Photo: izusek (Getty Images)
Every journey has to start somewhere. If you’re anything like us, your journey probably has something to do with alcohol. Specifically whisk(e)y. But, like with anything, you can’t just dive right in unprepared if your a novice to the spirit. You have to start at the beginning. Luckily, there are myriad value, gateway whisk(e)ys well-suited for every palate and level of drinker.
Instead of simply sticking to one style, today we’re going to list (and rank) beginner picks from eight different styles including bourbon, rye, single malt Scotch whisky, blended Scotch whisky, Canadian whisky, Japanese whisky, Tennessee whiskey, and even Irish whiskey. Keep scrolling to see all of our picks and finally take the first step in your whisk(e)y journey.
8 Beginner Whiskeys
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8) Rye – Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Style Rye
There are myriad value rye whiskeys on the market, but we think one of the best beginner choices is Jim Beam Pre-Prohibition Style Rye. Made in the classic, traditional style, it’s known for its combination of buttery toffee, vanilla beans, rich oak, and spicy cracked black pepper.
Photo: Jim Beam
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7) Single Malt Scotch – Glenmorangie The Original
It’s very difficult to pick just one single malt Scotch whisky to pick for the best beginner bottle. But, if we had to pick one, it would be Glenmorangie The Original. This 10-year-old, reasonably-priced single malt is aged totally in ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a mellow, rich whisky with hints of vanilla, caramel, and candied orange peels.
Photo: Glenmorangie
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6) Bourbon – Wild Turkey Rare Breed
This favorite of both bartenders and bourbon drinkers is a robust 112.8 proof so it stands up in any cocktail but is also a great high-proof sipper. This blend of 6,8, and 12-year-old bourbons is known for its combination of sweetness, spice, and herbal flavor.
Photo: Wild Turkey
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5) Japanese – Suntory Toki
There are few Japanese whisky more well-known than Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky. Toki means “time” in Japanese, and you’ll have the time of your life sipping on this whisky and using it as a base for a classic highball. Known for flavors like vanilla beans, mint, honey, baking spices, and slight spice, it’s a can’t miss beginner whisky.
Photo: Suntory
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4) Blended Scotch – Compass Box Artist Blend
Sure, you can easily go low-priced for this one and be more than happy with your choice of Johnnie Walker Black, Monkey Shoulder, or the Famous Grouse, but we believe the best beginner blended Scotch whisky is Compass Box Artist Blend with its flavors of caramel apples, vanilla beans, and spice.
Photo: Compass Box
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3) Irish – Green Spot
Nobody would fault you for inserting Jameson, Tullamore DEW, or Bushmills here, but when it comes to price for value, it’s difficult to beat Green Spot. A mix of dried fruits, clover honey, buttery caramel, cloves, and rich oak thanks to being aged between 7 and 10 years in a combination of new bourbon, refill bourbon, and sherry casks.
Photo: Spot Whiskeys
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2) Canadian – Lot No. 40
One of the most well-known Canadian whiskies, Lot No. 40 is a single pot still distilled rye whisky that belongs on your home bar cart. Known for its spicy, peppery flavor that’s complemented by dried fruit flavors and rich, oaky wood, it’s a great base for your favorite cocktail or as a slow sipper.
Photo: Lot No. 40
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1) Tennessee – Nelson’s Green Brier
While Jack Daniel’s gets all of the praise in Tennessee, the state is home to a lot of other great whiskeys including Nelson’s Green Briar. Made with a mash bill of corn, wheat, and malted barley, it’s filtered through charcoal before aging. This results in a sweet, memorable, and has notes of cinnamon, vanilla beans, and dried fruits.
Photo: Green Brier
