Best Bourbon for Beginners in 2026

Best Bourbon for Beginners in 2026

Bourbon has been making a big comeback, both in the U.S. and around the world. Its versatile, approachable flavor has caught the attention of many, and there are plenty of brands that are perfect for newcomers. These bourbons are well-balanced with natural sweetness and work great neat or in classic cocktails. 

This guide highlights the best bourbon for beginners in 2026, with all bottles available on Flaviar. If you’re past the beginner stage, don’t forget to check out our list of the best bourbon bottles for more advanced options and tasting experiences.

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Our Top 5 Best Bourbon for Beginners Best Bourbon for Beginners

If you are just starting out, these are some of the best bourbon for beginners choices to help you get familiar with the flavors without feeling overwhelmed:



About Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace is a top contender in the Kentucky Bourbon world! Owned by the Sazerac Company, it's one of the biggest bourbon producers, churning out an impressive 2.7 million gallons annually.

Buffalo Trace’s flagship, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is considered one of the best Kentucky Bourbons. It’s affordable, packed with flavor, and absolutely worth the price. This well-balanced bourbon offers a classic taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Sip it straight, pour it over ice, or shake it up in your favorite cocktails—it’s that versatile!

View more about Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$26.99
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

A medium amber color with a warm, inviting hue.

Nose / Aroma

Caramel, butter, pumpkin spices, and warm mixed nuts.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Fairly sweet with fruit cake and butter toffee but balanced with some mint on the palate.

Finish

Medium-length finish with lingering sweetness and spices.



About W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

​​W.L. Weller Special Reserve, aka the Green Label, is a sweet, easy-drinking Kentucky Bourbon that brings all the classic bourbon vibes with a twist. You’ll get rich, full flavors on the palate, with a finish that lingers with floral notes. It’s perfectly balanced for sipping, whether you’re drinking alone or toasting with friends and family. It’s the kind of bourbon that makes every moment feel a little extra special!

W.L. Weller Special Reserve stands out as one of the best bourbons for sipping, and the best part? It’s super affordable for the quality it offers!

View more about W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$72.99
W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Warm, inviting amber color.

Nose / Aroma

Strong notes of caramel and sourdough bread.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Rich dessert tones of butterscotch, nutmeg, toffee, and toasted wood.

Finish

A classic bourbon finish with lingering floral notes.



· 1000ml · 45% ABV

About Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1L)

Enjoy a rich, dessert-like sip with Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a warmly spiced American Whiskey crafted from the classic blend of corn, rye, and malted barley. It’s a great bourbon for beginners who want a flavorful and approachable introduction to the world of bourbon.

Each pour delivers cozy notes of caramel, butter, and fruit cake that hug your palate with warmth. With a 1000ml bottle, there’s plenty to savor and share.

View more about Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1L) >>
$49.99
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1L) Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Warm amber.

Nose / Aroma

Warm and comforting aroma with hints of caramel, nuts, and pumpkin spice.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Indulgent mouth-feel with creamy butter toffee notes and spiced complexity of fruity cake.  

Finish

A warm, long-lasting finish.



· 750ml · 47% ABV

About Willett Pot Still Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey

This bourbon’s got it all–amazing flavor and a killer decanter design. Aged 8–10 years and bottled at 47% ABV, it brings out a mix of vanilla, sweet corn, cinnamon, and ginger that you’ll notice from the first sniff. 

And at $51.99 for a 750ml bottle, it’s a great deal for anyone who loves well-crafted, flavorful bourbon.

View more about Willett Pot Still Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$51.99
Willett Pot Still Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Mahogany.

Nose / Aroma

A bit Cognac-y. Soft, with notes of jasmine, vanilla, sweet corn, cinnamon and ginger. 

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Woody and medium body. Hints of nuts, oak, black tea, butterscotch, lemon, dried corn, and hints of rye. You’ll find notes of banana when you add water.

Finish

Medium-long, spicy, herbal with notes of rye.



· 750ml · 45.2% ABV

About Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey

If you’re a beginner and want to develop a greater appreciation for the taste and depth of whiskey, this is the bottle for you. Bottled at 90.4 proof, this whiskey is twice-barreled for an extra rich and vibrant flavor. 

It matures in separate, charred oak barrels in the oldest bourbon distillery in Kentucky. The next nine months involve maturing the mixture in new, deeply toasted and lightly charred barrels. This process transforms the taste by adding an entirely new layer of depth to the drink’s expression. 

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey is definitely on the more affordable side. It’s a fantastic whiskey for beginners, especially for those who want greater depth and texture in their drinks without breaking the bank completely. 

View more about Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey >>
Regular
$57.99
Flaviar black
$52.19 (−10%)
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Dark amber.

Nose / Aroma

Dark fruit, toasted oak, caramel, honey, marzipan, cherry, and chocolate.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple, and cinnamon. 

Finish

Long and creamy with hints of honeyed apple.

How to Choose the Best Bourbon for Beginners?

If you are just dipping your toes into bourbon, think of it like meeting a new friend: you do not want someone too intense on the first hangout. Start with a bourbon that is sweet, lightly spiced, and finishes with a gentle hug of oak. Avoid high-proof or smoky options for now. You can choose small-batch for complex flavors or mass-produced for a reliable, beginner-friendly taste.

How Much Does Bourbon for Beginners Cost?

If you want to buy bourbon as a beginner, you don’t need to break the bank. You can grab a tasty bottle for $20-$40 and get a feel for the flavors without feeling intimidated. Premium bottles can go $70 and up, but it’s way more fun to start affordable and work your way up the ladder as you explore the world of bourbon. If you want some easy, budget-friendly picks, check out our guide to the best bourbon under $50.

Can You Drink Bourbon for Beginners Straight? 

If you want to enjoy your bourbon neat or with a touch of ice, pick options with a bit more complexity and a longer finish. Single-barrel and small-batch bottles bring rich notes of vanilla, dried fruit, and toasted oak. Drinking it on its own lets you enjoy the texture and aroma without feeling overwhelmed, making it perfect for beginners who want to explore the full flavor of each pour.

What Cocktails Can You Make With Bourbon?

Some bourbons work best in cocktails because of their flavor or proof. Small-batch options with caramel and vanilla notes or medium-proof bottles mix well without overpowering other ingredients. We recommend trying the following cocktails: