Pour Decisions Made Easy: Our Approachable Guide to Bourbon Basics and Bottles Worth Starting With

At Aged in Oak, we believe bourbon should feel like an invitation, not an initiation. You don’t need a secret handshake, a 20-year-old bottle, or a shelf full of limited editions to start appreciating this spirit. Whether you’re here to sip, to learn, or to build a collection, there’s a place at the table for you.

So, if you’ve ever stared at a whiskey shelf and wondered where do I even start? — this guide is for you.

Step One: Forget the Rules

Bourbon has its fair share of lore and tradition, but don’t let that overwhelm you. You don’t need to memorize mash bills, debate age statements, or decode every tasting note right away. Start by remembering one thing: bourbon is meant to be enjoyed.

Neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, with friends, or solo — it’s all fair game.

Step Two: Trust Your Palate

Here’s the truth: no two people taste bourbon the exact same way. What jumps out as caramel and vanilla to one person might read as warm spice or toasted oak to another. The best way to learn is by sipping slowly and noticing what stands out to you.

Try asking yourself:

• Do I like it sweeter, or more spicy?
  
• Do I prefer something bold, or smooth and easy?
  
• Does this feel like a sipping bourbon, or one I’d love in an Old Fashioned?
  
  

There are no wrong answers here.

Step Three: Start with Accessible Bottles

You don’t need to chase unicorns or spend a fortune to find good bourbon. In fact, some of the best introductions to bourbon are sitting right on your local store’s shelf.

Here’s a list of starter bourbons we recommend for anyone getting into the spirit:

• Buffalo Trace – Classic, balanced, and smooth. A perfect entry point.
  
  
• Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (White Label) – Affordable, 100 proof, and packed with flavor.
  
  
• Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond (Costco find) – A hidden gem that overdelivers for the price.
  
  
• Four Roses Small Batch – Floral, fruity, and welcoming with a touch of spice.
  
  
• Elijah Craig Small Batch – Rich caramel and vanilla with a warm finish.
  
  
• Wild Turkey 101 – A little bolder, with spice and character, but still approachable.
  
  
• Woodford Reserve – A versatile bourbon that’s great neat or in cocktails.
  

Step Four: When You’re Ready to Explore Deeper

Once you’ve dipped your toes in, you might feel curious to try bottles with a bit more punch, age, or character. These are still approachable, but they’ll expand your palate and appreciation:

• Four Roses Single Barrel – More depth and richness than the Small Batch, with nuanced spice and fruit.
  
  
• Old Forester 1920 – Part of their Whiskey Row series, this one is bold, full-bodied, and unforgettable.
  
  
• Chicken Cock Double Oaked – A great example of how extra oak aging brings complexity and layered sweetness.
  
  
• Calumet 16 Year – A step into the world of well-aged bourbon, offering deep, refined flavors.
  

Step Five: Find Your Community

Bourbon is better when shared. Whether that’s swapping tasting notes with a friend, attending a tasting, or stopping by Aged in Oak for a pour and a chat, you’ll quickly discover that bourbon is as much about people as it is about the pour.

Final Pour

Getting started with bourbon isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about enjoying the journey. Every bottle, every sip, every conversation adds a new layer to your experience. Start simple, stay curious, and remember: you don’t have to know it all to love it.

So pour yourself a glass, take a sip, and welcome to the bourbon community. We’re glad you’re here.

Related Reading:

From Still to Auction Block: How Bourbon Matures (and Why Oak is Everything)

Fall into Flavor: Bourbon Recipes That Hit Harder Than Pumpkin Spice

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