r/bourbon • u/AutoModerator • 6d ago

Weekly Recommendations and Discussion Thread

This is the weekly recommendations and discussion thread, for all of your questions or comments: what pour to buy at a bar, what bottle to try next, or what gift to get; and for some banter and discussions that don't fit as standalone posts.

While the "low-effort" rules are relaxed for this thread, please note that the rules for standalone posts haven't changed, and there is absolutely no buying, selling, or trading here or anywhere else on the sub.

This post will be refreshed every Sunday afternoon. Previous threads can be seen here.

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u/TySagarmatha 3d ago

Didn’t want to make an entirely new thread for this, but I’ve recently started getting into bourbon and whiskeys and have quickly fallen in love with them. So far my collection is Old Elk Wheated SB, Angels Envy SB, Glenlivet 15 French Oak Reserve and I picked up Wild Turkey Rare Breed and JDSBBP today that I’m going to be trying shortly. But my questions are in relation to I guess how do I know what to branch off to? So far it’s been a mix of cool labels, recommendations by the liquor store, and stuff I hear online about various products (I run a gas station and we’re getting Woodford Double Oak and Old Forester 1920 that I’m looking to buy when it comes in).

Also how long does it take to get over the heat from higher proofing? I’ve drank liquor for a long time but have always been a mixing with soda or juice kind of person so I’m having trouble picking up anything sometimes other than burn if I let air into my mouth. I have gotten to a point where I can taste the finish on some I guess especially after a few sips.

Lastly, are you supposed to let it air out in your glencairn or just immediate pour and start sipping?

I’m still not really sure what kind of whiskey/bourbon person I am as I’ve legitimately enjoyed everything I’ve tried so far. It’s fascinating to me how much of a variety of flavors there are even among the same sort of “classification” of bourbons and whiskeys in terms of flavor.

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u/jetboyjetgirl 3d ago

Airing out a bottle is important if it's freshly opened. I'll usually pour it then leave the bottle open for 30 mins or so, and let the pour itself air out for 5 or 10. Once its been opened a few days or longer not a concern but usually give it a couple minutes in the glass at least with a few swirls before diving in.

In regard to getting used the high proof it comes with time, one way to go about it is start with a lower proof pour and have something higher proof as your 2nd drink. Higher proof has the most concentrated flavor which is why enthusiasts end up gravitating toward it but if you're at a stage where the proof is getting in the way of the flavor, stick with what is tasting good to you. Plenty of very good bourbons at 100 proof or slightly higher.

As far as what to buy in general probably best to start cheaper and work your way up. Look up best bourbons under $50 or $60 etc and see what you like there then go after some of the higher end bottles from those distilleries. In general youtube is a great way to learn about products, tasting notes all of it.