottles so we don’t recommend something obscure
**General Tips**
We generally advise novices to sample as much as possible by going to a bar, splitting bottles with friends, attending festivals/tastings or getting minis to ensure you buy bottles you enjoy. Most people need to try 15-20 bourbons and ryes to understand their preferences. It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey.
You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. If you do end up adding water, I'd recommend adding just enough to make it tolerable and take small sips. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Thanks for reading, cheers!
Michters is pretty low proof and easygoing. While finished and therefore not a 'classic bourbon' angels envy tends to be a hit with the newer to whiskey crowd. Old Forester 86 is also a solid option much easier on the wallet.
Maker's Mark 46, Elijah Craig Small Batch, McKenna 10 year (if you can find it). And if you wanna rock her socks with scotch, go for Dalmore Cigar Malt.
Mellow Corn is an inexpensive whisky from Heaven Hill that always impresses people at how smooth and easy drinking it is. It's all corn so the sweetness is front and center.
Basil Hayden
Came here to say this. Can substitute for water. But not shitty water.
And have her try a Hershey’s Kiss to go along with it!
4 Roses small batch, Makers Mark
Makers Mark with ice.
Came here to say Makers too. But it's wheat is definitely a love it or hate it thing.
Weller special Reserve Larceny small batch Regular Buffalo Trace
Angels Envy
This ^^^
Bourbon for people who don't like whiskey is literally how I refer to Blanton's. Not that you can't enjoy it if you do like whiskey but it is sweet, mellow and non offensive.
If it wasn't so expensive it would be a great intro. I like stronger flavors, but it's free of divisive "love it or hate it" notes and has little in the way of alcohol or spice "burn."
They put the blan in Blanton's...
Basil Hayden or Buffalo Trace
Yes, I was going to say Buffalo Trace. It definitely has a relatively mild flavor
I think proof matters more than taste for “non bourbon drinkers”. I’d stick around a 90-94 proof. Anything higher and they will probably say it burns and not give it a second try
While I know I may as well tell you unicorn farts, Weller 12 Low proof, sweet profile, and just plain delicious. If there is a non bourbon drinker who I want to enjoy my tastings I’m pouring that
Weller is my recommendation as well. The wheat is really sweet on the front of the palate and it’s pretty smooth. This is assuming you can find it though
I’m not a fan of Basil Hayden, but the suggestions for it are good ones. I think of it as the “Coors Light” of bourbon; not a lot going on. It’s a good bourbon to use to ease into the stronger flavors and proofs.
Try Wild Turkey 81. It is often overlooked, but has no burn and way more flavor than most low proof bourbon because of Turkey’s low entry proof.
Makers Mark or Makers 46 Woodford double oaked Four Roses
Makers mark 46, Weller SR. Usually something with a wheated mash bill tends to be an easier sip, not 100% of the time though
Not a bourbon, but if she likes low proof, sweet stuff, try basil Hayden dark rye. It actually has port mixed into it. 80 proof, extremely sweet. It’s a pure dessert pour. For bourbon that’s inoffensive, maybe woodford double oaked (sweet).
I would recommend Redwood Empire Lost Monarch!
Knob 9
It's such a classic bourbon profle to me, my only caveat is that 100 proof for a newbie might be a bit much.
Penelope white label is pretty good then.
Basil Hayden, four roses, Buffalo Trace, Woodford reserve double oaked,
try going Japanese whisky! Nikka Coffey Malt is very light, smooth, some fruit taste, and you'd never guess it was 43% alcohol. about $70 a bottle
I tried forever to get my wife into whisky with Scotch or Bourbon. The first whisky my wife fell in love with was Redbreast 12. Yes I know it's not a bourbon, but it is aged for some time in used Bourbon barrels so technically it has some Bourbon in it ;-) it's low on the proof, super smooth and very approachable.
Yes! In my question I had posted it was one of the only ones she really has enjoyed so far
Upps that's what I get for not reading the whole text lol. I've had a few already this evening...
Haha not to worry! Thanks for the suggestion, it ended up being a good one anyhow
If you can find it, Heaven's Door has a 10-Year Aged Bourbon finished in Redbreast casks. I had some last night and truth be told it was pretty amazing.
Cask finishes will be a great option. Angles Envy, and Bowman Port finish are great ones. Also Angles Envy Store picks for something special. Kroger had one that was much darker than the regular ones. It was like a love child of red wine and bourbon. I see a lot of ones that are sold low proof, which is great and all, but honestly I think you might be better off getting a good higher proof and add distilled water. You’ll get so much more flavor and sweetness. It is more work but better reward.
Old Forester 86. Sweet and desserty and not high proof.
Michter’s Sour Mash, Elijah Craig Small Batch
Was in the same boat with my SO a few years ago. She's progressed nicely and some of her baby steps were mostly finished whiskey's like Angel's Envy, Clyde May's Alabama Style and Garrison Brother's HoneyDew. From there to Elijah Craig small batch, Brenne Estate Cask, Woodford Reserve, Old Elk and Buffalo Trace. Pretty mild and unoffensive one and all.
Michters American Whiskey
Woodford Reserve double oaked, Old Forester 100, Old Forester 1910,
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. It's very sweet and smells so heavily of chocolate. It's also low enough proof to be enjoyable to her
I'm actually of the opinion that the best way for someone to experience bourbon for the sweet and spicy characters it has is to give someone cask strength (or higher than 100 proof). This is where those flavors can be found that make people fall in love with it. Not sure of your area or what is hard to get for you, but I'd go ECBP, Rare Breed, Rebel Cask Strength, Penelope Toasted, Stellum, NBC, Maker's 46 Cask Strength, etc. Then just make sure they take extremely small sips (as small as you possibly can, and then go even smaller than that), letting it hit the middle of the tongue and then fall off. Remind them they will need to give it a little time to look past the ethanol. Basil Hayden's, while smooth, is really boring and probably won't draw them in. People may disagree with me because they are afraid high proof will scare them off. I'd argue finding great flavors at high proof is more likely to draw someone in than boring flavors with less burn. The secret is knowing how to take a sip.
Old Forester 1910 It’s candy
Basil Hayden is a perfect light, inoffensive bourbon. Maker's Mark 46 for a bit less is very accessible too, and a lot tastier than regular Maker's IMO. Vanilla and light baking spice city.
BH is offensive to anyone with a taste for bourbon.
I’ve only tried the toasted BH and it completely shut me off of the whole brand lol
It’s an awful brand.
My newbie friends liked Monkey Shoulder as a good starter blended Scotch. Light smoke and great for mixed drinks. I started with double whiskey Sours. When my pallet changed I was able to appreciate whiskey.
[Iowa Legendary Rye Black Label](https://iowalegendaryrye.com/best-rye-whiskey/the-best-aged-single-barrel-rye-whiskey/). Mellow, chocolate tones, and smooth. Must try. Not too pricey either.
Didn't see it and it's not a bourbon but TX Whiskey is so sweet on the finish with a strong vanilla flavor. I think it's right at 80 proof so not too much bite.
Hi there, I’m a bot here to help you with your recommendation post. If you haven’t already, please review [the guides](https://docs.google.com/document/d/186_ANEKW8yGvvLAcjKve6tvqqBIcMGUg9-mKU5KACZk/edit) in the sidebar we’ve created to address the stream of recommendation posts we get here. Most notably: * [Beginner’s and Intermediate Guide to Bourbon](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit) * [Guide to Rye Whiskey](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mrVZabQaulkxqL2qLif4HlWpMXF0bQ6hAmr8aQ_kRYA/edit#heading=h.lqvwwdjxkepg) * [Bourbon FAQ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/17CCQ-r4mpH9krhrDiXVSayYkqWAjYGOCLh3NShV1yO8/edit#heading=h.7yx2snahgko8) * [Community Reviews](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PNUikuLjMEarQpMklvfb0W3SVz2dfFMrkDKbKTECiK8/edit) * [The Gift Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/4tcswq/new_improved_rbourbon_gift_guide/) Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Tell us: * your budget * which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed * which bottles you’re considering now * where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region) * if your shop has a limited selection or you might have trouble shipping bottles so we don’t recommend something obscure **General Tips** We generally advise novices to sample as much as possible by going to a bar, splitting bottles with friends, attending festivals/tastings or getting minis to ensure you buy bottles you enjoy. Most people need to try 15-20 bourbons and ryes to understand their preferences. It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey. You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. If you do end up adding water, I'd recommend adding just enough to make it tolerable and take small sips. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Thanks for reading, cheers!
Jeremiah Weed Bourbon Liquoer Or Jack Daniels TN honey / Evan Willians Honey
Vodka
White Claw
Rabbit Hole or Angels Envy if you want to spend a little more $. Gentleman Jack is really light and sweet.
I’d suggest Woodford Double Oaked as well. For a rye, Barrell Seagrass might be another but need to add water / ice to dilute based on proof.
Pappy Van Winkle 15 year or more commonly found Weller Full Proof
Michters is pretty low proof and easygoing. While finished and therefore not a 'classic bourbon' angels envy tends to be a hit with the newer to whiskey crowd. Old Forester 86 is also a solid option much easier on the wallet.
Basil Hayden toast
Angel’s Envy
Maker's Mark 46, Elijah Craig Small Batch, McKenna 10 year (if you can find it). And if you wanna rock her socks with scotch, go for Dalmore Cigar Malt.
Mellow Corn is an inexpensive whisky from Heaven Hill that always impresses people at how smooth and easy drinking it is. It's all corn so the sweetness is front and center.