Best Whiskey for Beginners in 2026

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!

Blanton’s is the gold standard for premium single-barrel Kentucky Straight Whiskey. Aged to perfection at Buffalo Trace Distillery, it offers a gorgeous deep amber color and a rich aroma of vanilla, orange peel, and warm spices.

At $139.99 for a 750ml bottle, it’s the ultimate choice if you’re looking for a full-bodied bourbon that’s perfect for sipping.

If you’re looking for a bourbon that feels like a treat every time you pour a glass, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey might just be your new favorite. Aged for a solid decade, it’s got this smooth, rich flavor that’s hard to forget.

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old is one of those rare finds that manages to stay both premium and affordable—how often does that happen with good bourbon? Eagle Rare 10 Year Old is one of the best Kentucky Bourbons, offering rich, layered flavors and a smooth, polished finish. Honestly, if you’re into Kentucky Bourbon, this one’s a no-brainer. 

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. 

We’re finishing this list with an important member of the Redbreast family: the 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. This bottle captures the essence of Irish culture and heritage, aged in bourbon and sherry casks for 12 years and matured at 80 proof.

Every batch has a mash bill of malted and unmalted barley from farms encircling the Midleton Distillery in Munster. The water used in this drink comes from the Dungourney River. During the process of maturing and blending, the charred linings of American barrels allow for a burst of flavors, from creamy vanilla and honey to nuts and cinnamon. 

American Bourbons definitely have their charm, but if you’re in the mood for something a little different, Irish Whiskey is where it’s at. Every Redbreast bottle is approachable and light on the palate with a touch of Irish flair that we all love.